{Summary; He knew-he knew-that everything in Chernobyl would go wrong. He knew and yet no one believed him. Nikolai left home-both Pripyat and Russia-for America, with hope that their medical aid would be better... and finds much more than he could have ever wished for.
Insert usual disclaimer! Cos I'm never going to own DP!

Chapter four! Have I kept you waiting? I probably have, I'm sorry! But here you go. :3 Enjoy!

We're going to learn some new things next chapter, but I won't spoil it. o: You'll just have to wait~}

Nikolai still couldn't believe what he had heard from Ivan, even after the moment had played itself out in his head over and over for the rest of the day. Even after Ivan had gone, leaving Nikolai alone for dinner as usual, he could still hear those four words. This changed everything, he decided to himself as he stared out the window after dinner. He had been planning on leaving tomorrow, when he was released from the hospital (or as soon as he could, anyway), but now that this had happened…

He sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes. This would delay his leaving; he didn't know for how long, but he knew that he wasn't going to be heading anywhere tomorrow. He laid his head back on his pillow and frowned at the ceiling. Sofiya, he thought. Sofiya, I'm so sorry. This… this has to be my fault, somehow, I just know it—overexerting yourself to help me; worrying about me when you didn't need to… He bit his lip and shook his head a little, squeezing his eyes shut. Tomorrow, once he was released from the ward, he would go and see her.

He would go to see her, and he would apologize, and he would stay in Belarus for one more day. And after that day was over, he would leave. He would be sorry to go, but only because he would be leaving Sofiya and Ivan so abruptly—otherwise, he had nothing else to apologize for. He didn't know how long he sat in bed thinking, but before he knew it, he had fallen asleep.

The next morning he woke and after breakfast, he was finally allowed to leave. They returned his satchel, which he hadn't seen since a week ago. After being discharged he left and waited in the hospital's lobby for Ivan, who arrived a little after nine that morning. Together, they quietly made their way to the ward where Sofiya was being taken care of. Nikolai fidgeted and messed with the frayed strap of his satchel, glancing over at Ivan every once in a while. His expression was unreadable. It was worrisome.

"Ivan," Nikolai began, finally, his throat a little tight. "Ivan, I'm so sorry."

Ivan said nothing for a moment, his facial expression still indistinguishable. Nikolai started to speak again, and Ivan shook his head. "You don't need to apologize, Nikolai," he said quietly, his voice quiet but rough. "It wasn't your fault."

"I know, but I'm still sorry. The baby… It was almost yours; you were so close, weren't you? And now… now it's gone. I'm sorry."

Ivan's expression changed and Nikolai feared he had said the wrong words to him. He bit his lip, his brow furrowing nervously. They were silent for a brief moment, the only noise being the sound of their walking. Suddenly, Ivan let out a heavy sigh and sniffed loudly. Nikolai turned, startled by the abruptness of the sound, and gave Ivan a somewhat alarmed stare.

"Ivan?"

"No, no, I'm okay. Really.

Ivan fell silent again. The only sound was the two of them as they walked down the hall, nearing the ward. Nikolai began to worry that what he had said was completely the wrong thing. He bit his lip hard and clutched at his satchel strap, expression twisting to worry. He didn't know how he would rectify this situation, if it came down to it—because he could only say "I'm sorry" so much, and perhaps Ivan was growing tired listening to his repeated apologies, no matter how whole-heartedly he meant them. He chewed on the inside of his cheek nervously and then jumped in surprise when Ivan suddenly let out yet another shuddering mix between a sigh and a sob. He turned to the older man in slight alarm, more surprised than worried.

"Nikolai," Ivan choked out. "It's almost as if you knew how hard it is on me. Thank you."

Silently, but with as comforting of a smile as he could manage, Nikolai gave a small nod. Ivan clapped him on the back lightly and then paused in front of a desk. Nikolai stood off to the side, giving him some privacy as he spoke to the nurse. After a moment or two Ivan gestured and Nikolai followed him off to a room a little way down the hall. Gently, Ivan pushed open the door and stepped inside, a smile lighting up his face.

"Sofiya, my little bird—I've brought you a visitor," he said, moving over to her bed and planting a kiss on her forehead. He gestured at Nikolai, who smiled and gave her a little wave.

"Hello, Sofiya."

"Nikolai—it's so wonderful to finally see you again." Sofiya's voice was quiet but she sounded happy. "How are you? You look well. I'm happy for you, they've finally let you out."

"I'm fine, thank you. How are you doing? I-I mean, aside from…" Nikolai trailed off, floundering a little for something to say. Sofiya didn't seem too bothered, however. Her smile hardly faltered, and she brushed her hair behind her ears.

"I'm doing very well. They should be letting me out soon. Just as they've let you out… I'll be happy for that." She seemed to think about something for a moment, her expression changing. "You… don't have anywhere to stay, do you? You were from Pripyat, not here—you don't have a place to stay. Am I right?"

Nikolai nodded. "Right."

"Why don't you stay with Ivan?"

"Oh. Actually, I was… I was planning on something, but that's a generous offer. Thank you, but I have to decline." Nikolai smiled apologetically.

"Planning on something?" Ivan asked.

Nikolai nodded again, and for a split second he debated on telling Ivan and Sofiya that he wanted to leave. Finally, however, he decided that they—if anyone—deserved to know. He couldn't just go and leave them, not after what they had done for him. He took a deep breath and then, trying hard not to rush, admitted (still rather hastily): "I'm going to travel. I… I want to leave the country."

{DUN DUN DUNNN.
Also, why does this chapter look so much smaller in the editing stage? o no}