Behind the Smoke is the Sun

AN: I know there's been controversy over whether Big Boss's name is John or Jack, but the way I see if, you use whatever one you're more comfortable with. So I've chosen John, simply because I don't want two Jacks in Metal Gear. ^^

The year was 1965. America was still in the heat of the cold war, and tension was high across the globe. At home the Red Scare ran rampant still, even though people tried to disguise life as normal. However, for some, it was far from it.

Wiping the sweat off his brow with the back of his hand, John sighed and took a step back. A punching bag was swinging around, having had the non-existent life beaten out of it for the past hour by the man. With a sigh John turned and walked away from it. One could only punch a sack for so long before growing tired of it.

The man decided on a shower before heading anywhere else. Down to the lockers he went, rummaged from his clothing, and showered off the contamination he’s collected during his exercising. His brown hair stuck down his neck as hot water streamed over it, and his skin held beads of water to it as he turned the water off. He dried quickly and dressed in his olive uniform, even set his hat on his head after shaking his hair out and raking his fingers through it.

Before leaving the lockers, he reached up with a hand and ran his fingers over the patch on his right eye. He sighed, and turned on his heels to leave.

John walked down hallways bustling with people. Some in uniform like him, others in suits, and some even in camouflage or exercise clothing, fresh from training. John brushed past them until he was at the end of a long hallway. He knocked, and a voice answered a welcoming.

John opened the door and walked into the cool office. A man looked up from the desk he sat at, and stood the greet John.

“Major,” John said, and gave a salute. The major smiled.

“At ease,” he said, waving his hand. “That is not required of you, John, for these visits. Formality is not always a requirement.” John smiled and sat down in a chair across from the desk. The Major sat back down.

“So what is this about?” John asked, “You said it involved my mission in Russia last year.” The Major nodded as details of the experience flooded back to John. The secrets, the lies, the cover ups. The disgracing of The Boss, such a perfect soldier that she was. She took the ultimate price for her country. She died disgraced. John sighed and brought himself back to reality quickly.

“Yes,” the Major said. He had worked with John during the mission, going by the code name Major Zero. “I have someone you should meet, John.” The Major stood up. “Just give me a moment.” He disappeared out the door, and John sat in silence.

Who could the Major possibly want him to meet? As far as John was concerned, that mission was over and done with. He didn’t want to think about it. Doing so only infuriated him with just about everyone, and sent wave of a sickly sadness through him.

The Major returned quickly, however he was alone. “They’ll be here momentarily,” he said as he sat back down at his desk. “So John, tell me how you’ve been. We get so busy here I rarely get to see you.”

“Fine,” John said, “keeping busy around here, training and such. Staying ready for when you need me again.” Major nodded. There was a knock at the door, and he called his welcoming.

A woman opened the door, her hair pulled back in a tight bun. She smiled at the Major and John, then turned to someone not in their sight range. After a brief moment, she turned and left. What walked in next left John speechless.

A slender figure stepped inside the room and closed the door. Black boots clunked against the floor, and an obvious Russian uniform covered the body. Layered thick black hair fell to the person’s chest, and brilliant amber eyes stared out. A hat rested atop the head, to complete the uniform.

John jumped up instinctively, but the Major gestured for him to sit.

“Relax John,” he said, “this man is of no malice intent.”

Man. So it really was a man that stood before John. He hadn’t been quite sure with the obvious hips and feminine face.

“Please sit,” the Major said, gesturing to a chair next to John. The man, whom John figured he could safely assume was Russian, sat down. He folded his black gloved hands as the Major continued. “John, this is Major Nazar, formally a Russian soldier.”

John looked at the man, Nazar, and the Russian returned the look.

“He’s been an agent with us for years,” Major pointed out. “Working with us since he joined the Russian army as a teenager. He serves as a spy. The Russians would send him to gather information, and he would relay what he was asked to gather to us, the information he did get, and any other details. Helped to keep us slightly ahead of the Russians.”

The Major looked at the Russian. “Oh, Nazar I am sorry, this is John, you may know him as-“

“Agent Naked Snake,” Nazar finished in a thick Russian accent. His voice though was smooth and warm, not at all what John expected. “I know very well who he is. I believe all the Russians who were even close to the organization know who he is.”

John looked at him questioningly.

“John,” Major spoke, “Nazar…worked with Volgin in Russia. He was away in France during your last mission.”

“A shame I missed it,” Nazar said. “I heard it was quite the…blast.” He smiled, and John glared. This man was bothering him already.

“Anyway,” Major continued. “He returned home recently, but was under far too much suspicion to remain in Russia. We brought him here for safe keeping for the time, until we need him or it is safe for him to return to Russia.”

“So why am I here?” John asked. He was eager to get out and away from this Russian. Major sighed.

“I just wanted to introduce the two of you. See, John, Nazar may have information for us on a new rebellious group forming in Russia, one that does not like this country one bit. If so, I intend to have you on the mission when we go and tear them down.” John sighed.

“Alright.” The Major looked between the two and felt the tension. He sighed.

“Alright John, you may go now. Thank you for your time.” John stood and left in a rush, not looking back once. Something about that man left him uneasy, left him feeling odd.

The next day John was at the military camp early. But he always was, he had nothing else to do with his time. And serving his country seemed top priority in his life anyway.

He was outside in the dim dawn, doing pull ups on a bar set near one of the obstacle courses. The air was cold, and it hit his naked torso in chilling wisps. He ignored it for the most part.

“You’re up early, American.”

John didn’t turn around, he knew the accent. He was sure there was only one Russian walking around here. He also didn’t answer, hoping the man would go away. Sadly, he only walked around to John’s front to face him.

He had on black pants that resembled the ones he had worn the day before, and they were tucked into his uniform boots. His top was a black dress shirt, however, with the first few buttons left open. Pale, smooth skin gleamed out, almost too pale to be human.

“What do you want?” John asked as he hoisted himself up until his chin was over the bar, then let himself down. Nazar smiled.

“Just to wish you a good morning.” He folded his arms. “Is there something wrong with that?”

“Suppose not, Russian,” John said as he let himself drop to the ground. He brushed his hands together to knock some dirt off them. “So if you’re done, I’ll be on my way. I’ve got exercises to get through.”

He turned and started walked towards the course, but Nazar followed.

“You seem like you…how should I say this…got up on the wrong side of the bed?”

“Woke up,” John corrected, and Nazar shrugged.

“I may know your language, but not all your sayings.” John stood before a rope connected to a wall. He grabbed the rope in his hands and tugged it, to make sure it was fastened securely, then jumped and slammed his feet against the wall. He began hoisting himself up. “So, do you do this every morning?”

“I do, Russian,” John yelled as he climbed. Nazar frowned.

“You know, I have a name.” John didn’t answer. “Can you not pronounce it? Shall I help you?”

“I’m sure I can say it, I speak Russian.” John reached the top and sat with the wall between his legs. “But I don’t frankly want to say your name.”

“Bitter,” Nazar said. “Perhaps I should come up there and teach you some etiquette.”

John laughed.

“You’re skin and bone,” he shot down, “you couldn’t climb this. And you’re dressed far too nice.”

Nazar smiled and in what seemed like one fluid motion to John, he unbuttoned his black shirt. He took it off and left it hanging on a bar jutting out from the wall. He walked over, grabbed the rope and jumped up. John watched as he scaled the wall with such ease that you’d think he was born in a tree. It shocked the brunette to no avail.

Nazar reached the top and sat, legs hanging over the front of the wall.

“What was that about not being able to climb this?” Nazar asked, smiling. “I may be thin, but I’m light. It takes less muscle to pull me up. And I do have some.” He smiled. “If you doubt me, just feel, and you’ll see.” He raised his eyebrows, and John had to resist very hard the urge to shove him off the wall. “Oh, and I train in my uniform,” Nazar pointed out. “Or I did a lot. I am never dressed to nice to get down and dirty.”

John rolled his eyes. “Don’t you have something to do?” he asked. Nazar shook his head.

“No. The Major is not here yet, so I cannot talk to him. I slept here, you know. It’s…awkward.” He shrugged. “But better then sleeping on that rickety plane that flew me here.”

“Why are you here?” John asked again.

“Because I am under suspicion in Russia, as the Major said.” Nazar ran a hand through his rich hair. “Because when I came back from France Volgin was dead and a little Ocelot was taking the reins to everything.”

“Did he have a revolver?” John asked. Nazar looked at him.

“Yes. A very…arrogant kid who twirled his guns far too much. He never liked me, so now that he seems to be running the show, I was not safe. It seems your country likes me as their spy, because they lifted me out.”

John nodded. So, Ocelot had taken the reigns after Volgin’s death. This didn’t seem to be a shock to him.

“I have a question,” Nazar said. John was quiet. “Did you really kill Major Ivan Raikov?”

John looked at him. “Yes. I needed his uniform to sneak around.”

Nazar frowned. “I was not sure if I could believe that Ocelot or not. It’s a shame that Ivan had to leave this world so soon.” He folded his hands.

“You knew him?” John asked. “Well…aside of your organization?”

“Yes,” Nazar said. “I grew up with Ivan; he was a very close friend. He was also the only member of the organization that trusted me. I always felt horrible to have to deceive him, but we did not agree ideally at all.” Nazar frowned. “Still, it is a loss that he is gone.”

“I can’t say I agree,” John said. “The whole lot knew what they were doing, and they deserved what they got.” Nazar nodded.

“I suppose so.” He looked at John. “Well, I can tell I have bothered you enough.” He grabbed a hold of the robe and began climbing down. John watched. Nazar grabbed his shirt and threw it on, but left it unbuttoned. “I will see you around, John.”

Nazar began walking away, and John felt a little of his dislike for the man disappearing. Just a little.

“So you say that someone has taken control of the organization?” Major asked Nazar as the Russian sat down in his office later that morning.

“Yes. There was an Ocelot within the organization that has taken over. I believe he’s begun going by the name Revolver Ocelot.” Major nodded. “He did not always agree with Volgin, I can tell you that. He was originally disgusted that Volgin would torture fellow Russians. But I fear that bit of humanity in him will die soon.” Nazar leaned back a little. “I also know he won’t…play as much as Volgin did. That man loved to torture just for the hell of it. Ocelot won’t. He’ll get the job done quickly, at least for now. He’s a rookie; he won’t take too many chances yet. He’s not that stupid, which is bad for us.”

