Hi guys this is just a continuation of last chapter, it was just getting long so I decided to split it.
Nero took a step back, eyebrows going up in surprise "Excuse me? Would you like to explain what's going on?"
"You know I was pretty sure when I left here last I told you to do something specific." Alexis went on "Can you try and think back that far, Max? Try REALLY hard." she narrowed her eyes "I leave and no sooner than I do, my son gets kidnapped? And oh the better part is, he was being watched over by YOUR operatives. Isn't that funny?"
Nero let out a big breath, but she didn't give him a chance to speak.
"You know, I really thought I could see the human part of you last time. Are you completely out of your mind? How could you let this happen?" she growled.
"Alexis it wasn't like-" Darkdoom was cut off.
"You realize that he was literally a few inches from death?" Alexis demanded "Are you okay with that? Because obviously your friend is. And I don't know about you, but I am pretty sick and tired of all this going on the way it is."
Iliana looked very helpless at this point, staring at the arguing triple. Nigel was looking embarrassed.
"What's going on out here?" came Pietor's voice suddenly. He was just walking out of his room, scowling at the noise.
"What are you doing here?"
"Oh hi Pietor. Nothing, just straightening out this man's priorities." Alexis told him, shooting Nero another glare, who rolled his eyes slightly.
"What are we talking about here?" Pietor asked.
"Just the fact that my son was taken under Nero's watch."
Pietor's eyes flicked over to Nigel for a second.
"Well why are only blaming him? We were all here."
"Pietor, don't defend him, I was relying on you to be my back up." Alexis said, sharply.
"You're right. That was gross." he replied. Nero shook his head at him.
"So, Max what have you got to say for yourself?" Alexis demanded.
"Lexis!" Juliana squealed from the stairs suddenly and she came running down. David was right behind her.
"Well hello little princess." Alexis immediately became a different person, smiling brightly. Nero shared a look with Darkdoom, who shrugged. Juliana ran to her and grasped her legs in a hug.
"I don't believe I've met you." Alexis said, eyeing David.
He smiled, reaching to shake her hand "I'm David."
"Pleasure." she said, nodding slightly.
"I'm sure it's all mine." he replied still smiling.
"You missed us playing games Lexis; we will have to play more." Juliana exclaimed.
"I'm sure we will Juliana." Alexis assured her.
Juliana took her hand and pulled on it.
"Come on I want to show you my flowers, Mommy watered them while I was gone."
Alexis looked back at Nero through narrowed eyes.
"We'll finish this later."
He raised his eyebrows as she turned away from him deliberately and looked at Nigel.
"I'll be right back."
He nodded in reply.
"Where did you go?" Alexis asked Juliana as they walked towards the kitchen.
"How does she know about it?" Darkdoom asked once she was out of earshot.
"Well since you asked, I had her brought in the H.I.V.E. reports regarding Nigel." Nero replied "Sounds like it was a bad idea."
"But she doesn't know Juliana was taken?"
"I don't think she even knows about Gavriil." Nero replied.
"I don't know what your mom is so worried about." Shelby said from where she was sitting. She was looking at Nigel "I mean you are secluded on an island, and your father is kind of the headmaster's best friend. He's probably the safest he can be."
"But she can't see him." Iliana reminded her "And hey he was just kidnapped." she looked at Nero, who raised an eyebrow.
"Not that I'm saying she was right just now, but hey maybe she didn't want him to go there." Iliana went on.
"Well I'll admit I didn't like it there at first." Shelby said "I was pretty ticked off actually, but it's not so bad now. I guess I have learned some pretty cool stuff. I think I might stick with G.L.O.V.E once I'm out."
"Doing what?" Darkdoom asked in amusement "You'd be a bit young to be on the council."
"I'm not sure if she'd fit the part either." Nathaniel said "They get worse all the time. Maybe she would be a good addition actually."
"Yeah come on Wing let's be on the council." Shelby said, nudging him.
"I would imagine that would be very far in the future and even so is extremely unlikely." Wing said with a frown.
"I know that, but I can dream."
"I'm not sure I'd like that to be my future." Wing said "It seems like a rather unhappy position."
"Why?" Shelby asked "You could call all the shots. Decide what to do, who to kill…"
"I am to not sure I'll ever be able to kill anyone." Wing said seriously.
"Wing." Surprisingly, it was Pietor talking to him "When someone does this." he grabbed Shelby and wrapped an arm around her neck "You'll be able to kill someone, I guarantee it."
"I'd rather stay out of that situation altogether." Wing replied, his frown deepening.
"Be my guest." Pietor let go of Shelby, whose eyes had gotten significantly wider "I didn't bring you into the G.L.O.V.E world. Someone's always going to be chasing you."
"Wing, I think that is perfectly fine." David told him helpfully.
"Gosh Pietor is that how awful it's been? We really do need to move to Alaska." Iliana said.
"You're moving?" Shelby asked in shock.
"Just a passing thought." the woman replied with a smile.
###
It wasn't long after that Alexis returned with Juliana from the kitchen.
"What's she doing back here?" Anastasia asked, having just come down the stairs.
"Oh who knows? I think she wants to tell off Max or Diabolus for Nigel being kidnapped by Gavriil." Pietor told her under his breath.
"Juliana seems to be a plant lover. I think you should build a greenhouse outside." Alexis suggested.
"Thanks but no thanks." Anastasia replied. Alexis rolled her eyes.
"I want to play with my dogs! I want to play with my dogs!" Juliana exclaimed loudly all the sudden, hopping up and down.
"Juliana." Iliana said "Ask nicely."
"Can I play with my doggies please?" Juliana repeated.
"Go clean up the toys in your room first." Iliana told her "Then we can bring them in."
The little girl whirled around and darted for the stairs, nearly crashing into Darkdoom.
"Sorry." Iliana said grudgingly "She's still trying to learn some manners."
"Don't worry; he was used to that for a time." Alexis said. Darkdoom looked over at her, eyebrows raised.
Pietor shook his head slightly and turned around on one foot to walk to the outside door.
"Are you getting Drake?" Iliana asked.
"Yes ma'am."
After he closed the door behind him, Alexis turned to Iliana.
"I'm also here to bring you the pictures." she said to Iliana "They finally arrived."
"Oooh really?" Iliana asked "I want to see them, where are they?"
"They're out in my car."
"What pictures?" Darkdoom asked.
