"Shit."

     Andres threw his empty chips bag into the trash beside his desk but frowned when his stomach grumbled. Why was he still hungry?

"If only Vlad came today." He muttered, picking up his phone to check the call log.

     There was nothing from Vlad. Absolutely nothing. And when Gala had called him, she had changed the topic whenever he brought up the man. Andres didn't know if the Russian was ignoring him but if he was, Andres didn't blame him.

     It had been his fault. He had stopped going home and of course Vlad had worried like the worrywart he was. Him being him had visited his office the next day and had played it cool like he hadn't been disturbed by his absent. Andres played along and told him the lie he had been prepping for that moment.

     Vlad believed instantly. How could he not when he didn't know a thing about being a Sheriff. But Andres knew he failed the minute he didn't kiss him before he left. But the Colombian didn't play it off as a loss yet until Vlad came the next day with Andres newfound favorite food and stood in front of him with a look that plainly said kiss me.

     Andres knew why he had ignored it but he regretted it right after because Vlad hardly came again. Sure he called everyday but he never brought his favorite food again and when he did call, it was just to be sure he wasn't dead or hadn't crossed the line. His tone had been cold and the last time he had heard such cold tone was when he was threatening to kill Gala.

     And all this avoidance was just so he could quench his desire for him. He was no longer disturbed by having feeling for a man but was disturbed by the fact that they would never be happy. If he were to cave in, his happiness would be short lived because they would both go their separate ways. And being Gay in Russia wasn't a so good idea.

     Dropping his phone back on his table, he stood up from his seat and walked around his office. Because of his problem at home, he had been taking unnecessary cases just to while away the time. The crimes were petty but a crime was a crime.

     Andres touched his temples as he felt a headache coming on. He needed a rest and God knows if Vlad was going to give him that since their last date was today. Lord knew he didn't know how he was going to face him.

"Sheriff?" Someone knocked on his door and he growled before staggering over to it to open it. James stood there in all his manly glory making Andres frown. What did he want now?

"Boss you okay?"

"I'm as fine as I can get."

Joshua ran a hand through his head which hardly had any hair and said, "Boss, remember you told me to tell you, you have a date with your husband?"

Andres winced and ran a hand over his face from the light in the hallway. He groaned again before answering, "Thanks. I remembered. Where's Barnes?"

"Shooting range. Told me he was teaching someone. Never got the name."

Andres nodded numbly then entered back into his office closing the door on Joshua's face. He made a mental note to apologize later of he saw him again. He took the bottle of water on his table and took a swing from it before folding his files into his suitcase. If only he could actually take a break from all of this.

     When he was ready to go, he sent Barnes a quick text where he told him he was on his way. Andres didn't care if he got it or not, he just knew that when he saw him they were going home straight.

And then if Vlad still wanted to go on the date he could ask him to suggest a place. Clubs and bars weren't his cup of tea anymore and he didn't want Vlad near any alcohol.

     Finding himself on the first floor, he quickly walked into the hallway where the shooting range was and entered the room. It was rather empty save for a booth at the far end of the room where a shot just rang. Andres couldn't see where it had hit but he was sure it hit the human figure board at the other end of the room.

     Andres walked up to him as he shot three other nice shots which seemed to be nearing the figure's center chest. Dropping his suitcase on the bench, he wanted to congratulate Barnes when he pulled the figure closer and had shoot at a 9 which was in a closer ring to a 10 but froze when he saw what was before him.

     Barnes, the American who always rushed his words that it became a pain to listen to him, had his arms around Vlad in a somewhat embrace. Andres was instantly embarrassed because he felt like he had just walked in on someone else's relationship.

Andres watched Barnes praise Vlad for his good work as he let go of him and the both of them turned to see Andres frozen on his spot.

And to Andres' surprise, the both of them acted like they hadn't been hugging and touching each other. They had been so close, Barnes' body, pressed against Vlad's from the back and he had placed his hands on his. Andres had a feeling if they had stayed that way a little longer, Vlad wouldn't be looking at him the way he normally did.

"Hey boss."

"Leave us." He didn't want to hear the American's voice right now especially when he just imagined him with Vlad.

Barnes quickly rose his hands in the air, surrendering before leaving the shooting range. Andres didn't dare look away from Vlad and so did the Russian. They both stayed quiet and waited to hear the door open and close before talking.

The second Andres was sure Barnes was gone, he spoke up, "What was going on? Why didn't you call today? What are you even doing here? With him?" There were more questions but he was too frustrated to get them all out.

Vlad frowned at him, glancing at the gun in his hand then at Andres. In Vlad's amazing hazel eyes, Andres could have sworn he saw something scary. As if the thought to use the gun had pleased him.