Major nodded.

“Perhaps if we act early, we can crush this group before they rise to any power.” Nazar sighed.

“I can hope, but I know that the few days I was in Russia, I saw some of them. They’re growing quickly. They’ll be massive soon. They may even be able to over throw Russia’s unstable government soon.” Nazar sighed and folded his hands. “I’d like to act as soon as possible. I’d like to go back to Russia if I can right away and try to take them down.”

Major sighed.

“I can’t send you in,” he said. “I’m sorry Nazar, but this has to go through a lot of people before this mission is cleared. And I know the higher ups will want for information. They’ll want us to wait out and see if this group is really going to do anything, or if they’re just talk.”

Nazar gritted his teeth.

“By the time they show their bite, we’ll be in over our heads.” The Major sighed.

“I know,” he said, and Nazar pushed himself out of the chair and stormed out, cursing under his breath in Russian. The Russian man stormed down the bustling halls, catching the glances of many curious people. Word had spread that there was a Russian on base, but Nazar had kept himself in the shadows until now. At this point he didn’t care who stared. He was too furious to care.

He made his way outside and slipped into a common area, where a few trees hide the ground from the sun and a bench sat. Nazar looked at the tree and jumped, reaching up and grabbing the branch above his head.

John didn’t see that Russian once the rest of the day, which he could admit he was happy about. He was leaving the compound to head home, taking a short cut through the common area and course. As he approached the small common area, he noticed two black boots dangling down from a high branch. He looked up, and of course saw the Russian he had been so glad to avoid for the rest of the day.

“John,” Nazar called down, nodding his head in greeting. John wanted to simply continue on his way, but his curiosity got the best of him.

“What are you doing up there?” John questioned. Nazar shrugged.

“Thinking,” he said. John nodded.

“So you climbed to the top of a tree?”

“Yes,” Nazar said. “Until now no one has come by and seen me. I’ve been here most of the day.” John’s eye widened a little, then he shook his head.

“Crazy Russian bastard,” he muttered. Nazar smiled.

“Pompous American ass.” John glared up at him, but Nazar kept smiling. He slid off the branch, and John was sure for a second he was going to fall and break his neck. But he landed on a branch about six feet below, and descended down until his feet hit the ground. “Am I still crazy?”

“Very,” John said. Nazar shrugged. The two stood there a moment, and John looked around awkwardly. “Well, I’m getting out of here.”

“Oh,” Nazar said. “Yes, I suppose you would want to. Then I guess I will see you tomorrow.”

“Maybe,” John said, not wanting to commit to seeing him. He still wasn’t fond of the Russian. Nazar chuckled.

“I know you don’t want to see me,” he said, leaning closer, “I’m simply saying that you will. I doubt either of us have a choice in spending at least some time together.” Nazar brushed past John, his hand reaching out so his fingers glided across John’s chest. Even through his shirt and jacket, John could feel it. “Good night, comrade.” And then he was gone into the coming darkness.

John stared at the void where he’d disappeared, then shoved his hands in his jacket pockets and walked away, stomach tied in an uncomfortable knot.

Come dawn, John walked back into the compound. He was walking slower than normal, wasting time when he could. He just had a feeling that outside, waiting for him would be that crazy Russian.

Sure enough, when he got outside he saw Nazar sitting atop of wall they had scaled the day before. He was dressed in head to toe black, pants tucked into his boots and a long jacket around him. John didn’t know why, but he walked over to him. Probably because he was a little curious about the man now. He figured he was crazy, but part of him wanted to see just how crazy.

“Good morning,” Nazar called down. He had a cigarette between two of his fingers, the smoke swirling up high towards the sky. He took a drag on it and exhaled, sighing happily. “Care to come up and join me?”

John shook his head with a chuckle. “You really are crazy. You’re not supposed to smoke around the course, or any training field. No one wants to have to run over burnt out cigarettes.”

Nazar shrugged and took another drag. “Then I shall remember that. However, I’m not wasting a perfectly good, already lit cigarette.” He smiled. “Now, as I said, care to join me?”

John sighed. He pushed his still faint dislike for the Russian back and grabbed the rope. He climbed up and sat down next to him, second guessing his choice the instant he settled in.

Nazar’s eyes were extremely bright this morning, fire burning in those amber orbs. They were lined in something black, and John snickered.

“You wear make-up,” he mused, and couldn’t keep his chuckle down. Nazar only smiled.

“I do.” Nazar exhaled his smoke. “Don’t you like what it does to my eyes?” John looked again, and pressed his lips together to keep from gasping. It did make his eyes seem impossibly brighter and oddly beautiful.

John was quite, and Nazar held out his carton of cigarettes.

“Care to break the rules with me?” His voice had some undertone to it that John couldn’t quite place; he just knew it sounded devious. He preferred cigars, but took a cigarette anyway. He stuck it between his lips and was about to pull out his own lighter when Nazar leaned over. He had his own lighter in hand and lit the cigarette, lingering close to John an extra second before pulling back.

“Thanks,” John said, feeling that uncomfortable knot in his stomach return. They sat there for a few minutes in silence. John watched the way smoke swirled up away from Nazar, how his eyes were bright but distant, and how his free hand was so close to his body that John was shocked his fingers weren’t brushing the brunette’s leg. He thought about moving an inch or so away, but he didn’t.

“Well,” Nazar said as he took one last drag, then exhaled. “I guess I should be on my way and let you get to…whatever you would be doing, John.” He flicked his cigarette and it fell down to the ground. Before John could speak he grabbed the rope and was climbing down. When he landed on the ground he twisted the bud into the ground with his shoe. Shoving his hands in his pockets, he walked away without another word. John watched until Nazar was inside the building, then threw his cigarette down and descended.

That afternoon Nazar found his way back to the Major’s office. The man was reading a stack of papers on his desk. Nazar walked up and sat down, and was shot a quick glance.

“Nazar, what can I do for you?” He asked, still reading the papers in front of him.

“Did you speak with your superiors last night?” the Russian asked. Major sighed.

“I told you, Nazar, I won’t be able to for a few days. The end of the week, I intend to meet with them, and we’ll discuss the information you have brought us. Until then, be patient.”

Nazar frowned. He stood up and walked out of the brief visit and towards the outside for some fresh air. He walked towards the obstacle course, intending to continue by back to the common area for some peace, when something caught his eye.

He walked beyond the beginning of the obstacle course. Another section of it consisted of a large rope net that one climbed up. There were a few guys there, laughing as one was climbing. They did not look like the rookies Nazar had watched run the course from inside, they looked like seasoned soldiers. Nazar decided his first impression was correct when he noticed John with them.

“What are you boys up to?” Nazar asked, placing his hands on his well defined hips. He stood a few feet behind them. Then men turned, even the one part way up the net. John’s eyes widened a little, which made Nazar smile.

“Hey, is this the crazy Russian?” one of the guys asked, and they laughed. Except John. He was quite, oddly. Nazar smiled.

“Yes,” he said, “I’m John’s so called crazy Russian. However, my name’s Nazar.”

“I think I like crazy Russian,” the guy on the net yelled. “You really a guy?” Nazar tilted his head a little. “Cuz I swear if we slapped some tits on ya you’d be the perfect chick.” More laughter, except from John. He looked at Nazar, then looked away, a little ashamed. He may not have liked the Russian, but he wished these assholes would just shut up. In truth, he didn’t like them either, but they were out here when he came out for some exercise, so he was stuck with them.

Nazar advanced on them, and smiled sweetly up at one. Nazar was not short, but this man still had an inch or two on his height.

“What do you say, soldier?” Nazar asked, and John watched as the man froze. Nazar’s face went from peaceful to fire filled in an instant. His eyes burned, not with the fire John saw earlier, but a furious rage he was pushing out to the surface. He smirked cruelly, and the man stayed quiet for another moment.

“I-I agree,” he stammered out. Nazar snickered and took a step back, his face back to its placid state.

“Really? Well, do you always stammer when speaking to women? Because I can bet you get so much if you do.” A guy behind the tall one snickered, and he turned and yelled at him to shut up. Nazar grinned.

“Why don’t you bring that damn grin a little closer,” the guy said, making two fists. John moved at this, walking up and between them.

“Just stop,” he said, “this is ridiculous and a waste of time. Nazar, just go about your damn business.” Nazar frowned.

“But John, maybe I want to play a little.” He leaned in, a finger tracing up his chest. John was frozen for a second, then he stepped back away from the touch. The other guys raised their eyebrows.

“Play?” The tall one asked. “Please, maybe with some little girls. You couldn’t handle being around real men for more than five minutes.”

Nazar grinned. “Really sweetheart? I can guarantee I can climb that net far faster than you.”

The tall one gritted his teeth, and the one on the net jumped down and walked over to get a better look at the slender Russian. John was shaking his head.

“Nazar, what do you think you’re doing?” He said. He grabbed Nazar’s arm and pulled him away, whispering, “Look, these are not men to mess with. They’ve been through hell and high water. They spend their time building themselves up so they can shoot down their enemies. And currently, that’s Russia, Nazar. So you’re going to get the flame of this fire, not just the embers.”

Nazar pulled his arm back and winked at John. “Relax, John. I’m not afraid. Do you really believe I’m that weak?”

When John didn’t answer, Nazar set his jaw in a frown, turned on his heels, and stormed back to the tall guy. The guy stepped aside, and Nazar walked over to the net and gave it a tug, before gripping it in his hands. The tall man stood beside him and grabbed it in his monstrous hands. Another man grinned, and yelled for them to climb.

Nazar hopped and slipped his feet into the net. He reached up and pulled himself up higher just as the tall man was getting his footing. He kept a hold with one hand and reached the other up, holding on with just that hand and swinging his legs up beneath him to boost him up quickly. He continued this, and John watched, mouth open slightly. The man may be slender, but there was power packed into that body. Or at least speed.

Nazar had hoisted himself up to the top by the time the taller man was two thirds up, and he sat on it and grinned down.

