Hello readers- thank you for waiting! I am sorry I have been so flaky…. This new job thing has gotten really crazy and I ended up traveling and doing an out of state interview. I have just been trying to get my career together… before fan fiction. Also I am really bad and when I don't have an R rated sece planned my motivation goes down. But I feel like this chapter feels nice. Especially for those who like V. Enjoy! The next chapter 'should' wrap up the main story line. I also have two bonus chapters planned. So three more to go (probably). Next deadline is November 20th.

It may be bizarre. But it's the only thing I can think of. If I can't get through to him….maybe kittens can? Getting up, not saying a word, I briskly walk to the bedroom. I carefully pick up the cat carrier and bring it back to where Jumin and V are seated. As I approach, Jumin's eyes are fixated on me, his head tilted to the side.

"The kittens?" He asks, clearly not understanding what I'm doing.

"Kittens?" V chimes in, confusion in his tone.

Sitting back next to V, I unzip the carrier, taking out one of the small creatures. Darling, still asleep, stretches her arms, shaking slightly. I can't help but smile. I wonder if V will feel the same way I do? Even though he can't see them… can he feel them?

"Hold out your hands." I tell V.

"MC…. I really don't think…." Jumin is clearly confused. But I ignore him.

Hestaintially, V presents his cupped hands. Lowering Darling slowly, I let him hold her.

"That's Darling." I tell him. "She's one week old… an orphan."

V falls silent, his breath slows.

"We're taking care of them." I tell him softly. Darling opens her eyes, making a gentle squeak. "She's pleased to meet you."

Rolling side to side, she begins to wiggle. I can't help but smile. Moving his hands, V strokes the kitten. "So small…." he whispers. "Why did you two bring kittens to Alaska….?"

"It just sort of happened…." I let out a nervous chuckle. Maybe this is crazy.

"Why are you having V hold the kittens?" Jumin is confused. I don't think I've seen him look this flustered before.

"Just hold her..." I say, sitting down next to V. I wait a moment. "Do you feel anything?"

"Feel anything? I suppose she is very warm…. and soft…." the kitten squeaks out as V talks. He falls silent. "I feel that the creature in my hands is the picture of innocence…"

I nod. "They are new... Like a white canvas." I tell him echoing his own words. "You can always start over."

Jumin's confused face grows more calm. Beginning to understand my actions.

"MC….." V's voice is uneven. "You misunderstand… I'm not a white canvas any longer…. I've destroyed every trace of pureness… for someone like me it's impossible to start over."

Shaking my head, I place my hand on his back. "Blank isn't pure. You can always repaint…. add… expand. I've realized while taking care of these kittens…. that you can always add…. As long as you're willing to accept love… there's always room."

Jumin's eyes soften.

"We love you." I continue. "If you open your heart and allow us to expand your heart well…. please come back home with us V."

Jumin strokes the kitten in V's hand. "My wife is right. Isolation has proven to be the problem not the answer. Sharing your burden can open new doors."

"But Rika…I can't..." V protests.

"Rika closed her heart." I tell him. "Being around her will just torment you. You both must heal in your own way…. right now… you're two paints that can't mix…." I try and say it in a way he can understand. "Everyone wants you back home. We will all be by your side."

"I…." V scratches behind the kitten's ear. "Maybe…. the way you put things sounds very nice….. I wish it were so easy. If it was I'd do it without hesitation."

I'm getting somewhere. Jumin looks more relaxed now.

"You can though."

"Someone like me doesn't deserve salvation…."

I frown. "Everyone deserves that….. especially you V."

"I miss my friend." Jumin says this with overwhelming vulnerability… something I've only seen him reveal privately to me.

The room is swept by an eerie silence. Did Jumin… just expose himself like that? To his friend? I didn't expect that….

"My wife puts it more poetically, but simply put, I want you back. I miss my best friend. I understand that grieving is a difficult process, but you need to let her go V. For your own sake."

