A few weeks passed after Tino's first 'assignment' with the Vikings. His new position in the gang came with perks as he came to find. The Bad Touch Trio didn't bother him at all; in fact he got no trouble from any of the customers. This gave him plenty of breathing room, plenty for him to catch on to his duties at the Alps. Tino became fast friends with his fellow workers. Vash was a bit put off by him 'joining' the Vikings. He kept spouting about how the Alps were supposed to neutral, but he hadn't fired him yet. Thankfully. Otherwise his head would be on Arthur's shiny silver platter.
The music was thrumming, a low sensual beat, as Tino moved about serving drinks. Customers faces and their drink of choice were slowly being learned. It wouldn't take him long for him to create a routine out of it. Feliciano bounded up to him, content countenance a bit uneasy. Tino frowned. Something was up.
"Feliciano, are you all right?" The small Italian shook his head.
"Ah…not really. I was wondering if maybe you could serve the…customer in the back. He frightens me." Tino glanced towards the back, darkness shrouding the figure of an extremely tall figure. Tall like…Berwald. The Swede had plagued his mind ever since he walked him home. He knew pretty much knew everyone when it came to the Baltic Strip, everyone except Berwald. There was something intriguing about him, this person who he had no information on. He hadn't even had contact with Lukas or any of the other members of the mob. Realizing he was falling into daydreaming, Tino mentally shook himself. Now was not the time for that.
"Of course, Feliciano. I'll get right on that." Feliciano relaxed instantly and gave him a quick hug before bouncing off towards the front room. Tino hurried to the back. As he got closer, he realized that this tall man was nothing like Berwald. The dark aura that permeated from this man's skin was cold and uncaring. It made his hair stand on end. From the shadows, the man's gaze appraised him with child like glee. Purple irises that shined like the unforgiving snow.
"Who have we here? A new arrival, da? What's your name?" The man leaned forward, allowing him to be fully bathed in the dim light. His pale complexion and hair seemed to glow, unearthly and angelic. It was a rouse, one that was supposed lure prey into a false sense of security before the predator pounced. But Tino knew that because he knew who this man was. He was the Ivan Braginski, head of the Reds. A Russian mobster, the most ruthless mob leader in all the Baltic Strip. He wasn't afraid to get his hands dirty and he did a very good job at it.
"Nick Kringle, sir." Tino adopted a polite tone, a fake smile. "Can I get you something to drink?"
"Vodka. A whole bottle."
"Right away, sir." Tino dashed off to fill the order. This was on mobster he didn't want to be enemies with. He returned with the bottle and a shot glass. Ivan chuckled, snatching the bottle away and taking a swig from it.
"So you are the one that Lukas was talking about, da? His new recruit?" It wasn't really a surprise. Mobsters were bound to talk to each other especially the ones prone to drink like Lukas and Ivan.
"Yes, sir. That's me."
"Ahh, so polite!" Ivan grinned. "And just as cute as Lukas described you." A faint blush colored Tino's cheeks. The Russian seemed even more pleased by that, beckoning him to stand closer. Tino shuffled towards him, body on edge. A cool finger poked at his cheek, causing Tino to flinch. Ivan was pleased.
"So cute. Too bad Lukas got you first. I would have liked to have you by my side." Ivan's voice was breathy, low, and reeking of danger. And alcohol. Lots of alcohol. The sip of vodka was definitely not his first drink of the night.
"I…uhm…I…" Tino spluttered, trying to comprehend a proper sentence that wouldn't offend him. By the grace of whoever was watching him from above, he didn't have to. A strong, familiar grasp snatched him away from the Russian. Tino was relieved to see Berwald had come to his rescue. Again. Wow…this was getting to be a habit. Lukas strolled forward, expression cheery and cordial.
"Ivaaan! I didn't expect to see you tonight." Ivan glanced at Berwald, who still had a hold of Tino. Berwald bared his teeth ever so slightly, a warning. A warning that caused Ivan's eyes to flash momentarily in recognition or rage or perhaps both. But he mirrored Lukas' expression, holding out the bottle of vodka to Lukas.
"Come sit with me, friend." The word was carefully emphasized. "Let us talk of good things tonight. No business."
"Sounds like a good deal, Ivan." Lukas replied, unaware of the silent exchange his bodyguard and fellow mob boss has just had. He plopped down beside Ivan, taking a deep drink of vodka. Tino unlatched himself from Berwald's grip; the Swede had yet to take his icy stare off of Ivan.
"Get us another bottle, Nick." Lukas ordered. Tino was more than happy to comply.