"Our family pictures. Alexis has a friend who's a photographer and she got us a discount on the pictures. I can't wait to see how they turned out." Iliana said excitedly.
"They'll be fine." Anastasia said.
"Well you have nothing to worry about; your face is nothing less than perfect." Iliana replied, sounding slightly envious.
Anastasia didn't reply, but she didn't deny it either. Nero almost shook his head at her in amusement.
"I'll bring them in a minute." Alexis told her "By the way, how's the puppy doing?"
"Oh fine, Drake keeps him perfectly safe." Iliana replied.
"Speaking of perfectly safe." Alexis began, narrowing her eyes at Nero again "I want to continue what I was saying earlier."
Nero turned away from her and she gaped.
"Don't you dare turn away from me, Max!"
"Well, if I'm going to be lectured, I may as well have a seat." Nero replied, sitting down and looking at her.
"You are such a-" Alexis couldn't even finish the last few words.
"He always has been just slightly cocky." Anastasia said with a cold smile and Raven looked over at her, face slightly confused.
"As have you." Nero replied.
"Furan trait. We just can't help actually being superior." Anastasia said.
Darkdoom was looking at Alexis as she faced him.
"So? Are you going to say anything? Because I would really like to think that you actually have feelings for our son."
"Alexis, first of all it wasn't like I was thrilled when I found out either." Darkdoom replied irritably.
"You certainly aren't saying you weren't."
"That's a little uncalled for." Nero said.
"Don't tell me what's uncalled for!" Alexis shot back at him.
There was a scratching at the door and then it opened. Drake came running in, followed by a teetering puppy and Pietor. The dog immediately laid down, panting as he looked at the humans.
"Are you still complaining about that?" he asked, scowling at her.
"My son was taken." Alexis said, her voice rising slightly.
"He's fine." Pietor snapped, looking exasperated.
Alexis turned and punched him in the arm, making him stagger to the side slightly at the unexpected blow. Darkdoom's eyes shot open, along with most the others and Iliana choked, reaching to cover her mouth. Anastasia just looked as if she found it all revolting with a slight touch of amusement. Alexis folded her arms defiantly as Pietor looked at her in annoyance, mouth hanging slightly as if trying to decide whether to yell at her or not.
"Geez lady!" he said, letting out a big breath, hand covering his upper arm protectively. He walked past her and into his room, apparently quite offended.
"You know Alexis if I taught you how to punch correctly, you could make it hurt a lot more." Raven said helpfully.
Alexis snorted slightly in amusement, but she appeared to be regaining her temper.
"I just want to make sure you know that I am not okay with the casualness in which you treat their safety, Max." she said, flicking her hand at the students.
"I assure you it's anything but casual." Nero replied coolly.
"I have to say I agree." Raven added.
"Well I know I can trust you." Alexis told her. She shot Nero one more hostile glance before letting out an irritated breath. She looked around at the others.
"I'll go get the pictures."
Once she left, Nathaniel shook his head.
"What in the world did you do, Maximilian, to earn such hatred?"
"You know, I honestly don't know." he said.
"You don't seem to like her any better though."
"Never has." Darkdoom said, giving him a small scowl.
"You blame me, Diabolus?" Nero asked testily.
"I didn't say anything." his friend replied "But you certainly don't help the situation."
"Did I do anything while she yelled at me?" Nero asked.
"No, but she took your argument out on Pietor." Darkdoom said pointedly, raising an eyebrow.
"That she did, but I'm fairly sure he'll get over it." Anastasia said, turning around.
"Where are you going?" Iliana asked "Don't you want to see the pictures?"
"I'll come back down." Anastasia replied.
Iliana shook her head "Your loss. I'll just get to see them first."
"How long ago did you take these?" David asked.
"Oh about three months ago." Iliana replied, turning to him "And I think we looked awesome, but you know that's only my opinion."
"Your opinion is usually very validated." David told her and she grinned.
"Is Pietor smiling?" he asked in amusement.
"He is actually; I can't wait for you to see." Iliana said. She waited a few more seconds before getting up "She's taking a long time."
Then the door reopened and Iliana halted her approach and backed up to return to her seat.
"Okay I have the portrait one in my car because that one is huge." Alexis said, shutting the door behind her. She brought over a large and thick envelope and handed it to Iliana.
"There you are."
Iliana took it quickly and pulled out a stack of photos, examining them.
"Oh my gosh we look amazing." she said, her voice high with excitement. She laid them on the table and began to spread them out.
The first one on top was one of Pietor and Iliana. She had her arms wrapped around his neck and Pietor, surprisingly, was smiling. In the background was a beautiful green garden and they were positioned under a willow tree. Iliana was wearing an orange pastel dress and Pietor had on a blue shirt and jeans. In another one she was standing just in front of him, turned to the side slightly.
"Wow you do look gorgeous." Shelby said, looking at all the pictures.
"Pietor doesn't look half bad either." Iliana said, smiling.
"Heck yeah he does." Alexis commented.
"How did you get him to smile like that?" Nathaniel asked. Nero and Raven gazed at them and Raven looked particularly puzzled.
"It took a lot of begging." Iliana replied "Nah, I'm kidding, he was pretty cooperative."
Anastasia and Pietor had pictures of just the two of them standing beside each other. Anastasia also had on a dress and looked quite beautiful.
"Geez she's so photogenic." Iliana whispered "Perfect smile, perfect hair and she always looks so proper. Stands up perfectly straight. Both of them do."
"She is gorgeous." Alexis said "But so are you girl." she picked up one where Anastasia was alone, leaning against a tree.
"Aren't they so cute? Brother and sister?" Iliana asked.
"They are." David agreed, smiling "Iliana you do look very pretty. And look at Juliana."
"Oh I know. Isn't that the cutest outfit?" Iliana replied.
Juliana had on a furry vest over an orange and white flowered shirt with a pair of jeans on. She had her hands on her hips and a huge smile. Another one had her lying on her stomach with her chin in her hands.
Nero's face was thoughtful as he looked at all the pictures of the Furans. They all looked very happy and for a moment he almost felt envious. They seemed to have just the perfect life. But he dismissed the thought, knowing it wasn't true. It came with a twinge of sadness as he wondered just how different life could have been if Elena was still alive. He might even have been included in these pictures.
"She is just a little doll." Alexis said.
Iliana smiled "This one is one of my favorites. And the one where we're all together."
