Ah, so. Welcome back, eh? It's been about a month since I last updated? Yeah. I wanted to focus on new ideas for this story. And my birthday was the 15th of August. I am now an old 33 years. XD

But enough about me. Here is the first chapter after the month long hiatus. Thanks to those who left reviews and took the time to read the story that has been in my mind for a really long time. Also, thanks for accep Niko as slightly OOC here. I believe I explained my reasoning for him and some were a little accepting of it. Time really makes people change, and I think that in Niko's case, it hit really hard.

Here is the story!

Chapter 27

"Confessions of obsessions"

I don't know how Karen does it. Somehow she managed to get the court to see Niko earlier than Monday. I was sure the judge and jury was tired of the delays. But in Niko's defense, the first time wasn't his fault. Nor were the other times really. He couldn't help the fact that he was being hunted. Hunted by someone who wanted him to remain illegal. Or to kill him outright. I was basically dating a ticking time bomb. His time on Earth was somehow being limited. But he wasn't going to go down without a fight. We were protected by the government, but they couldn't protect us if we didn't listen to their rules.

We were back home. Without my brother. He was being held for a few days for tests. I was sure he was absolutely thrilled to stay. Sarcasm.

Niko had a noticeable new look on things after being hailed a hero. Even though he didn't accept the title my mother gave him, he still had a bounce in his step as he prepared breakfast for the three of us. His haunting past of losing his brother finally drifted away, giving him almost a clarity. He was allowed to look forward and the things he wants. Not what others want.

Karen complimented on Niko's cooking, telling him she's never had an omelet so good. I certainly agreed. His cooking expertise couldn't even be matched. I'd even go as far as to say he's surpassed my mother's cooking. The man knew what he was doing in the kitchen. The term I called him before, cook magician, was fitting for him.

We did the best we could keeping things calm. It was a doctor's order. Karen thought it stupid to listen to him in the first place. I reminded her she'd be the next to be in the hospital. Her smoking only increased her chances above Niko and I. She did eventually agree. Her verbal attempt to try to stop smoking all together shocked me. I knew it wouldn't really last long. She still had the trial to go through as well. Her smoking was her way to cope with the stress.

I called my cousins to catch up with them. I told them I found love and they'd all see him soon. They really wanted to meet him with the stories I told them. Of course, once this whole thing was settled, I'd introduce him to my family. I told them his work was giving him so many hours. It was hard finding the time to go out and enjoy ourselves. I guess Niko was right. A white lie is sometimes necessary. I swore I'd tell them eventually what he's done. Just not now.

Niko even took it easy. Karen allowed him to do only one mock trial a day until the trial. This was done early in the morning once he was ready. The rest of the day was ours. We really couldn't go anywhere far from the condominium, so the days were spent around the little park behind the condo. Niko watched the children play on the swings and whispered into my ear. He told me he could now see us having children of our own, moving out of the apartment, getting a nice house that was custom built overlooking the lake. He even thought of getting a dog. He said when he was in the war, he and his squad adopted a stray and named the dog, Jovan, which meant "God is gracious." He hinted at wanting another dog once we got settled in. He painted a picture so vivid with his words, that even I saw it with him.

For the first time ever, he didn't bring a fire arm either. I looked him over before we arrived at the park and I saw no holsters, or straps or anything that could carry a hidden gun. He seemed a little more at ease. Going too far from saftey obviously made him take extra precautions.

"Have you heard any word on Ethan?" He asked.

"Nothing new."

"I don't suppose you can call him. See what's happening?"

"I guess I should. Out of curiosity, Niko. What did you end up doing to Aaron? You never told me what you did with him."

"I got him checked into a rehab place I knew of. My friend went there when he became addicted to painkillers and tranquilizers."

"People get addicted to the strangest things."

He smiled and threw his arm over my shoulder to play with my hair.

"I know I've become addicted to you."

I held back a schoolgirl scream. My phone would provide me with a distraction. The location based game started up and he laughed.

"I know you've become addicted to that game. What do you see in playing that?"

"I grew up playing this game on my handheld game. I collected the cards. I even had plushies! It's just the nostalgia. Once I heard it came out on the phone, I downloaded it."

"Let me see what it's all about."

What's this? Niko Bellic wants me to introduce him to my silly little game? Well, I'd be able to talk his ear off. If he let me, that is.