“I told you, sweetheart,” he said, reaching up and playing with his hair. “I can play with the big boys.”

The tall man climbed down a few steps, then hopped off, glaring up at Nazar. He turned and stormed away, cursing Nazar loudly. The other men followed, shooting their own glares at the Russian, who just sat there, smiling.

When the men were out of ear shot, John spoke.

“You’re even crazier than I thought,” John said. Nazar grinned and started climbing down. He made it half way, then launched himself off. He then walked right up to John and leaned close, leaving very little personal space.

“But I think you like crazy,” Nazar pointed out. His finger started tracing John’s chest. “That’s why you haven’t told me to stay the fuck away from you yet.”

John went to speak, but Nazar was walking away, taking a cigarette out of his coat and lighting it.

Nazar was absent from John’s life the next day. He couldn’t find the man anywhere, and found he was actually looking for him. He almost blew off mandatory training for his level just to find him, which was not like him at all.

It was dark when John finally decided to give up and go home. He was walking past one of the weight rooms when he heard voices. He stopped and peeked in.

Nazar stood in the dim shadows. John couldn’t see past him much, but he could hear his voice in a low whisper, though he couldn’t make out what he was saying. There was another voice, too, deeper by nature, but again too quiet for John to make out.

He considered getting a little closer when he saw Nazar jump back and a fist appear where he had been standing. The Russian tilted to the side as another fist appeared, before he was tackled to the ground. The tall soldier from the day before sprawled on top of him, and suddenly his voice was screaming loud.

“Fucking Russian faggot,” he yelled as he grabbed Nazar’s head in his large hands and slammed it down on the ground. Luckily for the Russian the ground was padded because of all the wrestling and exercising that went on.

John sprinted out when the man wound back and punched Nazar right in the face. The Russian gritted his teeth, but kept his groan in his throat. He tried to lift his arms, but the man’s weight was far too much pressing down on his body.

As the man wound back for anything punch, John leapt on him and shoved him down to the ground.

“What the fuck do you think you’re doing?” John screamed, banging the man’s body harder into the ground. “Answer me, you son of a bitch!”

“Teaching him a lesson in manners!” the man yelled up, trying to shove John up. The brunette planted himself firmly atop the man and didn’t budge.

“I think you need one!” John gritted his teeth and used all his self control to keep form pounding the arrogant bastard’s face in. He pushed himself up and watched as the man staggered to his feet. “Get the fuck out of here, and don’t come near Nazar again. If I see you near him, I’ll fucking strangle you with your own throat.”

The man frowned, but walked away. He knew better then to have a real confrontation with John. Most people knew better.

John ran over to Nazar and knelt down next to him as he sat up. He reached behind him and braced his back.

“Hey,” he said, “you alright?” Nazar blinked and reached up, wiping blood off his lips with the back of his pale hand.

“I’ll live,” he said, “I’ve taken a hell of a lot worse.” He sighed, then looked up at John. “Why did you step in? You don’t even like me, remember?” John was quiet. To be honest, he was unsure why he had stepped in as well.

“Because that soldier is a creep,” he finally said. “He thinks because he’s big he can take anyone and anything whenever he wants.” Nazar smiled.

“It seems to me he couldn’t take you.” John smiled and stood up, extending a hand down to the Russian. Nazar took it and stood up, swaying a little. John squeezed his hand tighter.

“Let me help you clean up.” Nazar shook his head.

“No, no I’ll be alright. I don’t want to…inconvenience you.” John smiled.

“You’re not. I just want to make sure you’re alright.”

The two ended up in the locker room, Nazar with his shirt off sitting on a bench. John had a cloth soaked with warm water and was wiping the blood from his face in oddly tender strokes. Nazar sat still, his breath catching in his throat every time the brunette’s skin would brush his. Water was trickling down his cheek and neck, over his pale, smooth chest. John caught a glimpse of one and followed it all the way down to the rim of Nazar’s pants with his eyes.

“I still can’t believe you stepped in,” Nazar whispered, and John brought his eyes back up to him. “I thank you, I really do. I’m sorry to be causing trouble.” He sighed. “I hope to be out of your hair soon.”

“You’re not…in my hair,” John said. “I may have been a bit harsh at first, Nazar.” He smiled. “And I’ve heard through the halls you’ve been pestering the Major to get a team together and get into Russia to stop that new group.”

Nazar smiled. John and he stood up, and the brunette noticed something fall out of Nazar’s pocket. He reached down and picked the paper up and studied it. It was a photograph of a child, a small baby, looking up. The picture was faded to a rusty color, and had been obviously folded before. There was even a small tear in the corner. He looked at it, then at Nazar, who was looking at him with those bright amber eyes. Though the picture wasn’t in color, he knew the infant’s eyes were the same burning color.

“Is this your…”

“My son,” Nazar said. He reached for the photo and John gave it to him. The Russian held it close to his chest.

“Where is he?”

“In Russia with his mother.” John nodded, and then it all clicked.

“So that’s why you want to go back so badly. You don’t want the threat of a rebellion around your child.” Nazar smiled.

“Correct. I hope to actually bring him and his mother here, away from all the pain and danger in Russia.” John nodded.

“So you’re…married?” John hadn’t expected that from the Russian, so when Nazar shook his head he wasn’t completely shocked. “Your girlfriend, then?” Another shake.

“No, she’s actually just a childhood friend. She grew up with Ivan and me.” He sighed. “Her husband…he was a soldier under Volgin, and was killed shortly after they were married. She spent a week in complete silence mourning him. She wouldn’t eat, barely moved. She became a shell. I was so worried about her; I insisted she live with me.” He smiled. “She’s a wonderful lady.”

“You must love her deeply.” Nazar sighed. He sat back down, and John sat with him.

“It’s complicated. I love her like a sister, like a friend. She’s become a part of me, but I feel nothing romantically for her.” He looked at the picture of his son again. “She…she wanted a child so badly. She was pregnant by her husband, but only about a week before he was killed, she miscarried. That only added to her depression.” Nazar’s eyes faded a little, and John could tell he missed his family. “I knew how badly she wanted a baby, and I…well, I wanted one too. So we agreed to have one.”

“How old is he?” John asked.

“In the picture, he’s only four months.” Nazar smiled. “He’s five months now. While I was sent to France, his mother Ania came to join me. We were trying to pose as a couple to get in close to the high ranking military families. We traveled home just for his birth.” He sighed. “Then were shipped back to France.”

“He looks…a lot like you,” John said, looking at the picture again, at the dark hair that covered the infant’s head despite his young age. “What’s his name?”

“Desya,” Nazar said. “He’s my angel.” Nazar looked at the picture one last time, then tucked it away in his pocket.

“If I may ask,” John said,” why would you have a child with…just a friend, instead of trying to find a wife of your own? She could have found another husband, I’m sure.”

Nazar chuckled. “Ania was very picky. She didn’t like the men available, and the ones she did like she didn’t trust. In the end I was the only candidate that fit her standards. And as for myself…” Nazar chuckled again and pushed some of his black hair back out of his face. “Well…I tend to be more like my friend Ivan in the category of love.”

John sat confused for a second, until he remembered Volgin’s affair with the deceased major.

“You’re…gay?” John asked. Nazar nodded.

“I am,” he admitted. “So making this son of mine, I can say, was more a chore then a pleasure.” He chuckled. “But he is worth it. He is worth more treasures then this Earth can ever provide.” John smiled. Every time Nazar mentioned his son, his face would light up so pleasantly that he was…beautiful.

The Russian stood up, startling John a little, who followed suit. “You should get home, I’m sure,” he said. John went to say something, but Nazar reached up and boldly placed his finger to John’s lips. “I’ll be just fine now, my soldier.” He leaned closer, and John felt his heart race a little, and his stomach knot. “Get some rest, comrade.”

Nazar’s lips brushed John’s cheek, and then he was walking away, gorgeous white skin so pale, standing out in the dark. John watched him go, and reached up, touching his cheek which tingled warmly.

The next day was Friday, which meant, if John so chose, he wouldn’t have to see the compound again until Monday. Since he was not in training for any particular mission, and none of the high ranking officers seemed to worry that he would waste away if left alone for a few days, he had weekends free to himself. Though, he spent most of the time here anyway.

John was walking outside, towards the common area, in search of Nazar. He had to admit, he wanted to make sure he was alright. His head, after all, had been slammed into the floor. John didn’t care that it was padded; he was a little worried he might have a concussion or something.

Sure enough, Nazar was sitting on the bench, puffing on a cigarette. John smiled, and when the Russian saw him, he smiled back and waved. John walked over and sat down next to him.

“Good morning,” Nazar said, “I didn’t think I’d see you so soon.”

“Well, I wanted to make sure you were alright,” John admitted. Nazar chuckled.

“John, I am a soldier. I may look soft and sweet, but I can take a beating.” He took a drag and exhaled. “I promise.” John smiled and placed his hand on the Russian’s shoulder.

“Glad to hear it.” Nazar smiled, and when John squeezed his shoulder gentle, a light blush covered his cheeks. John noticed, but couldn’t pull away.

“I was thinking of talking to the Major again,” Nazar said before he inhaled on his cigarette. He closed his eyes for a moment, then exhaled. “About my desire to take a team to Russia. And if he does not want a team to go in, I will go in alone.”

“He has to speak to some higher ups,” John said, leaning forward and folding his hands. “That’s how it goes, Nazar. He can’t authorize to send you in, or anyone else. And the only time he really gets with those superiors is over the weekend, when it’s less chaotic around here. Unless it’s an emergency, and so far, it’s not.”

Nazar frowned and threw his cigarette down, stomping on it with a vengeance. His amber eyes were dark with frustration, and John was beginning to see that maybe this slender guy could be terrifying if he really wanted to be.

“I know you’re worried about your son,” John said, “but, do you think the new organization would really seek out your family?”

Nazar leaned back and sank his fingers into his hair, raking it back off his face.

“No,” he said, “no, not yet. Ocelot only had suspicions that I was a double agent. He’s not foolish enough to anger me by attacking them, not until he’s sure. Ania and I had the story that I was following some American I’d seen shortly after returning. She was going to act like I had gone missing, not that I was snuck out of the country.”

