This chapter speaks for itself. It took a lot from me to write this the way I did. And you will see why.

Anyway- Enjoy!

aaaaaa

The luxury jet hummed quietly as it leveled out and reached altitude. One that was far enough away from massive explosions and supersonic fighter planes. The sun gleamed off the polished wings and bounced light off the field of clouds below. The world looked so innocent and at peace from up above it all. There was no one to reach out and fight. It was just the jetliner and the heavens. The colors blended and faded from the searing, scorching sun, to the chilled, and welcomed night.

Night meant Liberty City. It meant bright, colorful lights from the Triangle. Fairy lights strung from tree to tree in the all-too worn in beer garden. Darkness to hide the failures and imperfections that lived in the daylight. A blank canvas to start anew within.

But most importantly night meant he would be able to see the guiding light home.

The beacon he so desperately needed.

Just to bath in her loving soul and rest his head in a safe place…

Night was his Kate.

And he was currently hurdling toward her to save her from drowning in his inky darkness.

Dark, hazel eyes lifelessly stared out the small corner window, refusing to move away from the vanishing tendrils of red, orange, and yellow. Returning his sight to the cockpit only meant he would have to face his longtime nemesis. The one who had sent his life spiraling out of control. The one responsible for the ambush that landed him on this path of revenge and hatred. He didn't want to hold onto the sickening hate anymore. His comrades had found peace in the next world. Bernie was free to be who he longed to be. And he was discovering everything he had believed was no longer available to him.

'Yet if Darko wasn't alive then Kate would've died on the yacht… As much as I hate to say it- I owe him…'

A couple of stars twinkled to life above the sun's heat and caught his attention. For all he knew Kate was looking up and watching the same tiny speck that interrupted the cloudless sky over the towering buildings filled with lights.

'Kate there is much to apologize for now… For my lack of control- on numerous occasions. For my damaged heart. For ever getting you into this situation. You resented the mere thought of organized crime, and now you sit at the top of the most powerful empire in America. And do so with a smile and compassion. I fear everything we have is only temporary. The truth will come to light, and it will not be something I can just sweep under the darkening haze that has been my cover for so long.

If it doesn't come to light before I land… I will be forced to tell you.

Kate I am truly sorry.

I don't deserve your forgiveness…'

He sighed and let the cool glass sooth the worry lines on his forehead,

'How will you ever forgive me?'
"How will you ever forgive me?"

A deep, shaky breath retreated the fog before the exhalation splashed the glass and covered her sight of the nighttime sky. There was just enough of the sun left to let her know which way was west. And her sorrowful blue eyes were glued to the last rays of hope and warmth. Another tear rolled down her puffy, red cheeks forcing her to yank the furry blanket closer around her body. The multitude of plants, flower arrangements, 'get well' balloons- or at least she assumed that's what it said in Russian, cards, and bathing soaps and selfcare baskets filled the entirety of Kenny's apartment unit. Every available space was taken up by some token of well wishes and it caused Kate to curl in on herself.

So many people wanted to lift her up and help shoulder the burden.

But how could she let these people in if she couldn't even find the strength to forgive herself?

She longed to feel the heat against her face from her morning daylight.

The light that showed her that scars and bruises were superficial and not a definition of herself or those around her. That her attackers could no longer injure her. There was a shield and immovable wall around her that for once wasn't one concocted by herself. But by the love, grace, and acceptance of who she wanted to be by; The one she couldn't live without. And he was somewhere out there in the world stirring up trouble- But would always return to her as promised.

Warmth, soothing, and tenderness- it made up her morning when she snuggled into his strong chest and relaxed under the weight of his arms.

Morning was her Niko.

It was a fresh start and a new discovery every day she spent at his side.

Only she couldn't shake the devastation that coiled sludge through her.

Their created life wasn't meant to be. At least not now…

The thought soured her jumbled mind further. Slowly she dropped down to the chilled hardwood floors and curled into the doorframe of the balcony. It had become her place of refuge in a building filled with killers and death. The frosted glass panes that framed the world beyond so perfectly. The snow-covered gardens untouched by footprints or wildlife. It was pristine and clean. And her body longed to bask in the unmarred sanctuary. To be washed of the guilt and pain.

Her head turned with the sounds of the water being turned on from the bathroom and she lifelessly watched Georgi exit the room to start searching through their suitcases for a change of clothes for her. God bless him. He had agreed to her every request without hesitation. Her mind worried it was simply due to her title and not because he genuinely wanted to help her out.

Once more tears fell freely as she turned back to the cloudless sky to search out the answers she knew weren't going to come from the outside. This was her's to figure out and fix. No amount of therapy was going to solve this weight within. No amount of should've, could've, would've, would change where she now sat huddled in the thick fur thrown blanket watching the world go on without her.

