His Spring Symphony

The Ending

Years Later
Thanksgiving. Sunday Evening.

     Vladimir Laskov sipped his whiskey, it burned his throat like fire engulfed his insides. He stood on his balcony, stared ahead at the almost dead grass of his backyard, focusing his gaze to his only son, playing with his grandson.

     They were playing tag. They had been chasing each other for almost ten minutes now. Vladimir could see Hunter started to sweat on his back, skin glued on his white button up and sweat dropping on Akito's forehead.

    When Hunter finally caught Akito, he spun him and made that little boy squealed. "More! More!" Vladimir saw Akito mouthed the words. Hunter obliged his son and they continued the game.

    Hunter made him felt ancient.

    He was now seventy and he slowly became like his grumpy and mean father, Volosinov. Still a Godfather, Vladimir has to get involved when the money didn't arrive on time from the one who was in debt with him. He had to meet the police once in a while to form a solid relationship with them so they didn't bother his business.

     However, his son was free.

    Hunter was a talented boy but Vladimir knew he was too soft for this world. He was born surrounded with blood and violence but a boy with a heart a gold always going to be a boy with a heart of gold.

    Free his son from this harshness of the Bratva has always been his mission. He had thought many ways to make sure Hunter left safely.

     It all started when he came out being a bisexual to him. In Bratva, being gay or any sexuality than straight was a queue to get killed. And dying meant no heir. It meant his only child dying. Vladimir thought leaving Russia was a better way to keeping tabs on his gang while being far away from his father who would question everything he did. Even still, when Hunter came out when he was around the age of adulthood, him being with that boy, Kiseki, worried Vladimir that his relationship with his son went sour for months.

     He let Hunter became upset with him. He let Hunter thought he was a phobic. He let his son thought that while he could enjoy his love for that boy.

     When his father visited a few years back and questioning Hunter, all Vladimir felt was fear. He was aware of how reluctant his child has become since his lover died. He knew how bad Hunter wanted to leave, he wasn't an idiot and it wasn't the first time an heir thought about it. But Vladimir couldn't deny his father, only mend by moving away. That was why, despite being angry with his son sudden decision to leave, Vladimir most of it... was relieved.

     Because of her.

     That woman now his son was so in love with; Haru.

     He had chosen the right girl indeed.

     It was true he chose her because of her nonexistent relationship with the mob. Although Vladimir hated to admit, he chose her too because of her resemblance of Hunter's past lover; black hair, skin paled, lips that showcase a permanent frown.

    He thought marrying him off was better because the probability of leaving was too much.

    He never thought Hunter would love her to intensively and leave.

    In the end, he had to see Hunter suffered for four years to get back his feet. His son was beaten, was broken, was strip from any money that Vladimir couldn't help with. He also came out alive with a permanent leg injury. Vladimir made sure the gang that caused it disappeared.

    Vladimir's mind kept on dancing as his eyes gazed his young family members.

    Akito just reached three years old. His eyes were the same color as his papa and his hair as dark as his mother's. That child running happily as he glanced every second to see his papa chasing after him. It was a warm sight to see. Hunter reminded him of himself when Hunter was younger; chasing a younger version of him in their background back home in Russia.

    Mary, he was glad his son left this hell.

    If wasn't for his wife, Vladimir would've went disappeared a long time ago. Pynita has been holding on with Vladimir for decades. His woman was his strength and his motivation to kept going.

    Seeing her crying when Hunter got injured was unbearable. Seeing her crying about Haru's miscarriage was worst. Pynita has begged Vladimir to make sure they were safe through those four years of Hunter went on ghost. So, agreeing with Hunter's idea leaving his wife was the noble thing Vladimir could do.

     Yet, fate already written. His son and the girl went back together. At that moment, Vladimir could see it, the brightness in his son's eyes and he could see that the girl he chose to marry his son to, for the main reason of getting his out of trouble, was the best choice he ever made.

    And now, years later, they were having a Thanksgiving dinner at his house.

    Despite his ill hearing ability, Pynita's loud voice boomed downstairs. "Hunter! Bring your boy inside! Dinner's ready!"

    She called him and went outside to the yard followed by Haru. Akito ran to his grandmama and held his hand to go inside.

    Vladimir stayed still, seeing Haru lent out her hand to Hunter. He took it and kissed her palm. She then framed his face and lightly kissed him.

     Vladimir simpered. Hunter melted right away in her arms.

    It was enough sight and Vladimir went downstairs. In sync as the couple too.

     Luca rounded the table and help to delegate the plates. Now, Vladimir worried for his nephew. His dead sister would not approve his child to be the Pakhan but that was all he could do.

    And Luca understood and proud enough to be the leader. Vladimir knew he loved this position and he knew Luca was too kind to be like Volosinov. He couldn't promise his sister that Luca would be safe, but Vladimir could promise her that the boy grew up to be mightier like she had wished.

    Because all the Laskov men had in few traits common; their ocean blue eyes, their responsibility and a heart willing to love fiercely. Their women, their job equally.

    Vladimir took his seat, and his gaze shifted from his nephew to his son again; whom his eyes all shining looking at his wife who was busying taking up food.

    He had to convince himself. From time to time.

    He made the right choice.

- END -