The one she was holding up was one of just Pietor and Juliana. She was on his lap on her knees with her hands on his cheeks. In another she was in his arms, her face one of pure laughter.
In the combined picture, Iliana and Anastasia shook next to each other with Pietor kneeling in the middle and Juliana on his shoulders.
"Aren't they just precious?" Iliana asked, her voice high pitched.
"Very." Nathaniel said, his voice trembling with amusement.
"You're so right, Anastasia kind of looks like a model." Shelby said.
"Right?" Iliana replied.
"I was wondering about the black and white ones." Alexis said, pulling them out from under the rest.
"Oh those are the more serious ones. Like I wanted some to like capture the emotion, if that makes sense." Iliana told her.
The background was slightly faded out in these ones to make the people more prominent. Pietor held Juliana in his arms but this time she rested her head on his shoulder and he had his head turned towards hers, not looking at the camera.
"It just gives that cute father-daughter effect." Iliana said with a contented sigh. She reached down to pet Drake, who was lying beside her on the ground. Prince was sleeping nearby, halfway on his back.
"You should see Juliana's baby pictures." Iliana said "There's this one where it's just Pietor and Juliana's hands and I literally want to cry when I see it."
"I like this one." Shelby said, handing her one.
"Oh." Iliana laughed "That one was fun."
Pietor held Iliana in his arms this time, and was leaning down to kiss her with her feet in the air.
"And he was mocking those others about their engagement pictures." Darkdoom said.
Iliana laughed with him "His excuse would be that we didn't send these out to people."
Raven hadn't said anything yet, but her eyes were thoughtful as she looked at them. They just seemed so normal.
"I'm going to show this to Pietor, I'll be right back." Iliana said, standing up. She went into his room, shutting the door behind her.
Juliana came running down the stairs, almost tripping on her own feet. Drake leaped to his feet, excited to see the little girl.
"Drake! I missed you!" Juliana squealed "And I missed you too Prince!"
"Missed them?" Alexis echoed "Where have you been?"
"I went on a trip." Juliana told her, wrapping her arms around her dog's neck "Mommy and Daddy missed me too."
Alexis looked over at the others, eyes puzzled.
"Where'd she go?"
Darkdoom glanced at Nero and the others, who shrugged.
###
"Well I thought they were pretty adorable." Iliana said, walking around her husband.
"Yeah? And you showed all the others those?" Pietor asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, of course." Iliana replied "If you haven't noticed, they're kind of family now."
"Just don't expect me to treat them like it." Pietor said.
"Oh hahaha. Juliana is out there now. I think she wants to play with the dogs so I would go out and help her if I were you. Drake tends to overpower her." Iliana said, turning around.
"Be careful you don't overdue it." Pietor said, gesturing at her rounded stomach.
"Hey. I know." Iliana replied, scrunching her nose at him.
"So you've said, but I don't see much resting."
"I don't have time to rest right now." Iliana said in exasperation "And besides that, I don't want to, it's boring." She waved her hand "Come and join us."
"I will in a second."
Iliana rolled her eyes at her husband's antisocialness, but she conceded and opened the door to walk outside.
"Hey Juliana, Daddy is-" Iliana broke off as Alexis suddenly embraced her in a hug. As they separated, Iliana looked at her in surprise.
"What was that for?"
"Oh my gosh, you poor thing. They just told me that Juliana was taken too. She's been gone this whole time." Alexis said, staring at her with both her hands still on the pregnant woman's shoulders.
"You must have been so worried." Alexis continued, guiding her over to the couch.
"Well yeah, I was." Iliana said. She looked at the others, who all were watching with different expressions.
"And how come nobody told me about this? Like called me? With this whole guy and everything." Alexis replied, putting her hand over her mouth "She's only like three years old, oh my gosh how did you cope?"
"I didn't really." Iliana admitted "Mainly it was just a lot of crying."
"Oh and Pietor must have been so worried too. You guys must have been so stressed out." Alexis said, shaking her head "I had no idea and oh!" she covered her mouth again "I just freaking slugged him in the arm, after all that."
"He's okay." Iliana told her, smiling slightly.
"No that was so mean." Alexis looked up as Pietor's door reopened again. She got up and walked over, arms open to hug him. As Pietor noticed her, he stopped and took a slight step backward, face rather repulsed.
"What the heck are you doing?"
Nathaniel chuckled and Darkdoom and Nero shared a look, apparently quite entertained. David was smiling
"Wow." Alexis said dropping her arms "Dude are you okay?"
"Fine why?" Furan asked, walking around her cautiously.
"Juliana was kidnapped too!" Alexis replied incredulously. The little girl was still playing with Drake while Prince slept on.
"Yes, I was aware." Furan replied.
"I'm sorry about hitting you. Do you want me to rub it?"
He looked at her "No. Thanks."
"Are you sure, because I totally will." Alexis said "Here, sit down by Iliana and you two just relax." she moved a pillow and patted the seat "You've been through enough."
Pietor just kind of stared down at where she patted, then his eyes flicked to her as if unsure what to do.
"So what does she think happened?" Alexis asked intently.
"She just thinks it was kind of a game." Iliana responded.
"Where's Anastasia I need to hug her too." Alexis said "And sit down Pietor, you need to take it easy. Let me take care of things around here for a while."
###
"Your ex-wife is quite hospitable." Nathaniel commented to Darkdoom.
He sighed slightly "She is good at that."
Now that it was dinner time, Iliana and Alexis were in the kitchen, although Alexis had protested that
Iliana do any work. She told them she was making a special meal to celebrate Juliana's return. Anastasia had joined them after a little while.
Pietor was playing with Juliana on the floor with her puppy. She sat in her father's lap, petting the little dog.
David was talking to Raven and Nero in a very comfortable conversation. Nero was asking him questions once in a while which David responded too.
"She's gets a little crazy though." Nigel muttered and Darkdoom looked at him sympathetically.
"I know, son. I know."
"When she punched uh...Mr. Furan...I thought he was going to kill her." Nigel said, sounding nervous.
"Oh no, they seem to be on good terms." Nathaniel said, chuckling "Now if it had been a stranger I might not be too sure." He looked over to where the assassin was sitting with Juliana, a slight smile on his face.
The little girl was talking softly to her puppy, who was struggling to get away from her. He finally wriggled out and began teetering across the room. Juliana leaped up to follow him.
"Daddy, he is running away!" she complained so Pietor got up to go after her. He caught the little dog and handed it to his daughter. She climbed on the couch with him and Pietor sat beside her.