"Jumin…."

"We have time. I won't force you to make a decision, but you should consider what we have said."

I smile at Jumin. "We're always here for you."

"I'm lucky to have such good friends." V's voice is quiet. He strokes the kitten softly. Slowly, I see Darling become more used to the stranger holding her. Burring her head against his hand, I hear a soft sucking.

I chuckle… the pamphlet the shelter gave me mentioned this behavior. V's body stiffens. "Is she ok?"

"That's normal…. they can do that when they are hungry. Would you like to help?"

"It's isn't hard." Jumin adds.

"All right …. if it will help."

"It would be a big help!"

And with those final words, a small smile of relief dawned V's face.

Together the three of us fed the kittens. The conversation grew more relaxed as Jumin and V discussed old memories. Memories of when they were in school, of times when they were children. Occasionally speaking of when Rika gave Jumin Elizabeth the Third, and how different the kittens are from that time.

After enjoying a nice lunch together V excused himself to take a nap. Apparently he hadn't been sleeping lately. I wouldn't be surprised if he was having nightmares keeping him up.

Tidying up the last of the dishes, I return to Jumin who is sitting silently on the couch. Keeping a close eye on the now sleeping kittens. I leaned down to place a kiss on his cheek.

"Are you alright?"

He takes my hand, flashing me a gentle smile. "I'm glad you came with me."

"Of course. We are a team right?"

"Yes…." he tugs my hand and I sit besides him. He quickly pulls me into his arms. "Although my sense of pride would like to tell me I could have achieved results on my own, truthfully I don't think I can convince him alone. While we are similar in many ways… V tends to act with his heart. I have always found it difficult to truly appeal to his sense of emotion. Being more logical- the actions do not come naturally to me." Jumin lets out a sigh. "I wonder if we would have met you sooner…. if you could have convinced him to get his eyes fixed…."

I shake my head. "Thinking of what if's won't do any good."

"Of course you are right…" Jumin leans against me, closing his eyes. "I don't know where I'd be without you, MC."

I kiss his arm, where my head rests, feeling my heart grow warm. "Me too…"

After a long pause he turns his head up. "I'm surprised you were able to understand him so well…. I have known him so many years, but it seems you may understand even more than me."

I shake my head. "It's easy because he's similar to you."

Jumin looks up at me with curious eyes.

"V… although it's not the same…. I think he is just as tangled as you were…. With enough support and love he's going to be just fine. I'm sure of it."

Jumin sits up. "MC…. do you think I should call off the investigation?"

"Call it off?" I hadn't expected him to suggest that. "Do you want to?"

Biting his lip, his expression grows pensive. "I don't think upsetting V when he's healing is wise. But I have a duty to protect the RFA."

"I don't think there is a right answer." I tell him.

"You are likely right." His words are heavy.

"Don't be too hard on yourself." I whisper. "All we can do is our best…. hopefully it's enough."

He leans back, taking me with him. Stroking my hair I hear his breath grow calm. "I'd like to relax like this…" he says softly. "I think I need to calm my head."

"Am I Elizabeth the third?" I joke.

He chuckles. "No you are much better… You are my other half."

I smile. Feeling safe in his arms I close my eyes. "Alright dear. Of course we can relax."

It is now late afternoon. Dinner will be soon, V is awake. He had requested to go on a walk outside. Claiming that the cold air brings him peace.

Now wearing more suitable clothes, I stand near the door. I anticipate this will be closer to a hike than a walk. The area around the cabin doesn't seem groomed. Leftover snow on the ground ensures that I will have to be alert to make sure V is ok with his recent loss of eyesight.

The three of us depart the warmth of the cabin and walk in the past the house. It's colder than before. Even though I am wearing a warm coat and thick boots, I find myself shivering. It gets cold in Seoul, but this is at a different level. The air in Seoul is much heavier… here it's empty… crisp… sending the low temperature right through my lungs.