I showed him how to play, what I got, what level my creatures were, what team I was on, how many medals I have. He finally said enough. I laughed, telling him he asked for it. To my amazement, he pulled out his phone and downloaded it.

"Show me how to play."

He was such a noob. I had to show him everything. I told him to join up on my team, but he liked the other color better. He said it reminded him of my eyes.

Damn him for being so adorable.

I countered, trying to keep myself again from squealing.

"You want to be on my team because it is better."

"How so? Do I get bonuses or something?"

"No. You'll just be on the cooler team. All my friends and cousins are on the same team. You'll be able to join in on helping us take over areas."

"So, this is a gang thing?"

"No. There's no gangs involved. It's just, if you join the other teams, you won't be able to help us take an area over. You'll be the odd man out."

"Alright, alright. I'll join your team. How do I do that?"

"You have to be level five."

"You mean I got to level up? That's pretty cheap. That's how they get you hooked."

"It's not hard to level up. Come on, I'll show you."

I lead him around the park, getting the creatures he needed to get. It was easy because there were plenty of creatures to get. And there even was a place to spin so he could get supplies to get them. Soon enough, he became level five and he was able to join our team.

"Okay? Happy?"

"It wants you to create a screen name. So we know it's you who's playing. You can gift other players and trade as well."

His screen names were so immature. I laughed at a couple. Mr. Longdong was one, and P3NI5M4N was another. The last one made me almost drop my phone. 5EXM4573R. All those names and obviously the game wouldn't let him choose it.

"This game is stupid."

"Hold on, sex master. I have a name for you."

"What?"

"How about, Slatki seksi srpski?"

"You know it won't let me take that." He smiled fondly at me.

"Then try, Slatki srpski."

"Will it let me use Serbian language?"

"Try it."

A success! Niko is officially playing my silly little game and we played up until 7 pm. I was impressed with his haul and how he caught on so quickly.

"I made something for dinner." Karen said as we walked in the door. "I've been waiting for you two to come home."

"Sorry, Karen. We wanted to have some time together."

"And leave me all alone?"

"We figured you wanted to be alone for a bit. It wasn't that long."

"I am hurting right now, and you two don't care. You think that because I act like a hard ass, that I don't have feelings!"

"No, Karen. It's not that. We didn't know you were hurting."

He approached her as she fell to the couch and cried. She was human after all.

"What do you need me to do to get you to not hurt."

'Be careful, Niko.' I thought.

"I want you to tell me I didn't almost lose my boyfriend just yesterday. I was so scared. I thought he was dead."

"I had no idea you two were that serious."

"Of course we are, you Balkan idiot. I-I..."

"You...what?"

"You know what I am going to say."

He cracked a small smile. "You love him."

"But not how I love you."

He stood before her as she sat on the couch. I could see the look of shock on his face. It seemed like a millennia passed us by until Niko moved away from her, saying nothing. It wasn't like him to leave things the way they were. He almost had an explanation for any situation.

Karen covered her face and cried harder as if in her mind she was just dumped by him. I sympathized with her. It reminded me of one of my ex boyfriends. He left me the same way. Not saying a word or reason why he lost interest in me. I was left thinking for months it was me who was damaging our relationship. It was up until I dated another boyfriend did I find out he was cheating on me. All those months I thought I was doing something wrong and I was supposed to figure out what it was. I never felt such anger before.

I found Niko in our bedroom sitting at the little computer desk. He was staring off into nothing. It was strange. For once, he had nothing to say. His eyes found mine.

"It's strange. I knew she had a thing for me even after we went our own ways, but it was strange hearing it."

"Words have a way of scaring us sometimes. Go tell her what's on your mind. She's crying." I said standing next to him with my arm around his shoulders.

"I know she is. I just don't know what to say."

"Well, do you still love her?"

"No! That is in the past. I have no interest in her anymore. I love you."

"Then tell her. She might think you still do."

"Or she doesn't. She might be confused."

I was getting a little upset at him that he won't set things straight with her. He let things hang out in the air. Everything deserves an answer. Even if it isn't what they want to hear. It harms people if things are left.

"Go out there and tell her you're not interested in her. She needs to hear it."

"I told her that before. She keeps falling for me. I can't help it."

