Dear All,

I am finally posting after long time, I am very sorry for the wait, but the past weeks were hectic with work and also with travelling back home, as I am now here with my family and Cat 😊

This chapter, well...is very long, rich of many different emotions, our two protagonists are taking more steps ahead and you will see what I mean with this, and I think it has a lot of cute moments. What can I say? Viola and Sergey call for soft and cute moments.

I really, really hope you will enjoy it and I will be looking forward to reading your fabulous messages, comments and see your votes, thank you!

I'd like to dedicate this chapter to all of you as a big and sincere thank you for always following and support my stories, but in particular to FoxRaine as huge THANK YOU, because you keep reading and enjoying my works, leaving lovely comments and letting me know what you think of it! Thank you!

I chose a song that it seemed to fit ^^

And now, enjoy it!

"A true knight is fuller of bravery in the midst, than in the beginning of danger," by Sir Philip Sidney

SERGEY POV:

I woke up earlier than the alarm thanks to a stupid dream I haven't had in long time; it was about my days before high school, when I used to go to the same school as my cousin and some of his friends, like Denisov and his loud twin brother, the guy with cunning eyes named River and then the black one named Derek who always called everyone "dude". They hadn't been really nice and cool days, especially the last two years, considered I spent those many months basically entirely alone and sort of isolated from the others. It was partially my choice but also a condition I found myself thrown into.

My cousin and I argued a lot and I took out my anger on him for the inferiority feelings my father inculcated into me, behaving like a jerk and searching for excuses to fight and get the edge out. It backfired me tremendously because the teachers could not stand me and my classmates started to avoid me like a leper; I was troublesome, always in bad mood and snapping out at people for no real apparent reason, behaving like a bully sometimes, being an asshole most of the time. I started out like a cool kid and ended it as the outcast.

The truth was that at first I really minded being alone and left aside, having my classmates not talking to me or, if they were doing so, it was behind my back, whispering whatever they were bullshitting about. It was hard at first and I blamed Sasha, since in my eyes he was the one who made me look like the jerk I was, along with his insufferable friends who would always side with him, being loyal. River had once or twice tried to talk to me, and the way he seemed to read inside of my head had freaked me out, so I pushed him away even more. I was so stupid that I didn't realize it had not been Sasha's fault for becoming a jerk and the piece of trash I was until now.

Once I started high school I decided to stick with a group of people I wasn't crazy about but that seemed to like the way I pretended to be, the other self I created for myself, not wanting to be left aside as before. Yet, the more time I spent with them the lonelier I felt, and I had to add, the more time I wanted to spend on my own, no longer minding it.

No, it was not bad, and I came to appreciate it.

And now, after having started to interact with Viola, after having made one promise to her and one to myself, I could really see what an idiot I had been. Sure, Sasha and I would probably never get along, because he still was my most perfect and insufferable cousin, who with all chances hated my guts with burning passion and would never give me a second chance; but at least I had the opportunity to wake up from that moronic daze and see what I had slowly turned myself into. A version of Sergey that was pretty much pathetic and ridiculous, pretty much grotesque.

Viola had somehow switched something inside of me, maybe worked her weird and crazy magic for all I knew, but it truly was like getting outside of my body and looking at myself from another perspective. I did not like what I saw. It was fake and beginning to stink badly, I had no real friends like my cousin or Viola had, the relationship with my parents wasn't the best and I was not really enjoying my days in high school. If I had to be entirely honest, even if deep down I would still not openly admit it, I actually enjoyed spending those afternoons working together with Viola for the Halloween's party organization, interacting with her weird best friend, Sharon, and with some others. They still all looked at me as if I were some dangerous beast, but it didn't matter.

Somehow, being around Viola, started to make my days in high school completely different. Somehow, I found myself waking up in the morning and looking forward to going to school, even if just to see her for a few minutes and exchange a few words.

It all came with a price and I had another exchange with Martin, Chris and Jonathan, since they didn't appreciate my standing for Viola when the other day she came over our table to talk about the party's organization. When Martin went to insult her, I saw red and I managed not to break his nose right there just because she was standing in front of us, and because Denisov came over. It pissed me off at first, but I was secretly thankful he avoided the situation to degenerate, since I really didn't want to have her getting scared by me.

Since that day, I was officially an outcast and, to my great amazement, I couldn't care less about that, were it not for the fact that those pricks took every occasion to get on my nerves and say bad things about Viola. I guess they understood I liked her or something like that, and I knew this was going to take quite the road, especially with Alexa. I was keeping an eye on her, since it was obvious that she minded my choice and my eyes often caught her staring at Viola with an expression that made me feel like slapping her. Also, she never lost the chance to taunt her and I had to make her stop, no matter what.

I sat at a table eating lunch on my own, not caring about it and actually enjoying the quietness it gave me, since it spared me from having to listen to bullshit I couldn't care less. Viola asked me if I wanted to join them, but I declined, as Denisov and I would have probably just gotten on each other's nerves and I still wanted to eat, something not easy to do while around that queer. However, someone surprised me by sitting right in front of me and I removed the earphones.

"Do you mind if I join you?" Audrey asked me with a rather hesitant smile, and I shook my head.

"Suit yourself, but well, not sure this will be a very smart move for you, because in case you missed the latest news, I'm the official outcast who's no longer cool enough to play with the cool kids," I mocked with a sneer, but she softly chuckled, brushing her hair back.

"I don't really care about this and it's starting to be rather suffocating recently, so I would not mind a break from that and just enjoy lunch with a true friend," she said, her words pretty much striking me big time judging by the way she smiled back at my expression. "I mean it, Sergey, but...oh well...I didn't think about it, but maybe she would mind it?" I arched my brows not understanding what she was talking about and her eyes trailed over Viola's table, so I got it.

"Why should she mind it?"

"Won't she be jealous maybe? I mean, you and I used to date," she explained with honest concern and I just quickly chuckled at that. "What?"

"We are not dating or anything like that, Audrey," I reminded her, but she shook her head and went to fork the salad, seeing she was still very much checking what she ate, afraid of the extra couple of kilos she could gain, which would do nothing bad to her, considering her naturally athletic body. I guess we both still had more steps to take and getting rid of some habits took time.

"But you would like to, right?" She openly asked and I considered her question for a moment, my eyes moving to Viola, who in that moment also gazed at me. We started at each other for a couple of seconds and she gave me a super cute and breath-taking smile, waving at me, gesture then followed by her friend, Sharon. Taylor caught the small exchanged and set his eyes on me, studying me, and after that, a creepy smirk was ready on his mouth.

"Yeah," I admitted to Audrey after having looked away from Viola. What was the point in hiding the truth? "But I still have some crap to sort out, so I cannot just act out of impulse and tell her what I think and such." She went to say something about that, maybe argue against it, but she stopped, her stare moving on her tray of food, understanding what I meant.

"I suppose you are right, and I totally get you," she murmured out. "This is one of the things I always liked about you and that I still like: you are actually very honest and straightforward, much more than you give yourself credit for."

"I'm a jerk, Audrey, and I lied to myself quite a lot, wasting time, so..." She interrupted me at once.

"You are still very honest and frank, which is something I will always like and appreciate about you, but Sergey, I understand you have your things to sort out and such, but I think she likes you, not exactly sure in which way or how much, but I can tell she somehow likes you, because the smile she just gave you spoke for many words, believe me." I said nothing to do and just let it rest in my mind, considering her words. She probably had a point, because for sure Viola didn't mind my presence or proximity, as the last days testified; we had somehow became closer in terms of friendship and we exchanged more messages, talking even more in class than we did before. Yet, I was still not entirely open about it and I had my own reasons for that.

"I will see about that, alright? And anyway, to reply to your question, I don't think she'd be the jealous type and she said she likes you," I told her and her eyes went quite big just as her mouth opened up. "What? You thought she disliked you or something?"

"No, I never thought she would dislike me or so, but I also didn't expect Viola to say she liked me...really?" I nodded at her and she grinned, in a way I had never seen before. "I'm happy about it and glad to hear she doesn't mind us being friends." I rolled my eyes at that, since she had winked as to imply to future events, but then I thought about something else.

"Join us for the organization of the party, we still have some crap to do and I guess an extra help will do." Plus, I had a feeling Viola would be actually happy about this.

"Are you sure?" She nervously eyed their table and then fumbled with the fork and knife in her hands. "I mean, I wouldn't mind helping out, because it's probably funny and such, but maybe her friends won't be too happy about it."

"The crazy girl always wearing creepy contacts won't mind it for sure, Sharon I mean, then Taylor and Denisov also would probably not give a damn about it, because I have a feeling if Viola likes you then they will be fine with that, and well, maybe that small fry over there would look at you with his irking judgmental eyes, but whatever," I grunted out, shaking my head at how much that guy sometimes managed to annoy the crap out of me by the way he stared as if really wishing to make me disappear.