A couple of stars twinkled to life above the sun's fading heat and captured her painfilled stare. The gut jab with each new realization she was no longer carrying their child had her hunching into the balcony doorway. How was she going to ever face him and tell him the horrible news? It was so final. As if not saying it prevented it from being the truth. But her exhausted mind knew there was no avoiding this. Her worry, turned to fear. Would this ruin Valentine's Day for them now? Their connection? Their intimate moments? Their love.

Kate started to hyperventilate and sank down further within the oversized fur blanket.

'What if he can't look at me the same way again…?'

She thought she understood heartbreak, but nothing could have prepared her for the vile emptiness she felt.

"I-I'm so sorry моја љубав (moja ljubav)." Kate sucked in air and felt the burn all the way down to her nearly frozen toes. This was it. This was where she would break and never be whole again. The faint call of her name never registered as she collapsed into the fetal position.

"опрости ми љубави (oprosti mi ljubavi)" Niko breathed the words against the chilled glass and winced realizing that the person next to him was not going to leave well enough alone. As the seconds passed he started to think he would get away with the verbal slip-up.

"What does she need to forgive you for this time?" Darko's low voice filled the space of the open cockpit and he glanced to his side at his moping comrade, "Not like you purposely asked to be attacked out west."

"No." Niko shifted in his seat and crossed his arms. He wasn't in the mood to talk, and really wasn't in the mood to ever discuss things with Darko. Especially if it involved Kate.

"We have about three hours to kill before I need to start landing procedures. So you can either mop like a degenerate child, or we can talk like civil adults." Darko sighed loudly and clicked a couple of buttons to activate the autopilot, "I'm the only one on this aircraft you can talk to in a language everyone else won't understand. Tell me. Get this burden off your chest."

"Just because we share Serbian doesn't mean I trust you. How do I know you aren't playing both sides again, waiting for the opportune moment to come to my aid? OR did we already hit fucked up and here you are?!" Niko huffed his words and begged his inner demons to let things lie. This was not the time to hash out differences or get into a fist fight. Not when his backup pilot was resting soundlessly on the isle of the plane, and Aleksei wasn't in a much better position to fly a plane.

"The Fixer was my employer for four months. As soon as I was well enough to walk, I was carrying out his paid jobs. It passed the time." Darko's fingers tightened on the armrests, and he clicked his tongue, "Word started to spread that Kenny was in too deep and was unwelcome. And through that chatter I picked up The Fixer was interested in the hard drives of Natalya's hacker. Figured the cops would've been quicker in creating a case to storm the apartment unit with my tip. So when it wasn't immediate action, I broke in and spent a week getting to know this hacker. Took all of two days to get his password out."

Niko hated he was now interested in what Darko had to say, "Figures you would know where the hacker was. Anyone else in the organization left?"

"I'll get to that. On the day Franics made the call to send NOOSE, Robert tried to unlock the door. I grabbed every damming piece of information I could get my hands on and went out the alley window. I made my escape with time to let Robert get caught. But the bastard kid was smarter than I thought. Rigged the whole damn door to blow. I slipped away during the chaos. What's fucked up is all I could think about was getting these nuclear hard drives into the right hands…" Darko grew quiet and rubbed his now sweaty hands along his combat pants.

"How unlike you. What? No priceless info or one-way tickets to freedom? You getting a second chance at all this should've been hint enough to go settle down." Niko slouched some in his seat giving off the impression he really didn't care, but deep down he was almost scared to hear what he had found on those hard drives. His inner killer was adamantly listening to every word and was picking up some weird signals from Darko. He looked nervous and- 'Is that fear?'

"You're the one who could talk, Niko. Depends on how you define priceless." Darko double checked the plane was in autopilot and wasn't about to send them into a nosedive. He wasn't expecting to just jump right on in and show his full hand, but maybe it was a good show of faith, and that he could be trusted now. Or at least not be immediately accused of foul play.

'I didn't ask to get back in the game asshole!' Niko narrowed his eyes at the jab at his 'retired' status, "Stashes of money, weapons locations, enemy hideouts and escape paths, bank accounts, chat logs. You know… Things that could wield a devastating blow to your enemy or friend. If it keeps the friend in line more. This was all taught to us in the wars. And I know you haven't forgotten all of that." Niko rolled his eyes and then muttered under his breath, "I know I have not forgotten nor forgiven…"

"I can only keep asking and showing you how I am a changed man. But Niko. Natalya was truly unhinged and depraved. It's a wonder Dimitri wasn't worse. They had everything they could ever need to end you." Darko swallowed thickly and plopped back in the captain's chair to stare at the encroaching darkness, "I know I ruined your life. Or you at least blame me for your choices. But even what I did could not compare to how badly she wanted you to rot."

"She did some pretty devastating damage…"Niko sat up more in his chair and turned to face Darko, "She did enough Darko."

"I was meant to kill Kate in front of you. I was supposed to poison her in front of you and let you watch it unfurl. That is why I changed my alliances. I had a few run ins with Bulgarin's men and that torture they inflicted… No ambush would outweigh the vile things she wanted to do to you. Roman was also beginning to catch her ire. And once you killed the bitch I vowed to clean up where the police could not. Sometimes the jobs The Fixer supplied matched up with my goals. But I have been actively watching your back this whole time."