The rest of the night was went by fairly smoothly. A few faces showed up around Lukas and Ivan. Sigurd and Emill joined Berwald along with a fresh new face, a young woman who was just as beautiful as Ivan and just as dangerous. Natalya Arlovskaya. She was Ivan's little sister and his bodyguard. Natalya was a prime example of the perfect vampire bodyguard. She was eternally devoted to her dearest brother, even going as far as to proclaim her undying love and affection for him. Once she had even insisted that they get married. Well, according to the government's source in the organization, Natalya was always prattling about getting married to Ivan. It was said to frighten the man so much that he even considered getting rid of her. But her usefulness as a bodyguard far outweighed his fright for her.
But Tino barely noticed her and the others. He was too busy taking care of the other patrons. Though he brought back another bottle of vodka, or two, when Feliciano mentioned that they were getting rather low. Lukas and Ivan were drunk and they were more than happy for more alcohol. Natalya regarded Tino coolly as he quickly trotted off to help Feliciano carry a large order of drinks.
The bar was heading straight for closing time and Tino was exhausted. He just wanted to go home and sleep. Elizabeta was herding people out, threatening them with her frying pan if they dawdled for too long. Tino had been given the job of escorting a wobbly patron to a cab. The street was dark, streetlights flickering faintly. He dumped the man into the backseat and shut the door, happy to have survived a night unscathed by spilt drinks or vomit.
There was a rustling behind him and Tino whirled around, guard up immediately. He held his breath as he waited, poised to make a mad dash into the bar if someone was there. It wasn't like he couldn't defend himself. Far from it. His government training had him better equipped than Elizabeta, who relied on her brute strength and trusty frying pan to fight. He had agility on his side, speed. He was all right in a fist fight. But put a gun in his hands and Tino was a force to be reckoned with. But being undercover like this meant guns were a rare commodity and with the added assortment of vampires that were thrown into the mix…it was just a bad recipe.
He relaxed a bit. Nothing was there. Probably was just a stray cat going through their trash. Tino felt something clamp against his shoulder like a hand pressing down on a pressure point. Oh wait…it was. Tino crumpled to the cement like a sack of potatoes.
"Wake up. Wake up, you stupid pig." A slap across the face. Tino's eyes fluttered open with a groan. His vision blurred as another slap hit his other cheek. "Wake up before Brother comes."
"Whhaa-what's going…" Tino struggled to move. He felt very uncomfortable, especially around his wrists and ankles. Testing them concluded that he was bound to a chair, arms behind the back and feet secured to the legs, by thick rope. What the hell was going on here? Tino lifted his head and found Natalya standing over him.
Shit.
She scowled.
"Good. You have awoken. Brother will be here shortly. He would like to discuss…things." Natalya headed towards the door, the only door out of the cold, dark cellar-like room. This was bad. Extremely bad. While Yao was crafty and sneaky in his actions and Lukas was brash and…well…useless, Ivan was brutish and bloodthirsty. He enjoyed torturing his victims. He liked to hear them scream and watch them squirm. Tino backtracked through the night. Where had he gone wrong? Had he said something to offend? Had Lukas?
"What things?" Tino pried, trying to gain as much information as he could before he was left at Ivan's mercy. Natalya didn't even stop, throwing back a snippy answer before slamming the door.
"Important things."
Silence.
Tino tested his bonds again, pulling hard against the rope. No luck. He searched the room for an exit besides the door. There was a small window not to far from his position, but it was so high and barred. Tino groaned and desperately shimmied against his bonds. Thudding footsteps caused him to freeze and that dark aura began to fill the room. Tino paled as the door opened slowly to reveal Ivan, holding a blood-stained pipe in his gloved hands.
"Aha! Nick! So good to see you again. I was hoping I'd get to talk to you soon." The Russian beamed at Tino, slinking towards him with cat-like grace. Tino remained silent, back rigid as he watched Ivan warily. The mobster began circling him, eyeing him hungrily.
"I'm sorry that Natalya was so…harsh. She's just very protective. Doesn't want to take chances." Ivan knelt before him, now at eye level. His hand-he must have abandoned the pipe which came as a relief-came up to gently caress Tino's reddened cheek, still tender from Natalya's slaps.
"Red is such a good color on you. Makes you look even cuter." His fingers danced down Tino's neck, resting right at his jugular where his pulse was jumping like a scared animal. "I wonder what would happen if you were covered in blood. I bet you would look positively adorable."