Noticing my ill adjustment to the new climate, Jumin wraps my scarf around my neck another time. I look back giving him a smile and offering him my hand. He takes it as we continue to walk forward.

Equipped with his new cane, V follows right besides Jumin.

"Are you going to be all right?" I ask him.

"Yes…. the people at the hospital gave me some tips, although they are not perfected." He looks over at us giving a relaxed smile. "This will be good practice."

"Don't push yourself." I tell him.

"I won't," he assures the both of us.

The three of us hike through the ungroomed tundra. Getting further away from the minimal civilization by the second. The landscape is untouched, pure from human interference. I keep a close eye on both Jumin and V, while still fully taking in the unfamiliar environment. Alaska is different than Korea. It's as if it's newer….

It's a shame V can't see the impressive trees and vast hills. It's stunning…. like some sort of painting…. I wonder if he can feel the beauty?

After a while of hiking V stops. "I'm glad you came." His words are as crisp as the chilly breeze. A slight smile rests on his face as he closes his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Can you feel it?"

"Feel what?" Jumin asks Immediately.

"Nature… it's singing."

Singing? What is he talking about?

"I can feel it…." he hums. "The trees…. the mountains….. everything. The way it sounds…. It's just as I remember."

He's been here before? Was it for his photography? V has a certain vibe about him, a vibe that he's closer with nature than most city dwellers. Once Jumin mentioned his house was far away from the city… perhaps he prefers the quiet?

"It's funny," he chuckles. "Now I am blind, it seems so much more beautiful. The past seems more clear…. The memory is more beautiful than the original. Perhaps…. it's better like this."

I fall silent letting the weight of his words sink in.

"Maybe I needed to be blind to see…."

"V…." I place my hand on his shoulder. His words, while poetic, hold so much pain. "It's ok to mourn your sight…. Memories can seem more beautiful as time passes… but… I know this is forward of me, but you should be careful to not glorify the past too much. Once you're stuck in the past it's hard to move forward. "

Jumin nods in agreement. "While it is fine to remember a place as more beautiful, I would hope you would not force that on Rika… V," Jumin takes a step closer. "I have heard that there are some painters who kept practicing their art after they became blind. Perhaps you will be able to do the same."

"Is that so?" A smile spreads on his face. "What a wonderful thing….but I don't know if I have the courage." His expression drops growing lonely. "But I will consider your suggestion."

We walk on further. The landscape becoming more snow covered by the minute. My ears are cold and I can see my breath in the crisp air. The mountains seem never ending, rolling on and on, never resting. My hand is intertwined with Jumin's. V is very good at following us…. his skills increasing the longer we walk. No longer am I worried he will get hurt.

Stopping near a large tree, we can see past the mountain. The sky meets with the hills, blending blues and whites like a soft painting. Glossy lakes mirror the sky, hidden within folds of the hills.

The view… it is amazing. I've never seen anything like this in my life… it's breathtaking. Taking step closer to Jumin, I lean my head against his arm, flashing a smile towards his. A soft kiss is quickly buried in my hair.

"It's beautiful." Jumin announces.

V, stops walking, standing not too far away from us. Leaning down he runs his naked hand through the snow. Letting the frozen powder melt into crystal dew drops. His head looks up, studying the sky. His actions, although poetic, are lonely. He is a man in mourning…. He needs time to heal. Jumin squeezes my hand, surly thinking the same thing as me.

"Why do you feel drawn to beauty V?" The question quickly escapes my lips.

Jumin and V both turn back to look at me. Was my question odd?

"Are people draw to ugly things?" Jumin asks in confusion. "It only seems logical to appreciate the rarities that are considered beautiful in this world."

V chuckles, looking down at the snow. "There are plenty who are drawn to ugly things Jumin. What you find ugly may be beautiful to someone else…." A smile once again creeps on his face. "There are artists who try to make disturbing images… to evoke a reaction… there are many reasons. But I… I…. I wanted to make beautiful things. I thought if I created...or captured… things that were beautiful…. then I could become more wonderful myself. Such a selfish reason isn't beautiful at all though."