"Could you have honestly killed her like that?" Niko's voice dropped and his arms tightly crossed over his chest, "Be honest."

"The same way you killed those children under Bulgarin's orders. Yes-"

"How do you know?!" Niko outright seethed between his clenched jaw, sitting up fully and turning in his chair- ready to leap out and attack his ex-comrade.

"But once I met Kate, she changed my mind. And I told you. They had everything they needed to ruin you. It's on these." Darko turned in his seat and yanked a duffle bag up from the floor behind his chair. He bunched his hands into the thick material and looked up to meet the furious glare of his once friend. He was doing the right thing. He knew it deep down. So why did he feel like handing it to Niko was a bad idea? It wasn't anything new to Niko. It was his life explained in every evil detail. Things used to whisper to Kate as she succumbed to the poison.

"Promise me this isn't going to harm me." Darko shifted the bag and felt the metal drives clink together.

"As acting head of the Bratva, I can offer you whatever it is you want. Within reason. Safety. A out. A ranked place. Name it." Niko heard what sounded like metal in the bag and did his best to not let his hopes get up. If he could land his hands on the hard drives, then he would have leverage over The Fixer. It would be one last thing to worry about. It would be great news to share with Francis. Get them back to square one.

"I need to finish my role, but I give you these in good faith. I will need you to trust me. I'm the only one who can slip into Alexi's Bratva and figure things out." Darko held the bag between them and set his eyes on Niko's, "I will not endanger you or her."

"Alexi is dead. One of my men did a decent job of inflicting death. Was gruesome." Niko shuddered at the sight of Alexi's face being sunken in from the shotgun blasts. His hand extended out to take hold of the strap. He could feel some of the weight of the bag and grew hopeful that this is what he truly needed. It was one giant step into solving his mess and getting back on track to his happily ever after with Kate.

"Wait. Он је мртав? (On je mrtav?)

"Yes. We have his body down in the morgue at the compound." Niko nodded once; eyebrow lifted. Shouldn't someone within the Bratva know this information instantly?

"It's been a few days since I've been in contact with them. I was assigned to come out west and assist the Pavano's on your capture. Since Authur failed, you won't have to worry about him showing back up any time soon. Mary Valvona had nothing to do with this and will have his head for going against the table. Once she finds out; I'm sure a huge apology will be coming your way." Darko sank back into the captain's chair and tapped his finger to his chin in thought.

"Oh it better be the apology of the century. Nearly lost two of my closest and best men-"

"You talk as if this is your family and Bratva. So much for being retired and sailing off into the distance brother." Darko tilted his head enough to regard Niko. The way Niko spoke and directed people was like second nature- and totally weirded him out. Sure in the war they all looked to Niko at times when things got out of hand. The rumor had been he was only temporarily going to head the Petrovic mafia, and Kenny would resume when healthy.

"This is my Bratva. I have sworn protection, leadership, and responsibility to the choices made under my power." Niko spoke softly and let the bag rest in his lap. His hand could feel the shape of the hard drives under the thick material. It felt right to declare Kenny's life's work as his own. Kenny's men looked to him and swore allegiance. There was hardly any fuss with him taking over. And even those who had connections with Kenny seemed to approve of him taking over.

"And Kate? She is okay being the highness of the largest and most powerful mafia in America?"

"Высочество (Vysochestvo)? Kate?" Georgi immediately dropped to her side seeing her in distress. He carefully scooped her up and adjusted her to rest against his body, "Shhh. Everything will be okay with time. I have your bath ready. Come, I shall help you."

"Ho-How are you so positive?" Kate let him effortlessly pick her up bridal style, blanket and all, and dropped her head to his shoulder- too tired to do much more than comply with what Georgi was doing.

"I have faith in the Bratva." Georgi did his best to not jostle her as he smoothly walked them toward the steamy, hot, and welcoming bathroom. He had drawn one of the thick velvet curtains closed to help keep the heat within the marble covered space. The tub bubbled and hummed soothingly as they entered the room, and he felt her deep sigh against his neck.

"Some incredible faith you must carry…" Kate closed her eyes and let a couple of tears drop. She had once again done what Niko would've done. But. How could she? She shot someone for crying out loud! Probably killed him for all she knew. Deep down something had risen to give her the strength to fight back and be her own protector in those dreadful moments. It was a searing, blinding light that had her finger pulling the trigger back. Multiple times.

She allowed Georgi to set her feet on the ground, once more feeling the weight of everything come crashing down upon her frail body. The blanket dropped from her hands as she shot them out to grab ahold of Georgi's strong arms. She needed her anchor. Begged silently to have Niko here to share in this immense pain and fear. Fingers curled then dug into the firm muscles and held on for dear life.

