Page 54 of Pistols and Plush Toys

Nikolai's approval was like butterflies in Elliot’s stomach.

“Thank you,” he said, unconsciously hugging Max closer, because he certainly couldn’t hugNikolai. He shouldn’t even want to. “Thank you again for–for Max. He’s really nice. The nicest stuffed animal I’ve ever had.”

“You are welcome.” Nikolai said. His face went thoughtful, but all he ended up saying was, “Come, is time to eat.”

Elliot nodded and set Max aside next to Apricot. Then, instead of hiding them under the sheets, he gave in to the urge to tuck them in gently as he got off the bed.

He couldn’t help the glance back at Nikolai after, flinching a little, but Nikolai didn’t comment. His expression was… intense though, like he was looking right through Elliot, seeing all his soft spots.

Abruptly, Elliot realized that Nikolai was wearing short sleeves. Nikolai had only ever worn long sleeves in the time Elliot had been here, but now his scarred, muscular arms were on display.

Elliot couldn’t help looking at all the perfectly round, puckered burn marks that decorated Nikolai’s arms, his fury rising up as he thought about what he now knew of Nikolai’s father.

Nikolai had said he’d left his father’s house when he’d turned eighteen. So unless those burn marks were somehow from somethingelse,and something in Elliot strongly doubted they were, Nikolai hadbeen a childwhen—

Nikolai was still watching him, expression unreadable.

“Breakfast!” Elliot said too loudly and shrank down, before peeking back up at Nikolai. “Am—am I still allowed to make it?”

“If you’re still wanting to cook,” Nikolai said as he held the door open and gestured Elliot through.

“Yes, please.” His heart was still thumping in his ears, but as he headed toward the kitchen a lightness started spreading through him.

He’d told Nikolai the names of his stuffed animals and it had beenfine.He’d even seemed interested? Or at least not upset about it.

“Very good,” Nikolai said. He was pleased? Maybe Elliot was just projecting though.

In the kitchen, all the ingredients were set out and ready. Elliot beamed and went to pull out mixing bowls and a pan, that familiar joy spreading through him as he got to work cooking for someone whowantedhim to.

Nikolai took a seat at the counter bar with a coffee and watched, blue eyes intent and—interested?

“Do you, um, want to hear about crêpe making?” Elliot asked, maybe too hopefully. “Or—or I don’t have to talk, if you’d rather drink your coffee in peace.” He bit his lip and looked away. “I know I can be… too loud sometimes.”

Nikolai’s brow furrowed. But all he said was, “No biting. Should tell me about cooking instead.”

Elliot couldn’t help his bright smile. “Okay,” he said, and then he did.

***

“Before I take you back to room, I’m wanting to say about something.” Nikolai said, just as they were finishing up dinner that evening.

It had been a really good day. They’d had crêpes for breakfast, chicken caesar salad for lunch, and grilled salmon for dinner, all prepared by Elliot. Nikolai had been complimentary over each meal, and Elliot thought he might burst from the warm feelings that had spread through him at the praise. Even being in his room in between the meals hadn’t felt as hard. He’d hugged Max and told him and Apricot about the food he’d made and what Nikolai had said he’d liked and had only felt somewhat childish about doing so. He’d also planned out future meals with them, different things he thought Nikolai would maybe like to try, though that had dimmed his happiness some, since he knewhis time to make food for Nikolai would probably be ending soon.

At least he’d had his puzzle books to further distract himself. Another kindness from Nikolai.

Now he sat up at attention. It was getting easier and easier to meet Nikolai’s eyes. “Okay.”

“Is about Vitale.” Nikolai's suddenly serious tone made Elliot’s heart skip.

“O-oh,” Elliot said. Maybe… maybe this was it. Nikolai was telling Elliot he would be going back.

His stomach roiled unhappily, and he had to swallow hard, trying to get it to settle.

“We heard rumors his family is not very much happy with him,” Nikolai continued. “Since he still is not want to be smart, we contacted them to see if they would make deal with me instead. I have meeting with a cousin late tonight. So I’m wanting to tell you I will not be here, and if maybe there’s trouble tonight, someone else will bring you breakfast tomorrow, but do not be scared.”

“Oh,” Elliot said again. Nikolai saying there might betrouble tonightwith the meeting didn’t sound good at all. Would Nikolai be in danger? What if he gothurt?“Which cousin?” Elliot asked, a little desperately. He’d met most of the big players in the family, even if he'd been too stupid at the time to realize what it was they actuallydid.

“Vicki Vitale,” Nikolai said.

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