John nodded. He sighed, then stood up.

“Well…I’ve got to get going,” he said, stuffing his hands in his pockets. “But I’ll see you around, Nazar. Keep that sharp tongue of yours in your mouth.”

Nazar grinned and stood up, moving dangerously close to John. He reached out and let his fingers glide over his chest. “How about I keep it in yours instead?” he whispered. John blushed, and any retort he had caught in his throat.

All he could manage to stammer out was, “Wh-what?” Nazar chuckled and leaned closer, and John felt his warm breath on his cheek and lips. The Russian smiled.

“Relax, John,” he whispered, bringing his other hand up and resting it on the taller man’s hip. “I’m just joking with you.” His fingers pressed into John’s jacket and shirt, flexing, begging for contact with his flesh. “However, if perhaps you want to take me up on that offer, I can arrange something.”

John shook his head slowly, but it took all his self control. He wasn’t sure why, but suddenly this crazy Russian bastard looked very…inviting. Nazar frowned.

“Too bad,” he said, letting his fingers trail down to John’s stomach. “I have to admit, I think I’d like to infiltrate you a little.” His fingers went lower, to the rim of John’s pants, and just below, stopping before they could graze his clothed cock, which John was a little ashamed to admit, was responding positively to the Russian’s flirtations.

Nazar leaned forward and kissed John’s cheek softly, his lips lingering just a bit longer than usual. They were soft, warm, and made John feel anxious. Oddly, though, he didn’t feel repulsed to have another man kiss him.

The Russian stepped back, obviously having to pry his own fingers off John, then turned and walked away. John openly watched him walk away, and decided that Nazar looked far too much like a woman for anyone’s own good.

John spent the day questioning himself. Mainly on how he even let Nazar get that close to him, and why when he thought about it, he didn’t get this repulsed, sick feeling. He copped it all up to having no life outside of this compound, and not getting close to a woman since Eva…which was far too long ago.

John sighed as he stepped out onto the darkening path, leading away from the compound. He walked away, deep in thought, until he heard a voice behind him.

“Hey, American.” He turned, and Nazar stood there, cigarette in hand. John noticed he found him like that a lot. “Leaving so soon? Should I stalk you home?” Nazar chuckled as John walked up to him, shaking his head.

“You’re-“

“Crazy, I know.” Nazar smiled and threw his burnt up cigarette down. “Sorry, I guess I just wanted to say good-bye.” He shoved his hands in the pockets of his long jacket and looked away. John watched those eyes, fading a little. Was the guy lonely?

It occurred to John he was. On top of missing his family of sorts, he was staying here at night, alone. And the only company he seemed to get during the day was John, and the Major at times. The brunette felt bad for him.

“It must suck staying here,” he said, jerking his head toward the compound. Nazar shrugged.

“Could be worse.”

“Could be better, too.” Nazar sighed, and John smiled softly.

“Why don’t you come home with me?” The Russian looked at him, confused.

“You’re the crazy one now,” Nazar spoke, “You don’t even like me, remember? And can you forget I’m gay, I might get you in your sleep.”

John gulped when the idea aroused him. Oh god did he need a woman and some liquor badly.

“I don’t hate you,” the brunette said. “Not anymore. You’ve grown on me. And hey, I’m confident in my sexuality, I’m not scared of being around you.” He reached out and clamped a hand on the Russian’s shoulder. “So get your bag, I’ll bring my car up, and we’ll go.”

Nazar smiled, nodded, and turned, walking off. John waited a moment to watch the long coat flow around Nazar as he walked, then turned and jogged off.

John led Nazar up to his apartment quietly. The Russian was looking about seemingly nervous.

“You nervous about something?” John asked as he unlocked his door.

“Well, I know that people…of my nationality are no popular right now,” Nazar said. John waved his hand.

“Relax, Nazar, just relax.” He stepped inside and Nazar followed, John closing and locking the door behind them. Nazar smiled as John slipped his jacket off, revealing a well toned, but not bulky in muscle torso confined in a dark, somewhat tight t-shirt. John turned to Nazar, and the Russian set his bag down and shrugged the long jacket off. John took it and hung it up, to the Russian’s whispered thanks.

John showed him around quickly. Kitchen, bathroom, living room, John’s room, and a small, empty room with nothing but a few cardboard boxes that Nazar assumed were storing things.

“Sorry there’s no bed in there,” John said as Nazar set his bag down next to the couch, “it would have been perfect.”

Nazar only smiled. “Oh hush,” he said, “the couch is fine. It will be better than the cot I’ve been sleeping on the past few days.” John chuckled and Nazar sat down, settling back and sighing comfortably. He closed his eyes a moment and enjoyed the fell of the apartment around him. It didn’t feel cold and metal like the compound, it felt warm, lived in.

When Nazar opened his eyes, John had walked into the living room and set a bottle and two shot glasses down on a small coffee table. He was smiling slightly.

“I thought you might want a drink,” he said. Nazar smiled and nodded, eagerly. He needed something to wash away the tension inside him, to mellow him down. John poured a rich dark amber liquid into the two shot glasses and handed one to Nazar. The Russian held it close for a moment to get its strong scent, then threw his head back and downed the shot. John chuckled as he set his empty shot glass down. The Russian pressed his lips together for a moment, clicked his tongue, then set the glass down. “Too strong for you?” John asked, and Nazar smiled.

“My friend,” he said, “You forget where I come from. The home of vodka. I was raised on that rocket fuel, and dammit if I can’t handle next to any alcohol.” John chuckled. “Even your…”

“Whiskey,” John said. Nazar nodded. “Never had it before?” Nazar thought for a second.

“I believe once,” he said, “In Russia. I was in a meeting with an American soldier we were using as a mole, and he had some with him. I believe I tried a shot of it then.” He shrugged. “It’s got a kick, I will admit that. But if you want a real kick, try Absinthe.” Nazar chuckled. “I tried it in France; it’s absurd how strong it is. Enough and it will kill you, far before any other liquor.” He leaned back, and John just chuckled as he pulled a lighter out and a cigar. He lit it, took a puff, then looked at Nazar.

“Care for one?” The Russian shook his head.

“No thank you, cigarettes are my only love.” He took his carton out and lit his own, sighing as the foul nicotine filled his lungs. He tapped the stick in an ash tray he found on the table as John poured them two more shots. Nazar smiled as John handed him one, and he held his cigarette away from his mouth as he took his time with this shot.

John had meant for them to have a shot or two, but that turned into three or four, and his case five, and Nazar’s, six. They sat on the couch joking about what John wasn’t even sure and laughing. His cigar was smoked out and the stub was left in the ash tray, along with the remains of three cigarettes. Nazar had his beautiful head tipped back in laughter, and John was so far gone he didn’t even realize he had just considered Nazar beautiful.

“I think we had too much,” the Russian said, “but were we in Russia, I’d insist we have another just to make sure.” John laughed more, and Nazar tipped forward, hanging over his lap nearly giggling. He burst into a fit of real laughter and fell forward, landing against John, who just laughed with him. The Russian’s face was buried in his chest, and he reached up and gripped his shirt, trying to calm himself. “I seem to have fallen,” he muffled out.

John tried to regain his composure. “Seems you have.” Nazar chuckled a little and pushed up, so his face was closer to John’s.

“Oh no, John,” he whispered, trying to sound serious, “it seems that if I do this,” he pressed his hips down, and they pressed into John’s. The brunette gasped, his slightly aroused cock being brushed up against Nazar’s, which was indeed aroused. “That we’re touching.” He giggled a little, and to get him back, John reached out and gripped his hips to hold him still as he pressed up and ground gently into his body. Nazar’s laughter choked in his moans, and he leaned his head down on John’s chest.

John slowly released Nazar’s hips, his fingers brushing up under his shirt and finding soft skin. Nazar bit his lip and pressed down gently with his hips again, moving them slightly against John’s. The Russian whimpered, and John realized it was because only one of his hands had fallen to his side. The other was on Nazar’s tight ass, gripping gently.

“You’re a tease,” John said to Nazar, and pulled his other hand back. For a moment he thought he’d have to watch it to make sure it made it all the way to his side. Nazar looked at John, amber eyes big and hungry and needy, but he forced a smile, as if trying to brush it all off.

“But it’s fun,” he whispered. “So, have I made you question yourself, soldier?” John chuckled, but in his mind he wasn’t laughing. He hoped the reason he’d enjoyed Nazar’s teasing so much was because he was drunk.

Nazar pushed himself off John and sat back, running a hand through his hair. “I’m not nearly drunk enough,” he said, and John shook his head. The brunette poured them both another shot anyway, and Nazar downed his like water. As the spicy liquid ran down John’s throat, he knew he’d probably just thrown himself over the line of rational to completely insane.

They set their glasses down and John reached up and raked his hands through his hair. As he did so, Nazar nearly shot forward, pressing himself again to the brunette. He boldly pushed his t-shirt up and let his lips connect with the warm flesh of his chest. John froze and gasped, Nazar making a trail of kisses down to his stomach.

“Nazar!” He said, looking at him, trying to keep some control over his drunken mind. The Russian looked up at him as his tongue traced over his naval.

“Yes?” the Russian hissed seductively, then let his lips press just over the hem of John’s pants. John sighed, and Nazar’s teeth clamped down on his pants, pulling lightly.

“What do you th-think you’re doing?” Nazar smiled and pushed back up his body, lips blazing hot kisses up his skin.

“Doing more than teasing you,” Nazar whispered. “However, if you don’t want me to, all you have to do is tell me no and push me off.” He grinned and straddled John, his lips on his neck, kissing, nipping, sucking, making John have to suppress his moans. His hips pressed down, rubbing John’s building erection.

He reached out for Nazar’s hips, but instead of pushing him back he gripped them and held tightly. Instead of no leaving his lips, “Yes,” rang out through his head and Nazar’s ears. Nazar grinned and looked at John, before his lips pressed down on the brunette’s. At first the kiss was just that slow, melodic movement of lips, but then Nazar’s tongue was tracing John’s lips, begging for entrance.