Georgi caught her easily and held her under her arms with his hands. Goosebumps shot up at her touch and a jolt traveled down his body with the way her nails pressed down into his long-sleeved shirt and sank into his warming skin. His eyes dropped down to pools of blue and green, with the ultimate devastation splashing within. He had felt so much pride and joy with her presence in the gym. She had stood tall, strong, and her voice. God her tone had him nearly dropping to a knee.

But when Ziad lurched toward her, all that vanished into terror. He had seen the knife heading for Kate and dove towards them- only to halt when the gun fired off. And again. And again. Till he counted five shots. Five shots. His heart had been put through the ringer. Before Niko dropped into his life he wouldn't have cared how many times Mrs. Kenny fired a weapon. Granted he would have never allowed her to get into a situation where she would need to protect herself.

'Fuck… I failed again…'

Georgi's eyes softened greatly at her never-ending sorrow. She had not failed. She had assumed the role waiting for her and took charge. She was magnificent, beautiful, and held her head high. She was the image of a strong, compassionate leader. One who held heart and sword together in a balance that was fair and just. His faith in Niko now rested with Kate.

She felt her knees weaken at the heartfelt features his face took on. Everything tempered and morphed into this unrecognizable face of the man who had saved her life multiple times without question. Had stood by her side and bolstered her up when she was down. Gave her courage when she was afraid. Wiped her tears away when they started to fall once more. Here was a man dedicated to taking care of her and he didn't hold a single complaint.

He was standing in the most lavish bathroom she had ever seen, drawn the enticing bath, and held her with all the care in the world.

How dare she question his faith…

"Georgi? Where is this faith coming from…?" She urged him, stepping closer and running her hands up his arms to rest on his shoulders. Her fingers splayed over the thick muscles of his neck and back. She blinked the next few tears away and held on to whatever came out of his slowly smiling lips. Her knees shook under his stare, and she felt them giving out again. Once more she allowed him to set her upright and had to force the enjoyment of being held down from leaking out.

"If Pakhan is… Questioning my faith- Then I have failed at showing my undying loyalty." Carefully as to not alarm her, he slipped his hand from her back, down to her side, thumbing it to double check she had not been shot or injured, to rise to the large insignia patch on her chest. The tailored thread greeted the tips of his fingers eagerly as he traced over the feral lion before stopping on the crown upon its head.

"I-I! That's not- Why do you carry this faith? I have never asked for it…" She trailed off as a smirk lifted the side of his mouth. Her legs were turning to jelly the longer she let herself gaze into the breathtaking blue of his eyes. Heat scorched over her face and dusted her cheeks pink. The hand on her back was intensely burning her skin, and don't get her started on what his hand on her chest was doing to the rest of her body.

"I give my faith to you without question because I can see the warrior you are. You fight so hard Храбрый (Khrabryy). Against attackers. Against pain and suffering. I can see the woman who preservers thought it all. To give life, blood, body, and service to your will. I will follow your lead and do as you have asked. As you have asked it, it shall be done." Georgi lifted his hand from her chest to gently brush a curl or two away from her face, tracing the edges of her hairline, behind her ear, and down to rest once more over Kenny's patch.

She shivered with his tender touch, "Pocket translator?" Kate whispered as she lowered her hands to rest over his beating heart.

"Not this time Высочество (Vysochestvo). It is my oath to you and your leadership." He lifted his hand away from the crest to hold her two against his heart, "There is nothing in this world that will keep me from having faith in Niko… and you, Kate." He sighed and lowered down to kiss her forehead, then rested his own to hers, "Your bath awaits."

The words were hushed and comforting.

His gaze spoke volumes of adoration and care.

She had never seen such wholehearted longing to serve before in her life. Without hesitation she grabbed the hand resting over hers and threaded their hands together. Slowly, never breaking eye contact with Georgi, she raised their clasped hands and kissed his knuckles. A simple, light brushing of her lips. And with a whispered voice in the back of her head she began to lift their hands up. He followed her movements and leaned back to allow her to press the back of his hand to her forehead.

"I accept your loyalty… and more importantly- you." Kate lowered their hands to rest against her racing heart, "But Georgi… I am scared."

"I will face your fears and burden your pain. Now lets get you situated in the tub so you can unwind and relax. I will stand guard, and never leave unless you send me away." He rubbed his index knuckle that was free from her grasp over the insignia. He created a safe space between them and nodded his head to her next question he could feel rising up in her.

"Sit at the edge of the tub. I can't be alone. I don't trust myself." She bowed her head and tucked herself into his body longing to feel his arms cage her in to him. She would find a good breath then decide to get into the awaiting bath.

"As you have asked it, it shall be done." Georgi hugged her tightly and let the tears continue to soak his shirt. 'I am here. I will always be here when Niko cannot. I am so sorry for your pain and mourning. I will find a way to help… I promise.'