"You mean Cameron?" I creased my forehead surprised she called his name, but then, we all spent 4 years in the same school. "He seems nice actually, maybe just very diffident and well, I understand him in a way, because I heard he had been very much bullied before high school and I think you can't easily forget that, right?" I guess she had a point, but it didn't change the fact I still didn't like him very much and well, the feeling was hundred percent mutual and openly declared. However, if that was true, it explained the hostility he had towards Denisov and me, possibly afraid we would steal away his two precious friends. Ah whatever, not my business.

"Just don't mind him and join us later, alright? So at least we can be done with that crap quicker and I will have more extra time for swimming," I concluded, and she blinked at me. "What?"

"You are taking swimming seriously finally," she commented with a soft smile and I shrugged my shoulders.

"I always liked swimming," I pointed out, but she shook her head.

"I know you did always like it, but now something is different, and I guess it's because she came to watch one of your races?" I looked away and realized she was right about that, even though it wasn't the only reason. If I had to be honest, when my father praised me for the results in my latest races, well, it felt good, it felt like I could finally do something that made him proud of me for who I was, having him make an expression it was almost impossible to see on his face when talking to me. Plus, winning felt amazing and I was a competitive idiot, hating to lose.

"It's not just that," I solely commented, and she giggled a bit, her eyes then quickly darting to the table where Alexa and the others sat.

"Are you sure is it all right to eat here with me? It won't do much good to you, but hey, don't think I'm saying this because I mind your company, since I definitely don't, got it?"

"I know you don't mind it, or else you would have told me so at first." She was right with that. "So, I will then also participate to the organization of the Halloween's party, even though I'm not very good with some stuff."

"Don't worry, I also suck at that, but Viola and Sharon know how to do all of it and they will tell you what you can do."

And that was absolutely true, which reminded me we had to finish planning some things for this damn party and then for the recital at the kids' place, which gave me quite the idea. I could invite her to my place, so we could work on it together, just the two of us; I definitely didn't have any weird idea in mind, for I simply desired spending more time with her, seeing whether Dasha and Audrey were right, merely wanting to get to know her better and better, hearing her giggling and laughing, losing myself in her sweet smiles, listening to her cute voice, getting my senses lulled by her vanilla-scented perfume. I just wanted us two to be alone for some time, an occasion that would make us talk more.

"Is it right after school?" I nodded at her question and she smiled. "Nice then, I really hope they won't mind."

"They won't for sure and you will see it for yourself."

AUDREY POV:

Sergey said Viola and Sharon would not mind it and I was afraid about that a bit, since I spent time with Alexa and the others, which never lost occasions for throwing rather mean comments at them. I never liked it, but it's also true I never really distanced myself from them, afraid of being alone because sometimes being part of the admired and envied group of people felt good, it gave a sense of belonging, even if it was rather empty and fake. The more I observed Viola and Sharon the more I realized their friendship was something I had never experienced, and I could see the changes in Sergey, since he took a few decisions and started to spend time with her.

I had missed him as boyfriend and denying it would be a lie, but I couldn't bring myself to feel jealous; I truly just wanted to be friend with him because it was clear he had had a point in saying we weren't right for each other. I was happy he decided to spent time with Viola, because she was a super sweet person and obviously had what it took to make him feel better. He appeared less angry, less grumpy and somehow, more at ease in general.

I hesitantly stepped in the room where they were preparing decorations and other things for the party and I had no time to think about it, since both Viola and Sharon spotted me standing there hesitant and considering whether to leave or not, and immediately skipped to me smiling broadly.

"Hi Audrey," Viola greeted at once, her long colourful hair floating around her back as she moved, "Sergey said you'd join us and I'm super happy about it!" She cheered and clapped her hands together with barely contained enthusiasm, leaving me completely shocked, because she was absolutely sincere in saying that and I couldn't understand why she seemed to like someone like me so much.

"He told me you need help, but I'm afraid I'm not very good with painting and such," I had to admit with a touch of nervousness. However, she shook her head and took my hands in hers, Sharon also grinning widely at me.

"Don't worry about it, Audrey," Sharon replied, both of them somehow dragging me with them, seeing that Adrian was also there working, and he gave me a quick smile. I had never really talked to him and I always felt sort of intimidated whenever around him, because even if he appeared friendly and open, normally smiling and speaking, he actually always kept only with his sister and their friends and later with Anatoly. I could tell he was slightly studying me then and I did my best to reply to his smile as much relaxed as I managed.

They showed me how to paint a few posters and then some figurines in the shapes of pumpkins, hissing cats with their back arching up and more; Sharon explained it had been Viola creating them and I couldn't believe at how talented she was, at how little I knew about her. No wonder Sergey liked her, and very much, because it was obvious by seeing his eyes following her with an expression I never saw on his face. The strange thing was that instead of feeling jealousy, it made me happy for him and, somehow, like Viola even more.

Being around them was fun, they were clearly having great time together and Adrian once helped me with something, which rendered me nervous because he was really handsome and charming with his easy-going smiles and accent, and I had a feeling he was assessing me. However, it seemed at one point he was okay with me, his eyes glancing at me with a far warmer light. Sergey had a point in saying Cameron would stare at me with a wary expression, as that's what he did most of the time, until I decided to go and find an excuse to talk to him. He was actually quite cute, if he would stop pouting and frowning so much.

"Can I help you?" I tried to approach him, but he first narrowed his eyes and then glared at me obviously displeased.

"No, I don't need any help," he curtly replied, going to move away, but I followed him, since I had noticed how different he was whenever in the company of his friends, how openly he laughed and happy he looked. I felt bad knowing I made him feel uncomfortable and guarded, afraid I had second motives for being here.

"Cameron," I called for him and he froze, slowly turning around and giving me a very subtle glance. "I'm sorry, I don't want to make you feel uncomfortable and..." He stopped me by getting closer and snorting.

"Why are you here? We are almost done with organizing the party and we already got extra additions," he said, eyeing Sergey annoyed and I think I understood what the problem was. In fact, what the problems were. "If you're here just to make fun of Viola or Sharon, just leave."

I felt terribly guilty, because he had every right to say that and I felt bad for keeping spending time with Alexa and the others. Cameron was right in despising us all and be suspicious; I had never really done much to stop her from doing so.

"I'm sorry," I honestly said, and his expression slightly changed. "I'm not here to make fun of Viola or say anything bad, I actually really like her, and you shouldn't worry about Sergey."

"He's your ex-boyfriend so excuse me if I don't take your words without questioning them, and he behaved like an ass with her, even though he sure changed a bit and Viola decided to give him a chance, just like Sharon, but I prefer to stay on guard." He glanced at her two friends, who were laughing and joking with each other, other two students around them also having fun and feeling good in their company. "I don't want to see her cry or be hurt and your best friend, Alexa, is the worst one out there, always spewing mean things to all of us, at Viola in particular, she tormented me for months during our third year and I'm lucky to have friends like them and Adrian, or else my days would be a nightmare." He paused and went to bite his nails, to which I softly smiled. I understood him more than he could imagine but I had no right to tell him so, not yet at least.

"I am really not here for anything bad, but just to help, as Sergey told me you needed a bit of help and Viola and Sharon seemed fine with that."

"Of course they are fine with that, they don't mind you for sure and are better than me, but I don't care, I still don't trust you and him," he pointed at Sergey with his chin and I said nothing. It made perfect sense. "But I guess some extra help will help us, considered the small issues we are having." Right, I heard the two girls discussing over the little problems and many spoke about the incident with the ladder; I was so happy nothing happened to neither of them!

"So, can I help you with something? I really promise you I don't mean anything bad and I sincerely like Viola and Sharon...and Sergey is not trying to steal your friends, he's just, well, I think you realized it on your own." No need to say much about him and Cameron understood anyway, his eyes widening as I nailed the main issue.

"I'm not afraid of that, because Viola is simply amazing and wouldn't let her friends down." The friendship between them was so strong and it could be truly envied, in a positive way, which made me more understand why Sergey liked her so much, why he felt attracted to them, because it had been clear he was at ease with both Viola and Sharon. "I just don't trust people at first and even less people like him and Anatoly."

"You have your reasons and I won't say anything about it, but really...he's not a bad person," I reassured him, but he shrugged his shoulders and I let it go.

"Viola says the same," he then commented, and I smiled at hearing so. She saw through Sergey's appearance and that was to be expected from her. She was too honest and true to herself and obviously, always looked at the good sides of everyone. Cameron went to walk away, and I avoided insisting, but he halted and eyed me once more. "Maybe, we can finish to paint those posters over there?"

I smiled and followed him, pleased he was trying his best to be a bit friendly with me, and then, I noticed how both Viola and Sharon grinned at us.

Yes, it was very easy to understand why Sergey began to change not only because he had touched his limits; it was easy to understand why he enjoyed spending time with them, even if he wouldn't still admit it openly.

VIOLA POV – TWO DAYS LATER:

Why did he want to meet at his place? Not that I minded it or had anything against it, because Sergey and I became closer as friends, but Darya wasn't at home and from the idea I got of it, the house was empty exception made for him. I wasn't afraid of Sergey, because he wasn't a bad person and he would never do anything unpleasant to me, he would never try to do anything I didn't want, but to say I was nervous around him didn't express it enough. Since I realized liking him, being alone with him made me sort of uneasy in a strange way. My cheeks warmed up if his eyes rested on me longer than usual, my heart sped up when we stood very close or whenever he did something nice to me, and it was like having thousands of butterflies and little fairies dancing inside of me.