Nigel's eyes followed him the whole way and Darkdoom nudged him to stop him from staring, but he looked amused rather than irritated.
"Good to have her back then?" Nathaniel said, nodding at Juliana.
Pietor looked up at him for a second, but he didn't say anything in reply.
"You really haven't changed much." Nathaniel told him, smiling slightly "I mean since you were younger. Quiet with company."
"I've never seen much of a reason to talk." Pietor said.
"And blunt." Nathaniel added, chuckling.
"He's pretty loud when he's giving orders." Raven said, looking over at them. Nero and David stopped talking as well to listen to the conversation.
"Umm...are you trying to insult me because I'm not insulted." Pietor said.
"No. It was just a statement." Raven replied. He raised an eyebrow as if he didn't quite believe her.
Drake jumped up onto the couch beside Juliana, tail wagging furiously. As he started to lick her face vigorously, Pietor shoved him off. The dog turned around, tongue still hanging out happily. He leaped back up and Prince tried to bite his paws, but ended up gnawing on Juliana's pants.
"Drake get off." Pietor said, waving an arm and the Husky obeyed but stayed at Juliana's feet.
"Sit!" Juliana told him and he tucked his paws under him and sat. She got off the couch and set the puppy down.
"Sit!" she said and Drake readjusted himself, but Prince kept standing.
"Prince does not listen." she said, looking at her father.
"I know. We'll have to teach him some manners." Pietor responded to her. Juliana beckoned Drake to follow her and she walked over to the fire place with him.
"Especially before your next two daughters arrive." Nathaniel said.
"Oh yeah I forgot you were having twins." Shelby said.
"I'm not having anything." Pietor replied.
"Iliana then." Shelby corrected herself, scowling at him. He scowled right back.
"You haven't really said much about that." Nathaniel continued.
"There's not much to say." Furan said. He watched Juliana as she climbed up on the ledge of the fireplace "Juliana, remember what I told you about getting on there?" There were a few too many grooves in the rock fireplace where she could try to get higher to reach the shelf above. The little girl didn't say anything, but sat down on the ledge, feet dangling as she looked back at the rest of them, eyes big.
"But Iliana didn't tell you either time when she found out?" Darkdoom asked.
"She claims she didn't know the second time." the assassin snorted slightly "I'm still debating on whether or not that's true."
Nathaniel silently chuckled as they slowly began to draw the man into conversation.
"I know she had to be feeling different at fifteen weeks." Pietor went on.
"Maybe not." Nathaniel said "She seems to be a very active person, sometimes it doesn't present symptoms."
"You only had one child, what do you know?" Nero asked, raising an eyebrow.
"More than some people would think." Nathaniel replied.
"Well I know one thing for sure; she didn't want to get any injections." Pietor said.
"How many did she have to have the time before?" Nathaniel asked "Besides the blood draws, there shouldn't have been too many."
"Any needle for her is too many." Pietor replied.
"Has she always been that way?"
"Well you can't exactly blame her." he explained "She was put through hell with Gabdin. He liked to experiment on her until her mother was finally informed."
"From what I've heard, the Convit sounds like a rather awful organization." Nathaniel said.
"Yes it was." Pietor replied.
"They had very antagonistic feelings towards G.L.O.V.E." Darkdoom commented.
"Well not that I blame them." Pietor said and Nero rolled his eyes.
"I've heard the name Gabdin." Nathaniel said, eyes flicking between them in amusement and Pietor scoffed "Who was he exactly?"
"Chief Gabdin, the ludicrous egotistical idiot who was the first to give the Convit a bad name." Pietor replied.
"I take it you didn't get on with him very well."
"He was also Iliana's step-father." Darkdoom told him.
"Yes, I remember Gavriil mentioning that." Nathaniel nodded "And Iliana's mother remarried already?"
"She's remarried several times." Furan said, crossing his legs "A bit of a predictable occurrence now."
"Sounds like that bothers you." Nathaniel replied.
"Well yes, particularly because it bugs Iliana. Also because no one should be that flexible in marriages."
"She seems happy in this one." Darkdoom said.
Pietor shrugged, though he looked unconcerned "That's how she's been in most of them I guess. It's not really-Juliana Furan."
Everyone looked over at the little girl, or at least where the little girl should have been. Juliana was balancing on Drake, trying to climb up the fireplace. Besides Pietor, everyone shared a feeling of amusement because she had waited until her father was distracted to do exactly what he told her not to do. That was all he had to say because she froze at her name, eyes wide.
"Get down right now." Pietor growled, looking irritated.
Juliana began to try and descend, but Drake moved quickly all of the sudden, unbalancing her. She fell off him and banged her head rather hard on the wall, knocking over the fire tools as she did so, which added another loud crash to the scenario.
Pietor let out a deep resigned breath and got up to walk over to her. Nathaniel and several of the others stoop up to check on her.
She was still on her knees, rubbing the side of her head. Pietor walked until he stood over her.
"Do you see why I tell you not to climb up there?" he growled harshly "See what happens when you don't listen to me?"
Nathaniel and David both looked like they were going to say something, worried he might be too hard on the little girl, especially after the hit to the head. But then Pietor leaned to pick her up. He grabbed her by the arms and she rested her head on his shoulder, eyes red. Her mouth was trembling slightly, more from the shock than anything else. He held her with one arm as he returned to his seat. Darkdoom and Nathaniel exchanged a knowing glance. However tough the man was, he was always gentle with his daughter. He was only angry when he got worried.
Pietor sat his daughter up on his lap to look at the spot where she'd hit her head.
"Well you're going to have a bump." he told her and Juliana rubbed it, looking very tired now.
"Ow." she said softly.
"I would think so." Pietor said, letting her rest it against him again.
Anastasia came out of the kitchen, probably attracted by the noise.
"What happened out here?" she asked.
"A little accident." Nathaniel replied, smiling slightly.
"Juliana was climbing up the fireplace again." Pietor said "Except this time she fell."
Anastasia nodded with knowing eyes "Hm. I bet she got a scolding for that. I'd better let the other two nervous women in there know what happened."
Raven looked back and forth between the brother and sister for a minute, eyes unreadable.
"Anyway what I was saying is that it's not really the man as much as the fact that she likes to stay married." Pietor went on, finishing the earlier conversation.
"Yes, but it wasn't always to my ex-wife's father." Darkdoom replied.
