A Soviet's Struggle

Два́дцать Пять

The first academic year for the Romanova siblings had concluded. Mariya had chosen to spend the summer with her friends rather than with Silsina, going back to the beaches near the Baltic sea. To Silsina, she was alright with that. Both women had become less co-dependent on each other over the course of time, both establishing their lives in separate ways. Silsina found her joy in her band, making music, and hanging out with Mikhail and the boys. Mariya, on the other hand, found her joy with Xiao and her group of friends - going out to outings and having study sessions together - and developing a sense of self. It was liberating for both of them in a way, as both siblings being so co-dependent on each other never really allowed room to breathe.

As Mariya and her crowd were coming back from their annual vacation near the Baltic, Silsina and hers held their own little private party. They drank, played Monopoly and Solitaire, and watched reruns of last years Football tourneys. As they cheered, Nik took a sip of his poison of choice - whiskey. He chugged the rest, shaking his head as the bitter, well familiar sting of alcohol concentrate attached itself to his throat.

"Whoo!" He exclaimed, hitting his chest with the side of his fist. "That's some good shit."

His brother, Erik, turned to look at him with a pleasured grin; noticing his kin struggling to get the remainder of his drink down.

"Ya' done yet?" He asked, elbowing the grizzly.

Nikolai burped, shaking his head in a 'negative' motion. He got up from the couch and made his way, albeit in a tumble-like manner, to the kitchen of his dormhome to grab more alcohol. As he fumbled through the fridge, he groaned in displeasure; double, triple checking for another bottle.

"Having trouble?" Erik shouted from the living room, grabbing the attention of the rest of the band. Vladimir, the Kimono Dragon, was strewn about the couch, taking about two thirds of the thing. Mikhail and Silsina, on the other hand, had set up on the floor, with Silsina in Mikhail's embrace.

Nikolai mumbled an incoherent slur of words, not taking his attention off of the fridge. Silsina, who had the better hearing out of anyone present, nuzzled her partner and got up to check on the commotion.

"What's wrong, you big lug?" Silsina asked, her hip leaning against the counter. The question made Nik jerk up and face Silsina. By now, she was an integral part of the band, and was seen as more of a family friend than an employee; going on tour with the rest of the group for the first time during the spring break that year. She had a fair smile, her arms crossed against her mammalian chest.

The groggy grizzly squinted, smacking his lips. "No more drink."

Silsina frowned, cooing Nikolai like an overgrown child. "Awh no! You drank it all."

Nik grunted, waddling his way back to the couch. Silsina let out a snicker, watching him walk back. As he sat back down, she took her attention to the fridge, which Nik had so deliberately left open. Taking a peak inside, it was evident that all forms of drink had been consumed, not just the whiskey. Silsina hummed to herself, closing the fridge.

Walking to the dining table, she grabbed her wallet, keys and a special necklace, given to her by her father. She didn't wear it much anymore, but she still liked to have it on her. She then made her way to the shoe rack and pulled on some slip on shoes. As she did this, Mikhail took note, turning to face his girlfriend's demeanor.

"Where you going?" He asked, cocking an eyebrow. Silsina's gaze met his, explaining that they were all out of booze and was going to go out to get more. Mikhail frowned, turning his body to face her better.

"But the curfew?" His tone shifted slightly, from inquisitive to skeptical. Silsina giggled, stating that he knew she was a bad girl. The response got a blush out of the reindeer, who caved in and told her to be safe.