We drove to his place right after school, explaining me he had no swimming practice and that his house would be quiet so we could be done quickly. I...I didn't know at first what to say when he asked, but I accepted it because, truth be told, I wished to discover more of the real Sergey and see more of him when alone.

In the morning I spent time thinking about what to wear, having opted for a dark top with long sleeves and silver stars printed on it over a skirt made of a very fluffy and light cotton-candy pink, with the right amount of tulle that made it feel like having being made by fairies, my usual many bracelets and colourful earrings, tights of a similar tint of the skirt and a pair of very bright pink pumpers I had once bought with Sharon, which had some heel. I also paid more attention to my make-up and hair, having gone for simple straight and free style. I had even checked everything when classes were over, Adri not missing my rather edgy state and just smiling, somehow at ease at the idea of me spending time alone with Sergey. I was truly happy he was giving him a second chance and that he also started to see his good sides.

Now, I sat nervously beside him in his car, the music playing from the radio even though I wasn't exactly sure which band was singing. His eyes darted to me another time and met mine when I went to look at him; I nervously smiled and giggled, and his stare was back to the road.

"What is it?" I tried to ask, willing my voice not to show my state of rather silly agitation. What would he think if he realized how I felt around him? "Is there something wrong on me?" He had observed me a few times already, his eyes running over me more than once, as if taking in all the details of my clothes and such. Did I look too weird for him?

"I was just wondering how long you need in the morning to get ready, all considered," he replied with a rather amused yet playful smile, a very handsome one I had to add, which I had never seen before. I laughed at his question, considered Anatoly had asked the same exact thing.

"Anatoly asked me the same this morning, can you believe it?" I was glad they were slowly stopping to fight and glare at each other as if two werewolves ready to attack one another.

"I take back the question," he immediately grumbled out and I burst out laughing more, attracting his attention given he eyed me quickly with his brows arched. "What?"

"You and Anatoly are so funny, you have no idea," I replied between giggles and he snorted out.

"Denisov is funny like a Monday morning with a mathematic test as first thing, so have your idea," he said with no little sarcasm, but somehow, it didn't sound mean or anything, and I couldn't stop my smiling and giggling. He also sort of chuckled and then shook his head. "You seem in good mood now," he commented, and I understood what he meant, which immediately got me as I looked down to my hands. Whenever he was this considerate and gentle with me shyness took the best of me, but then, there was nothing to be timid about.

"I am in very good mood," I admitted, because what happened with Ryan was already forgotten and it actually just made me realize what fabulous people and friends I had around me, how truly kind and thoughtful Sergey was, the fact I started to like him. "Yes, I'm in truly good and wonderful mood," I repeated and once more he quickly glanced at me, a smile in his eyes that left me stunned.

"I'm happy about it and to be honest, I'm kind of surprised you accepted to come to my house without many problems."

"Well, we have to work on that project and...and well, we are friends and..." I had to concentrate on my words and try to calm down my heartbeat as I remembered we would be there alone. I took a deep breath and told him what I sincerely believed. "Well, I have no reasons to have problems with that because I trust you and you wouldn't do anything bad to me." I wasn't sure why I said that, considered he didn't invite me over for a date or something similar, but he had to hear what I felt in that moment.

He straightened his back and his eyes rounded for a brief moment, his lips smiling after that. He lowered the volume of the music almost to zero and suddenly, the confined space inside his pickup truck made me very aware of his presence, of the cologne I noticed he wore, which had a warm and pleasant smell, soothing, with woody and cedar notes, almost with a touch of spicy aroma and it suited him perfectly. His hand went to gently brush a strand of hair that had slipped to my side behind my ear, his eyes still on the road, and I let him, because the touch was very soft and tender.

"I would never ever do anything against your will, I swear it," he said with calm and firm voice, meaning every word he had just spoken, and I believed him without any doubt. There was something in Sergey that made me truly trust him, despite what happened weeks ago, despite his past behaviour and attitudes in school, regardless of many other things. He would have never done anything bad to me.

"I know," I replied quietly, and I noticed he nodded, relieved to hear that from me.

"I just thought it'd be easier to work together at my place and well, we can just be done with that quickly and talk a bit, since in school we never really have much time for that." My eyes went big with surprise at hearing such words, because I didn't except him to really want to normally talk to me.

"I'd like that," I admitted, hearing my own voice being quieter than it usually was.

"I'm glad you don't mind it and by the way, thanks for the way you welcomed Audrey the other day, she was nervous about it and I think she really enjoyed it."

"Oh I really like her!" I immediately said, turning to look at him even if he was concentrated on the road. "She's so nice and I was surprised at first you two remained friends, but I think it's fabulous and I hope she will join us again, I asked her to do so and I hope she will also join us for lunch, because both Sharon and I really like her, but maybe she won't appreciate that and..." He interrupted me at once.

"I'm sure she will definitely join you sometimes, because I can tell you she thinks the same of you." He stopped the car and I realized we had arrived at his place. "We're here, so you are really okay with this?" I nodded vigorously and he gave me a quick smile, looking relaxed because of my reaction. "Alright, let's go."

He killed the engine and then again went to open the door for me, helping me to step out of the pickup, but as he went to let go of my hand I reacted instinctively, without thinking about it, and grabbed his back. He halted and turned around to look at me, his brows arching up a moment as his eyes darted on our hands, but he said nothing about it and smiled, keeping his fingers around mine. I have no idea why I never noticed how handsome he actually was. We walked like this to the front door of the house, in comfortable silence, his stance relaxed yet confident. He let go of my hand when he opened the door, but then helped me in removing the jacket, guiding me to their living room.

"How about something warm to drink? Just don't ask me to use Dasha's cappuccino machine from freaking hell because if I'd do anything to it, she'd kick my ass until next month," he explained shaking his head and walking to the kitchen. This Sergey was simply irresistible, and I couldn't stop staring at him. "What is it?" He asked, having caught me in that.

"Nothing," I murmured, looking at the floor and I almost gasped in surprise as I found him standing very close in front of me. The rather peculiar fact was that I wasn't scared of him or remotely nervous something bad would happen; I was nervous for very different reasons and, as I lifted my head to meet his eyes, seeing him observing me intently, a barely-there smile hinted on his lips, I was afraid he was starting to understand how I felt around him.

I really liked being with him and the conflicted feelings and thoughts of weeks, and possibly days ago, were slowly crumpling away, given it was obvious he really had minded and regretted his wrong doings.

"Are you nervous or something like that because nobody is here at home with us?" The sound of his voice was less harsh than usual, yet very direct and with a hint of tenderness; I-I didn't know what to say at first, so I went for the truth.

"Not really because of that." He thought over my words and, once more, moved closer until there was almost no space left between us and slowly, very slowly, one of his hands went to touch a strand of my hair, his eyes asking silent permission and I gave it to him. He played with it for a couple of seconds, sending my heart to beat faster than it ever did, my mind falling into complete confusion as my face felt very warm, my breathing quickening. I couldn't move my eyes away from his and the expression he had left me in some sort of daze. Sergey gently locked the strand of hair behind my ear and let his glance travel over me.

"Your hair smells of strawberry, do you use a shampoo with that perfume?" I barely managed to nod, since I couldn't believe he had noticed it. "I like it, it suits you, and you look really good today," he openly declared, and I couldn't help my eyes from going big and round, but he left me no time to reply. "So, something warm to drink before we start working on that?" I could only nod once more, unable to find my voice, because he had completely taken me aback with his last comment and my lips tilted up. He found me really good looking today and such simple words, spoken with obvious sincerity, made me extremely happy, especially since I had really put effort into my outfit and overall look. "Just wait here, alright?" He turned around but I grabbed his shirt, causing him to glance back at me. "What is it, Viola?"

Oh...I really, really liked the way he said my name.

"Can I help you?" I asked with an impossible to conceal touch of shyness, but he either didn't mind it or let it go.

"No, just wait here and take it easy, or maybe just get your weirdness and craziness activated and concentrate on what we have to do," he joked, and I giggled. Another side of him I had never noticed before: he had a rather funny sense of humour. "I think mom baked something and if not, I'm sure I'll find something sweet to kick-start your hyper-active creativity."

I did as he suggested and sat in their living room, not sure what to do with my own hands, so I decided to stand up and simply walk around the room. Being this nervous was plainly silly because for sure he wasn't going to eat me in one big bite and he even told me so; however, the air around us changed and so did our interaction, somehow shifting our friendship on a different level. It wasn't like being around Anatoly and it wasn't only the fact I liked Sergey. He also behaved differently since a few days ago and I suddenly halted in the middle of the room, my lips opening up in a silent exclamation.