"Can you call Niko and let him know of the news…? I will use that time to undress and get settled in this lovely smelling bath you have concocted. I think he needs to be updated on what has gone on in his home as he has been away." She leaned out of his arms and gave a half smile. She was starting to look forward to a bath. It would help sooth the aches and pains. Not to mention the knots growing on her shoulders.

"As you have asked it, it shall be done. Anything specific you would like to include in the update, Pakhan?" Georgi let her slip from his grip and watched as she moved over to one of the oversized mirrors above the sink. She yanked the ponytail holder out of her wildly curled hair. Her eyes met his in the mirror and he could see how hard she was trying to keep it all together and not break down again.

"That I love him and miss him. Could you also let me know if Anton is okay? Lova doesn't deserve to receive bad news." Kate sighed heavily and rubbed over her face, "Also I need to find a way to thank everyone for the colossal mass of flowers and gifts in the apartment…" She bit her lip hard and hated that a couple of tears broke free… She knew she needed to ask the question, but her body locked up and prevented her from voicing her concern.

"You wish to know the outcome of the incident with Ziad?" Georgi figured at some point she would get around to asking him. He knew she would be worried about it till it was either confirmed he was dead or not. 'Her first kill and I did nothing to prevent it…' his face dropped, and he scowled at the floor. He had sworn to Niko he would keep her from ever having to shoot someone.

"Please." Kate turned to lean back into the counter as a thought occurred to her, "He's dead anyway if he survived my shooting?

"Yes Pakhan." He gave her a short answer. He knew it in his bones that Ziad would most likely succumb to the massive injury Kate inflicted to him. And if he didn't? Aleksei, Anton, or himself would kill him before Niko would get a chance. Preferably he would like to execute Ziad for so many reasons. He was nearly abusive in his training approach to the younger members of the Bratva. That alone begged for a lashing. No. Ziad was declared dead. He just didn't have a confirmed executioner yet.

"Alright… This is like Boris isn't it?" She crossed her arms over her stomach as another cramp washed through her. 'I killed someone… He is dead because of me… Holy. Shit.'

"Worse. But yes. Anything else before I step into the living room?" Georgi yearned to walk over to her and hold her as she worked through all this, but he had already crossed so many lines. He had invaded her personal space. Held her as if he had permission to. Caressed her in ways he should not have. He needed to gain some space from her to think straight once more.

"Just…" He eyes lowered to Darko's gun that rested on the counter near her hand. A rage of evil thoughts flooded her mind, and she clamped down on them hard. The gun was right there. Easiest way to end it all was at her fingertips. She'd be free of the physical agony and the mental strain of trying to stay sane. She could wait to be alone. He wouldn't be able to react quick enough.

'SNAP OUT OF IT!'

Kate sucked in air and picked up the gun, "Keep this till I am ready to carry such a thing again."

"Kate? You really have nothing to fear with keeping a layer of protection nearby. I almost wish to leave it here but will do as asked." Georgi walked to her and picked up Darko's pistol, "One day you will accept being the highness of the largest and most powerful mafia in America. You are what we need."

"I believe she… I want to think she would be okay with the title. She enjoys everyone's company from what I can tell.The guys have taken a liking to her. Most of them. But she will want us to step down once Kenny is awake. She won't have a need to carry that title, Darko." Niko slouched back into the copilot chair and dropped the duffle bag down to his foot.

"So you what? Stay in control and she doesn't? That makes no sense." Darko checked a couple of the readings from the plane and nodded with how well the plane was holding up. A small jet like the one they were flying was not meant to sit in a hot sandy environment. The incoming call on the radio panel lit up for a split second and he frowned at it.

"She will leave me once I tell her what I did." Niko absolutely believed that once he told her about killing Derek she would be one step out the door- And once he confessed to nearly having sex with Karen she would be out the door swiftly and would be gone before he got the chance to explain himself.

"Pfft. That woman is beyond stuck on you. Even if you confess to killing her brother on the orders of the other, she would forgive you. It's just who she is. Hell she forgave me for the bloodbath I left in the yacht. I saved her life and she immediately looked at me as if I wasn't this horrible monster…

I can see why your men have taken to her." Darko grew soft and thoughtful. Kate had been something else when he sat down next to her in his old bedroom on the yacht. She had shown him kindness, compassion, and love. Forgiveness above all else. He had seen the light instantly and knew why Niko loved this woman with all of his being.

"Darko I did something far worse to her." Niko swallowed and went back to looking out the window. Their banter and back and forth had dug up some of the memories of them as kids and young men in the war. It was comforting. Darko and Florian had been who he went to when he needed to sort through problems. 'Might as well tell someone to get it off my chest…'

"What? You fuck one of them strippers back at the clubs? You looked black out drunk." Darko chuckled with the recent memories of Niko stumbling around and accepting drink after drink. He had thought something was truly wrong with him when he barely glanced at all the near naked women in the club. It almost looked like he was depressed instead of enjoying himself on what the other men around him kept calling his bachelor party.