I walk to him. Placing my hand on his shoulder. "Do you still want to make beautiful things?"

He falls silent. "I- I don't know."

"I think you should." I know my words are forward, but I can sense he needs them. "I think you should keep creating. It may help heal your heart."

A smile spreads on his face. "Maybe… if you think I should consider it…."

"Please V….. won't you come back with us?"

A long pause rests on his lips.

"We are both worried about you." I say this quickly.

"V…. won't you at least give it a try?" Jumin asks. "Although I don't wish to keep pressing you- and you know I wouldn't do this I didn't think it was best for you."

"I know Jumin…."

"If I call off the investigation will you come with us?" He pushes further. "I'll become a benefactor of this hospital to ensure Rika's safety. Whatever it takes I'll do it."

I look up at him. I hadn't expected him to offer that…. not so suddenly.

V looks back, although he can't see, he knows where we are. "Jumin…. you feel that strongly?"

"I do." His voice is firm. "The RFA is precious to me, and I desire to protect everyone. But I'm afraid if you aren't safe there isn't much of a point to any of this."

I'm surprised… Jumin has been so insistent on the investigation. To think he would…. he must be that worried. I touch his arm giving him a smile. If this is his decision I will support him.

"You're not giving me much choice Jumin…"

"I'm afraid I must be selfish about this, as you are my dearest friend."

V stands up. He is silent- staring into the distance. It is as if he is studying the environment even though he is blind. Not saying a word for over a minute an awkward silence rests over the clearing. After a while- he finally lets out a sigh.

"All right….. I'll go home."

I let out a sigh of relief. I can't believe…. we were able to… so quickly too…. I feel so much better.

"Thank you V…" I'm so happy I have to hold back my tears. I approach him and give him in a hug. Jumin walks over as well, joining in. I've never seen him embrace anyone other than me… but in this moment… the relief I feel is mutually shared.

We finish the hike, and go back to the cabin. It will be dark soon, but Jumin insists we leave immediately. I get the feeling he's afraid V may change his mind. We board the plane, eating dinner as soon as we take off. V doesn't say much- I can tell he has mixed feelings about going back. We did pressure him into it…. but I'm sure in time he will know it's for the best.

Deciding to give him some space, we go to bed early.

I open my sleepy eyes. Outside the window is a sky of black… I can't even tell if we are over land or ocean. Looking up, I see Jumin. His arms are wrapped around my waist. His expression is peaceful, lost in the depth of sleep.

Moving carefully I sit up. Placing a kiss on his head I leave the bedroom, walking to the front section of the plane. V, sit's besides the kittens carriers. His hand rested on the top.

"You are not asleep?" I ask.

He shakes his head. "Neither are you MC."

"You must have a lot on your mind… do you want some tea?"

"I'd love some…. I prefer earl gray."

"That's my favorite too!" I give him a grin.

Quickly, I brew a pot, and bring it to him. He wraps his hands around it, taking in a deep breath. "You're very impressive MC." He tells me as I sit down next to him.

I raise my eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

"You were able to soften Jumin up…. and make me change my mind. Maybe Rika knew what she was doing when she brought you to us."

"That wasn't just me…. a lot of things happened."

V shakes his head, sipping his tea. "None of this would have been possible without you. I think the RFA would be in sore shape if you didn't come along…. you saved us all."

I feel blush gather around my cheeks. "I didn't do that much…"

"You did." Her persists. "Thank you MC…. Although my feelings about leaving Rika are complicated…. I can't lie to myself. The further we fly away the freer I feel. I truly must be a terrible person…."

"For wanting to let her go?" I interrupt him. "You shouldn't feel bad for wanting to give yourself another chance. If you could live freely, not being tied to Rika… how would you feel?"

"No ties to Rika….?" The whispers the words like they are some sort of crazy idea. "I'd… i'd… I don't know."