Sergey indeed had changed attitude with me, especially after that afternoon we spoke while driving to the kids, after knowing a bit what happened with Ryan and that we had broken up. He was nicer, yes, but also more confident, and approached me more directly, in a way no guy ever did, and it all left me in some sort of bubble. Did he maybe also...well, like me or even just really enjoy my company? He did, because he had wanted to have a chance to normally talk to me alone today. My hands slightly trembled at the sudden realization, given I think I liked Sergey much, much more than I ever liked Ryan. Actually, I was sure of it and Sergey had a very different way of approaching me. Far more considerate and gentler, yet astonishingly straightforward and self-confident, nothing like the Sergey I had known in the past four years.

How did I have to behave? I didn't want him to think I was boring or naïve or...I shook my head and very quietly giggled. There was something in him that suggested the way I was didn't bother him in the least; no, not just that. He seemed to like it, just as his words from that afternoon proved. I tried to veer my thoughts elsewhere and looked at the pictures hung at the wall beside the door, completely absorbed by them for it was quite unusual seeing photos of him together with his family. As I had already seen, he was very close to his sister and the thought made me smile.

I concentrated my attention on a picture portraying them all. His father had quite the hard and severe eyes, while his mother had a far more relaxed and loving expression, dark blonde and wavy hair touching her shoulders, beautiful in general, resembling Darya quite a lot. Sergey resembled more his father in the sharpness of his traits, in the hardness of his look, in the way his posed there with straight back and squared shoulders. I could see a certain similarity to his cousin, Aleksandr, mostly in the way their eyes pierced you with a touch of rough coldness and distance, in the lines of their face. I had met him once only, but as I got to know Sergey more and more, it was clear they were related and both of them shared quite the strong and possibly not very easy to deal at first personality, both of them having a touch of coldness in their essence.

"Here, for you," his voice suddenly spoke from behind and I jumped on the spot letting out quite the embarrassing quick cry. He crooked his brows and chuckled pushing a steamy mug in my hands. I first looked at him without knowing what to say and then I eyed the mug, immediately smelling the rich aroma of hot chocolate and seeing pink, small marshmallows over the whipped cream. I grinned and took a long whiff of it, giggling for how good it smelled, and then my enthusiasm calmed down realizing Sergey was standing in front of me, staring with quite the unusual expression. "I know you love hot chocolate, so I made one for you."

"You...you just prepared it for me?" He knew I loved – and not simply liked – hot chocolate with whipped cream and pink marshmallows? Did he prepare it for me?

"Yeah, because we have quite the work to do and we sure need your crazy energy and I definitely don't want that to go wasted or gone and," he paused a moment and averted his beautiful eyes elsewhere, playing with his ring and I noticed his shook his head once, "and well, I just wanted to prepare it for you, as a thanks for some stuff you did."

"I didn't do anything," I replied very much puzzled, because truly I hadn't done anything for him, but he smiled slightly tilting his head to the side and closing the distance between us, while my eyes couldn't help but staring at him in wonder.

"You did quite a lot and I know you sent me some of your crazy magic stuff; how do you call it?" He thought about it and then spoke, his stare intently concentrated on mine. "Right, magic fairy dust." I nodded and my hands wrapped around the very warm mug, unsure what to do or say. Sergey truly had many unexpected and quite magical sides. "It worked, very much so, and I know there is still plenty of crap I need to take care of, but I'm slowly heading there and I just wanted you to hear it directly from me."

"I'm happy for you," I murmured in complete honesty, needing to look away because the intensity of his eyes was pretty much making my heart race as it never did before and it was good my hands were engaged with the steamy mug, or else I would have searched for his, somehow feeling the need to have some contact with Sergey, because his presence was overwhelming, spell-binding, but in a very a good way. "I'm happy if that helped you a bit."

"It helped a lot, believe me, and gave me the necessary kick to my jerk-like ass, so enjoy the hot chocolate, weirdo," he said with an amused tone and my lips reacted at that by tilting up, yet hiding them behind the cup.

"Thank you," I timidly replied and went to take a sip, but he stopped me by touching my hand and I didn't jump on the spot because some fairy probably kept me rooted there. I had to stop feeling so aware of his vicinity and every small touch.

"Wait a moment, it's really hot now and you don't want to burn your tongue or throat." My eyes widened at his words and he must have realized the amazement in me, because he turned around and cleared his throat. "Well, up to you. Shall we go?" The thoughtfulness was indeed overwhelming and so far, only my brother, parents and best friends treated me with such sweet gentleness. His though was peculiar and I liked it even more.

"Where?"

"Upstairs, I have things set in my room, since you gave me clear instructions on what we need to get done." He went to walk ahead, but I couldn't move.

"Your room?" I asked with higher voice than usual and he tilted his head to the side, smiling at me in a way that caused those many butterflies and fairies dancing around even more. It was so much more open than usual, beautiful yet quite mischievous in a playfully kind way, and I felt like smiling back at him, unable to resist it.

"I won't do anything to you, so don't worry, 'cause I promised you, right?" I simply nodded as he had misunderstood my reaction and I felt too shy to explain it to him, so I followed him up the stairs, for then stepping into his bedroom, letting my eyes wander around.

It was rather large and bright, considered the big windows on the opposite wall, but very simple and nothing of really peculiar or unusual could be noted. It reflected his overall neat dressing style, as his room as well looked tidy and without anything standing out; but then I noticed a shining black upright piano pushed against the wall in front of his bed and I secretly giggled, seeing that in fact there was something standing out, just as Sergey's eyes and beautiful smile whenever he let it out free. If I compared his bedroom to Anatoly's, it was obvious my friend had more things around and he sure had collected many books over the years, but Sergey's bedroom was almost empty, very essential. There was so much I wanted to discover about him!

He pushed a second chair in front of the desk and I sat there, feeling slightly timid and insecure, because this Sergey was really leaving me in a dazzled bubble, and the smile he gave me before left me even more confused, making me wonder if maybe he also shared my same feelings. How could I guess? Should I have asked directly? Maybe not, at least not yet. He sat beside me and switched his laptop on, for then turning his head to me and leaning closer; I stayed where I was and my mind was in more confusion than ever, my heart beat going super-fast because he was closer than he ever was.

"I think you can drink your chocolate now," he commented calmly, and I let go of the breath I was keeping, silly tittering out the tension I felt in that moment. I took a long sip as he observed me, and I melted at the sweetness of the drink and at the softness of the marshmallows, the richness of the cream. It was super delicious! "How is it?"

"Super yummy and I absolutely love it!" I admitted smiling and taking another sip, seeing only then he had nothing to drink. "You're not having it?"

"Nah, I'm fine. I'll get some coffee in a while, but first I want to start this shit here and get done as soon as possible." I nodded and got up, wanting to get some distance not because I felt uncomfortable, but for the simple reason I didn't know what to do.

I felt a mix of calmness and not unpleasant uneasiness around him, I was relaxed yet on edge as we stood very close, unsure what to do because I wanted to get closer and have some form of contact, yet a bit scared of it, since I never really had experience before. Sergey seemed much more at ease and I had to remind myself he had had girlfriends. I blinked at my train of thoughts, as I was assuming that he was interested in me.

My eyes searched for his and he was there, observing me with an expression I couldn't read, for then glancing over his laptop and going through the emails.

I pretended to look outside the window for a bit, after that wandering around the room, for noticing something I hadn't before. I walked to the door and closed it without thinking it through, seeing some of my drawings hung on the wall right behind it. I heard him getting up and approaching me silently. He had bought my drawings and kept them in his room? Sergey really did it? When? Well, maybe his sister had bought them time ago and gave them to him, as a way to brighten his usual gloomy and cold mood, for I was sure these had been sold not recently.

"You have my drawings, why?" He kept quiet for some time and I thought his mood probably changed caused by my question, but I was wrong.

"My dad told me I had to make it up for that fight and many other things and I saw these on your Instagram page and why you sold them." I nodded at first, but something wasn't quite right, because I remember selling these ones way before Anatoly and Sergey had that big, terrible fight. So, I went to comment over that, but I stopped, for another thought hit me. He had Instagram and what more mattered was that he had checked my page. I could ask explanation of the other matter later.

"What?" I blurted out, almost dropping the mug with the delicious hot chocolate, since my hands were slightly shaking and he noticed that, because he took it from me. I think I again blushed very much at the sudden and unexpected touch of our hands, his lingering on mine a moment longer than due.

"Yeah, I had to do something useful and I thought this would do, among many other things, because I remember you sold them to collect money for those kids," he patiently explained, standing very close to me, his eyes never letting go of mine. For a moment I thought that the golden-brown specks in them twirled magically around, but that was definitely just my imagination.

"No, I am not talking about this, but about my Instagram page: do you follow my profile? I never noticed that, and I didn't picture you as a guy into such things."

"I don't follow you, don't worry weirdo, and no, I'm not into that as you rightly guessed. My ex-girlfriend insisted on creating an account for me and I let her, but I never cared about that." He handed the chocolate back and I took a very long sip. I needed it.

"Oh Audrey, yes, she follows me and I returned the courtesy, because she is very beautiful in her pictures and you know I like her," I spoke slightly hiding my mouth behind the mug, feeling his eyes observing me. "I definitely cannot take those pictures, because I am very skinny," I blabbed out smiling nervously, because no one ever assessed me with such palpable intensity.