"Darko I nearly slept with Karen. WOAH!" Niko felt zero g's for a second as the plane nosedived for a second before leveling out.

"You fucker!" Darko yanked Niko out of the seat and tossed him to the ground just in front of Anton's feet, "You 'nearly'?! What the fuck does that even mean?!" Darko drew his pistol and trained it on Niko's forehead.

Sergei, Ivo, and Aleksei drew their own weapons and pointed them to Darko. They had zero time to react as Niko was tossed down to the floor. Confusion filled the plane as Niko's men had no idea what was wrong, or why the man who joined them on the plane looked so hostile.

"I was dreaming of Kate. Karen happened to cuddle into me. I was lost in my memories. Then…" Niko held his hand up to try and stave off the ensuing attack he knew was coming his way.

"Then what happened? Niko! You do that to her?! After everything!" Darko grew irate and took a step closer.

"I mentally snapped. I had so much going on in my head. Her losing the baby has me so messed up that I don't even know what's happening anymore!" Niko's voice rose greatly with each word that crossed his lips. If he was going to confess, he might as well do it in English where all could hear, and the rumors would die before they could get started.

"Los-Lost… Baby?!" Darko sank to his knees and dropped his mouth open with Niko's revelation. That was news to him. There had been zero information going around on Kate's condition being pregnant…

"Yes. Kate miscarried. She was attacked and poisoned. I don't know if the poison is what caused it or not." Niko sat up and scooted back into Anton's feet creating distance between him and Darko. Enough to be able to attack or defend himself from another attack by Darko.

"Poisoned? The Albanian's attack. I thought Kate would be secured with you, so I went after Florian… There. There was no mention or word of poisoning her to death. They still had plans for her if she survived." He dropped his handgun to the side and held his hands up to get the others to quit aiming their guns at him.

"I think you need to explain to all of us just what you know is going on…" Niko scowled at Darko and lifted up to his feet. He turned his attention to Sergei when his phone lit up and started to ring loudly, "How are you getting a call?!"

"It's the emergency sat phone. It is Georgi. Would you like me to give him the update or do you wish to?" Sergei clenched his body to keep from flinching in his boss' presence. Niko was turning murderous by the second and he did not want that fire coming his way.

"Give him the update and leave out my misdeeds with Karen. I'll explain to him myself." Niko waved Sergei to the cockpit so he could have the conversation in private. He stepped into the space in front of a chair to allow him to jump over Anton and avoid Darko's prone body. "If it is Kate, I will call her from the radio in the cockpit.

"Yes boss." Sergei closed the door to the cockpit and vanished from Niko's line of sight.

"Alright Darko. Speak." Niko dropped down into a chair next to Anton's head and didn't break eye contact with him. Anton nodded and knew he needed to listen to what was going to be said next. It was important to the Bratva.

"My work with The Fixer got me close to the Albanians. It was great cover to allow me to know what was going on and make decisions on my own instead of whoever was above me. I learned of the attack and went for Florian. They have a great hatred for you Niko. It has nothing to do with being Kenny. Now the Pavano's? They are gunning because they believe you are weakened from the recent attacks. I'm sure other members of The Commission will start to provoke you into reacting and creating unbalance within The Commission's agreements.

"Good thing the Valentine's Day party is upcoming. I plan on renegotiations. The attack by the Pavano's will be known and dealt with however I see fit. What else is going on that I am missing?" Niko crossed his arms and waited to hear the report Darko was giving. It went from attack mode to table meeting real quick and it made his head spin. 'Hopefully Kate wants to talk… I could do with hearing her voice again.'

"If you are really the head of the Bratva then you will have to fully accept it. Rumors are spreading about how weak and disorganized the Petrovic Bratva is. Everyone assumes things will slip through the cracks. Territory can be infringed on. You will need to be Kenny. Not just act like him." Darko sat cross legged and rested his hands on his knees. He would get back to Niko cheating later- but right now they were all sharing information. He needed this as much as they did.

"I am Kenny. I wear his ring!" Niko nearly shouted holding up his hand with the gawdy ring.

"Boss?" Anton weakly spoke from his position, "You will have to bear his crest and finery when you go to this party- err meeting. You will have to take full charge and enact revenge soon on the Pavano's and Albanians. Forget this truce. Ram the yacht into the shore and let them know they have messed with us for the last time. Violence and relentless pressure on our enemies is the way. Our way."

"Until you take responsibility for these transgressions against us, you are only a placeholder. You have the respect and acceptance from your men. Now you need to strike fear into those who wish to go against us. You can make this Bratva yours with how you respond." Aleksei sluggishly lifted his hand to his chest and bowed his head, "To give life, blood, body, and service to your will. I will follow your lead and do as you have asked. As you have asked it, it shall be done."

"Alright then. Darko let's get in contact with Pavel and see if we can't up the anti against the Albanians. Never liked the mansion anyway." Niko rose from his seat as the cockpit door opened and Sergei emerged with the phone still against his ear.

