Shattered Innocence

Unbreakable Bonds and Lost Friends

Zack insists that we take a break, but I find it difficult to sleep upstairs, and the others seem reluctant as well. Instead, Bert brings in sleeping bags and sets them up in the unused living room, a place devoid of any memories for me. We take turns resting while Zack communicates with command.

They may not be pleased, but they understand the need to thoroughly examine the findings and conduct research for our objective. Everyone eventually succumbs to sleep, except for me and Mikhail.

He remains glued to the computer, never ceasing his work. Slipping out of my sleeping bag, I tiptoe past the snoring Yuri and step over Nikolay, who is positioned near the door. I notice Zack standing at the front door, gazing out, and Ivan in the kitchen.

I decide to return to the computers and find Mikhail still engrossed in his tasks. Standing in the doorway, I observe his hunched-over figure. His eyes are bloodshot and weary, and the glow from the screen casts a hollow expression on his face.

"You should rest," I whisper, causing him to startle as if he hadn't heard me approach. Blinking, he rubs his eyes as I move closer, dragging a chair to sit by his side. He glances back at the computer with a grunt, so I gently place my hand on his, which is clutching the mouse. "Mikhail, you need to sleep, you know that. Your brain requires rest."

"I'm fine," he dismisses, shrugging off my touch. I contemplate walking away, but something troubles him deeply. "I can't stop, okay?" he finally says, and I peer at his profile, yearning for answers.

"Why?" I murmur, an intense curiosity consuming me.

He turns to face me, his gaze filled with anguish and darkness. "Because I need to do this for you!" he exclaims, tugging at his hair. "I cannot change what happened, but I can find the information that will aid us in stopping this. It might grant you peace and a better future. I'm doing this for them as much as for you. How can I sleep knowing that with every passing minute, another child could be harmed, and that you are trapped in this haunting place?"

He's doing it for me. I lean back, blinking in astonishment as I gaze at him, and suddenly, I can't restrain myself any longer. Leaning forward, I caress his face and the stubble there, pressing my lips against his warm and tender mouth. He freezes, taken aback, as I draw back, resting my forehead against his.

"Thank you," I whisper. "I detest this place, but I would detest it even more if you fell ill because of me. I can endure this. It's...easier with all of you here. I understand the significance of what we're doing, but you are also important. Do not sacrifice yourself for answers. They will come when we need them. Zack and the others rely on you for the long run, not just for your exceptional computer skills."

A smile graces his lips, and I can't help but reciprocate as I search his eyes. "I need you, alright? So please, sleep and take care of yourself."

His smile fades, and our breaths intermingle. "You need me?" he echoes.

"I do," I confess, my voice hoarse. "In more ways than one, but for now? I need you to sleep, please." I lean in, pressing another gentle kiss upon his lips before rising to my feet, and offering him my hand. He swallows, glancing at the computer before taking my hand.

"Just a few hours," he concedes, making me smile wider.

"Fine by me." Squeezing his hand, I lead him from the room. Zack is at the door, and I almost stumble, but there is no judgment or jealousy in his eyes. I only see gratitude.

I nod and lead Mikhail to my sleeping bag, where I tuck him in like a child as I brush his hair back. "Sleep, the computer will be there when you wake up."

His eyes start to close, but then his hand moves to squeeze mine. "I need you too," he whispers, and just like that, he's asleep. I sit back on my heels and watch him before forcing myself to stand and move to the kitchen, unsure of what to do with the feelings inside of me.