I didn't envy girls with more curves than I had, because this was my body and I perfectly loved it, really feeling like a fairy sometimes. But I could not deny the fact I really did not have the shape to take some pictures, if I ever wanted to, but the problem did not exist. I was too shy for that and I sure didn't like the idea of other people, guys especially, looking at me while wearing very little.

"What are you talking about?" He suddenly asked, moving closer to me and my eyes couldn't move away from his.

"I mean, your ex-girlfriend, Audrey, and her friend are very beautiful and have very nice figures." He looked at me without saying anything for some very long seconds and then, again, he smiled in that same way, yet with a different note I had never seen before and that I couldn't exactly describe.

"You are beautiful, Viola, what are you talking about?" My mouth opened up trying to say something, but nothing came out and I blinked a few times.

Sergey did find me beautiful? My lips smiled and I nervously giggled, staring at the floor a moment, his presence still very close and strong in front of me.

"Really?" I asked, unable to keep the question for myself, desiring really to know.

"Yes, you're beautiful and you do look really good today," he repeated and once more he slowly went to touch my hair, attracting my attention and making me glance at him. "Does it bother you if I say this?" I shook my head as I kept smiling and so, I think I maybe had an answer to my previous questions.

"You also look very good today," I unexpectedly admitted, and it was obvious it pretty much shocked him, considered the way he sort of froze in front of me. But he truly looked more handsome than usual, still wearing neat and simple clothes such as very dark-blue jeans and a branded white shirt, the sleeves rolled a bit up, the only extra accessories being his silver ring and a rather big chronograph watch at his wrist. Anyway, he immediately recovered from the astonishment, because his lips tilted up pleased to hear that and his fingers lingered on my hair a moment longer.

"I tried," he replied with calm voice and we found ourselves silently staring at each other, uncertain on what to say or do, because that much was evident also in him. But he shook his head, as if thinking about something, and took a step back. "Anyway, shall we go back to work? The sooner we finish the better." He went to turn around but stopped. "I meant it when I said a moment ago you are beautiful, and also very sweet, and Viola, I'm glad you no longer feel down because of whatever that dickhead you were dating told you."

"Thank you," I only could whisper, and he shrugged his shoulders, taking my hand and pulling me to the desk, gently guiding me to sit on the chair.

"Shall we? Those brats will need to get sorted out quite soon and I count on you on the artistic part, because I'm fine at building under directions, but don't ask me to create." I peered up at him and nodded once, for then giggling, suddenly feeling absolutely overwhelmed with happiness.

Sergey thought I was beautiful and sweet, and he had sincerely meant it.

"What is it, weirdo?"

"Nothing," I twitted, and he poked my nose, causing me to laugh more.

"You no longer mind when I call you weirdo," he pointed out and I considered his comment, realizing he was actually right.

"Well, it's because you don't mean it in any bad way and it's just your way of calling me," I replied, and he smiled. With that we finally began to work and we in fact managed a lot of it, until I decided we could also create the masks and some other figurines, but we lacked the material for that and he proposed to go buy it at the shopping mall. I could not believe at how patient and gentle Sergey was, at how he resembled the type of guy I always dreamed of meeting, the knight in the shining armour.

As we walked in the shopping mall, checking out different shops and looking at their many windows, not once Sergey looked bored or annoyed, in fact making comments and also stopping to check some stuff, like a new diving wrist-watch he had intention to use for swimming and the price for a pair of simple black Converse. We bought what we needed to complete the work for the recital and decided to walk around a bit, which all in all made it appear like we were on some spontaneous date, and I know my smile had reached my ears the entire time. At least, until we met someone I didn't expect to see there and, the moment Ryan spotted me, he threw a spiteful and not very nice glance at me, seeing he was in the company of a very good looking girl, very different from me in terms of dressing style and figure.

"Oh, look who's here," he commented approaching where I was, making my face go completely cold as also the girl concentrated her attention on me and the way she eyed me moved quite the bad feeling. I-I didn't know what to say or do at first, their gaze scrutinizing me exactly like Alexa and her friends did in school, his words playing in my mind once more. "Shopping for something ridiculous and childish as usual, ha?" From his comment and the quick wicked smile he shared with the girl, it was obvious he had told her what happened between us and the entire situation rendered me uncomfortable.

The girl chuckled amused and let her stare travel over my figure, arching her brows and lifting her upper lip. I swallowed down as my breathing accelerated in a kind of anxiety I didn't like to experience, trying my best to control my emotions, aware it was a rather silly effort. Ryan went to say something else, but he stopped as he realized I wasn't alone and his eyes first widened and then changed into a guarded expression the moment Sergey stepped very close to me, wrapping my shoulders with one arm in a sort of a protective manner.

I caught my breath for the surprise and concentrated on his assertive yet very gentle touch, on his perfume, on his defensive presence that reminded me of Adri in a way and not in another.

"What the hell do you want from my girlfriend?" Sergey asked with his usual hard and now very upset and almost hostile tone of voice, pulling me closer to him, and my heart went to beat faster for the words he had just spoken. I was almost afraid they could hear it.

He had called me "his girlfriend" and, although it was done for the purpose to shield me in front of Ryan, the sound of it still wrapped around my senses, mind and heart like a soft and dazing bubble. Sergey had taken my side without having to think about it and stood there with me. Oh...he really was a super nice and caring person. He really was like a knight in a shining armour.

I had felt cold and I didn't know what to do or say as Ryan suddenly appeared in front of me in the company of another girl, both of them staring down with a mocking and absolutely not kind expression, ready to make fun of me once more. But it all disappeared as soon as Sergey wrapped his arm around my shoulders, like clouds being swiped away by a strong wind, letting the sun shy bright once more in the blue sky.

I had never thought he also would be a protective person and, without realizing it much, I found myself leaning closer to him, liking the feeling of his arm around me, liking the sense of comfort, serenity and safety he stirred in me.

SERGEY POV:

I was checking my phone as Dasha sent a message asking how the afternoon with Viola was proceeding, since she had cleared the air by staying at the university and studying there, not so subtly suggesting me to start being clearer about my feelings. I sure did not complain about that as it offered me a great chance to spend time alone with her and we discovered more from each other. I grunted at my sister's second reply and stuck the phone the jeans' pocket, turning around to look where Viola was; when I found her, she wasn't alone and at once I felt both annoyance and a sense of protectiveness never experienced before swirling inside of me.

There was an idiot and some girl, who could have been the dark-haired and taller copy of Alexa, standing in front of Viola and it didn't take a genius to do the math and realize that dickhead staring down at her with a mocking and ready-to-be-punched-by-me expression was the one she used to date.

But then, I recognized him and I felt cold slithering down my limbs, which immediately prompted me to cover the short distance between us in no time, getting at her side and instinctively placing an arm around her shoulders, not having missed the paleness on her face, how her hands twisted together in her typical distressed manner, and the way she looked. He must have told her something else crude and no more doubts; he was Alexa's older brother, who I had seen a couple of times in the pictures she showed us in school, having the same way to look down at people, the same feeling of very much misplaced superiority and unbearable arrogance, which bordered with toxic narcissism and egocentrism. They were brother and sister alright.

Was it a mere coincidence? Viola dating Alexa's older brother didn't strike as very probable and just a fluke, but I damn hoped it was only a mere coincidence; or else, if that poisonous viper had schemed anything, I wouldn't give a fuck she was a girl. And Taylor would care about that even less. What left me restless was the awareness something so petty and low wasn't beyond Alexa and, for reasons I couldn't understand, she really disliked Viola, taking it very personal.

The shithead seized me with quite the worried glare, and he had every right to do so, because he could call himself very much lucky. Although I wanted to punch him for the way he must have treated Viola weeks ago and right there, I didn't want to make a scene in the middle of a shopping mall and render Viola even more uncomfortable than she already was; therefore, I opted for something different, a very instinctive reaction and I was secretly happy she had not minded it one bit, in fact leaning closer to me, accepting it.

"What the hell do you want from my girlfriend?" It was both a message and a warning, because even though I had no right to call Viola my girlfriend, in that moment it just came out and I wanted Ryan to pass the warning to his sister, too. I knew the following day was going to bring me annoyance in school and I couldn't care less. I was ready for that shit and they could come at me.

"Girlfriend?" He spewed out after a couple of seconds, his eyes darting both surprised and almost fuming between us two, and it was clear the moron was drooling over Viola, because who wouldn't? She was fucking gorgeous and the girl he had there with him couldn't remotely be compared to this sweet and delicate weirdo's beauty. Ryan eyed me back and it was patent he had recognized me, so he tried to smirk looking like a jerk, but he had no idea he stood in front of one who had much more practice at that. "You are dating this one here? Good luck with th..." I didn't let him finish the sentence and seized his jumper, seeing a touch of fear in his eyes as my sneer reached him.

Spineless piece of shit. To think I used to be, and possibly still was, something like that made me really loathe myself, but right then I pulled my crap together and let it go. Shit, I no longer could stand that version of myself and this reaction proved it entirely.