At Niko's eyebrow lift Sergei balked and stumbled over his words, "Bo-Boss- I, uh…" He gulped hard and felt the sweat form along his hairline, "Georgi needs to speak to you. I am too lowly ranked to receive the update." Sergei practically squeaked when Niko snatched the phone from his hand and entered the cockpit, slamming the door shut.

'Just what is so damn important it has to be my ears only?!' Niko crawled over the copilot's chair and plopped down thinking he might as well get comfortable to hear the update and have one more thing to figure out.

"Ni-Niko?" Kate's tiny voice froze his heart and he forgot how to breathe.

"Niko? Are you there?"

The line cut dead and he looked down at the phone. The no power was blinking, and he swore in both Russian and Serbian at his luck. With a rush of urgency he rotated around to open the damn oak door, "Darko. In here now."

Darko hurried inside the cockpit and dropped down into the pilot's seat wondering what he was going to be asked to do.

"Connect me to Georgi's number from the radio. It is important." He searched through the sat phone and located the number for Georgi, and held it up for Darko to see and dial in.

"One second." Darko pulled on the captain's headset and took the phone from Niko in order to dial the numbers on the radio panel and connect the line. He handed back the phone once the trill of a phone ringing entered his ears. He tapped over his earmuff and pointed to Niko's set hanging from the ceiling, "Connecting now." He flipped a couple of switches and locked in on the signal.

"Кодовое слово (Kodovoye slovo)" Georgi's stern and bordering on hostile voice crackled over the headsets both Darko and Niko wore.

'Code word?!' Niko scoffed, "What code word must Pakhan give? He responded in the same level of intense voice.

"Forgive me Pakhan. I require you to hear this update as it directly involves Highness." Georgi's voice filled their ears, and they could detect a slight break in the bravado. They turned to one another and shrugged.

"Okay. Is she okay?" Niko hated getting news about her over the phone or through someone else. He should've never gone on this trip out west. He should've stay home and been by her side when she awoke.

"Currently in a bath and recovering. Pakhan she has delivered her first kill." Georgi spoke it so directly and to the point. He was in Kaptain role and would uphold his title and not get emotional on the phone call.

"Are you fucking kidding me?! Who attacked her!" Oh Niko was pissed off now. Just the thought of her having to wield a gun against someone made his stomach churn. Her firing the gun in his grip back at the McReary's flashed through his mind. She had nearly killed him with a near miss. Now she had gone and fired a gun again in her defense and killed someone… "And where the fuck were you?!"

"I was with her. She got out of bed and went in search of me. I was in the middle of fighting off her soon to be attacker and she just pointed the gun to Ziad and threatened to fire. He had stabbed both of my comrades. When it seemed like we would be able to detain him he lunged at Kate. He was going to stab her, and she fired the gun off five times, Pakhan."

"What the fuck… How is she?" Niko just couldn't wrap his head around it all. Kate had killed someone. And he had once more failed in protecting her and keeping her from getting into these situations.

"I'm okay. Or as okay as I can be моја љубав (moja ljubav)." Kate whispered over the line and sent a wave of relief over his body. But her words. The ones that declared him as her love. It felt so wrong for her to be saying it with what he had done.

"I am so thankful to hear your voice, Лепа (Lepa). I… I miss you. So much…" Those words were true. They would always be true. Just her voice alone could cut right down to his demons and have them behave in a second. She kept him contained and levelheaded. And he could go for a dose of her calming light.

"I miss you too. How much longer till I get to see you?" Her voice sounded lighter and hopeful. The complete opposite of what he felt. He wasn't sure he would be able to hold her the same or even kiss her. He felt dirty and filthy. He could still feel the rushed, harsh kiss Karen had laid on him.

Niko looked to Darko for the answer and got a raised finger, "I think it should be about an hour or a little longer. Kate I-"

"We can talk about all this when we are alone. Right now I just want to see you again and have my morning warmth to lay upon." She sighed and moved in the bath, causing the water to slosh some.

"And I can't wait to be under you guiding light Мој један једини (Moj jedan jedini)." Niko forced himself to sound loving and caring. But… The unrelenting tearing apart of his heart was making it hard to breathe when talking to her. He had so much to apologize for now. She deserved so much better than his messed-up life. His darkness would be too heavy for her to navigate.

"I await for my other half to come to me. It feels like a lifetime, with me searching for my other half, and I knew it was you from the moment we met. As long as the sun shines in the day and the moon and stars shine at night, our love will always survive." Kate's smooth voice sent shivers through both the listening in Darko and Niko. Her heart was speaking now as everything else was in tatters. There was nothing left to give, but what her heart desired at the moment, and she needed him to respond in the same way.

Niko had to dig deep to come up with the right words to say. Kate was pouring her heart out to him, and he was struggling just to remove Karen from his mind. Darko nudged him and set him with a questioning look as if asking what was taking him so long. He could always blame it on the language barrier, but that was a fading excuse the longer he spent in Liberty City.