"You don't know? Why not?"

"Without her…. what am I?"

"You're V." I whisper. "Our dear friend. An artist…. a good man."

A soft smile spreads on his face. "I'm me… yes. But I'm afraid without Rika I don't know who that is anymore."

"Then you can find that out for yourself." I take a sip of my hot tea.

"And what if I don't like who I've become."

"Then repaint it- reinvent yourself over and over until you are happy. You're not tied to anyone but yourself V. If you don't have the courage you can take some from your friends."

He smiles at me. "Your words give me confidence. Maybe… just maybe I can reinvent myself."

"I know you can."

A relaxed sigh escaped his lips. "I feel a bit better after talking to you…. Jumin is a lucky man to have someone like you to always lend an ear."

"I'll listen to you anytime V," I pat his back. "We're friends now. I'm always there for my friends."

"You're similar to Jumin in that respect." V says.

"Is there anything you want to do?" I changing the subject back to him. "Something you have wanted to try… to help you heal?"

"I'd love to paint…." he whispers.

"Then do it." I tell him. "Do it as means of healing…. an act of art…. do what makes you feel better. If you don't have courage you don't have to show anyone… but put yourself first…."

"It's been so long since I've held the brush… maybe….."

"You can do it." I tell him. "I get the feeling as soon as you pick up some paint, you will feel free."

"I'll try…" he stares off in the distance his eyes empty. "I don't know what I'll do yet, but talking to you makes me want to try something..."

I give him a smile patting his back. "You should try it…. V, you deserve to be happy. Don't let your guilt trick you into thinking otherwise."

He looks over at me, his lips parted slightly from taking a sip of the hot tea. "Deserve….to be happy?" His expression is soft.

I take his hand, sipping my tea. Letting him sit in silence.

"Thank you MC….," He looks over at me, flashing me a soft smile. Resting his head on my shoulder, he shuts his eyes. "Forgive me…. I'm quite tired…."

I take the cup from his hands, and set it on the table in front of him. "Go to sleep then V. Soon we will be back in Korea. If you'd like- I know Jumin would love for you to stay with us."

He nods. "Maybe just for a while…."

I can't help but smile. Waiting for him to fall asleep, I get up, draping a blanket over him. Washing the cups, I stare out the dark window. I feel so much more relieved coming back- V is going to be ok. I just know it. What we will do about telling Yoosung- I will have to discuss that with Jumin- but as the investigation is being called off we may not have to tell him just yet.

I wonder how Seven is doing? Is his brother any better? How is Jaehee? Zen?I haven't had time to get on the messenger lately. Hopefully everyone is alright.

The plane lands in Korea around eight at night. Driver Kim picks us up- driving us back to the penthouse as quickly as possible. As our trip was so sudden, the press did not get word and our disembark was peaceful. We are all sleepy- as our time zones have been completely thrown off. I have a suspicion that Jumin may be not sleeping tonight- as he slept on the plane quite a bit. Surely he has a lot of things to take care of if he truly intends to call off the investigation.

Opening the door to the penthouse- Elizabeth the Third greets us with a loud meow. I see Jaehee sitting on the sofa- appearing to be watching some sort of musical- the man on stage looks like Zen. That must be one of the DVD's she's always talking about. She looks back, greeting us with a smile.

"I didn't know you would be home."

I forgot to tell her we were coming back…. I walk over to her, setting the kittens on the edge of the couch. "I forgot to let you know…. Thank's for helping with Elizabeth."

She shakes her head. "It was no trouble at all. I had thought you would be gone longer."

"MC is very convincing." V announces, taking a seat besides us.

"Well thank goodness for that. Are you allright V?" Her eyes are wide- full of concern.

"I should be fine…. Yes." His expression is still draped in sadness. "Jumin and MC helped me think about things more clearly."

"Assistant Kang- we are calling off the investigation." Jumin announces this is a crisp voice.