She must have heard us from the living room. We weren't really using hushed tones. She was standing in the doorway with an unreadable expression. I wanted to tread lightly around the topic. I sensed a huge fight between Karen and I. And just as we were beginning to understand each other.

"Karen, are you alright?"

She moved in front of me. Completely ignoring me, she kissed Niko. His eyes shot open and I tried to pull her away. His hands held up to let me know he wasn't allowing this to go any further.

"Get off of him!" I yanked her off and threw her to the floor.

"I'm sorry. I missed the way you tasted, Niko. You are nothing like I've tasted before."

My blood was boiling. There was no hiding her longing for that kiss. I pounced on her, but Niko pulled me off of her before I could get a swing on her.

"You're not helping, Sharon!" He sat me on the bed as he played peacekeeper between Karen and I.

She remained on the floor with her legs spread. I stared her down as she crooked her finger at Niko. The nerve of her.

"Let's have a threesome." She purred.

"What's gotten into you?" Niko accused.

"You will." She lustfully said.

"Get out!" His finger shot out and pointed outside. He was not amused.

She instead got off the floor and went after Niko where he stood. He caught her in mid air. Her lips were all over his in an ignited forgotten passion. I began to hit her.

"I like it dirty!"

I stepped back and Niko took advantage of the space. He swung her around by using some technique he learned. Somehow he managed to get her over his shoulder with his amazing upper body strength.

"Where are you taking her?" I asked when I saw him go to leave the condominium.

"Away." Came his reply.

It wasn't a smart idea to leave me alone. I felt eyes all over this place. I must have picked that up by dating Niko. Hours went by, and he finally came home without Karen. My mind went to instantly blaming him for something I wanted him to confess.

"Where were you?!"

"I took Karen back to the agency. She's not right. Something snapped inside her. I think she needs mental help."

"Are you lying to me?"

"No, Sharon! Why are you so upset?"

"Because you were gone for three hours! What did you really do? Did you fuck her?"

He snapped at me. His string of anger was one loud shout as he told me he doesn't like the accusations. He held himself in one spot and waited for me to speak. I couldn't help the way I felt. Niko didn't even try to fight her off of him. He just waited for me to take action. I guess I was still wound up about it. Her lips on his still burned in my memory and it felt like he was somehow tainted. I took a deep breath to ease my racing mind.

"I'm sorry, Niko. You didn't deserve to be yelled at. I was just so upset about this whole thing. She shouldn't have kissed you."

"I don't think you are sorry." He crossed his arms as if to challenge me.

"What do you mean?! You have to understand how I feel. I'm sure you'd feel the same as I do if I kissed another man!"

"There's a huge difference between being kissed by someone else and not wanting it and kissing someone else who does."

"You made no sense!"

"You said if you kissed another man. You wanted to kiss him. She kissed me. I didn't want that. There is a difference."

"Well, excuse me! You know what I meant!"

"Then you accuse me. You asked me if I was lying! I never lied to you, and I don't plan on starting now! I was going to suggest we go out for dinner tonight. Now I think I need to be away from you."

I ran up to him as if he was going to really leave. I had my doubts that he was going to.

"Please don't leave me. I am really sorry. What can I do to get your forgiveness?"

He looked down at me as he bit his lip. I angered him again. This time, I let him go. I figured if he went away from me, he'd come back with a clearer head.

"Go ahead. Do what you need to do." I looked at my feet.

"Stay safe." He said and left for somewhere even he didn't know.

The condominium was left quiet. I was all alone. Even my game didn't entertain me. I burst into tears thinking again I screwed up our relationship with my blame. I couldn't explain why I was mad at him. Why I was still sort of mad at him even after the hours that went by.

I ate a small dinner alone around 6. My brother called me just before I thought about going to sleep. He told me they plan on letting him go tomorrow afternoon. His tests came back good. Apparently the doctor was looking for plaque in his arteries via x-ray. I kept quiet about the drama he missed. He couldn't afford the stress. He wished me a good night and told me he'd see me tomorrow. I really wanted to talk with him more. It kept me happy. His reply came telling me he needed to go for one more test. He was to do a sleep test to monitor his heart at night. They were really doing extensive testing on him. I was glad they were so if he has another one, they'd know why.

My night ended around 11 o'clock. It was hard to find sleep without him next to me. His surprise phone call came around midnight. He didn't tell me where he was.