Fuck, something had happened and now he was at this mad man's mercy. He'd put money on Lukas saying something stupid. In the blink of an eye, Tino could be dead or dying. Probably dying. Ivan would want to prolong it. His eyes screamed insanity, murder, kill. His face was no longer smiling. It was determined.
"But I wouldn't want that. Then you'd leave me and I don't like it when people leave." His hand flexed dangerously close to his fragile neck bones. Tino breathed out a question, voice hushed and unsure.
"What is it that you want, sir?" Ivan's gaze snapped up to stare at him, purple gaze boring into Tino's. His bright smile returned and he patted his head. Tino took a deep breath. He was safe for the moment.
"There is something important I wanted to discuss with you. Your future."
"My future?" There was a knocking sound upstairs. Tino paid it no mind.
"Da, da! Your future! Not with those Vikings, bah. You will come work for me and my people. I could use your language skills much more than that idiot Lukas. And, besides," Ivan leaned close, much closer than Tino's personal bubble deemed appropriate. "I'm more fun. Don't you agree?"
It was obvious that the question had two outcomes. One ended with him alive, the other dead…or horribly maimed. But he couldn't go with Ivan's gang. Arthur would kill him if he messed with 'the plan' anymore than he already had. Up above, an argument was being held. Between who, he had no clue. Carefully choosing his words, Tino answered.
"As much as I would like to work for you, I already am with Lukas' organization. I don't think he'd appreciate me leaving and I don't want to cause any trouble." Ivan smiled darkly.
"Oh, Nick, you act like you have a choice." His voice deepened. "And you don't."
The door was suddenly blown to bits, gunshots breaking through the dangerous quiet that had once filled the room. With a kick. the door fell into the room. It was followed by a bored Sigurd, which Tino now knew was his normal facial expression, holding a shotgun in his hand.
"Game's over, Ivan." Sigurd stated simply. "Time to give back Nick." Ivan glared at them, moving to block Tino from Sigurd.
"Nyet, he is mine. I stole him fair and square." Sigurd let out a mirthless laugh.
"I don't think you understand just how deep of a shithole you've dumped yourself in." Ivan's eyebrow raised and he glanced at the door warily.
"You didn't…?"
"Of course I did, Ivan. You steal from the boss and you have to deal with the consequences." The consequences turned out to be Berwald, who's tall form filled the threshold completely as he stepped inside the cellar. His gaze rested on Tino first and a glimpse of relief flickered through his eyes. But it disappeared. It was replaced by pure loathing as his eyes darted to the Russian.
"I don't think," Sigurd interjected before the Swede could act on his hate. "That there will be any qualms about us taking back Nick." Ivan made to protest, but a deep, guttural growl from Berwald made him stop. He glowered at the two, but untied Tino's restraints with a simple tug.
"Fine. Go." Ivan hissed. Tino rushed over to the two, mechanically moving to Berwald's side. Berwald ushered him away with a sweep of his arm. Sigurd cocked his gun and aimed it at Ivan, slowly backing out after the two. He wasn't one to take chances that Ivan might try something.
It wasn't until they were safely in Sigurd's van, driving away with Sigurd at the wheel and Berwald in the back with Tino, that Tino realized he was truly safe. He crumbled into himself, hands going into shaky palms. His whole body was shaking and he was hyperventilating softly. It was like the first night working at the Alps when he had been attacked by Sadiq. No…this was far worse. Sadiq had just been a hungry vampire not a deranged, possessive psycho. Tino needed something solid, something to hold on to. He felt like he was going to break apart into a million pieces if he didn't find something. Berwald scooted next to him, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Y'u 'kay, Nick?" Tino looked up at him through blurry eyes. Great, he was close to tears. Just what he needed. Now he probably looked like a total weakling. Sigurd and Berwald probably already thought of him as one.
"Nick? S'y somethin'." He didn't trust his own voice to answer. "Nick, pleas'."
Tino lurched towards him, burying his face in Berwald's chest. Berwald stiffened for a moment, but his arms automatically wound around Tino. It was comforting the way Berwald cradled him, holding him close and protectively. For once he didn't seem as scary as he usually was. Sigurd was too busy focusing on driving to notice the two's position or he just didn't care. Once Tino felt he had regained some kind of control over himself, he turned towards Sigurd.
"Thank you…thank you so much, both of you.. I don't know what I would have done if you guys hadn't come gotten me." Berwald remained silent and Sigurd waved it off.
"Not a big deal. Don't mention it." A buzzing made Tino flinch and he watched as Sigurd pulled out his phone. He rolled his eyes at the caller I.D, but picked up the phone anyways.