John opened his mouth, one hand moving up Nazar’s spine and pulling him close, the other grabbing his ass again. Nazar tastes of whiskey and something John couldn’t place, which had to be his own unique flavor. John’s mind felt like liquid moving slowly through his brain, like everything was hazy. The alcohol had numbed him enough to not care that Nazar was a man anymore, but not enough that he couldn’t feel how badly his body ached for him.

They broke the kiss, and Nazar slid back off John’s lap and between his legs. He fumbled with his button and zipper, the alcohol making him clumsy. Finally he managed to get John’s pants open, and his lips locked around the head of John’s cock through his underwear. John groaned, pushing his hips up, and Nazar smirked before he pulled back and began pulling his clothing down. John’s cock sprung free, hard and begging for attention. Nazar smiled, then wrapped his lips around the head again and sucked gently.

John moaned and tipped his head back, closing his eyes as Nazar’s mouth descended fully on his throbbing erection. It felt like heaven, and to add to it Nazar’s fingers seemed to be caressing and prying everywhere, bringing to light new pleasure zones he’d never dreamed of. It was like everywhere he touched, John burst into flames.

“Nazar,” John breathed, shifting as the Russian pulled his pants lower to get at his thighs and testicles. His teeth ran along John’s cock lightly, making his eyes shoot open and his breath catch, but not in pain, just awareness. The brunette felt his stomach knotting, and as much as he wanted to cum right in Nazar’s mouth, he wasn’t sure how the Russian would feel on that. He reached down and tried to gently push the man’s face away, but Nazar batted his hand away.

“I want it,” he said through a mouth full of cock. And that was that. John tipped his head back again and let Nazar’s ministrations over take him, making him feel like a ticking bomb. Finally it all became too much, and he thrust his hips up and moaned loudly, cumming deep in Nazar’s throat. The Russian swallowed then sat up, licking his lips, eyes looking slightly dazed. He leaned back, and John watched as he undid his own pants and pulled his cock out, stroking it with needy thrusts.

John watched as Nazar’s legs shifted, spreading, and he moaned. The brunette leaned forward and crawled between his legs, reaching out and taking his dick in his hands. Nazar gasped.

“John,” he breathed, “you don’t…have to…”

John ignored him and stroked gently. He was too drunk to care anymore what he was doing, and it only seemed fair that if Nazar did it to him, he should return the favor. He opened his mouth and sucked Nazar’s had as he stroked the rest. He tasted salty from his precum, and that same implacable taste that was just Nazar. John found it made him shiver, and that he craved more. He must have been far drunker then he ever thought.

He took as much of Nazar into his mouth as he could, but found it was hard to get much in without choking. He covered the rest with his hand and tried to move like Nazar had. After all, he’d never done this before, that was for sure. Nazar sighed blissfully, body arching towards John, hands gripping the couch. He already had shivers, and felt all the pressure building in his body migrating lower, ready to explode.

“I’m so close,” he gasped, and John pulled him down lower, flatter onto the couch to get a better angle. Nazar nearly scream, his back arching completely off the couch, exploding in John’s mouth. The brunette pulled back, his mouth full, unsure if he could really swallow, if he was really drunk enough for that. But Nazar was up and kissing him, drinking his own essence, his own bitter product. He pulled John back down to the couch, and the two continued their heated kiss.

When John opened his eyes the next day his head was throbbing. He groaned and buried his face deeper into his pillow, groaning. His mind felt so blurry, he had no idea what had happened. He remembered Nazar coming home with him, so he knew the Russian had to be around here somewhere. And drinking, and more drinking, and…

He sat up and looked around the room, heart racing. Good god, he remembered. He remembered everything. Nazar’s teasing, his kisses, his mouth, his cum. Everything.

“Fuck,” John groaned as he held his head in his palms. “I may never drink again…”

“Really? What fun would there to be had then?” John looked up, and Nazar was standing in his bedroom doorway, smiling sweetly at him. His hair was teased and messy from sleep, and he wore nothing but a white long dress shirt half buttoned and black underwear. He waved, his fingers just poking out from the shirt, and he was adorable.

John sighed. He was thinking he might still be a little drunk. He sighed, and noticed Nazar’s eyes very concentrated on him. He looked down and noticed his shirt was gone, and his pants were open and partway down his hips, showing off his underwear. He groaned and flopped back down on the bed. Nazar walked over and sat on the edge.

“I guess your head hurts,” he said, reaching out and smoothing John’s hair back. John sighed and closed his eyes. Nazar’s touch felt cool and soft, soothing. He cursed himself for thinking that, but couldn’t push the man away. Not when his head ached the way it did.

“Doesn’t yours?” Nazar smiled.

“No. I’m used to drinking like that comrade. I can see you could use some practice, though.” He chuckled and leaned down, kissing John’s cheek. The brunette opened his eyes.

“Nazar…” he said, and the Russian shushed him.

“I know what you’re going to say,” he said, “That you were drunk last night, otherwise that never would have happened. I know, John, I know. I don’t expect you to put a ring on my finger and marry me now.” He laughed. “I just hope you won’t try to shoot a hole through my skull now.”

John chuckled and reached up; taking Nazar’s hand that was smoothing his hair. It felt delicate, something he couldn’t have expected form a soldier. He sighed.

“I won’t,” he said, “I promise.” Nazar nodded and laced his fingers in with John’s, and the brunette let him. He saw no harm in holding the Russian’s hand, and for some reason the simple touch distracted him from his pounding headache. Nazar smiled and leaned down, kissing his forehead.

“I hope you’re not offended,” he whispered, “if I show you a little affection. I find you just too hard to resist.” John felt those lips on his cheek, his jaw, but Nazar kept them away from his lips. John was a little disappointed, though he didn’t want to admit it.

“In private,” John whispered. He could admit he didn’t want anyone thinking he and Nazar were more than friends, then fellow soldiers. Because they weren’t…right?

Nazar nodded, and his lips brushed John’s softly, like a butterfly had landed briefly on his lips. Then the Russian stood up and stretched, his shirt lifting up, showing pale, feminine legs and those black underwear that John was damning. He had to admit the femininity of the Russian was perplexing, and it made him want to see everything, to see just how feminine he was. Sure, he had seen it all last night, but it was a drunk blur still.

“Do you want some coffee?” the Russian asked, running a hand through his hair. “Maybe it will help your headache. Maybe it will calm your body down, too.” John looked at him, confused, and the Russian’s eyes traveled down him as he giggled, right to his crotch, which was stressing against his clothing. John groaned and tried to slam his head further back into the pillow.

Nazar smiled and crawled back onto the bed, settling over John’s thighs. His hands reached out softly and tugged on his clothing, freeing his cock like he had the night before.

“I can help you,” Nazar whispered, his hand wrapping loosely around John’s erection. “As a friend helping a friend out,” he added, seeing the look of shock in the brunette’s eyes. He stroked slowly, and John sighed, giving into the Russian’s perfect grace with his body. His back arched slightly as Nazar took a real hold of his flesh and stroked more fervently, moaning as sensations much clearer then the night before shot through him.

He gasped when he felt Nazar’s lips touch down, then his mouth engulf him. His tongue felt so good rubbing along the underside of his cock as Nazar moved that John felt himself losing control quickly. He moaned and his hips bucked up, and again came deep in Nazar’s throat. The sensations of the Russian swallowing only milked him further until he lay gasping, and Nazar was sitting up, licking those perfect lips.

He slipped off the bed and John watched him walk out, unsure really what he should say.

John walked out of his room later, his pants closed and pulled back up his body. Nazar was sitting on the couch with a cup of coffee in his hands, and another waiting on the table. John sat down and Nazar spoke.

“I wasn’t sure how you liked your coffee…”

“Black,” John said, picking it up. Nazar smiled.

“Good.” The two sat there, drinking in silence for a few minutes before either spoke.

“Thank you,” John finally whispered. Nazar waved his hand.

“No need to thank me, it’s just coffee.”John shook his head.

“No, for…earlier.” He blushed a little, and Nazar chuckled and leaned forward. He pinched John’s cheek, and the brunette stared in shock, not sure how to react.

“You’re adorable when you blush,” Nazar said. “You don’t need to thank me honey, I was just helping a friend out.” He sipped his coffee, and John looked away for a minute.

“Do you…do you want me…to…” He trailed off, not really sure he could even finish. He wasn’t sure he wanted to, but he felt he at least had to offer. Nazar smiled and looked at him over the cup of coffee.

“No,” he whispered, “Don’t worry John, I won’t ask you to do what you did last night. I’ll remember to keep my urges under control when I’m around you.” John went to say something, but like he had read his mind, Nazar continued. “I know you’re uncomfortable with it, and I guess any straight guy would be. I understand, you don’t have to do anything, John.” And that ended the conversation.

John took Nazar out around the city. The Russian seemed in amazement at the tall buildings, the bustling people, and the beautiful parks. They spent the entire chilly day outside, and it was dark when the two were still walking through one of the parks. Nazar’s black jacket encased his body, and a large, soft cream colored scarf was tucked in around his neck. His hands, closed into leather gloves, were stuffed in his pockets. John was walking next to him, hands in his pockets too.

“I didn’t expect it to be so cold,” the brunette admitted. “Maybe we should head back.” Nazar nodded, one of his hands reaching out and lightly gripping John’s. The brunette smiled and clasped his hand, not letting go the entire way home.

The cold weather opened up into a rumbling storm that night. John lay on his bed, staring up at the ceiling as thunder rumbled and lightning cracked outside. He sighed, unable to sleep, and stood up. Hoping a glass of water might distract him, he headed out towards the kitchen.

He tried to creep quietly through the living room, remembering that Nazar was on the couch. But when he got close enough, he saw that the Russian was sleeping either. He was partially curled up, staring at the window as the rain pelted it, his eyes dim, the light inside them smoldered out. John stepped closer and could see he was trembling, and that his cheeks were slick with tears.

He felt something inside him sting, and walked around the couch. Nazar looked at him as he sat down and placed a hand softly on the Russian’s hip, feeling the fabric of his underwear. The white shirt he was sleeping in was unbuttoned and pushed back, exposing more of his skin.