"I really don't want our day to come to an end in anger. I've thought about it, and I forgive you. I'm not ready to come back yet. I need to have some time alone. Have a good sleep, and know that I love you."

"I love you, too, Niko. I miss you."

I really wanted to know where he was so I could go to him. He hung up on me before I could. He must have known I was going to ask. I didn't feel sorrow. I actually felt pretty good he called me. Even though he kept to himself.

The next morning, I awoke with the condo still silent. I thought he'd come home and surprise me. My gut felt twisted in all sorts of directions that I didn't even bother eating breakfast. I instead relaxed on the couch and let myself reflect on all the things Niko and I did together. It made me smile that he was so genuine with me. He shared things with me that scared most people. But I still found him really interesting. As a man who had to start from a poor background, having just getting electricity in his home back in Serbia at the age of twelve, then scrounging up a life here in America after settling things with his cousin first. He really put others before himself. A quality that really made him a caring person.

I also reflected on the times we shared laughs, how we shared tears, excitement, terror, and even love. He told me he thought he'd never find love after Kate. That day at the grocery store proved that he shouldn't have written off love. My thoughts turned to the future of us. How we could share a home, share children, and even sharing that dog he wanted. To finally be happy.

My phone rang about 10 am to snap me out of my thoughts.

"What's this I hear you and Niko broke up?" Roman asked.

"We didn't break up. Who told you this?"

"Niko himself."

If I had the tears left, I would have cried. The sting of him breaking up with me was more than I could take. I had a panic attack at the thought of me never seeing him again.

"Are you alright?" He asked.

"N-no!" I didn't mean to shout at him, but I couldn't control myself.

"I'm coming over. Stay calm until I see you."

I was still holding my phone to my ear when Roman arrived. I was in shock.

"Hey, are you okay?"

I heard his voice, but I couldn't use my voice. The pain has taken over my body.

"I got you this."

The cold bottle touched my hand and I felt my entire body respond to it. It brought me back to myself and I threw myself into Roman's arms. He held me as I cried into his shirt.

"What did he do to you?" His low tone of voice made me raise my head up to him.

"It wasn't anything he did. It's what I did! I blamed him for something. Ja sam takav idiot!"

"Nisi idiot. What did you blame him for?"

"Karen. She went crazy yesterday. She confessed to Niko that she still had feelings for him and she kissed him. We fought because he took her away somewhere. He said he took her back to the agency to have her checked out, but I asked him if he was lying. He got mad and left me."

"I've never known Niko to lie. Why did you say that?"

"Because he was gone for a long time. Ja sam glup. Povredio sam naš odnos kad sam ga optužio!"

I cried again into him. He was typing on his phone to someone. I was too weak to ask him who he was texting.

"You need to apologize to him. He says he's hurt too."

I managed to pry myself off of him and he showed me Niko's reply. His text to Roman said that he needed time away and he was hurt, just like Roman said. His reasoning came next as another reply came while I looked at the phone.

Her blaming me really made me upset that I had to step away before I said something really bad. I can't believe she accused me of fucking Karen when I didn't. I don't love her at all. She thought it was I who wanted the kiss and she told me I didn't do anything to get her off of me.

The messenger on his phone indicated that Niko was typing another message.

I am just so hurt.

I really wanted to snag Roman's phone to call Niko back to pour my heart to him and apologize, but he texted Niko back. I read the text message as he typed it out. He let me read it before he sent it.

She is hurt too, cousin. She is hysterical right now. She needs you to come back. You staying away from her is really making things a lot worse for the both of you. You two need to talk to each other and work it out before it is too late. Every relationship has it's ups and downs, but all you need to do is work through it. Don't continue to be upset with her. I remember how excited you were when you told me you think you met another woman. Remember that feeling again. You two make a great couple and I love it when you two are together. You are happy for once, and not a miserable bastard like you were. Come back home and talk to her.

His text really made me tearful after having calmed down a little. It was about an hour later when he replied back. I knew he was thinking about it and remembering the times we spent together.

I'll think about it.

It didn't give me a yes or no answer.

I know Sharon is with you. Tell her I love her. He replied minutes later.

"So, what are you going to do? Are you two having a cool off period? You can stay at my place if you're going to be here by yourself."

"No. I'm okay. Ethan will be home later this afternoon."

"Where is he?"