"Another word from your stinky mouth and I swear, you will need a new set of teeth," I hissed at him, realizing anger had kick-started my temper and the hand that had snatched his jumper itched at the need of punching his ugly face, for too many reasons. But I cooled it down and released him. "Let's go," I told Viola, sliding my arm down and grabbing her hand, walking away with her, without bothering to turn around and see what other moronic and scared expression Alexa's brother wore on his insufferable face.

Payback would come the following day without the slightest doubt, but whatever; bring it on, I was ready for that and I basically no longer gave a fuck about what my "friends" thought of me.

But Christ, did Viola really like that dickhead? What did she see in him? I couldn't imagine it and I didn't want to vision it, because the mere thought pissed me off to no end. Oh wonderful; I was a jealous jerk and I walked fast for some time, for then stopping as I felt a bit of a stupid, hot-headed dumbass. I took a deep breath and went to look at Viola, slightly afraid she might be upset about my meddling in her business, in jumping there without even giving her time to say or do anything; however, the expression on her face almost knocked me on my knees and I silently breathed out relieved. Her eyes were sparkling and round, almost as the characters of the anime she watched, but not with fear or anxiety, a very different emotion in there, her face slightly flushed and her lips beaming at me as soon as we stared at each other.

"Thank you," she immediately murmured, and I shook my head, realizing I was still holding her hand, but it was clear none of us wanted to let go.

Did she also perhaps, for some immense and very much blessed miracle, like me back? I thought about what she told me while we were in my room, the way she had dressed today, how even more beautiful and cute she looked, how she behaved around me and it was like a lightening striking both my mind and heart at full power. We stared more at each other, in complete yet loud and eloquent silence, and yeah, I think we both understood what the other felt in that moment.

I smiled, unable to control it, unwilling to contain it, not caring to show it so openly.

Yeah, I just smiled like a love-struck jerk right there in front of her, and what did she do? She giggled in her sweet and cute way, the sound completely dispersing the anger I felt before.

"How about a movie?" I asked her, knowing it would probably be a problem with my father, but he could suck it up, because in that moment it was what she needed and what I desired to do with her and for her. I wanted her to completely forget that dickhead and the way he had once more treated her, and I wanted to hear what the heck had happened. "And a slice of cake or something sweet? In the end, I didn't offer you anything else aside the hot chocolate at home." The moment we started to work together and talk, since we did talk quite a lot, I truly forgot about that.

"Can you really do that? You told me your dad has given you precise rules." That was putting it in a very mild and relaxed way. He had basically locked me at home and threatened to throw away the key to my bedroom, but he was going to suck it up. And however, what was more important was that she had agreed at my idea without the slightest doubt or hesitation.

I was a very lucky and blessed jerk.

"Don't worry about my father, I'll give him a call and I'm sure he will understand it." My hand kept tightly around hers, and I decided it was better to apologize for my behaviour of a moment ago. "I'm sorry for before, for calling you my girlfriend and sticking my nose in your business and such, as I'm sure you were about to give him some crap back, but I couldn't resist it and Viola, that shithead is Alexa's older brother, so stay the fuck away from him." Her eyes widened so much I was afraid for a moment, seeing first confusion on her face and then a touch of fear as her lips trembled. "Don't think about it, alright? I'm sure there is nothing to worry or such, but just stay away from him, because I can guarantee you, they are both rotten apples." And let's leave at that, because no need to freak her out even more and because I myself wasn't in any position to judge others.

"I think I understand what you mean," she spoke with very quiet voice, her eyes dropping down and staring at her shoes. Again, what the heck had happened and what had he told her?

"Viola, will you please tell me what he said to you or what he did?" Her entire figure stiffened, and she kept staring at her shoes for a few seconds, seeing she had swallowed down nervously. I debated whether following that piece of crap and give him a new nose, but I refrained from that. It was an idea stupid on many different levels. She still hadn't replied, so I took the bag she was carrying in my hand and she finally looked up at me. "I don't want to bother you or anything, but I'd like to understand."

"With a nice and big slice of cake?" She timidly proposed and I nodded at once.

"Whatever you want, Viola" I said, and she finally smiled in that breath-taking way of hers, threatening me to really drop on my knees. God, she was too gorgeous and resisting her was becoming more and more impossible. "Just give me a moment that I'll call my father, mostly to avoid more pain in the ass and a sermon once I'll be back home." She went to say something about that, but I stopped her. "He'll have to suck it up, I mean it, and maybe if he knows I'm with you, he won't mind it much."

"Why?" She asked blinking a couple of times.

"Because Dasha likes you very much and he knows that, and well, he had heard about you already." No need to add more than that. Her lips shaped in a cute and silent "o" and I looked around, spotting the perfect place where to sit and order whatever slice of cake or piece of dessert she felt like eating.

As I went to order for both of us, I called my father and the first reaction was the expected and very much annoying one.

"Why are you still out? Your mother told me you are not at home," he demanded with strict tone, again sounding like he was talking to his employees. God, how the hell they stood working for him? I had no idea. It took a great effort not to tell him off and my teeth grinded as I went to reply.

"I'm out with Viola, something happened which I'm not going to discuss here over the phone or even later, since it personally concerns her. We had to go buy some material for that recital I told you about and then shit happened and I'm taking her to the movies." I realized my tone of voice wasn't exactly polite or even remotely asking for his permission, but that was precisely because I wasn't asking for his damn permission. Nothing was going to prevent me from taking Viola to the cinema and let her entirely forget about that dickhead's attitude.

"I see, I am sorry for having doubted you," he said with less severe voice and I froze on the spot. Was this really my father and was he talking to me in such terms? Was he apologizing for having immediately jumped on wrong conclusions? I pondered over it a moment and well, jumping to conclusions made sense, considered my rather arguable behaviour and the many mistakes I piled up. "Seryozha?" He called as I didn't speak for a few seconds.

"Yes, I am here, I simply cannot believe you just said that to me," I pointed out, for then admitting, "it makes sense, though." My father let out a very quiet sound that resembled a chuckle, but it was so strange coming from him.

"I know you are not lying and I believe you do like Viola Taylor, and if you say you need to be there with her, I understand it and respect it. She seems to be a very good and intelligent girl." I didn't know what to say, so I opted for keeping silent. "Just do not come back too late, I know your mother prepared dinner for all of us."

"That won't happen, I'll drive her back once the movie is over," I only replied.

"Very well, son, enjoy it."

"Thanks," I muttered out, unsure about the entire conversation.

I couldn't remember having such a normal and calm exchange with my father in long time, for most of our talking primarily involved heated arguing and nerves-grating lectures. I took the slice of cake Viola had ordered together with some soda and my coffee back to our table, and she tilted her head to the side, her vivid and bright eyes observing me intently.

"You truly must have magic inside of you," I commented as I sat down, and she blinked in a mute question. "My father told me to simply enjoy the time and not be back too late because mom will prepare dinner for all of us." At those words, her entire face lit up with a dazzling and wide smile, which caused me to follow her in that.

"Really?" I nodded and she giggled, softly clapping her hands together in what was honest happiness. Happiness for me. This was such a strange and foreign feeling, never really experienced before. "That's fabulous! So, you two are getting more along with each other?"

"That's a huge thing to say, as I know he looks up at my perfect cousin wishing for me to take him as example," I explained, but she shook her head.

"I think he simply doesn't know how to properly show his own feelings and voice out his worries, because I am sure he doesn't want you to be like your cousin, Aleksandr, right?" I nodded my reply, her words hitting me stronger than I expected. My father once told me the same, but hard to believe it after having been compared so many freaking times; although, that day he had complimented my swimming achievements and there was a touch of true pride on his face. "There is no need for you to be like someone else, believe me."

"What do you mean?"

"You are already an incredible person under many aspects and I mean it," she replied frankly, for then biting her lower lip and concentrating her stare on the slice of strawberry cheesecake accompanied by a huge spoon of ice-cream and whipped cream. "Thanks for this," she softly murmured, and I didn't know what to say for a moment. She had just described me as incredible. A jerk like me. "Sergey?" God, I loved when she called my name and set her striking eyes on me, her entire attention focused on myself only.

"Sorry, you just surprised me big time," I confessed, and a super cute nervous giggle left her lips. Right, I think we both stood on the same place and no more doubts about it, but I still wasn't ready to do more than this, because Viola deserved a better Sergey and there was more that needed to be solved or somehow faced. "Is it good?" I asked to change the topic and she hummed in obvious delight while tasting the cake, for then offering me a bite. Hmm, I liked that. So, I grabbed her wrist and guided her hand holding the fork to my mouth, my eyes on hers; whenever shyness took her, she looked so cute it could kill me. "It tastes good," I said, realizing I had flirted with her openly, something I kept doing since we drove from school to my house.

It was impossible to resist it and, overall, there was nothing wrong with that and she didn't mind it, or else I would have stopped it.

"Want to check the movies program? Not sure what's in the cinema, but I am positive we will find something to watch."

"What do you usually like to watch?" She asked and I had to think about it, since I wasn't much into series or films.

"I don't have a preferred genre to be honest, I watch whatever appeals me in a given moment, you?"