"That...was a bit of an odd circumstance." Pietor agreed.
"Well it did give you a chance to talk to her." Nathaniel said, looking at Darkdoom pointedly.
"Yes it did. But I don't think it helped the situation at all." Darkdoom responded.
"But you could." Pietor said, and many of the eyes went to him. He raised his eyebrows at the increased attention.
"What do you mean?" Darkdoom asked, frowning.
"Nothing."
"No really, what did you mean?" Darkdoom repeated, not wanting the man to withdraw again.
"Nothing." Pietor said again "Forget I said anything."
"No I can't after something like that." Darkdoom said, turning fully to face him.
Pietor scowled at him slightly and let out a deep breath before talking "Just that you could easily win her over again." he said.
"Why do you think that?" Darkdoom asked.
"I'm definitely not one to get in the middle of relationships so I bow out now."
"She seems to have a rather strong disliking for me now." Darkdoom said with a snort.
"She seems to have a strong disliking for everyone." Nero scoffed.
"That's not true, I think it's mostly just you." Pietor said. Nero shot him a look.
###
"Alright, now I have arranged seating." Alexis said, beckoning the others into the dining room. Juliana was back to her bubbly self now, bouncing around the group as they gathered around the table. There were wine glasses in front of all the plates except the students and Juliana's.
"Where did David go?" Shelby asked, pulling out her chair. The others were all in conversation and she had to raise her voice slightly.
"He headed back home. He wants to stay around his mother as much as possible." Iliana explained, from behind the counter.
"Hey, people quiet down." Alexis said, waving her hands.
"Hey Juliana, you're over here." Iliana said, lifting up a plate at the kitchen counter "I made you something special."
"Special?" Juliana asked, skipping over. She climbed up on the chair where her booster seat was. Her food wasn't necessarily special as much as less sophisticated.
After everyone had taken Iliana picked up the bottle of wine and began to try and pry out the cork. By the look on her face, she was clearly struggling. Then after failing, she handed down it to Pietor, who took it with almost a smile.
"Oh shut up." she said.
He pulled it out with a loud pop and handed it back to her. Iliana poured some into her glass and held it up.
"A toast." she said with a smile "To safe returns."
"Amen." Alexis agreed. Everyone raised their glasses in return.
###
"It's not like I ever planned on becoming the Wraith." Shelby said, sitting back in her chair "It just kind of happened."
"Yes but when did you suddenly decide to become a thief?" Iliana asked.
"You mean, when was the first time I stole something?"
"Sure."
"Oh I don't know, I probably started my life of crime when I was about four." Shelby replied with a shrug "Unintentionally of course."
"Of course." Alexis muttered. She was sitting next to Nigel and Raven, neither near Darkdoom, nor far away. They had finished a very large meal and hadn't left the kitchen yet but were engaged in a rather comfortable conversation.
"Sometimes it's hard to understand how some kids get into H.I.V.E." Shelby was saying, preaching to the whole table. Juliana was at the counter, still eating her food.
"Like who for instance Miss Trinity?" Nero asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Like Franz for one thing. Don't get me wrong, he's a friend, but..." Shelby faded off and shrugged again "There are some others too."
"There is more than one stream." Nero replied.
"That's true I guess."
Anastasia took a sip of the red wine in her glass "And which stream did you decide to be Max? I remember it was quite the debate."
"That has never been concluded, unfortunately." Nero replied with a slight smile. She was referring to an argument him and Elena had once had.
"Umm well I'm pretty sure you could figure that out now." Shelby said. Juliana had turned around on her chair and was facing them now, bouncing up and down.
"Mommy, can I be finished?" she asked.
"Let me see your plate." Iliana said and her daughter held it up. Most of her food was still untouched.
"Keep eating, babe, you've hardly eaten anything." Iliana responded, turning back to the group. The little girl made a face but she didn't argue.
Alexis was still talking with Nigel, who was looking much happier than he normally did. Darkdoom watched them from the corner of his eye, even though he was talking to Nathaniel.
Juliana pulled her spoon out of her mouth, chewing quite loudly. Drake was sitting at the entrance to the kitchen, head on his paws. He was watching her, ears up. Juliana took another bite that barely fit into her mouth. She tried to chew, but then started coughing hard.
Pietor nearly sprang out of his seat in case she was choking but then she caught her breath. Iliana looked back quickly, eyes wide. Juliana cleared her throat, oblivious that anyone had been worried.
Pietor slowly sat back down, watching her for a moment. Most of the eyes were on him now as he retook his seat.
"Dude you freaked me out." Iliana said.
"I thought she was choking." Pietor replied.
"Obviously. That's why I was freaked out." Iliana said "Hey Juliana come over here, you can be finished."
Juliana opened her mouth wide in surprise and she jumped down with her plate in her hands. But it tipped the plate off balance and it clattered to the floor loudly, throwing food everywhere.
"Touchdown!" Pietor said, not even bothering to look back.
Iliana shot him a look, but was too amused for it to really have effect.
"Oops." Juliana said, looking apologetically nervous.
"I guess we all needed to readjust to her being back." Anastasia said, taking another long drink of wine.
Juliana jumped up into Pietor's arms and he gave her a kiss on the head, a rather rare gesture of affection in public.
###
The group left the kitchen after a little bit. All except for Alexis anyway, who was making a dessert. Juliana was scribbling on a paper on the floor. Her paper was one of multiple colors by now.
Iliana was sitting next to Shelby, who had a hand on her stomach to feel any kicking.
"Whoa." Shelby said suddenly "That was a big one. Does it hurt?"
Iliana twisted her mouth as she thought "No not really. Occasionally it does."
Pietor sat on her opposite side and would look up occasionally at the student, although he never said anything. Nathaniel was watching them in amusement.
"Will David come back over tomorrow? I feel like I never even really saw him." Shelby said "All you have to do is go up to him and ask to do something and he'll do it." Iliana replied "I'm sure he'll back over. Although he still freaking feels bad."
"Feels bad?" Nathaniel asked. The others also looked over at her.
"For the whole thing with Gavriil. He literally doesn't think you guys will ever trust him." Iliana said, with a slight shrug "I trust him with my life."
"He proved himself relatively well at the end." Nero told her "I have very few concerns that he's disloyal."
"Tell him to relax, he's fine." Pietor added "Nothing's really changed much."