“Nazar,” John whispered, and the Russian closed his eyes as more tears spilt out. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing,” he lied, horribly. John sighed, and his hand ran gently up and down Nazar’s thigh. The Russian let out a shaky breath. “It’s just…I worry,” he whispered, “about my son.” He sat up, and John instantly wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close so Nazar’s head was resting in the crook of his shoulder. “He’s so young, so helpless,” Nazar whispered, “so alone. And I just left him. I left him in harm’s way and escaped for my own safety. What kind of father am I…”

“A good father,” John said, stroking his arm. “You left because there was nothing you could do. Without you there, maybe he and his mother will be left alone. And you did not leave without intensions of returning.” Nazar nuzzled into John, who wrapped both his arms around him and pulled him onto his lap. “Your son is fine, Nazar, and you’ll see him soon. You’ll go home to him, wrap him in your arms, and never let go.” Nazar leaned back and looked up at John, into his blue eyes that seemed so deep and caring, and felt his heart swell and melt within his chest.

He reached up and took John’s face in his hands as he leaned in and kissed him. His lips were soft as before, and John pulled him closer and kissed back without a thought. At that moment it didn’t matter that Nazar was a man, it only mattered to John that the light return to those beautiful amber eyes.

John broke the kiss and stood up, shifting Nazar so he was cradled in his arms. Nazar’s arms were around his shoulders, his lips on his neck as John carried him back to his bedroom. He lay him gently down on the bed and crawled over him, kissing Nazar again feverishly. The Russian whimpered as one of John’s hands rubbed gently between his legs, as his tongue explored his mouth.

“John,” he gasped as the kiss broke, but the brunette attacked his lips again. He leaned back and Nazar sat up enough to wiggle out of his shirt before he was pushed back down. John’s lips traced his collar bone, then down his stomach, tongue teasing his naval. Nazar gasped and tossed his head, black hair flying around him. The brunette continued down, until his tongue was tracing Nazar’s cock through his underwear, and the Russian was whimpering. “Oh John,” he gasped, pressing his hips up.

John smiled and pulled his under wear down, tossing it off the bed. He returned back to Nazar’s cock, his tongue tracing up the underside and around the head. He shuddered, and John smiled. One hand braced Nazar’s thigh and pushed his leg out, the other crept under him, a finger tracing his entrance. The Russian gasped and instinctively lifted his hips, and John knelt on his knees and angled his body up. Nazar’s lower body was lifted off the bed, his legs draping over John’s body as his tongue teased Nazar’s ass, making the Russian gasp and whimper and fidget.

After teasing him a great deal, John finally let Nazar rest back on the bed. He stood up and the Russian watched with hungry eyes as he stripped down to just his skin. Nazar crawled to the edge of the bed and tentatively let his tongue trace John’s already hard cock, and the brunette shuddered. He sat down on the edge of the bed, and Nazar bent his head down and began sucking him.

John moaned and traced his hand up and down Nazar’s spine, before reaching back and teasing his entrance again. The Russian moaned and nearly chocked for a moment. John grinned.

“You want me to fuck you, Nazar, don’t you?” Nazar looked up, slowly letting John’s cock leave his mouth. He nodded, and John smiled. He guided Nazar back onto the bed, so his head was resting on a pillow, and slipped between his legs. He spread his thighs and pushed them up and back, so the Russian’s knees came up near his sides, then pushed in. His cock was slick with Nazar’s saliva, so he met little resistance.

John gasped as he felt Nazar’s walls clenching around him, and the Russian moaned loudly, pushing his hips forward and imbed John deeper and faster. John thrust in deep, and Nazar met his rhythm enthusiastically, his voice escalating with every thrust.

“Nnn, John,” he moaned, fingers clenching deep into the sheets. “Deeper.” John complied, pushing Nazar’s thighs closer to his body and thrusting as deep as he could. The Russian cried out in Russian, and for a moment John didn’t realize what he was saying. Then his brain kicked in with his knowledge of the language. It was a string of obscenities and pleas. John smiled.

“Beg a little more, Nazar,” he whispered down in Russian, and the man’s eyes widened. He complied, begging John to tear him open, rip his body to shreds, stain his body with his cum in his native tongue. The brunette groaned and buried himself as deep as he could, not able to take any more. He shuddered and came, just as Nazar’s muscles contracted around him as he climaxed.

John fell down to the bed, catching himself just as his chest grazed Nazar’s as the Russian’s legs slipped back down to the bed. They lay panting, staring at each other. Nazar’s eyes were so alive, so bursting with color and light that John couldn’t look away. It was like he was falling into the sun’s fire, and even if it hurt, he didn’t want to get away.

Nazar lifted up lightly and kissed him, hands resting on his chest, pulling him closer. Slowly, John eased down until he lay on top of Nazar, reaching up and sinking one hand into his soft black hair, the other resting near his arm.

“I think I love you,” Nazar whispered between kisses, and John found it only made want to kiss him more. He rolled them over so Nazar was resting partially on top of him, and let his hands roam over his soft, pale skin. The Russian shivered, breaking the kiss and blushing deeply. Perhaps his own words had just sunk in. “Oh,” he whispered, looking away, “John I…I’m sorry.” He sat up and pushed his black hair out of his face. “I…I should go, and let you get some sleep…”

He turned to get off the bed, but John reached out and gripped his wrist tenderly, pulling him back. Nazar followed, staring at John, who smiled up at him.

“I’ll sleep better with you in here,” the brunette whispered, as he eased Nazar back down onto the bed, the Russian’s head resting on his chest. “After all, I’m the one who brought you in here.”

Nazar smiled and nestled in, one of John’s arms reaching under him and resting on his lower back. The Russian closed his eyes, and John listened as his breathing slowed into shallow, soft breaths. He smiled and closed his own eyes, and fell quickly into slumber.

When morning came, John opened his eyes and found a pair of fiery amber eyes watching him through a veil of black hair. He smiled.

“Morning,” he whispered, and Nazar smiled back and kissed his cheek.

“Good morning,” he whispered, his breath tickling John’s ear, lips brushing his skin.

“Mmm, I could get used to waking up like this.” Nazar chuckled, then looked at him, seriously.

“Is that your version of a love confession?” He asked, sitting up. John sat up and looked at Nazar, at those questioning eyes, that beautiful face. “John…what was last night?” Nazar reached out and took John’s hand, fingers messaging his knuckles. “Because if it was just a little fun, tell me, because if it was something more…” He trailed off, and John laced their fingers together.

“I think it was more,” he said, leaning forward. “Much more.” He kissed Nazar softly, reached up and wrapped his fingers in his hair. “I can’t explain it, but…you feel…”

“Right,” Nazar finished, and John smiled.

“Yeah, right.” Nazar smiled and closed the gap, pressing his lips feverishly to John’s and pushing him back to the bed to relive the night.

Monday brought the two soldiers back to the compound to try and resume life. However, they both agreed life wouldn’t be anything like it had been before. Especially when they walked in hand in hand and half the people they came across stared at them.

As they were considering going outside for a little workout, one of the secretaries approached them and informed them the major needed to see them at once. They followed her into his office and found him sitting at his desk. The two sat down, Nazar crossing his legs and sitting very straight. John noticed suddenly he was all business, and it was quite the change.

“I was wondering where you disappeared to, Nazar,” the major said, cocking an eyebrow.

“I left a message with your secretary, Major, telling you I was spending the weekend with John.” Nazar looked momentarily at his new lover. “He was kind enough to show me a few…sights of the city.”

John blushed very lightly, catching the real meaning of Nazar’s words. They flew right over the Major’s head.

“Well, she’s mostly useless and lost the message.” He sighed. “So I’m sorry you had to wait until now to hear the news. We’ve gotten the okay to send you into Russia.”

Nazar’s eyes lit up, and he stood up. “Really?” The major nodded.

“Indeed. You, along with a few other men are going in as an extractor team. We have a few important people still in the country we’d like to get out before this new organization gets a foothold anywhere. You and your partner have been assigned a location near your home, so you should be able to get your family out.”

John saw the restraint it took for Nazar not to run over and kiss the Major out of pure joy.

“A partner,” John asked, butting in. “Who is working with him?” The Major smiled.

“You are, John. You’re the only person who has…taken to Nazar, so I thought you’d work well with him. Four other men are going in, two other teams. Two teams, including yourselves, have been assigned a person per team, while one team has two to retrieve.”

“When do we leave?” Nazar asked as he fidgeted.

“Tomorrow morning. Report here at six. We hope to be out of Russia before the night’s out.” Major sighed. “You’ll be briefed upon arrival. I’m sorry again I couldn’t tell you until now, I knew Saturday, but you were gone.”

Nazar smiled. “It’s alright. I know now, and knowing sooner would not have gotten us to leave any quicker.”

“Well, since you two have quite the…day ahead of you tomorrow, I want you both to get some rest. Go home, John, and relax.” John nodded and stood up, then looked at Nazar. The Russian smiled.

“Do you need me, Major?” He shook his head. “Alright, then I’m going to return home with John…it would be easier for me to rest there, and I can talk him through my home’s layout and the area around it. I must know the building where our target is located.”

“I’m sure you do,” he said. “Alright, get some rest you two.” He turned back to some papers on his desk, and John and Nazar walked out, to return home.

When morning came, Nazar was oddly quiet. John wasn’t sure if he was just in deep thought, or if he was nervous, but he didn’t question it. The look in Nazar’s eyes said he needed some time to himself. The last time John saw him was when they arrived at five thirty, early due to Nazar being ready to leave the instant they had gotten home, before they were separated to get ready.

John stood in his camouflage uniform, his headband keeping his hair out of his face. He was staring at the ground when the Major appeared. He nodded a greeting and said, “Major.”

“John,” he replied. “Were you briefed?” The brunette nodded. “Good. So you know your mission objective.”

“Yes, retrieve our spy, and get him to the rally point in one piece.”

“Did Nazar tell you about the layout?” Another nod.

“Yes, he told me about the area, and the compound my target is being held in has been shown to me. I’ve got enough of the blue prints in my head to be able to get navigate my way around.” Major nodded.

