Author's note: England cat not only managed to get in this chapter, but also acquired a prominent part in it ;). This update took longer than the preceding ones because I needed more time to decide what to keep and what not. I wanted this part not to be particularly thick.

Before anything else, I'd like to thank the people who posted their reviews to my story so far - moonlightgirl11, Happymood, espanamazing and Nephelee.

Grip

Although Artie was the smallest of all his feline companions, Heracles could see that the cat was special in his own right. He may not mewed persistently like the French cat when he needed to draw the attention, but tended to fix his gaze deeply into the eyes of the owner. There was something nearly humane in that moist, sophisticated stare.

On that moment, the cat was observing him closely while they were sitting out at the paved yard. Heracles knew why. Whenever he was deeply immersed in thought or turbulent, his furred companions could sense it. The young man smiled and rose from the wooden bench to pick Artie up to his arms. The pet snuggled easily, placing his small head on the comfortably broad shoulder.

" I am going to get you some milk tomorrow morning. I haven't forgotten." This cat usually didn't need much food compared to the rest of the companionship, nor was particularly picky about his meals. Milk, however, was important.

Tomorrow morning. The words echoed into the Greek's head and his mind lingered on the weight they brought. Ivan wouldn't be here with him the next day. He knew well that the absence of his beloved was going to be as piercing like the salty air that comes from the sea. He hadn't really prepared himself for it. Ηe was unsure how he was going to accept the man's departure.

Heracles paced around thoughtfully while holding the cat. After a few minutes, he stood near the thick, climbing plant that covered an entire wall of the house. Apart from this plant, the Greek's yard was also adorned with many flowers growing in pots and there was also a place where he cultivated a vineyard with great care. While he observed the wide leaves, he felt Artie squirming in his embrace. " Mm? What is it?" He turned a little and concentrated his attention on the point where the cat appeared to look. Heracles smiled when he saw a blue butterfly with golden speckles. He loosened his grip and the cat jumped gracefully over his shoulder to chase the colourful fly. The Russian feline who basked in the sun, lifted his head and as soon as he noticed what was going on, he stretched and joined Artie. The pensive man watched them for a minute, enjoying how these animals were able to distract him in a comforting way...

In the meantime, the northern male was inside to arrange his belongings. Heracles went to check the water he prepared for their bath. As soon as he made sure that it was alright, he headed inside the house to call his companion. Ivan was in the room where he was supposed to spend the night, standing close to the window that provided an unhindered, wide view of the sea. The Housekeeper approached with a smile and wrapped an arm around Ivan's waist. The linen shirt was covering the skin he had touched so generously during the previous night and the warmth was tangible underneath.

" I don't have abundant material wealth. Actually, I am poor. But whenever I focus on the richness of sights that nature itself offers me so unconditionally, I feel blessed." Heracles spoke.

" It's your rightful land. I have dreamt of this day when you would be free from your oppressor's rule and have your home back. Some stories are meant to have a happy ending indeed." The other man answered.

" Thank you. But I wouldn't have managed to find freedom without help." The Greek pointed out as he glanced at Ivan. " You, however, could accomplish that by yourself. Your own strength is enormous and that helps you make it through, no matter what."

" I am not always so certain about it..." The guest stated and his expression changed from a pleased one to a worried frown. He turned away to check the large bag where he carried his belongings. " You should know that you have earned that help from the Western powers. No one can have someone's admiration or friendship if they are not worthy of it... Also, if there is a reason why I don't always feel bad about myself is because of the friendship and love you have showed me. One cannot be strong without an initial inspiration; I have gained strength because I met you. You unfolded a kinder side of life. The kind that used to be unknown to me."

" Ivan-"

The Russian shook his head as though he wanted to indicate that he didn't require any response or expression of gratitude. The receiver of these words consented reluctantly, but his eyes still shone with an unvoiced eagerness. A pause of silence interfered and then a calm smile graced Heracles' lips as he told his companion that he had prepared some water for their bath.

The offer was welcome, but it was also shadowed by preoccupation. Ivan's upset regarding the exposed wounds, had risen to an illogical level. He felt more comfortable with the delusional sense that perhaps his partner had forgotten what he saw...

" Alright... You go first then." As he expected, an evident confusion surfaced on the Housekeeper's appearance once the visitor uttered this reply.

Still, the southern man retorted forthrightly, " I thought you wouldn't mind being with me."

Ivan looked at him quietly for a moment, unsure how to respond. He searched into this clear, emerald stare. Heracles wasn't a stranger. And the previous night, this man told him that he couldn't stop loving him. If these words were really true, if his lover was honest about what he confessed, then any signs of a traumatic past wouldn't affect his feelings. The northern fighter tried to persuade himself that he had to abandon the fear which burdened his conscience. Nothing bad would happen. Not this time.

" I don't. It's just that I still haven't got used to the idea that we are together. If you have dwelled in the abode of solitude for too long, you tend to shy from intimacy at times... But, regardless of any concerns I may have, it would be foolish to deprive myself of you any further." He smiled as he finished. And then his heart leapt when his lips were captured by a vigorous kiss.

The bath was located in a separated building, smaller compared to main residence. The place was simple, neat and the sunlight entered freely from each window. A sense of helplessness struck Ivan's mind for an instant but he was not further abashed. If Heracles had something to say, he would say it anyway. Ivan undressed, waiting to hear the other man's horrified utterance about the wounds, but no mention was ever made, as though the scars didn't even exist.

An undefinable confusion surfaced in the absence of a fearful reaction and the Russian couldn't help but ask, " Sometimes I wonder how can you be with someone like me... My appearance alone can remind you of unpleasant battles and unfulfilled expectations."

" I am afraid that these words aren't wise. I want to be with you as much as you do. Would you ever reject me just because a large amount of my life was not carefree? I think not. So, why should I do this to you? Our misfortunes do not count more than our good and happy moments; Actually, the happy ones remind me of you mostly. Because you know how to smile. Even when everything appears to go wrong."

XxX