"He went to the hospital. He had a heart attack a few days ago. I never saw Niko so upset to lose someone. He was so relieved that my brother was okay."

"I suppose he told you about Marko?"

"He did."

"He was never able to let that go. A lot of things he wasn't able to let go. A lot of shit haunted him, and I could see how it was taking it's toll on him."

"Well, Marko was his brother. And he witnessed him die. One doesn't bounce back from something like that."

"You lost your grandmother, and you are okay."

"Yeah, but Marko was only twelve. And Niko was young himself. He didn't exactly have a shoulder to cry on either. He told me his father told him to suck it up and be a man. Your uncle sounded like a terrible man. He was in a lot of self blame too. He said he felt like he could have done more."

"There is only so much a man can do when trying to save a life."

"I guess when he heard Ethan was going to be okay, he thought it was Marko. He really is damaged, isn't he?"

"You mean was. You are fixing him. I remember the day he came home after the first time he ran into you at the store. You should have heard him. How badly he wanted to meet you again. It was all he talked about. He said, "I think I met the right one." I, of course, told him to go back up there. I did some research on you."

"Reserch?"

"He said he'd been watching you from a distance. He found out your name just by listening and when you used your credit card."

"Why didn't he just ask me what my name was?" I chuckled.

"Believe it or not, he is pretty shy. He didn't want to blow his chance with you if he creeped you out."

"He wouldn't have creeped me out."

"Getting into Niko's head, he thought that. The next few days, we searched your social media page. We found out a little about you. I tell you, you should have seen him. He was head over heels for you. I clicked on one of your photos, and he was blushing uncontrollably. It kinda made me gag."

I slapped him on the arm for his comment. He recoiled and laughed at my reaction.

"We found out your favorite band, and I pretended to like them. The next day, he called me and told me you were back at the store. I guessed you figured it out that I was the one who asked for their CD."

"So, it really wasn't fate that brought us together? It was some sort of set up?"

"I was Niko's wing man. He really wanted you though. He was so happy he got your number, and he was waiting day and night for you to call him."

My phone rang to break up our conversation. I didn't recognize the phone number, but I picked it up just in case it was Ethan. What I got was the agency.

"Is this Mrs. Bellic?" The caller asked.

I pretended for a while that I was.

"This is she. Who is this?"

"We are calling on behalf of Niko Bellic. We tried getting a hold of him, but he's not answering his phone calls."

My worry escalated. I hoped he wasn't drowning his sorrows.

"What did you need him for?"

"We checked out Karen. She had a mental break down. She says she feels better. The psychiatrist prescribed her some anxiety medicine temporarily. At your convenience, would you be able to pick her up? Our agents are busy at the moment. Please bring your identification."

"I guess I could, but I have no car."

Roman waved his hands erratically in front of me.

"On second thought, I do. I can be there in an hour."

I sent Niko a text message on our way out the door, letting him know we were picking up Karen. I hoped he'd respond to me. The agency could not get a hold of him. Roman heard what they said, and he did say Niko must be wasted.

"He's not one to handle relationship problems too well. He almost drank himself to death when he lost Kate. He was in the hospital getting IV fluids." He said, unlocking the passenger door of his Huntley Sport and allowed me inside.

"Has he always been like this?"

He drove off. I directed him around where he needed to go. The traffic was lighter at the 2 pm hour. He weaved in and out of a small cluster of traffic.

"Being a cab driver gives you these impatient driving skills." He said as he got stuck behind an elderly woman. He continued on with the topic at hand. "He drinks to escape his pain. He suffered a lot."

"I just wish he didn't."

"Niko is a big boy. He knows what he is doing."

"Apparently he doesn't if he almost died from drinking!" I wanted to take back my words and try again and not shout. I started to beg for forgiveness, but he held his hand up.

"Don't worry about it."

Karen was standing outside the office with a man next to her. She was smoking as she waited. I wondered what sort of medication she was on. She was totally calm on the outside, but I was certain she was still in a mixture of emotions. I made a mental note to keep her at the minimum of five feet away from Niko.

The man met us at the curb. He opened the door to Roman's car to let Karen inside. There was a bottle of pills in his hand.

"These are for Karen. It is something to keep her anxiety down. She is not supposed to get worked up at all. Keep her calm, and do not allow her to drink alcohol while on these pills." He instructed me.