Words of comfort, love, and loyalty floated to him in his mind. Comforting and soothing his soul- encouraging him to speak from his hidden heart. The one she was uncovering every moment they spent together. He reached out and grabbed Darko's arm for support and rubbed his fingers over where their matching tattoos rested. Darko returned to gesture by cupping his shoulder. Darko would support his old friend who was in need of some serious companionship and lifting up.

"I-I… I always feel at home when you are with me, no matter where we are, or how far apart we are.

In your heart, I have found love.
In your arms, I have found a home.
In your eyes, I have found passion.
In your soul, I have found myself with your gentle spirit."

Niko closed his eyes and rubbed at his chest where a knot was forming. The words had come to him so effortlessly and it scared him for a moment. Was he truly bound to her no matter what happened between them? Could this newly formed bond carry them through the cheating and lying? He couldn't be sure.

"Niko, I want nothing more than to be with you. You are m-my fi-first, last, and everything. I have the feeling there is more to come when you return, and I want you to know my loyalty has not faded. Волим те (Volim te)." Kate smiled as she said the familiar phrase in Serbian.

"Волим те (Volim te) Kate. I will be home soon, and we can be together again." The dagger just cut deeper and deeper. How dare he tell her he loves her when he had acted the same way he does with Kate to Karen. He had done all of his go to moves to get Kate riled up and when it was almost too late he snapped out of it. Only to surrender to her a moment later. He was in such a fucked-up headspace.

"Okay. See you soon. Fly safe. I'll be at the airport waiting." Her voice carried a lighthearted happiness to it, and it squeezed Niko's heart tighter.

"Okay. Later on." Niko waved his hand to Darko to indicate to cut the call. He needed to take the headset off before he started to hyperventilate.

Darko pressed several buttons to cut the call and rushed to get out of his seat to help Niko. He was shaking and his fists were so tight he could see blood dripping down the edges of his hands. "Calm yourself Niko." He grabbed Niko's shoulders and turned him to face him. He examined Niko's eyes and watch the battle for control wage back and forth or wherever Niko looked to.

"How? How am I going to gain her forgiveness? Why?" Niko dropped his head to Darko's shoulder and needed some form of comfort as he fell apart within. He had never felt so out of sorts before in his life. He was being torn every which way and it was killing him. Kate needed him but he felt he didn't deserve to even touch her, let alone carry her burden.

"Niko, She loves you. Did you not hear a single word she said? She is beyond devoted to you- its nearly movie-like." Darko cupped the back of Niko's neck and placed his hand over the visible tattoo, "You are free to make your own choices. Breathe with me. That's it." Darko slowed his breathing and gave Niko something to focus on and get back to reality.

"I am the monster she fears…" Niko whispered the words and let Darko help him get back into his seat comfortably. He was dead weight and out of it. His eyes held the look of devastation. So much has transpired and built up on his cracking plate. One more thing and it would break. He would break. A new feeling for him as he had been locked up for so long.

"Do you truly believe that? Not all monsters are evil and dangerous. Perhaps they are… wounded soul with hurt scarred deep; enduring excruciating pain. Bleeding in the shadows. Niko, your bleeding is soaking up more that just darkness. It has bled into my soul. The soul that cries out for you.

Darkness is not the absence of light. But the absence of hope. Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness. I love you no matter how dark your past is or how troublesome you are. I will love you because you are the light of my life. To love and be loved is to feel the sun from both sides.

To the world you are a silent assassin, protection in heated situations, a criminal, the head of the table- but to me you are the world."

Kate spoke through the connected line and felt some of Niko's pain with what he had said. Something must have happened really bad. And she would take the next half hour getting ready to face him and the truth of her condition. She hurts like he does. And she would let him know that she was going to be there for him no matter what!

"There is no need to see the world Kate, when it is right in front of me? My world that lives in you. I will see you soon, Мој један једини (Moj jedan jedini)." Niko glared at Darko as he pressed the large, square button that said disconnect.

'I am stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Tell her or not?

Leave out details, white lie it. Maybe it won't come to light ever?

And you have mastered the lie. Don't forget you can disassociate from it all and you will be right as rain.

But shouldn't she be allowed to know?

NO!'

His mind was made up. He is going to bury it, hide it, destroy it over time. All this hard work just so he could be with the love of his life.

Yet. Is it worth it to kill the monster if she fell in love with the monster first?

'And she will be the light your darkness has longed for.
And he will be the darkness she endures.
Searching for the light hidden within.'

aaaaaa

Phew! Had to get the emotions running and blowing up before they get to see one another again. That scene is kicking my butt, so the next chapter should be rather spicey and interesting.

If at any time you are having a bad day and need someone to talk to- please reach out. Comment, private message me on tumbler. You never have to feel alone if you reach out to someone. As scary as it is to ask for help, it is okay and good. This world is too dark to keep dwelling in it.

Till next time!

One Love