"He had a lot at stake." Anastasia said coolly. It was hard to tell whether she harbored any hard feelings or not, but she didn't say anything else.
"Yeah I know but he's never going to be able to forgive himself for what happened." Iliana said, looking at Raven.
"What do you mean?" Raven asked.
"What Gavriil did to you." Iliana replied, nodding at her arm "He feels so awful. He literally could've started crying he feels so bad."
"Why should he feel bad?" Raven asked, narrowing her eyes slightly in confusion.
"Because he was there." Iliana said "And he would have stopped it, but he said they had his mother at gun point. Pretty much the only way they could stop him from intervening."
"Well I understand that." Raven replied "I thought I heard Gavriil say his name, but I couldn't be sure at the time."
"Yeah. He's the one who had you sedated after. Gavriil would have left you awake." Iliana said "From what I heard, he used some pretty nasty drugs on you. Probably only made the pain all the worse. David went in after and put you out."
"Well then I'll have to thank him." Raven decided and Iliana's eyes widened in surprise. "I certainly wouldn't have wanted to stay conscious after that."
"That would make him feel so much better I think." Iliana said, sounding relieved "I'm so glad no one here blames him."
"I thought he seemed a bit quieter than the last time we were here." Darkdoom said.
There was a scratching on the kitchen door and a quiet whining. Pietor glanced over then got up and went over to push open the door for Drake. The dog trotted out, tail waving.
"Oh I think I felt a double kick that time." Shelby said, moving her hand on Iliana's stomach.
"I know that happens a lot actually." Iliana replied. Drake suddenly started barking, making Laura jump about ten feet in the air. The dog rushed over to the couches, barking deep in his throat. Pietor walked over and nudged the dog with his foot.
The dog avoided him though, now very clearly growling at Shelby. The student sat back, looking rather freaked out. Juliana stared at her dog, eyes big.
"Drake, stop it, what's the matter with you?" Iliana said, scowling at the dog in confusion, but the dog stopped almost immediately, ears up and friendly. Then Juliana went back to coloring, unconcerned now.
"What the heck?" Iliana said.
"What did I do?" Shelby asked indignantly.
"I don't know, but he seems fine now." Iliana shook her head as Pietor walked around the dog and retook his seat "Anyway what I was saying was that the double kick usually happens a lot. It always feels like it's over here." Iliana put a hand on the left side of her stomach "See feel."
Shelby reached out and touched her again, but Drake started growling, ears flat. Shelby took her hand off, eyes wide. The dog laid down, all signs of aggression gone.
"I don't think he likes it when you touch her." Nathaniel said with a curious look at the dog.
"She is pregnant." Darkdoom pointed out.
Pietor placed a hand on Iliana's rounded stomach, but the dog had no reaction.
"Doesn't seem to mind it when I do it." he said.
"Wait, Max get over here. Or Diabolus, I don't care just anyone." Iliana said, waving a hand.
Darkdoom looked at Nero, eyebrow raised, who shrugged and motioned him on. Darkdoom went over to her and touched her stomach. At once, Drake was on his feet, barking and baring his teeth at the man.
"Wow this is funny." Iliana said, smiling in amusement. Drake snarled, taking a few steps forward.
"I would back off Diabolus, before he attacks you." Pietor advised. The man nodded in agreement, looking down at the angry dog.
"Wow. How come he doesn't bark at you?" Iliana asked, looking at him.
"I'm guessing because he knows that's the father of your child." Nathaniel answered for her with a sly look at Pietor.
"He also knows Pietor would never hurt her." Anastasia added, blinking slowly.
"Well what about you." Iliana beckoned her "You try."
"Oh he won't dare bark at me." Anastasia said.
"How do you know?" Iliana asked.
"If you were a dog, would you bark at Anastasia?" Pietor asked, giving her a sideways glance.
"No, but I wouldn't bark at anyone. And I'm not a dog!" Iliana replied.
Anastasia sighed in irritation, but she got up to walk over. She laid a hand on her sister-in-law's stomach and looked at the dog, almost challenging him to growl. Drake's ears pricked, but he didn't make a sound. He kept his eyes trained on her the entire time.
"I told you." Anastasia said with a scathing look at her.
Drake stood up suddenly, whining loudly. He went and reared up, putting his paws on her arm to lower it from the pregnant woman. The others chuckled as the dog politely wagged his tail, trying to draw her away from Iliana.
"Little brat." Anastasia said, running a hand under his chin and bumping it up. He turned away towards Juliana, who stood up and climbed on him.
"Well that's good to know. I guess." Iliana said, looking perplexed.
"Yeah don't get close to her or Drake will kill you." Pietor said, looking pointedly at the students, in particular Shelby "Or me."
His phone beeped just as Shelby opened her mouth to protest. He grabbed it and stood up, looking at it.
"What is it?" Iliana asked.
Pietor just raised a finger slightly at her and turned to leave the room answering the phone with his usual greeting "This is Furan."
Iliana looked at Anastasia "Who is it?"
"I wouldn't worry about it." Anastasia replied.
"Like I shouldn't worry about it like it's a job he's going to take or you just don't want me to worry don't worry?" Iliana asked.
"Both." Anastasia replied.
Iliana stared at her and the woman looked back with a completely calm expression.
"Okay, I'm just going to take your word for it." Iliana said finally as the kitchen door opened.
Alexis came out, carrying a tray of cookies in one hand.
Juliana sprang up "Cookies!" she ran over to the woman, who lowered it for her. The girl grabbed a cookie and took a huge bite, pleasure clear on her face.
"Anyone up for dessert?" Alexis asked, walking over the group and setting the tray down on the table in front of them.
Nigel's eyes lit up, but he didn't move forward until Shelby did. Alexis smiled as he did so, then looked at Darkdoom.
"Well Diabolus, I know you're a fan so don't be shy." she said "They're really good snickerdoodles everyone so don't miss out."
"I love snickerdoodles." Iliana said, leaning forward to take one.
Nigel ate the first one in no time flat; clearly a fan of his mother's cooking. He looked hesitant to grab another, but nobody seemed to find anything wrong with it.
After a moment Pietor returned from his phone call and Alexis glanced back. Then she picked up the tray and walked over to him.
"Here you go."
"I'm good." Pietor replied. He had a candy cane hanging from his mouth by the wrapper making his voice slightly muffled.
"Why?" Alexis asked "At least try it. You never eat anything; I don't know how you're so built."
