The Cold Meets Cozy

Ch 7

  Shibusawa sighed as he sat down by the fireplace. His hair was still slightly damp from bathing, and he had a lot to think about.

  Fyodor was beside him, silently staring at the flames and chewing on his nails.

  The taller man leaned back on his hands and closed his eyes, "since you know everything, when do you think this storm will end?"

  Fyodor said, "I don't know everything. But I think the storm passed some time ago. The power should return by tomorrow."

  Shibusawa smiled over at him, "good to know, but that isn't what I meant."

  Fyodor slowly met his eyes, "then what storm did you mean?"

  Shibusawa's smile turned sad, "I meant you. You've always been secretive, but now everyone's worried about you."

  Fyodor looked back at the encaged flames, "I showed Bram... and I told Sigma it's old... and yet you are still obsessing over it."

  Shibusawa kept his eyes on Fyodor, trying to decipher—well, all of him. "I worry because I care. I understand that you aren't in physical pain anymore. But how are you emotionally? Sigma said you looked shaken the other night... and you haven't slept since..."

  Fyodor sighed quietly as he closed his eyes and his shoulders slumped forward. "Sigma already offered to listen to me when I was ready... and I don't care whether he decides to share anything I tell him or not."

  Shibusawa's expression softened, "Dostoyevsky, all of us want to hear from you. We all love and care about you."

  "I know."

  "Then let us help you..." Shibusawa spoke softly. "You never answered my question..."

  "I'm fine..." Fyodor's eyes wandered around the room.

  Shibusawa let out a quiet giggle, "you aren't fooling anyone."

  "I'm not trying to... Honesty, I've been over it for a while. I was very young when it happened. I just don't like remembering..." he sighed, "and none of you will leave the subject alone..."

  Shibusawa sat up, "I'm sorry..."

  "It's alright," he said, shaking his head. "I should just get it over with, shouldn't I?"

  "No. No, don't feel like you have to rush into anything." Shibusawa sat up and held his hands out.

  "Then why aren't you willing to wait?" Fyodor asked.

  He paused, "I... you're right, I'm being a hypocrite, aren't I?..."

  The mastermind nodded, "somewhat."

  Shibusawa sighed for what felt like the millionth time. He just didn't know what to do. He wanted Fyodor to feel like it was safe to share something so personal, but he also felt like the others were relying on him to make Fyodor spill his guts.

  "The next time we're all in one room... maybe then..." Fyodor spoke so quietly that it was practically a mumble.

  "Whenever you're ready," Shibusawa did his best to smile reassuringly.

  Fyodor turned to face him, holding his hand out. "May I?"

  "Of course," Shibusawa closed his eyes with a real smile.

  Fyodor started running his fingers through the taller man's hair and playing with it.

——————

  Fyodor took a deep breath, shivering from the cold. He had just finished bathing, and he already missed the hot water... but he should save the rest of the hot water for the others.