Act Two

VI

Non-con is present in this chapter. Read at your own risk.

"She's just a (1) *шлюка, Yasha. I'm surprised you did not know this already." Fiodor sighs to Yakov over the phone. Yakov had called up his coach friend from the rink for some advice about Anna. He even mentioned the fact that Anna was going to try and ruin his career with a lie. Fedya knew all too well. "I did not know... she never seemed to be that kind of person during lessons. She always quietly watched her daughter skate and translate what I say for her and vice-versa." Yakov mumbles, standing at his kitchen counter. "What would you do?" He asks the man.

"Yasha... if I were you, I would do anything I could to stop her from falsely exploiting me. You do whatever you feel seems right. Just be careful." Fiodor explains. Yakov nods as he listens to his friend. "Maybe I should just suck it up to keep her mouth shut. It's only one night." He shrugs. "At the end of the day, it's your funeral, brother. Lilia said she doesn't mind, so go for it if you don't want to risk your career." Yakov thinks before speaking. "I should call Anna-Alexeyevna now then."

Yakov ends the call with Fiodor and looks at the dial. He is a nervous wreck. He eventually finds himself pressing in the correct numbers to call. Yakov's fingers are visibly shaking whilst he recites the order. He does not want to have to do this but his career is on the line. The phone begins to ring for a moment, the sound of it being picked up fills his speaker. " (2) *Алло?" Yakov lets out the breath he's been holding in. He's called someone else instead. "Lilya, I need to talk to you..."

Yakov has ended up on a bench with Lilia sitting next to him, in a small park not that far from their homes. "Lilya, I don't know what to do. She's going to ruin me if I don't do what she wants." Yakov's already explained the rest of the situation to the woman, needing more advice. He would ask his mother but he does not want to worry her with something as serious as this. "Yasha... you can't let someone take advantage of you." She says softly, adjusting her long, grey coat. "Fedya said I should just do it so she won't bother me anymore. Should I?" He turns to look at Lilia. She can only shrug, at a loss. "I can't tell you what to do. You have to listen to yourself. What sounds right to you?"

Yakov nods, agreeing with her answer. "You're right. You always will be." He grins a little, sighing. "I'm not thrilled with what she is doing, trying to manipulate you like that. Especially to such a gentle soul." Yakov's cheeks flush but not from the early winter air. "I'm sorry, Yasha." Lilia scoots closer to the taller man, leaning in to hug him. Yakov feels himself lose some of the tension, relaxing in her soft touch.

This feels right.

Yakov leans back into her, wrapping his left arm around her. "Thank you, Lilya." The man whispers, making Lilia grin as she holds him. "Of course. I hope you figure out what you want to do and how to do it. I'm here if you need help." She says to him quietly, having no plans on pulling back anytime soon. This feels right to her, holding this man in her arms and so close. "You would not believe her if she spread those lies?" Yakov asks, needing the reassurance. "No. Never." Lilia shakes her head, looking up. "You're too respectful to do such things. I may have only met you two or so months ago but I do know you're not that kind of person. I trust you, Yasha."

I trust you.

Lilia's words are so powerful to the older man, making him feel right. "Lilya," Yakov pauses. "That means a lot. You mean a lot." The two look into each other's eyes. Both of them have a goofy smile, only growing wider. Lilia wants to close the gap between them and Yakov feels the same. Their hearts are racing and it seems time has suddenly frozen. He would seal them but he respects Lilia. He does not want to cross any boundaries he's unsure of. Neither of them says a word, just smiling and looking in the other's eyes. Lilia's never noticed the small ring of hazel brown around his iris. It's almost golden. Yakov is doing the same and noticing small details about Lilia, like her prominent philtrum.