She told me and she sure had quite clear ideas in terms of what she enjoyed watching and what not, explaining me in details the series she was following, the anime she particularly loved and why, and I just listened to her like a happy and very much whipped moron. I loved the sweet and wind-chime-like sound of her voice, the enthusiasm you could feel from it, the way she mimicked her emotions linked to a particular series or movie, how her face brightened with excitement as she very quickly spoke, because Viola could speak very fast. But then, I had to know what happened with that dickhead she dated.

"Viola, can you please explain me what did he say or do? Honestly, you looked in a way that I'm sure freaked out your creepy brother and crazy friends and I could see even Denisov was worried about you." I paused a moment and decided to be frank. "I also worried a lot about you." She went quiet in one go and I first cursed myself for pressing this matter, but after a short silent moment, she nodded and replied.

"Well, he said that I am too naïve and childish, so being with me is boring because I'm not exactly very physical or experienced and I just prefer something like this at first, enjoying a slice of cake and talking about anything coming up spontaneously." I had guessed that much and honestly speaking, I also enjoyed it a lot with her; then, a detail registered in my brain immediately: she said she wasn't experienced and I understood what it meant, having to refrain from smiling like an idiot, but the fact she wasn't physical sounded off. Viola was a touchy-feely person, but I think I got what she intended to say. Not physical in a sexual way at first and that made perfect sense, being obvious with her, a trait I appreciated very much.

"That was very dickhead-like to say and Viola, really, I'm so sorry for what I said that day and..." She took my hand and my heart threatened to give in at what the sweetness in her eyes stirred in me.

"You already apologized, and I know you never meant it, so please don't think about it, please?" I nodded, so gone for her I was beginning to think I had fallen very hard for this beautiful and rather peculiar fairy-princess.

"What else he told you?"

"He once came to my place to watch a movie and well, he wanted to do more than just sitting on the couch with snacks and cuddling and...Sergey are you alright?"

I should have punched that piece of crap when I had the chance.

"What the fuck did he do?" I asked way too angered and she blinked a few times, for then glancing at the slice of cake as I understood my strong reaction got her. "Sorry, I...I just hope he didn't do anything I should go haunt him down for." Because I swear, I'd do it.

"No, no, nothing happened, I said no and moved away, and Adri came back home, and I think he spoke to him when he walked Ryan to the car." Speaking was a euphemistic way to describe the fact that Taylor had without any doubt threatened to send him to the hospital if he had dared to show his ugly face in front of his sister once more. Well fuck, creepy Taylor had all my understanding and I had no idea how I managed to sat there remotely calm and composed, because blood was sure thundering in my veins and hissing in my head, along with my angered temper. More and more I understood why my cousin reacted in such way to defend that crazy guy he was dating.

"He had tried though to put his hands on you," I said with cold and stone-like voice, the words tasting bad in my mouth, and she looked down at the table once more, barely nodding, feeling somehow ashamed, and for what? She hadn't done anything wrong and she had actually stood up for herself and said no. "Don't feel bad about it, I mean it, since you definitely told him no and he is a piece of shit deserving a couple of broken bones." Her eyes moved back to me wide. "What? Sorry, I know I'm too aggressive, but I can't help it and I'm not going to lie about this."

"Oh no, I don't mind it, really, but I was sort of surprised because both Adri and Anatoly pretty much told me the same." No wonder...Adrian Taylor adored his sister and would send six feet under anyone daring to wrong her, and the queer had obviously become really attached to her, which all considered was very much understandable. Viola was a unique girl and, sure I have had a crush for her for long time already, but my feelings completely changed and deepened as soon as we began spending time together. The crush had left place for something else much bigger and stronger. "It's just not easy to admit it, because I sort of trusted him and well, he took advantage of it." Oh, I understood the problem very well. That was what really burned and the fact she really thought of herself as naïve; she was in a way, but it perfectly suited her personality and simply made her tremendously cute and genuine.

She took a deep breath and bit her lower lip, which worried me, as more had to come. I gave her time and said nothing, just patiently waiting, my blood still howling in my head and having to keep it cool in front of her, trying to mask my emotions the best I could. Although, the moment she spoke and told me what that dickhead dared to say, I sprang up standing and eyeing the entrance of the café.

"He...he told me he had made a bet to have, well, you know...to be physical with a girl like me, I mean..."

"A bet for sex," I hissed out and she nodded, her face pale and her lips pressed together.

This must have been a freaking joke and I really worried about this, considered he was Alexa's older brother and it would not be past her to organize something like this and use it against Viola. I had to keep my anger under control but I couldn't do it completely and so, I found myself standing up and debating to look for that piece of trash around the shopping mall, to give him what he deserved.

"Sergey?" She asked with a clear touch of worry and I barely registered that, as I had to level out a couple of breaths to tame my raging temper.

What sort of twisted and sick bastard would come up with such idea and even say it to a girl like her? Oh right, Alexa's older brother. That explained a lot.

"Sergey?" She called again, but I didn't reply, still eyeing the entrance of the café where we sat and thinking of the joy and satisfaction I would have felt in breaking his ugly nose and then re-arrange his teeth. I would have loved that. "Seryozha?" She then said and my attention snapped back to her, seeing a very concerned look on her face. "Are you alright? You seem..."

"Very much enraged," I replied for her. "And thinking to go after him and have a private conversation, just the two of us, because a couple of minutes of his useless time would be more than enough."

"Oh no, please!" She grabbed both of my hands and directly stared at me, somehow pulling me back, managing to make me sit back on the chair. "Please don't, I mean, I already dealt with that and I don't want you or anyone else I care about getting in trouble for this and I really don't care, I mean...I'm the way I am, right? I made a mistake in thinking he was a nice person and obviously, we were extremely different and he was never the kind of guy right for me, but I no longer care, I mean it."

"Fucking right you are the way you are, and don't even think of changing it, you hear me weirdo?" She nodded energetically and then a breath-stealing smile bloomed on her lips and I know I was staring back at her like a far gone jerk. "Please don't change and don't think about it, alright? You're perfect the way you are and I'm sure far better people than myself told you so."

"Don't say that about yourself, Sergey, please...you are really very nice and caring, and you have many other qualities and you played the piano for me in such magical way, and you have your own Sergey-like a bit harsh sweetness that truly is special, so..." Oh Christ, she was about to kill me and she wasn't even aware of that. I let go of one of her hands and went to touch her face, silently asking for permission at first, which she gave me with a timid smile. Very carefully and gently I caressed her cheek and then fixed a strand of hair that had slipped in front of her eyes.

"I understand what you mean, thank you," I only said and her lovely, musical and wind-chime sounding soft laughter got my heart once more. "Thanks for telling me what happened with him and let's change topic if you prefer, hmm?"

"I don't mind talking about it with you," she declared and so, she explained me more and what I had already guessed about her was true; Viola basically never had a boyfriend and the discovery made me so freaking happy I couldn't even properly express it with normal words.

Once we finished talking and such, we went to check the movies program and luckily enough found one she was interested into starting shortly, as anything would have done for me, not caring about it. Being in Viola's company was all that mattered. I bought the tickets and she asked to pay for it or at least split the cost in two, but I told her to not even think about it, for the simple reason I had invited her and no freaking way I'd let her pay. People could judge me or call me an old-fashioned and narrow-minded jerk, whatever, but I'd still never let the girl I liked the most pay for anything.

As we walked to our seat, she halted in front of me and turned around with a sort of pirouette, her hair floating around colourful and reminding me of strawberries, looking graceful and ethereal like a fairy.

"Sergey, thank you very much for before, for caring in such way, for being a truly fabulous friend...well, for being like an elvish prince," she told me giggling and I stood there, struck and frozen and unable to formulate anything to reply to her that would make sense. Until I heard myself quietly chuckling, her magic really working on me.

"Anytime princess," I openly answered and thus, it was her looking very much taken aback. I gave her no time to say anything back, because I grabbed her hand and went for our seats, the movie about to start.

Viola was the typical enthusiastic person that would very quietly comment about the movie she was watching, sometimes asking questions and wanting to hear what I thought. It was something I would have found normally annoying as fuck, but I enjoyed it with her, since she obviously After the movie finished, I drove her home, because it was what I promised my father and as well, she had to go back for dinner. We realized we hadn't finished the work we planned for the kids' recital, so we agreed meeting another afternoon when I had no swimming practice.

However, as I reached her place, I decided to kill the engine and stay in the car a couple of minutes, seeing she also seemed reluctant to immediately leave.

"Thank you for today," she whispered quietly, and I leaned back against the headrest and tried not to smile too obviously. Normally going out with her had been so great I didn't want to go home and let the day end here, but it's not like we could stay in the car forever and we were going to see each other at school.

"I haven't done anything," I replied in all honesty and she shook her head, for then suddenly taking my hand in hers, shocking me quite a lot as I still had to get used to her being touchy-feely with me, so spontaneously and no longer scared or even nervous.

"That's not true, you really helped me a lot earlier and I enjoyed the movie so much you have no idea, and I'm surprised you didn't mind my questions and comments." Well, I would have normally minded them, heck, I would have hated them, but not from her. I found that terribly cute and definitely suiting her personality.

