**So, without meaning to give anything away: this chapter does contain violence and character death. This was probably the hardest chapter I have had to write emotionally, but I hope the quality reaches expectations. I know things seem depressing for now, but as with any story, things will get brighter.**
It was another busy week for Arthur, and he had just finished his final appointment with his therapist, Toris. The two had gotten to know each other extremely well, not just as therapist and client, but as friends who just might get together for a casual drink every now and again.
"Take care of yourself." Toris said with a sad smile as he shook the Brit's hand for one last goodbye. "And be careful out there. It's a dangerous world, but you've mad a lot of progress these past few months and I know that everyone is very proud of you, and I'll also tell Feliks that you said hello. I know he wants to double date sometime soon. He said we need more fabulous gay couples in our lives."
Chuckling, the blond pulled his now former therapist into a hug. "Well, you have my number and I have yours, we'll definitely keep in touch."
Since Arthur was on the sketchier side of town today, he decided to play it safe and take the bus. However, it was late that afternoon. He kept glancing down at his phone and pretended to stay busy so he could try and keep the more questionable characters away, and he replied to a couple of real text messages from Francis and Alfred as well.
Ten more minutes had passed – and still no sign of that bloody bus. "That blasted idiot must have taken a well – deserved smoke break." The Brit announced sarcastically. If he left now on foot, he could make it home within forty – five minutes. Maybe quicker if he walked at a faster pace. He let Francis know about the situation involving the no – show bus, and that he would be home later than expected; and that he loved him.
The blond couldn't complain too much, though. Since it was now evening, the weather was cooling off after a hot summer's day, and he had a rather beautiful view of the setting sun. However, his relaxing walk was short lived as he was interrupted by an old, but unfriendly acquaintance of his past.
"Fancy seeing you here, Kirkland." Greeted a thick – accented woman. "Ivan and I thought you up and left us for good, but now we don't have to worry, because you have the money for us, don't you? And you are going to be a good boy without giving us any trouble, just like you always have been, right?"
"Natalia, you are not getting any more money from me, from Francis, or from any of my friends. That nasty addiction cost me my integrity, honor and trust. I'm just starting to rebuild everything that you and your brother have destroyed, and I will never give you another dime." Said Arthur with a deep breath. He knew that Natalia would not appreciate his answer, and that he would be dead very soon.
The look on the petit woman's face was unreadable, but she shook her head and tutted. "It's such a shame that you feel that way, boy. I've seen such a bright future for you, if only you would have done as I said."
"What's that supposed to mean?" Asked the Brit, his former confidence now turning to nerves.
Natalia started to advance towards him and put her arm up to warn Arthur to stop once she saw him back away, preparing to take off. "It would be much easier on yourself if you just stay put."
Suddenly, an unexpected hero came to Arthur's rescue. Without him, he probably would have died. "Sister, please don't hurt him. I can't take this anymore. This was never supposed to happen to our family. We have enough money to live more than comfortably, and we can leave Arthur alone and go home."
"It's not about us," The oddly dressed woman warned. "It's the fact that Arthur dear broke his promise. We've always had his back, and you shouldn't betray people who always have your back." She ran towards the blond and grabbed him by the wrist in a flash.
Arthur tried to swing at her with his other hand, but it was immediately grabbed by Ivan.
"I'm sorry, Arthur. I might not agree with what Natalia is doing to you, but I still can't allow you to lay a hand on my sister."
"Ivan! She's insane!" Yelled the Brit in his defense. "Don't let her do this." As brave as he tried to be, he couldn't help it when his voice started to shake as tears swelled up in his eyes.
"Don't struggle, Arthur. It'll be over much sooner if you do not struggle." The petit girl suggested, in a much softer voice than she had spoken to him with before. She pulled a needle out of her pocket and examined it as if to see the liquid substance inside would be sufficient enough for it's task.
"Wait! Don't'' Cried Arthur, but it was too late, for Natalia had already injected the needle into his arm. He hyperventilated at first, absolutely terrified that the woman had planned on killing him, but he was wrong. The blond man suddenly felt a familiar warmth, one that he hasn't felt in nearly a year now, and one that he had been desperately trying to break free from. It was a dirty trick, but she knew that if she managed to get Arthur addicted again, he'd have no choice but to come back running to her time after time again and giving her all that he ever had for that sweet sensation that only lasted for a brief moment.
She smirked down at the drugged man who now laid on the floor, completely incoherent to the world around him. "I think I gave him a little too much, but what do you think, Ivan?"
The man in question shook his head swiftly. "N-not at all, sister. You did what you had to do."
Natalia suddenly looked as though she was sorry, but not for what she did to Arthur. She reached into her pocket, pulled out a gun and placed it against Ivan's right temple. "I'm sorry, my brother, my oldest friend. If you understand why I do the things that I do, then you'll understand why I can't have you interfering with my clients anymore."
Ivan did. Despite all that he had done to Arthur, he truly did love him, but he did not understand how to express that love in a healthy way. He sighed and closed his eyes. He tried not to be scared, as he had seen his sister kill many clients in the past who did not comply with her demands. Getting a bullet to the head was a relatively quick way to go, and it did not hurt much at all. He knew he'd be dead in less than a minute, and took a deep, final breath. "I do understand."
Those had been Ivan Braginsky's final words, and he was right. Death had come quickly for him.
Natalia showed no remorse except for an empty expression in her eyes. She put the gun back into her pocket and walked away from the two men. She'd come back after a drink to move her brother's body into the dumpster.
