Tino got comfortable on the mattress and began reading Arthur's message.

Tino there's something you and Berwald don't know about Ivan that you should. The reason for Alfred's and I concern and heightened attention to Peter's new teacher is because this man could be a potential threat. Ivan Braginski is known to be quite violent. I know this because he and Alfred were once inseparable.

He and Alfred were in a relationship and lived together during the time he started interning for me. He would come to work at times with his hair unkempt, bruises and clothes all askew. During then I used to think his disheveled appearance was just him being unprofessional (going out to bars and getting drunk and in fights or fooling around with his boy-toy or what have you) but I was later informed that it was his boyfriend doing all this.

I can recall one week I notice all of his suits had big stains on them, whether it be coffee or ketchup or grease, and thought it was just him being messy (and it was at times) but the stains were quite large and looked as if meant to ruin the garments like on his back or around the knees. I got so fed up of his sloppy appearance I took him out and bought him proper clothes. That's where some of that money went when we were looking at getting new furniture.

Needless to say Ivan was behind the scenes, attempting to ruin Alfred's clothes so he wouldn't look as sharp or attractive or what have you. The several new suits I bought him surprisingly stayed cleaned. Later I find out it was because he kept them in his car or at Matthew's.

I met Ivan only once and that was at a dinner party thrown by the council members. He either had his arm snaked around Alfred all night or watch him from a distance. He was very polite to people and social even, but he would not let Alfred out of his sight. It was easy to pick up on the possessive air he formed around Alfred.

Soon the jealous actions turned more aggressive. He sported a bruise or two regularly in the office and when he got his first shiner (black-eye) I had to speak to him. That night I wouldn't let him leave my office until he told me what really happened. As much as the boy irritated me he was still part of my team and I grew to care for him.

He fought me at first but night after night I slowly got Alfred to tell me the truth behind all the stories. That was during the breaking part of our marriage. I know you remember the long nights I was away from home and 'stuck' in the office, a heavy part of our separation. I don't know why I couldn't just tell you then what was really going on. Honestly I don't. I think it was because I knew I was walking into deep territory and already too far in to come back.

Needless to say the closer Alfred and I got the more Ivan displayed his aggression. One morning while Alfred was getting ready for work Ivan began drilling him with questions about why the other was late coming home the previous night. Finally getting fed up with the interrogations Alfred lied to the Russian just to see his reaction. He said he did cheat and was doing this and that on such and such night, playing into Ivan's suspicions to see what he would do.

Two hours later I get a call from the hospital telling me Alfred had a broken arm.

Now even though I don't know Berwald very well I know you extremely well and can trust who you let around our son. I want to know what Berwald thinks and if there's any alternative. If there isn't I can take Peter and have him go to a school around where I am if need be.

Sincerely,

Arthur

Tino let out a shaky breath he didn't realize he was holding. He could feel his chest tightening just thinking about how close to home Ivan really is. Then there was also the issue of showing the message to Berwald. To think the Swede was already in a bad mood, adding this to his list won't make him feel any better.

Mentally he started going through all the things Berwald enjoys so he could gently drop the news on the man. He liked his Swedish dishes but he was already cooking. There was also going out on a date but he didn't seem like he wanted to spend his money much for some reason. The man was most likely saving for the upcoming expenses of their new addition. Plus he has work tonight.

"Kn'ck knock"

"Hey Berwald!" His voice was loud and high-pitched, instantly setting him up for failure.

"You okay T'no?"

"Um yeah, heh, I'm fine. You need anything babe?"

"D'nner's ready."

"Okay, I'll be right down." Berwald nodded and was about to leave when Tino called out to him. He got off the bed and walked over to his boyfriend in the doorway.

"Hey are you busy this weekend?" The taller man gave him a blank look but Tino could tell he was quizzical over the question.

"No."

"Good. I'd like to take you on a date then." Tino gave him a wink and walked past him and down the stairs. Berwald couldn't stop the miniscule smile that crept on his face as he went to go tell Emil dinner's ready.

====...======

When Tino left for work Berwald decided to look at rings once again. He pulled out his lab top from his bag and sat at the dinner table, overlooking the living room so he still his sights on Peter. Surfing sites on the web and comparing prices he could still come up with nothing on his current budget. A heated sigh escaped him when he heard the fridge close behind him.

"Everything okay brother?"

"Hi Emil. Things 're fine, just doing some work."

"You're a jeweler now?" Berwald turned around and saw the teen with his eyebrow raised. He couldn't suppress a light blush at being caught looking at rings.

"No."

"So what're the rings about? Thinking of a getting marri-"

"Shhh! I don't want P'ter to hear!" Berwald interrupted in a hushed whisper.

"Oh okay." Emil came closer and peered over Berwald's shoulder at the sterling ring selection.

"Oh wow, those are pretty pricey . . ."

"Mm."

"Is it because he's allergic to certain metals or something?" Berwald has never thought about that.

"Um, I don't know."

"Oh . . . Well what kind of ring did he have in his previous marriage?" Another mystery to the tall blonde.

"Hmm . . ." He opened a new tab and googled 'Tino Kirkland' to which made a facial muscle twitch. There was old tabloids and articles but that wasn't what he was looking for. He clicked 'images' and the page was soon littered with Tino in suits and other formal attire next to Arthur and other politicians. Both Nordics leaned in closer to find a good picture that showed Tino's left hand. With no pictures providing a good shot of the man's old band Berwald added to the tool bar 'wedding ring' and was given pictures of all kinds of rings said to be Tino Kirland's.

Berwald let out another sigh, staring at the blue screen when Emil came up with a great solution.

"Tino still owns it right? Do you know where his jewelery is?"

"I th'nk so."

"What are you guys talking about?"

Both men turned to see Peter, looking at them oddly at first until his attention turned to the computer screen.

"Why are you looking at Mommy on your compooter?"

"I-"

"Because he misses Tino so much he thought he'd find a picture of him."

"Oh. . . . Whatcha guys talking about?"

"Frankenstein." Emil deadpanned. Peter didn't look convinced and tried staring them down but that wasn't very fruitful for the kindergartener.

"Does Frankenstein wear jewelery?" Peter asked and Emil nodded.

"Big jewelery. On his neck. They're big bolts that stick out-"

"Nuh-uh!"

"Yup."

"Why does he have those?"

"Because he needs them to help him come back to life."

"You mean he was dead?"

"Uh-huh."

"So he's a zombie?"

"Not exactly-"

"Emil you'll g've him nightmares."

"No! I wanna know more about Frankerstein!"

"Oh no little 'ne, it's time for p'jamas."

"Can you tell me it as a bedtime story?" Peter pleaded with his eyes and Emil looked at the Swede with a slight smirk.

"T'll you what; I'll let Emil tell you 'ny bedtime story, but 'f you have a b'd dream, you have to go t' his room whenever you're scared." The smirk came off of Emil's face as fast as a grin appeared on Peter's as the small boy ran down the hall and upstairs to his room.

"Not cool."

"Neither 's getting cock-blocked from ' terrified five year old late 't night."

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Sorry this isn't very long and I've been taking forever D= I really do need to write more for you guys. Thank you for the reviews, I love hearing everything you have to say! They make me smile and reflect better on how this story should go. I hope you all are doing great and having a happy holiday(s).

Cynical Gummy Bear and others I hope this chapter clears a lot up with Mr. Ivan =)

Kuro-Riya I'm sorry there's not another fulfillment of the challenge in this chapter. I meant this to be longer but I feel bad if I don't post something tonight before work tomorrow. Next chapter I super-promise!