"Well, good thing you were quiet, so nobody complained about that and threatened to kick us out," I however said with a touch of sarcasm, but she didn't mind it and her hand was still around mine, small, cool, with very soft skin, making my heart race so much I was afraid she could hear it. I swallowed down and concentrated on the colour of her hair, trying to ignore what the touch was stirring inside of me, how faster and deeper I was falling for her. "Glad you enjoyed it, especially after meeting that dickhead and I'm telling you, he's a total piece of crap and stay away from him, he's Alexa's brother and..."

"I don't care about him, I truly misjudged him, and I was mostly just surprised finding him right there, behaving as he did, but I really am not thinking about him." I don't know why, but I slightly tightened the grip on her hand, intertwining our fingers together. She didn't pull back or even move away, simply remaining there and smiling at me, her fingers tenderly around mine, her eyes set intently and directly on mine. "Thank you for today, not just because of that, but for the lovely afternoon: cinema, cake, your super-yummy hot chocolate, I really enjoyed it," she repeated, and I shook my head, moving closer to her and deciding to take a very small step.

I liked her and she was seeing nobody, being as free as I was. I was beginning to sort my shit together; I was beginning to start seeing clearly what had to be done and starting to feel way less afraid than I ever was. Slowly, not wanting to scare her and also, wishing to give her the chance to pull away if feeling uncomfortable, my hand went to touch her cheek once more, caressing it her smooth skin first with my knuckles and then with the tips of my fingers, carefully leaning closer to her, smelling the mixture of her vanilla-scented perfume with the strawberry aroma of her hair. She let me, her eyes reacting by widening at first and smiling later, her breathing sharpening. She had let me, and we simply remained there in silence, my eyes staring at her beautiful face and the way she was beaming at me.

We remained there in silence, our hands remaining connected, like our fingers, me slightly touching her face, us closer than we ever have been. Nevertheless, I could not push it, because I still had way to go and important matters to face and get over with.

But Jesus Christ, was she incredibly beautiful and sweet.

"Don't worry about it, alright?" I pulled back not wanting to step over the line and we let go of each other's hands, but the following moment she did something that struck me more than a lightening on a sunny day with clear sky. She softly kissed my right cheek and I think everything in me zeroed and blanked. My eyes widened so much they almost hurt, and my breath stuck in my throat, my heart and brain already gone. Sure, she had already done this the day when she almost fell from the ladder and another time, but this was different, and her lips lingered on my skin a moment longer, her hair nicely tickled me, her hand was resting on my arm. I had to control my breathing, avoiding letting her hear how it had deepened.

"I mean it, Sergey, thank you for today, you're actually super kind and considerate, understanding things quicker than I ever imagined, and you're not the person you think you are, quite the contrary," she quietly murmured, pulling back and smiling timidly. "Sorry, maybe this is childish, right?"

"What?" I managed to ask, my voice revealing way too much.

"A kiss on the cheek like this."

Not sure she understood what it meant for me and how it made me feel, which all in all wasn't bad: I definitely didn't feel like telling her how gone I was for her in that moment.

"This is the dumbest thing I ever heard coming from your smart and weird self, so do me the favour and don't ever ask or conceive such idiotic things, got it?" She nodded and I smiled at her, openly and spontaneously, not able to hold it and then, I captured the tip of her small nose between my thumb and index finger, making her giggle. "I hope we will get over with the party because whoever is having fun in wrecking things is really getting on my nerves and I just want it over. I'm not Mr. Patience."

Sure, I enjoyed working on it with her, but some of the other students were unbearable and I hated having to re-do shit because some moron had it against us or enjoyed getting on our nerves. All the small incidents were starting to worry me, and I wondered whom they really targeted, just like that day with the ladder; it couldn't be Viola, for I saw no reason behind that, so who else? I wouldn't mind talking to whoever was annoying us. Not to mention, that irritating guy called Cameron once had the brilliant idea of blaming this situation on me, saying it was my fault because I was helping them. I have no idea what kept me from slapping some sense in his head, but I noticed that also Denisov looked exasperated by him.

"Sergey?"

"Hmm, what is it?"

"Will you dance one song with me at the party?" I was the one blinking and staring at her looking possibly quite stupid.

"What, I don't dance, I mean, I'm not into it and..." I shut up as my eyes concentrated on her face, seeing the shyness there, realizing she had really meant it, and knowing there was not a chance I could resist her. I quietly breathed out and just spoke my honest thoughts. "Alright, I will dance with you, whatever songs you will like, I promise."

"Really?" She brightened up and her voice went louder, her hands clapping together, and I chuckled. "You promise for real?" I couldn't believe something like this made her so happy, thus I nodded.

"You have my word, Viola," I promised her, and she just grinned at me more, her sort of purple hair cascading long around her shoulders and I remembered what Sharon asked me. "What will you dress like for the Halloween party?" I inquired and, after a moment of hesitation, she explained me. Shit...she was going to look absolutely stunning.

"Why you asked me?"

"Just to know," I only conceded. "Time to go?"

"Yes, I'll go and see you tomorrow at school and you're right; I hope they won't break or ruin something else, because it is very frustrating," she said wanting to sound serious and possibly upset, but it didn't work with her.

I just nodded and opened my door, going for hers and helping Viola to step out of the pickup truck, taking her hand in mine. I walked with her to the front door of her house and then went to leave.

"See you tomorrow," I told her, and she smiled, nodding enthusiastically, once more tiptoeing to leave a soft and quick kiss on my cheek. She was about to kill me with that, but it would be a very sweet death and, all I could do was to stare back possibly looking like some demented blockhead, unable to say anything intelligent for a couple of seconds.

"See you tomorrow, Seryozha," she giggled, and I just barely nodded, so gone it wasn't even funny. I really liked the way she pronounced my name.

VIOLA POV:

I rushed inside the house, removed my shoes, and ran upstairs looking for my brother, finding him in his room watching a video on his laptop.

"Vivi preciosa, everything good?" Adrian asked me with his usual warm smile, getting up to hug me and my arms snatched tightly around him. "Something happened?" He added with a touch of tension and I shook my head, pressing my face against his jumper, my heart still beating very fast for how romantically Sergey behaved with me, for how tenderly he had touched my face, first silently asking for permission. For the incredible afternoon we spent together. "Vivi?"

"I think," I began, but stopped at once, taking a deep breath, my face still hidden against Adrian's jumper, so I pulled back to directly look in his eyes. "No, I don't think that." I took another deep breath and smiled widely, unable to control it. "I like Sergey, very much," I confessed to my brother and he thought over it for a few seconds, for then chuckling.

"I had guessed it already and it looks like Sergey is coming around, so I can honestly say I'm happy for you."

"He's actually a super sweet and quite protective person, really." Adri arched his brows and I explained what happened during the afternoon, especially when we met Ryan at the shopping mall.

"Indeed, he is very protective, and it doesn't surprise me, considered he obviously likes you."

"You think so?" I nervously asked and he caressed my hair.

"What is your instinct telling you? How did he behave today with you?" I pondered over it and yes, he was right, because for a moment during the afternoon Sergey and I looked at each other somehow aware of how the other felt, perceiving it was the same. I giggled and hid my face in my hands.

"I think you're right," I whispered, "and I think Sergey is a rather unconventional yet romantic knight in a shining armour."

Author's chit-chat:

What are your impressions, emotions, first reactions, feelings, thoughts, comments after reading this rather long and quite emotionally filled chapter?

Any favourite part?

I think the title fits Sergey perfectly and also the entire concept of the chapter, don't you agree? Just like the quote I have chosen.

We had another Audrey's POV because I really like her as character, she shows us more about Viola and Sergey, and this time, she gave us a better insight of Cameron...I think you can make your guesses ^^ We will see more of her.

Obviously, Sergey had to meet Ryan and we had to see his reaction, seeing he is temperamental and very protective, yet very different from his cousin or the other characters we read about. He gets angry, he swears, but tries to control it when with Viola. Speaking of him, I think we really see a lot of changes and he took many good steps. What do you think about this? Did you like his reaction and how he helped her?

The "flirting" or sweet interaction between them is very delicate and sweet, and it's extremely pleasant and refreshing to write it, so I hope you really enjoyed the many parts in here. I think we can see they are different from other couples, somehow understanding each other's feelings but not immediately acting upon it since Sergey has things to solve and he is aware of it. However, he is not dense or insecure, same for Viola. Are you surprised or did you expect it?

They are quite frank and direct each in their own peculiar way.

So, we understood who Ryan really is and do you think Sergey is right?

Btw, we got him calling her princess directly and that was quite the important moment between them; just like asking for the Halloween's costume.

Next chapter, Halloween's party and well...more of them and a bit of Anatoly!

I am working on CH.5 of "Beyond Those Irresistible Eyes", so please just wait another bit and I will do my best to post it in a few days, sorry for the wait.

I hope everyone is safe and healthy, so please let me know and do take care! Thank you very much for being always such wonderful and kind readers, you are all magic, *fairy dust* to you!

Lots of Love, Magic, Hugs & Meows,
-TheWitchAndTheCat-