Pietor just raised his eyebrows, but he didn't say anything else. Anastasia sniffed in amusement from her seat.
"Come on." Alexis urged.
"No thanks. I'm allergic to cinnamon." Pietor told her, walking past her.
"Really?" she asked, turning after him with a frown.
"Really."
"Man I wish you would have told me, I'd have made some without cinnamon." Alexis said, setting down the tray and giving him a dissatisfied look.
"Don't worry about it, they're just cookies." Pietor said looking quite unconcerned and taking his spot beside Iliana.
"No that bugs me." Alexis said "You can't have any?"
"No. It makes my tongue go numb and I sound like a lunatic, just ask Anastasia." Pietor said.
"I confirm. But it's also very funny." his sister replied and Nero looked at her with a slight smile.
"Now I just want you to do it so I can hear it." Shelby said.
"No."
"Why the heck are you eating a candy cane, it's only November." Shelby said, eyeing his piece of candy.
Pietor glared at her "Am I a normal person?"
Shelby frowned, eyes flicking back and forth, worried it was a trick question "No...?"
"Then don't ask."
Iliana was about to say something but then her face just grew into a smile as she thought about what he had just said. Nathaniel laughed silently.
"Well what exactly do you sound like?" Shelby asked, but the assassin ignored her completely.
"He sounds like he has a very strong lisp." Iliana replied.
"Yep." Pietor said.
"You know what sounds good?" Iliana asked "That ice cream I never ate that's in the freezer."
Pietor looked at her as she smiled at him "Is that a hint?"
"It seemed pretty obvious." Anastasia said, crossing her legs.
Juliana went to grab another cookie, taking another massive bite.
"I think that's all after that one, Jewels." Iliana told her, glancing at her daughter.
"Let her have what she wants." Alexis said, waving a hand "It's been a rough time for everyone."
"I doubt you were that lenient with your kid." Iliana replied, raising an eyebrow.
"No I wasn't, you're right." Alexis responded, with a look towards Nigel, who didn't seem to like the attention.
Pietor's mouth curved slightly and he should up to fulfill Iliana's earlier request.
"No wait, I'll get it." Alexis said, turning after him and nearly colliding with him. They both jerked back just in time.
"Oh wow, you really are a beast." Alexis said, leaning back slightly to look up at the very tall, muscular assassin. He scowled back at her, face just as grouchy as before.
###
It was dark outside by the time the G.L.O.V.E. council meeting ended. Nero and Raven were outside near the tall fence that surrounded the Furan's territory. Nero shut his Black box.
"Well, that was eventful as always." he said, tucking it into his jacket.
Raven nodded "Indeed, they never seem quite satisfied with any decisions do they?"
"There are always some complaints." Nero agreed and the two of them began to walk back towards the door.
A bit before they reached it, the door opened and Iliana appeared. She waved at them and shut it behind her.
"Hello."
"What can we do for you?" Nero asked.
"Whoa, so formal." Iliana replied. She was wearing a jacket that wasn't suited for the nighttime chills of Russia and looked a little chilly.
"You should get back inside." Nero told her, going forward to lead her in.
Iliana smiled "Everyone wants to take care of the pregnant lady. I'm okay. I actually wanted to talk to you."
"Yes?" Nero asked, halting and looking at her.
"Well first of all I need to say thank you to you for saving my life." Iliana said, looking at Raven.
Raven shook her head slightly.
"Can you just take credit for it?" Iliana asked, grinning "Make things easier for everyone."
Raven didn't say anything in reply; she just looked back at the woman with a blink.
"But I take it that's not all you wanted to say." Nero replied, sensing she had something on her mind.
Iliana suddenly looked uncomfortable "Well, I'm assuming you're going to leave soon and I was wondering if..." she paused for a moment "I want us all to be on good terms. I was wondering if you would talk to Pietor."
Nero tilted his head "Pietor?"
Iliana shuffled slightly "Well after all, I do remember what you were arguing about before I was shot. You did accuse him of doing something he didn't do. That needs to be resolved if things are going to be put right before you leave."
Raven glanced at Nero to see his reaction but his face was completely calm.
"I'm not trying to tell you what to do; it's just that it really poisoned some feelings around here. And besides, even if you don't want to be friends with them, you are going to be allies so doesn't a better relationship make things easier?"
There was silence between them for a moment and Iliana simply stared at him.
"You're right." Nero said after a moment, defusing the tension "I did accuse him, although he didn't make the situation any easier to deal with. But no, Iliana, I don't just want to be allies."
She looked up at him and Raven didn't say anything, but her jaw tightened.
"Things are different now and I am willing to try and resolve the past of ill feelings." Nero replied "I will talk to him."
"Thanks." Iliana said, looking relieved "You know, Anastasia and him are coming to peace with their sister's death. Anastasia is still healing and all, she just shows it differently. They've never been extremely open people."
Nero sighed "Not many are in this type of work; I'm not going to blame them."
Raven gave him a sideways glance, but either he didn't see it or he ignored it. She was frowning, looking rather angry.
"I'll talk to him, Iliana, you don't need to worry." Nero told her, about to continue into the house.
"Hey Max." Iliana said and he looked back at her.
"I know you and Elena were close and..." she shuffled her feet "You know you can be Juliana's uncle. If you wanted. You were close enough to the family before, I don't see why we can't fix that now."
Nero was silent for a moment but when he looked back at her, his eyes were gentle, quite a difference from the normal "Thank you, Iliana."
"Pietor just put Juliana to sleep." Iliana told him "He should be in the kitchen now."
###
Pietor opened the fridge, grabbing a water bottle from the middle shelf. Juliana had always a super easy child to put to sleep, she never argued. Though he guessed she was definitely still tired from the hit she had taken earlier.
As he closed the fridge, he heard the kitchen door open. Turning, he expected to see Iliana, but to his disgust it was Nero. He scolded at the man, not sure whether this was a coincidence that he was in here as well, but he knew that there were almost never coincidences with this man.
"What do you want, Nero?" he asked.
Nero looked back at him, not surprised by his unfriendliness, but decided not to return it.
"I'm just here to talk to you, there's no need to be defensive." he said.
Pietor's face didn't soften, he simply waited expectantly.
"I need to apologize." Nero said "I accused you of betraying G.L.O.V.E. when you hadn't. I'm sorry."
Pietor stared at him for a moment, then looked away "Hm."
Nero tried to catch his eye, but was unsuccessful.