Upon hearing all the precautions and directions, Roman drove us back home. I kept quiet on the way home. I wanted answers. But I was supposed to keep her calm. Another eruption of anger would send her into another breakdown for sure. And the topic at hand was her all over Niko. I was also sure that when he came home, she'd be breaking down little by little. It was best to make sure he came home while she slept.

Roman got us home, but he didn't leave right away. Ethan still wasn't home yet, and he wanted to ensure Karen didn't flip her top and attack me. There was something on his mind as well.

"I think it is time for Niko and you to get back together. And it seems like I am going to play wing man again." He said as Karen retired herself into her bedroom.

"What exactly do you have in mind?"

His plan sounded simple as he explained it to me. It was another plan to get Niko and I to atleast talk to each other. He was too stubborn, and I was still nervous. Nervous because I never wanted him to be mad at me. Nervous on what he would say. Nervous that if I made the attempt to talk to him, he'd stay away longer. It seemed childish in a way, but Niko was set in his ways. If he and I were to talk to each other again, it would be Roman who would be the one to do so. I guess he had a way to get arguing couples to get together and apologize. If he managed to do this, Roman should look into being a relationship counselor or a marriage counselor.

Once Ethan was discharged from the hospital around 4 pm, I went to go get him. Roman was to watch Karen. He gave me his keys to his Huntley Sport, made me promise I'd treat his baby well and not get into an accident, and I was off.

I searched my way through the hallways. I had to park in a different lot with the lack of parking. Visiting hours must be very busy around this time after work. I eventually found the receptionist who helped me last time in locating Ethan. She said he was almost ready. They were getting him packed up and giving him a few prescriptions for him to take.

I entered, and he was getting instructions from the doctor.

"Are you sure you have no questions for me?"

"I can't think of any."

The doctor handed him his personal business card and shook his hand.

"If you think of any later, call me at this extension. I will be happy to answer them."

Ethan saw me standing near his hospitality bag filled with various items from the hospital. Toothbrush, toothpaste, gauze, wraps...the like.

"I am glad to see you standing." I say as I hugged him.

"I'm glad you showed and gave me patience and forgiveness. I am sorry I was such a pain."

We both explained to each other how sorry we both were as we made our way back to the Huntley. Myself being sorry for not doing more to try to save him. I knew CPR, but I was so shaken from his lifeless body. Niko took total control of the resuscitation process. My brother feeling sorry for allowing himself to stumble back in his recovery process.

Roman called when we were about half way home. His plan was to get Niko to go to the grocery store with him to get things for Mila. He said there'd be no way Niko would ever turn down providing for her and Niko was basically puddy in her tiny fingers. Roman said he agreed. Next, I was to go up to the store, leaving Ethan to keep Karen safe, and most of all, calm. It seemed foolproof.

He dropped me off at Niko's old apartment to pick up my Merit. It fortunately had nothing stolen from it. Having my car around instead of just having Karen's Calvacade gave Niko and I more freedom. I drove the rest of the way alone to the store. Roman found out where Niko was hiding after he promised him he wouldn't tell me where he was. Roman wasn't too quiet as to where he was. He called me as I was parking far back in the lot so Niko didn't see my car. Niko was laying low at his friend's apartment for a few days. A man called Little Jacob. Roman told me the man liked to smoke pot a lot, but he cut down after he heeded Niko's warning a long time ago to cut back a little. It gave him paranoia one day, and he went after his friend called, "Real Badman". The two men attacked each other and went their seperate ways. Niko warned Jacob that one day it would happen after Jacob mentioned it. Months later, after living on the streets, Jacob rented an apartment a few blocks away from Niko's old apartment.

I waited in the lot until I saw the blue Huntley pull in. I texted him, letting him know I saw him.

Wait for my signal to come in. I want him a little distracted so he doesn't completely know what's going on. I think he has a clue, but I played it off like he was crazy. Meet me by the electronic section when I say it's okay.

He had it down, I gotta give him that. He must have been planning this all day.

Is it okay to meet you there, yet?

I message him after twenty minutes or so. I was getting impatient just wanting to see him.

Yeah. Come on in. He's looking for diapers. I am at the electronic section. I'll text him to meet me here too. Hurry.