“And you’re sure you can do this on your own? Because this mission was designed for the two of you, so if you think you’re not capable, tell me. I’ll tell Nazar he has to go through the mission with you; he can get his family after.” John shook his head.

“No, I can do it. Let him go to his son.” Major nodded. Just then the door opened, and the two turned. In walked a slender figure clad in a skin tight black suit, black leather belts around his waist, legs, and arms. He had boots above his pants, and a small chest plate fastened on. Black gloves covered his hands, and he had two hand guns in holsters along his belt. But what was intriguing was his mask. It was a set of large goggles with black points jutting down the sides, down to chin level over his cheeks. His nose and mouth were free.

John stared as Nazar approached. There was no denying it was him in there, that flowing black hair gave it away. John could just see the strap of the mask under some of his hair. Major nodded to him, and Nazar nodded back.

The two followed the Major out of the compound and to their landing zone. Already in the small plan were the other four members of the team. He assured John and Nazar that they would be properly introduced during the flight, and more would be discussed.

“I’ll stay in contact through radio,” he said, then reached out and placed a hand on each man’s shoulder. “No come back in one piece, it’d be a shame to lose either of you.”

“Yes Major,” they both said. Then they were getting in the small plane and taking off.

During the flight they were informed of the other two teams’ missions, and the rally point. It was set in an abandoned factory, where there was enough stretch of land to get the tiny plan into the air. They were also informed that they had a limited amount of weight they could carry, so they had to bring their targets, and that was it.

John looked at Nazar, but he didn’t seem phased.

“Nazar-“

“Do not worry,” he whispered low, “Major personally knows our pilot, and spoke with him. Ania and Desya are cleared to come back with us. Your government may not know, but the people who matter, the people who actually have a say in bringing them or not, know.”

John nodded. Most of the flight was spent in silence, as if everyone had to mentally prepare themselves for what was ahead.

When the plane touched down there was one final group message over the radio from the Major, then one just to John and Nazar.

“Everything is squared away,” he said, “for your family, Nazar. They will be allowed on the plane. What you will do is go fetch them, and bring them close to the rally point, tell them where it is, and order them to take cover. Then you are to join John in his mission, understood?”

“Yes,” Nazar said.

“Alright, now John…or really, should I say, Boss.” John frowned. He didn’t want to think on his new title, Big Boss, or how he got it. Too many bad memories. “You go along with your mission. Hopefully there will be some fun left for Nazar here.” The Major sighed. “Dammit, Omega, I do apologize. From now on codenames only men. Good luck, contact me by radio if you need me.”

The transmission died and Nazar was already off. John jogged to catch up with him.

“Omega?” he asked, and eyed Nazar’s suit as he nodded. Suddenly something clicked. “Wait…you’re the Omega Ninja, aren’t you?”

“I am in no way a ninja,” Nazar pointed out as he drew his gun and held it close. “I was simply given that title once because someone saw me do a few flips in this suit. It’s just Omega.”

“The Crimson Sacrifice,” John filled in. “You know, people used to talk about you a lot. How you were quite the killer, and no one knew for who. You killed…everyone.”

Nazar frowned. “Only those who were in the way. I was trying to make Russia a better place by killing off rebellious military officers. But I always seemed to have a lose end with some other country I had to take care of.” The two were walking through thick brush, John following Nazar, taking a brief mental note of the surroundings but paying more attention to his lover.

“Still, you’re quite talked about. I remember men used to have sketches of you all over the place, saying you were some kind of inhuman creature.” Nazar smiled.

“Maybe I am inhuman, but if that’s what it takes to get my job done, then so be it.” He led John out of the brush, and the two crouched down as they scaled an old stone wall. “Besides, the people I kill deserve to die.”

“In some people’s eyes, you deserve to die,” John pointed out. He knew the same went for him. Nazar only shrugged.

“Then I will stab out their eyes so they can’t see.” He looked at the patch covering John’s bad eye, then looked away. “Sorry.”

“It’s alright,” John whispered. “I’m used to this thing.”

“You never take the patch off.”

“Because I don’t want to see what’s underneath.”

Nazar dropped the topic as they stood up and he looked around. The area they were assigned wasn’t far from the rally point, but in the fading light he was slightly unsure of how far they had left to go before they had to separate.

“You can go now,” John whispered. Nazar looked at him. “I understand. Go to your family, I can get there on my own.”

Nazar shook his head. “No, Joh-…Boss. I can’t leave you. I have a mission to remember, and I won’t leave you until I’m sure you’re at the right compound.”

The brunette sighed and they continued through the brush and clearings until they came upon a dirt road. Nazar smiled and John followed him as he walked along it.

“This is the road,” he said, “that I told you about last night. When it forks, you go right, towards the compound and the towns. I go left, to my family.” He smiled. “I guess I should be glad we were so far out in the woods.”

The two continued down the road, but just as the fork became visible, a thick scent filled the air. The smell of smoke and fire. The two men broke into a run. Looking down the right, thick stacks of smoke were visible, and the air was thick. The two sped down that path, and with every step more and more concern filled them. At the end of the road they could see buildings ablaze, with people running around frantically. One was the large compound their target was in.

John was about to tear off for the building, but Nazar grabbed his hand.

“We can’t go in the normal entrance,” he said, pointing towards a small door that was used for deliveries. Flames licked out underneath it. “We have to find a new way in.”

“I have to,” John corrected. “You go to your family.” The Russian shook his head.

“No, this changes the mission. I’m staying with you. I’ll…I’ll just have to believe that they are safe.” Before John could say anything, Nazar brushed past him, and he had no choice but to follow. The Russian was leading him around to the back of the small compound. He took his gun, held it by the barrel, and broke a glass window with the butt, then holstered it again. “I’ll go in,” he said, “stay here and cover me while I climb in, alright?”

“You’re not leaving me out here,” John said, but Nazar was hoisting himself up already, avoiding the large shards of glass that still jutted up. The brunette scowled and pressed himself to the warm wall, eyes scanning the area. In the distance people were running from other buildings, but no one was from this one. It was too odd.

He jumped when he heard gunfire, and turned. Through the broken window he could see Nazar crouched down, gun pointed out, and two guards dead on the floor.

“You alright, Omega?” He yelled in. Nazar stood up.

“Yes.”

“No one’s running from this building,” John yelled, now over his back. “Something’s wrong. I think this is a trap.”

“Probably is.” Nazar moved deeper into the room, a stock room, but found it was clear. “But I’m going in anyway. This room is clear. Come on in.”

John grabbed the window and hopped up, crawling through. Bits of glass fell to the floor, as he brushed his pants off. The Nazar was waiting up at the door, and he motioned John to the side a little. He moved, and held his gun ready as the Russian threw the door open. But instead of men running through, flames burst in, and Nazar was knocked to the ground. John ran forward and grabbed his arm, jerking him back away from the fire.

Nazar stood up, with John’s help, and stared at the doorway. He began walking towards it, and John yelled, “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Going in!” And then he was running through the flames. John ran after him, believing that Nazar would literally be the death of him. The storage room opened into a hallway thick with smoke. Nazar and John coughed as they walked, covering their mouths with one hand, guns still in the other. The compound was one story only, with a shallow basement, and was usually a temporary holding spot. The only reason their target should be there was because he was waiting to be moved deeper into the country.

Nazar and John kicked open doors, but found the place was empty. Every room was empty.

“This is a trap,” John said again. “They must have learned that teams were coming in to extract people, and set us up. We need to leave.” Nazar nodded.

“We will, there’s just one more room.” At the end of the hall stood one more door. Nazar ran to it, and tried the handle. He jumped back, feeling the burn even through his gloves. He holstered his gun, and with all his might kicked the door. It swung open, and flames burst out, licking his face. He batted at his skin and hair to keep the flames from catching, and stormed in. Thick, black smoke poured out, and John covered his mouth as he advanced.

He peered in and could just see through the smoke and flame Nazar leaning over someone who was slumped in a chair. John stepped in, batting at his leg as flame tried to catch his pants.

“Is that him?” He yelled. Nazar frowned.

“Sadly so.” John looked and saw that one side of the man’s head was blown apart, and a small hole was in the other side.

“Shot in the head.” John bowed his head for a moment, then looked at Nazar. “There’s nothing we can do, he’s dead. We need to get out of here.”

The Russian nodded. He grabbed John’s hand and led him back to the doorway, which was a wall of flames now. They looked at it.

“On the count of three,” John whispered. Nazar nodded. “One, two…three!”

The two ran and jumped through the flames, John going first. They rolled into the hallway, trying to extinguish the flames that had caught them. John sat batting at his pants, then his jacket, while Nazar was frantically batting the ends of his hair, then at his stomach. John stood up, holes now burned in his clothes, and jogged over to Nazar, helping him up. His black suit had holes burned into it, and on his stomach his skin looked a little red, but he seemed fine otherwise.

The two ran back through the hall and into the storage room as quickly as possible. John peered out the window and decided it was clear enough. He hoisted himself up and jumped out. Nazar followed, coughing wretchedly as he landed.

John knelt down and turned his radio, trying to contact the major. Nazar was still crouching, coughing.

“Major!” John said, looking around frantically to make sure there was still no threat. “We’ve got a problem here. The compound was ablaze, and our target was dead.”

“The fire?”

“No, shot in the head.” He heard the Major sigh.

“I got a call from another team; their mission was compromised as well. Fall back to the rally point, I’m sending our plane back in early to get you guys out of there. There’s nothing we can do, somehow they already knew our plan.”

The connection died and John looked back at Nazar. He was on his knees, still coughing miserably. John reached over and stroked his hair.

“We need to get back to the rally point; our mission is the only one that was compromised. We need to get out of here.” He moved and Nazar coughed again, falling onto his hands and turning his head away. John reached for his hair just in time as he vomited, still coughing. “And you need a doctor, that smoke did a number on you.”

John stood up and helped his lover up.

“You go,” Nazar whispered, “back to the rally point. I need to get my family.”

“The plane’s coming early…there might not even be time.”

“Then I will stay back with them.” Nazar coughed again. “I can’t leave them behind again.”

John nodded, and he took Nazar’s hand. “Well, I’m not leaving you behind,” he whispered. “Now, let’s go before we catch fire.”