Jaehee spins around to look at Jumin. "Call… it… off?"

Jumin nods. "I have decided it is what is best."

"A-all right…" Jaehee seems to be in some stage of shock. "Are you sure Mr. Han?"

"I am sure." He sits besides me.

Jaehee pauses the T.V. and takes out her phone. "I have some phone calls to make then…"

"We both have work to do." He say's. "Are you available to stay here tonight and help me take care of the details?"

"Of course Mr. Han."

Jumin turns to me, placing a kiss on my forehead. "I am sorry my love- but I have a lot of work to do. Will you be alright on your own tonight?"

"Of course, is there anything I can do to help?"

"Just take care of the kittens dear." He pats my head. "Keep Darling, Sweetheart, and Elizabeth the Third safe."

I nod, looking at the kitten carrier. "Try and get some rest." I tell the both of them.

"If Assistant Kang is helping it will go much quicker. V- you may use the guest room. You know where it is of course."

"I do." V smiles. "I remember the layout of your place perfectly. I think I will excuse myself to sleep. Don't work too hard. Thank you for doing this on my accord."

"I made this decision not only for you." Jumin insists. "I think it is what we need to do for the RFA right now."

"Of course…." V lets out a pleased sigh. "But regardless- thank you." He turns away, grabbing his bag, and walks off to the guest room.

"Do you need any help?" I ask him.

"No- but thank you MC. I am very familiar with Jumin's house."

I suppose he would be. I squeeze Jumin's hand, resting my head on his shoulder. "I guess I will go to bed too then."

He nods, burying a kiss in my hair. "I will just be in the study. If you need anything let me know."

I walk off to the bedroom, taking the kittens with me. I set them besides the bed, plugging their bed into the wall. Slipping into my nightclothes, I curl up into the bed, setting the alarm for a few hours when the kittens will need to be fed again. Elizabeth leaps into my arms, curling against my body, letting out soft purrs. Stroking behind her ears I shut my eyes.

I awake to my alarm. Quickly getting out of bed, I prepare the bottle. Elizabeth has run off somewhere… she must have left when I was sleeping. Taking the Darling out of her cage I offer her the bottle. In such a short time she is already doing so much better at latching on. My eyes feel heavy as I feed her. Leaning against the bed I let out a sigh. The constant waking up, with the time difference, will not be kind to my body.

A soft creak of the door echos through the room, I look to see Jumin. He gives me a gentle smile approaching me.

"Ah, you are awake…." He whispers approaching me.

"Kittens…." I say sleepily.

He nods. "I was just coming to check on you." He sits on the bed , wrapping his arms around me. I lean against him, his body is warm. I feel so sleepy- but the kittens are anchored in my vision. No matter how tired I am, I can't look away. I need to make sure they are safe and eating right…. "I thought a break would be beneficial."

"It's going well?"

"Yes." He says. "Things should be wrapped up in a few hours- thanks to Assistant Kang."

"Jaehee…." I smile at the kitten. "I'm happy she's here."

He chuckles. "You sound so sleepy my love."

I nod. "I'm tired…." I whisper.

"If that's the case I can take care of this…. I keep forgetting you are not used to traveling like I am. You must be exhausted."

"I'm tired… but I want to kittens…." nuzzling against his chest, I pull the bottle from Darling's mouth, letting her rest on my chest.

"You are a very good mother." he whispers patting my head with one of his hands, the other petting Darling. "Don't push yourself too hard dear. I don't want you to get sick."

"I won't." I tell him. "Are you going to work later?"

"I will have to." He tells me. "Could you keep an eye on V tomorrow?"

"Yes…. I will…." a yawn escapes my lips.

"Go to sleep." He takes Darling from me. "I will finish. Has Sweetheart eaten?"

"Not yet…." I whisper.

"Allright." He pats my head again. "Don't worry dear- just rest here. I can take care of this."

I'm too tired to say no. I close my eyes again and drift off to sleep.