My legs showed me the definition of speed as I ran through the lot. In the back of the store stood Roman holding the CD I wanted. My favorite band released another album I wanted to get my hands on, but with everything happening, I never got the chance to get it.

"Stand on the other side of the aisle. He told me he was coming back here. I think he knows you're here."

"Shit." I said as I rounded the corner. I tried to pretend I was looking at a CD. I didn't even know the band name.

"Roman. What are you doing? I thought we were shopping for Mila? You're over here looking at music."

"I wanted their new CD. Maybe you should get one for Sharon." He held the case up, letting him read the band name again.

"I don't think so." He said and called to me, "Why would I need to buy her two copies?"

Crap! He knew all along I was nearby. I flushed myself out and met him by Roman.

"What are you doing here?" He seemed annoyed.

"I just wanted to see you." My eyes stung with tears when I remembered what kept him from me.

"Let's not do this here. Let's go home and talk." He held my shoulders when I looked to the floor to hide my sorrow.

We never needed to get anything in the first place as we all walked out. Niko followed me to my car not saying a word. I wanted to spill my guts to him and offer a thousand apologies, but I did as he wished and waited until we got home. I told him Karen was back home and we needed to be quiet so we wouldn't get her upset.

Roman went his own way home, saying he didn't want to see the water works and fluffy smoochy display. Besides, he had a little girl to get back to who behaved better than we did at times.

We sat down at the kitchenette. I showed my emotions and did nothing to stop myself from offering sobbing apologies to him. I did my best to keep quiet. His shushing came next. He told me it wasn't necessary to feel sorry anymore. He accepted my apology a while ago.

"I just wanted to be away for a while. I was planning on coming back to you tomorrow, but this whole scheme with Roman quickened my plans."

"I really didn't have anything to do with his plan. I guess he wanted us to get back together. Roman said you broke up with me and I lost it."

He chuckled a little for a strange reason.

"He has a knack for twisting stories. He over exaggerates stories. I didn't break up with you. I said I needed time away. I need to get back at him for making you panic, but for now, I think we need each other."

He looked at me for my reaction. I wasn't sure if his statement gave me his consent to touch him. If I moved to him, I thought I'd meet with his barrier. His sudden movement after I didn't move a muscle alarmed me. I hoped he wasn't avoiding me still. He stood over me as I remained in my chair. His eyes connected with mine and gave me a smile. A slow single tear trailed dowm my cheek as I smiled back.

"Let's go into our room. I have something I need to show you."

His hand extended to me and I took it. His skin alone ignited a feeling of exhilaration. I knew what he wanted because it was what I wanted. After he lead me inside, he thumbed the lock to allow us privacy. What he did next was not what I thought he was going to do.

"Wait here."

I stood in the middle of the bedroom while he rummaged through the drawers. He sent pants and shirts flying in random directions in search of the mystery item. He pulled a jewlery box out. It was different from the wedding ring box I knew he kept in the top dresser drawer. This box was longer. Which stored necklaces and bracelets.

He presented me with the black box and I slowly opened it. The box was visably dated and has seen better times. What the box held was a white gold necklace with a lime green jewel shaped into a heart. The necklace looked tarnished and the peridot had a small chip on the side.

"This is beautiful." I said as I held the old necklace in the air.

He smiled, and took the delicate trinket from me. He asked me to turn away from him and brought the necklace around my neck.

"It looks more beautiful around your neck." He said as he kissed me multiple times on my neck.

I started to flutter at his touch. His lips were warm, and my mind flodded with desire.

"What's the occasion?" I asked.

"I know your birthday is in August. So was my mother's. She'd want you to have this. She'd love you."

I almost cried at his words. It was hard to describe my feelings.

"I'd hate to ask, but is she still alive?"

He lightly sighed. "No. She died last May. It was so difficult. I really wanted to be there for her on her dying days, but I couldn't make it there. She died a day after I arrived home. I was crushed. I could tell she waited for me to come home, but she couldn't hold on amymore. She was burried next to my father. As much as he was a bastard of a father, she still loved him." He thought hard on his next words. For a moment, I thought he was going to cry. "I want to go see her soon after all this is done."

"I'd be by your side when you're ready to go."

"Thank you."

The rest of the evening was spent with whispers and light laughter. We were slowly repairing what was broken between us. I kept thinking what Roman told me. I was fixing him. He was indeed damaged. I was the right person to help him off the ground.