Blind Eyes and Icy Heart (Vladimir Makarov x OFC)

Chapter 2

Two days have passed since the meeting with Vladimir but thanks to him I managed to memorize the way to the park and now I am sitting on a bench enjoying the tranquility with only the chirping of the birds to keep me company. I took out a book and started reading it, sliding my fingers over those little balls.

Vladimir has just concluded a "business meeting" with one of his associates. And he seems surprise to see Mariam again, the blind girl he met and helped two days ago. He watches her from afar and notices how the wind moves her hair while she reads a book with a smile. He doesn't realize that he's already getting closer to her.

Suddenly a Russian's voice can be heard directly behind me, there's a little bit of surprise in his tone, but his voice remains as cold as ever when he speaks.

"What are you doing here all alone?" He asks while he sits down on the bench beside me.

I tense up at the sudden closeness of the voice while the person sits next to me. But then I recognize the voice and I tilt my head in the direction of the person. "Hello Vladimir, you scared me." I say with a hint of a smile.

The Russian's voice remains calm and cold as he responds, doing his best not to let his emotions show through his words. "I'm sorry" he replies, "That wasn't my intention." he clears his throat and continues. "But what are you doing here alone?" He asks.

With a sarcastic smile I reply "As you well know, I recently moved and I don't have any friends yet. I will hardly find anyone in my condition." I'm referring to my blindness which has often given me problems in relationships with people.

"I see." The Russian nods, he seems to be trying hard not to seem too friendly, even though his words and tone seem to indicate the opposite. "It must be quite hard for a blind woman like you being in a foreign country."

I sigh "It's a risk I wanted to face and then... I'm used to it." I say sadly.

"Despite everything, it'll be quite intimidating." Vladimir replies "Being in a country you don't know, not being able to see it. How can you bear it?"

"Do I look that weak? Because I'm not at all and that certainly doesn't scare me." I say proudly. I change the subject "Ehm Vladimir... would you like..." I stop embarrassed "...would you like to take another walk together?" I say turning my face towards him.

Vladimir's raise slightly his eyebrows as he hears your request, and he chuckles. "You seem awfully confident for a blind woman." He says jokingly.

He seems to think for a moment, and then nods. "Yeah sure, we can go on a walk. I don't see why not."

Vladimir lets me lean on his arm and we start walking.

The Russian decides to try engaging the conversation a little more, to see where he goes. He's not sure he wants to reveal too much about himself just yet, but he's curious about this blind woman.

"How old are you?" He asks, even though he knows full well that she couldn't see his expression.

Still keeping my eyes closed, I turn to him with my mouth open in surprise and then laugh "Did you really ask a woman how old she is?"

The Russians smile lightly he had completely forgotten that asking a woman's age was such a taboo thing for some reason, but he can't help but laugh at her response. "Touché. Well, it was worth a try I guess." He replies.

"I'm 29" I reply immediately afterwards.

Vladimir raises his eyebrows when he hears her age, his voice softening slightly as he responds. "Oh? You're 29?" He asks, his tone has a certain level of surprise.