The two made their way away from the compound and back onto the path. Nazar’s coughing subsided, and he took the lead, jogging down the road. They noticed a few trees had caught fire, and John knew it wouldn’t be long before the whole forest was ablaze. But even as they got away from the main fire, the smell of smoke didn’t disappear. And when they saw smoke in the distance, Nazar broke into a run that was so fast John could barely keep up.

Down the path a house came into view, surrounded by a short black iron fence. It was ablaze, along with a tree in the front year, and a few trees further away.

“No!” Nazar screamed as he tore towards the house. John ran after him. On the door was written in a sick red color, “Traitors shall burn”.

Nazar tried the knob, and John watched as the leather of his gloves was burned, but he wouldn’t pull away. He kept trying it until John pulled him back. Nazar ripped his gloves off, showing red burns on his pale hands. He kicked the door, and it didn’t budge. John looked at the house. It was burning much faster than the compound. He wasn’t sure anything could live through that.

“Nazar,” he screamed, but the man wasn’t listening. He was beating the door frantically with his fists, ramming it with his shoulder.

“It’s not too late!” He yelled, answering John’s unspoken reply. He rammed the door with all his might, and the wood broke. Nazar dug through, cutting his hands and not caring. John raced up next to him and yanked at the wood, until there was a hole big enough to Nazar to push the chair lodged up against it away. He threw the door open and ran in.

John followed, and the Russian tore up the stairs. The air was thick with smoke, and John took his bandana and fastened it over his mouth and nose. Nazar was ahead of him, and when John rounded the corner he almost ran right into him.

Nazar stood, staring down. John followed his eyes and saw the limp frame of a woman on the floor. Auburn hair was splayed around her, and she stared, eyes open at the ceiling. A bullet was lodged right in her forehead.

Nazar choked and fell to his knees. A sick sob escaped his throat, and he reached out and clutched at the woman’s dress, holding it in his shaking hands. He crawled closer, and John watched him reach out and trace her face.

“Ania,” he whispered, and a cry escaped his lips. He ripped his mask off and threw it, tears streaming down his face. “Ania!”

John reached down and placed a hand on Nazar’s shoulder as the man reached out. He closed Ania’s eyes, then leaned down and kissed her cheek. “I’m sorry,” he whispered in Russian, and John squeezed his shoulder.

Nazar stood up, and he walked away, towards a door. He placed his hand on it, and sighed.

“Nazar?”

“This is…Desya’s room…” he whispered. “I’m not sure I…I want to see what they’ve done to him.” Just then there was a crash, and John could see through an open door part of the burning roof had collapsed in.

“We have to go!” he said, and reached for Nazar, who avoided his touch. He reached down and opened the door, and disappeared into the room. A few flames licked the wall and spiked out through the door. John ran up to the door and looked through.

Nazar was walking over towards a crib. The Russian took a deep breath before looking down, trying to brace himself for what he might see.

But he wasn’t prepared for a set of beautiful amber eyes looking up at him. He gasped, and the baby in the crib reached up for him. He reached down and scooped the child up in his arms, holding him close, tears running down his face.

“Desya,” he whispered. “Oh god, Desya.” John stared for a moment, and saw for the first time Nazar’s eyes were blinding. Not just bright, but almost so bright he couldn’t look.

Nazar turned to John and tucked the blanket around Desya tighter around him, then walked over to him. John smiled, and the two left the room. Just as they did, the roof collapsed in more, and flaming bits smashed the crib to the floor.

Nazar pressed Desya closer to him when he saw this. He followed John back down the stairs, and right through the door. The cold air hit them, and they coughed. Little Desya coughed into his father’s chest, and Nazar’s patted his back. The two soldiers ran away from the burning house, and into the woods, away from the road. They cut their way through it, right towards the rally point.

When they reached the old factory, John drew his gun and they crept around the building to the back. The plane was waiting, and they saw one team escorting two men on board. At least someone they’d come to rescue was saved.

They were about to move, when Nazar felt something cold and metal pressed to the back of his head.

“And where do you think you’re going, traitor?” Nazar didn’t move, but John whipped around, hearing a Russian voice that brought back horrid memories.

“You,” he said, raising his gun to point at the man’s young face. “You’re that Ocelot…”

“Revolver Ocelot, now,” he said, smiling. “Now point that gun somewhere else, or this traitor gets executed so much like his precious girl.”

John scowled, but lowered his gun. He holstered it, and stepped closer to Nazar. Ocelot clicked his tongue.

“Stop,” he said. “Don’t move.”

John froze, and he saw something in Nazar’s eyes. A Decision.

“Ocelot,” Nazar spoke, “if you want me, you can have me. But you have to let me give John my son. And you have to let him get on that plane and leave.”

Ocelot tapped his gun lightly against Nazar’s skull, then grinned. He looked at John.

“Alright. But only because I am sure John will return, and I can finish with him, then.” He moved to the side, keeping gun aimed at Nazar’s head, and looked down at Desya. “Besides, I’m sure when your son learns of how his father died, and what he did that he’ll either come back to avenge you, and I can have him then. Or, better, he can come begging for forgiveness.”

Nazar scowled, but said nothing.

“Give the brat to John.”

Nazar took a step towards John, knowing full well that Ocelot’s revolver was aimed at his skull. Another step, then another. They felt long and painful. Finally he reached him. He looked down at Desya, who looked up and reached for his father’s long hair. Nazar smiled and bent down, kissing his forehead, then handed him to John, who stood there, not quite sure what to do with a baby.

“Just take him where it’s safe,” Nazar whispered. “It’s all I can ask of you.”

John nodded, and Nazar stood on his toes and let his lips brush John’s. He heard Ocelot laugh in the background.

“Really?” He asked as Nazar stepped back. He walked up to him and threw an arm around him, the gun pressed again to his temple. “You, John? With a man? I’m not sure I ever saw that coming.” He leaned over and brushed his cheek to Nazar’s hair. “He must be good. Maybe I’ll have to have a taste before I’m through with him.”

John scowled, but was unable to do anything. With Desya in his arms, he was unable to draw his gun.

“Now go,” Ocelot said. “Before I change my mind.”

Nazar nodded, and John turned his back and walked towards the plane. He didn’t want to, but he had no choice. And he wasn’t about to endanger Desya after Nazar went through so much to come get him.

Ocelot pushed Nazar behind one of the factory’s sheds and grinned.

“So, was it nice to be so close with the Americans?” He took a step towards him. “Was it fulfilling to betray your country?”

“Fuck you,” Nazar hissed, “if you loved Russia even half as much as I did, you’d have done the same fucking thing. But you don’t have the balls to do it, now do you?”

Ocelot scowled and shot, the bullet whizzing just over Nazar’s head.

“Don’t try to intimidate me,” Nazar said. “I have faced the worst things imaginable and not backed down. I will surely not cower in the face of your impudent threats.”

Ocelot kicked Nazar in the stomach, and he double over, his hair brushing the ground.

“I think I might take that taste of you now,” he said, eyeing the curves of Nazar’s body. “After all, if you can make John weak in the knees, then you must have some amazing taste to you.” He crouched down and forced Nazar’s face up. “But I promise you, I’ll tear you apart.”

Nazar glared up through his hair and reached out, hands gripping Ocelot’s uniform. He shoved him back, landing on top of him. He slapped the gun out of Ocelot’s hand and grinned down at him, a slight madness in those amber eyes.

“No, Ocelot,” he whispered. “I’ll tear you apart. I’ll carve your face into a beauty unknown, and keep your tears and blood in a jar, so every night when I go to sleep; I can remember your face, stuck in a permanent grin because I carved your fucking cheeks out.”

Ocelot shoved him, and Nazar used the energy to stand. He glared down, and when Ocelot went to move, he slammed him to the ground with a boot to the chest.

“Don’t ever think you have the upper hand with me,” Nazar hissed. Ocelot stared up at him. Nazar smiled, and pulled his gun from the holster at his hip. He aimed at Ocelot, and smiled. “This is for Ania,” he whispered, and he fired. Ocelot screamed as a bullet whizzed through his left thigh, and another his right. Nazar smiled and holstered the gun. “Now, Ocelot. I’m going to leave you here. You can live, but only because I hope I’ve taught you a lesson in life that you can use. Don’t bite off more than you can chew, bitch.”

Nazar walked over him, kicking his one revolver away as he passed. Ocelot tried to sit up, but fell back to his back with a groan.

Nazar ran towards the plane when he noticed two of the agents were closing the door. He could hear John’s voice over the motor, screaming that he needed to go back and put a bullet through Ocelot’s head.

Nazar jumped and grabbed the door, pulling it open.

“No need to,” he said, looking up at them. “I’ve left him a few new holes to think about.”

“Nazar!” John said. He reached down and grabbed Nazar’s arm. He pulled him up into the plane, and they latched the door shut.

They sat down, strapping themselves in. The other four men were there, and the two men the team was sent to retrieve. And one man was holding Desya. Nazar looked, and he smiled, handing the baby over.

“I offered when I saw how badly this man wanted to go after you,” he said, looking at John. “He’s a beautiful boy. I’ve got three children of my own back home. I can’t wait to see them.”

Nazar smiled and looked down at Desya, who reached up and tugged on his hair. He grinned.

“Yeah, just seeing them seems to set the world right.”

He felt a hand rest on his leg, and he looked over at John, whose blue eyes were so deep Nazar drowned the instant he saw them. Without thinking he leaned over and let his lips collide with the brunette’s. John’s hand tightened on his thigh.

“Thank you,” Nazar whispered. “Without you, I wouldn’t have my Desya now.” John smiled. He reached over and touched Nazar’s face, not caring that the entire plane, save the pilot, was watching.

“When we get back,” he whispered, “Will you stay?”

“Where else could I go?” Nazar asked, and John sighed.

“No, will you stay…with me?” Nazar smiled and leaned his head against John’s chest. He closed his eyes and heard his heart beat softly.

“Of course,” Nazar whispered. “Like I said, where else could I go?” John smiled and rested an arm around him, playing with his soft black hair, as the plane flew them home, away from this nightmare.