"He's safe." The person on the other end was loud, definitely Lukas. Sigurd filled him in what had happened and listened for a bit. He nodded and agreed with whatever Lukas had said before flipping his phone shut, tossing it onto the seat.
"That was too close of a call, Nick. Way too close." Sigurd stated. "And, knowing Ivan, he probably won't give up. He doesn't like being denied something."
"No shit." Tino mumbled.
"If he gets you a second time, there's no guarantee you'll come out unscathed. So, to keep you from harm's way, Berwald is going to stay with you." Tino shot up to a full sitting position, eyes wide. Even Berwald was surprised.
"What?"
"You heard me. Lukas wants you to be protected. He's got me and Emill to look after him so he'll be fine."
"But…Sigurd…wait…"
"He'll keep you safe, Nick, safe from just about any kind of creeper, psychopath, or dipshit that comes your way."
"But…" Sigurd glanced at him through the rearview mirror, eyes narrowed.
"Boss's orders, Nick. You're stuck with him. Though you two seemed pretty cozy before so it shouldn't be a problem." Tino flinched away from Berwald, settling as far away from the giant as he could with his seatbelt on. This was the last thing he needed. How was he supposed to keep cover with Berwald shadowing his every step?
"S'gurd…?" Berwald met the Norwegian's gaze. Sigurd nodded and Berwald's posture relaxed a fraction. Tino wasn't sure what was going on. Damn it, everyone was having all of these secretive eyeball conversations. It wasn't fair. He wanted to know what was going on. He thought he deserved that much. But before he could open his mouth to ask about it, the car stopped abruptly.
"Well, here's your stop." Sigurd unlocked the doors. "Go on, you two. Get some sleep." Tino grimaced and exited the car with Berwald hot on his trail, shutting the door behind them. Sigurd waved goodbye before speeding off. That left Tino and Berwald alone in front of Tino's…their…apartment building.
"Well…guess we should….uh…go on….upstairs…yeah…" Tino wasn't just oozing awkwardness. He was the epitome of awkwardness. Tino took a step forward and stumbled. Damn it. He couldn't even walk properly! He would have fallen to his knees if Berwald hadn't caught him by the arm.
"N'ed s'me h'lp?" The vampire asked. Tino shook his head stubbornly.
"I'm fine."
"You'r' st'll 'n a b't 'f sh'ck."
"Dealt with worse." Tino took a second step. It was no good. His legs were jelly and he felt himself falling over again. But Berwald swooped in to save the day. He scooped up the smaller Finn and carried him inside and up the stairs.
"Berwald, wait! You don't have to do this!"
"We'r' n't s'fe 'ut in the 'pen." Berwald replied. "F'ster this w'y."
Tino buried his face in his hands, face exploding in embarrassment. Here he was being carried about like some damsel in distress by a dashing…no…not dashing…knight in shining armor. It wasn't like Berwald wasn't handsome, but…well…it was…damn his over functioning brain and his stupid blush.
"We'r' h're." Berwald mumbled, setting him down gently on to the ground. Tino glanced up through his splayed fingers. There it was, the door to his apartment.
"Right. Let me just…" Tino fished through his pants pocket, pulling out his keys. Thankfully Ivan's goons hadn't confiscated his things when he had been kidnapped though he was sure that they had inspected them. Unlocking the door, he ushered Berwald to come in. Thankfully his legs were deciding to cooperate with him.
The Swede seemed painstakingly huge compared to the small apartment. Tino wondered if he would be comfortable living here. Berwald began moving through the apartment, inspecting every nook and cranny. Tino's brow furrowed and he peered after him.
"Berwald, what are you doing?"
"M'king s're it's s'fe." Tino sighed and followed him as he headed into the bedroom. Berwald was searching through his bathroom and Tino plopped down on his bed, watching him check for any concealed intruders. The Swede moved out of the room, going through the whole house meticulously and . Tino ran a hand through his hair. Just what he needed….a guard dog. He'd just have to make it work. Somehow…someway.
I'M SORRY *sobs* TAMER, PLEASE FORGIVE ME!
I totally suck for not uploading this sooner. I'm a terrible person. Please come hate me as much as I hate myself. But its gonna get better! I got my muse on and I'm very excited to get this story back alive and kicking. It will be wonderful or...at least I hope it will be. In my mind it is!
Fun Fact: I wrote this whole chapter while watching Moulin Rouge!
Also: Thank you for all the reviews! Makes me so happy to see them! And I will be adding translations when I start using more language stuff. Google Translate apparently likes to mess with my shit. Damn it! Sorry about any confusion that caused.
Soo yeah! Hope you like it!