"There's no reason for me to accept that apology." Pietor replied bitterly "We sought you out originally, because my sister was willing to try and look past everything you had done. An alliance means you trust one another, wouldn't you agree? You didn't see us blaming you for taking Juliana, even though that would have been far more likely than me kidnapping my own daughter."
"Fine don't accept it." Nero replied, ignoring him "I'm putting it out there anyways."
Pietor let out a breath through his nose, looking at him.
"And for the record, I am willing to look past everything that's happened as well." Nero went on "I understand the Glasshouse, although I don't know if Natalya ever will."
Pietor snorted "That's the thing Nero; we don't need you to understand. We don't need to apologize for it. You do the exact same thing right now. Why do you always try and make us to be the worse ones? We're not."
Nero clenched his jaw "Why can't you just have a calm conversation with me? You never let your guard down for a minute."
"Well I did once and look what happened." Pietor growled, glaring at him.
Nero went silent, looking at the ground as he thought for a moment.
"I never meant to take her away from you." he said quietly.
"But you did Nero, you absolutely did." Pietor replied "The last thing we ever got from her was a goodbye note."
Nero almost winced, but he kept his face neutral. He could almost see the assassin grieving for his lost sister, something he hid well.
"Your sister loved you, Pietor." he said "Elena could never have loved you and Anastasia more."
"But she left with you." Pietor replied "Why can't you see how suspicious that was, how we never had any closure? Anastasia would never have accepted that, and frankly neither would I."
"I know." Nero said "But can you also see my point of view? I knew you would be angry she left and you two were the only others she was really connected to."
"So you thought we would kill our own sister?" Pietor asked sharply.
"It seemed logical at the time; you never seemed to have a liking for me." Nero replied.
"Elena was my little sister, I protected her." Pietor growled "Anastasia was destroyed when she felt we let her down."
"I understand." Nero said "I told you I understood Pietor. I understand what happened, I understand why you did what you did, and I understand why Anastasia attempted suicide."
Pietor narrowed his eyes "What are you talking about?"
Nero blinked in surprise and for a moment he almost believed he had made a mistake.
"She attempted suicide. I know, Pietor."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Nero." Pietor said "That's ridiculous."
Nero frowned in confusion. The man sounded so sure.
"No."
Anastasia's voice came from outside the kitchen door and she pushed it open as she spoke.
"No." she repeated, looking at them. Her eyes were emotionless and Nero wasn't sure if that was a good sign or a bad one. He stared at her, wondering how long she'd been out there. It was clear for some time.
Anastasia walked forward and touched her brother's arm, but faced Nero.
"Thank you, Pietor, but there's no need to be so loyal." she said. Nero was surprised at how smoothly Pietor had been able to cover it up, without even a blink to indicate he was lying. Anastasia looked Nero directly in the eyes.
"Yes I did." she said boldly.
"How the hell did you know?" Pietor growled, glaring at him. He was posed defensively, with his shoulders tensed.
Anastasia held out a hand to quiet him, eyes suddenly full of sadness.
"Yes, Nero, I did. After Natalya failed us and you seemed to have completely forgotten us, I didn't see what else to do. I believed you had killed my sister, Max, and thought nothing of it. I had no way to reach you because you always hid yourself on that island. I was going to continue and try and find you, but then we became part of the Convit, which only reminded me more of your organization." There was a silence. "I lost my reason to live. But I have it back now and I won't lose it again."
Pietor was looking at her, eyes pained, but it was mingled with relief at her last words, confirming that she wasn't in danger of committing suicide anymore. Nero could clearly see how strong the bond was between the siblings.
Nero looked back at her calmly "I'm sorry, Anastasia."
"I'm sorry too." she replied "That extends to Natalya as well. I do not apologize for the Glasshouse because it served my purpose just as H.I.V.E. serves yours, but she is a friend now and I regret the pain I caused her." The woman's eyes were still guarded and Nero doubted he would ever be able to break through that wall, but he felt that this was enough for now he had another thing to fix.
###
Raven was in her room, standing by the desk, reading a report. She slowly flipped through the pages, face emotionless. She was getting ready to retire for the night, but had resentful emotions stirring inside that she knew would keep her staring at the ceiling.
There was a soft knock on the door and she turned around as Nero walked in. Raven raised her chin slightly, setting down the file.
"How did it go?" she asked calmly.
"You're angry." Nero said and Raven blinked at him, face turning into a scowl.
"I've known you for long enough to know when you're unhappy Natalya." he said, walking farther in "And that you often don't express it in front of me."
"I don't know what you're talking about." Raven replied.
"I know you're not happy about the Furans." Nero relented "And I can't say I blame you."
"You actually believe the Glasshouse was okay?" Raven asked boldly.
Nero shook his head slowly, but didn't answer the question "What Iliana said is true. We all have blood on our hands and the Glasshouse is part of the Furan's blood."
Raven didn't say anything, but she looked back down at the report. Nero followed her gaze, eyes widening a bit.
"Why are you reading that?" he asked.
"Pietor gave it to Iliana and she let me read it." Raven replied "I figure I should know how Elena died. Pietor won't give up the picture though or let Anastasia see it."
"I'm guessing he's destroyed it by now." Nero said, calmly "It hurts too much to look at it."
"I can never forgive them, Max." Raven replied suddenly "I will never. But…" she looked over at the file again "But I may begin to have a little bit of understanding." she looked down and Nero could see she was struggling to come up with what to say.
"Anastasia killed Coonan. The man who killed Elena." she said "To save me. He was going to shoot me, Max, and she stopped him."
Nero looked back at her, letting her speak.
"I cannot forgive them, but I won't forget that she did that when it meant so much to her to have him alive." Raven replied.
PLEASE JUST REMEMBER THAT THE RUSSIAN CONVIT IS FROM AN OLDER TIME AND THE CHARACTERS ARE VERY OUT OF CHARACTER FOR THE MOST PART. BUT I LOVE THAT I WROTE THE RUSSIAN CONVIT BECAUSE IT WAS THE BASELINE.
I am amending it now. I LOVE Pietor and Anastasia in this story and I wanted a better amend than there was in the Russian Convit because they realized after G.L.O.V.E. accused them that there were still ill feeling between and I felt that all three of them needed to be together. Nero and Pietor will never see eye to eye because well Nero dated his sister and yeah. Anastasia is still in pain and still a broken person like Raven. They are both healing. PLEASE REVIEW