Taking a step back, he waited for the Russian to answer.  

Vlad scoffed, tossing the gun on the floor then looked back at Andres. "I was training. I did not call because I did not want to call. I wanted to surprise you is why I am here. And I was here with him because he had been teaching me how to use gun since you stopped coming home."

"Wait. Are you trying to tell me you've been in this building with me and never came to see me?" Andres felt like he was on fire. How could Vlad do that to him?

Vlad's eyes suddenly looked dull as if he had lost interest in the conversation. "You were avoiding me so I wanted to give you your space. Besides, I never really spend much time here. Forty minutes and I have to leave to take Fyo to Christie and get back to work."

Vlad sighed then frowned at Andres saying, "You do not only treat me as if I am stupid but as if I am your wife. Do I look like woman to you. I am always taking care of kids and you make absolutely no effort."

"I-"

"You spent one week away from them. You missed Gala's big Christmas ceremony and you are not helping me plan for Fyo's birthday. We need money and I'm lacking because only I am doing it alone. Have you forgotten Christmas is coming and we have to get everything or at least most of everything in Gala and Fyo's list?"

Andres couldn't speak. How could he when he knew he was the one wrong. His anger was slowly dissipating as Vlad's grew bigger.

"When was last time we kissed? At zat club no? Well zat was week ago and we have to finish second date before zey give us task reward. Why are you-"

"You remember!" Andres' eyes widened and his heart skipped a beat. He remembered. Why does he remember? If he remembered the kiss, then he must remember the confession and his rejection. Andres couldn't imagine how his date today was going to be after all this.

     The car ride had been awkward. Very awkward that Andres was beyond relieved to finally be out of the car when they got home. Vlad had ended the conversation right there and had pulled Andres towards the car, openly holding his hands in front of everyone as if he didn't care if they judged. The Colombian didn't mind though. In fact, he had liked it and couldn't help the burning in his stomach. Then it died quickly when Vladimir decided to give him the silent treatment as he drove them home.

     Opening the door to his home, he waited for Vlad to enter then closed it quickly to relish in the warmth. The weather had gotten colder but too bad if didn't snow on the island.

"Gala, Andres' home." Vlad called by the stairs but instead of the delinquent, it was Fyo who came running down.

"Daddy!" He squeaked as he jumped down on the last step then ran to hug Andres who quickly squatted so he could take the kid into his arms.

"Hey Fyo. How is chico doing?"

Fyo's locks were in a bun and he had a pretty floral headband around his head. It made him look slightly girlish but was cute nonetheless. The little kid grinned and said, "I am fine. Gala was playing with my hair. Do papa like?"

Andres chuckled, glancing up at Vlad who was watching them but his expression was perfectly guarded. Looking back at the kid, he nodded. "Yes, papa like a lot. Who told you to call me papa?"

"I watched it on the TV and the boy called his daddy papa. It also mean daddy, right?"

"Wow, Fyo has learnt a lot while I was gone." He said as he picked the kid but immediately dropped him when his waist made a noise. Even Fyo heard it because he giggled.

"Haha. Daddy is old. I mean, papa is old." He stuck his tongue out at Andres who stood up straight then held his waist in agony.

Andres could practically feel Vlad's stare like needles and that seemed to add to the pain in his back. He smiled shakenly at Fyo who laughed then ran into the sitting room to turn on the TV.

"Give me your coat and suitcase. You must be tired." Vlad spoke up abruptly, shocking Andres who had thought the silent treatment was going to last to the next day.

Andres, very awkwardly, pulled his coat off and gave the man his briefcase and coat. "Thanks."

"Don't mention it. I normally do things like this."

That was true. Vlad was normally the one who took care of everyone and got worried over nothing because he actually cared about them. Andres stupidly avoiding him must have affected him especially since he remembered what happened at the club. If only he had talked it out, things wouldn't be this awkward.

Watching Vlad hang the coat on the coat rack, he wondered how he would fix what he had done. There was no excuse for his actions anymore.

"Hey Vladimir," He called to him when he walked passed him but when Vlad didn't respond, he caught his arm and pulled the man to him.

"Andres-"

The Colombian didn't wait for him to finish before he wrapped his arms around him then tried to kiss but Vlad blocked it immediately by covering his mouth. Glaring at Andres, he pulled away from his grasp then said, "What exactly do you take me for? Do you zink you can piss me off zen kiss me and everything would be fine? I am trying to not get angry at sight of you. What is wrong with you?"

"You." He answered honestly.

Vlad rolled his eyes and walked past him to the kitchen. Andres followed him then locked the kitchen door behind as he said, "I know what I did was wrong and I don't see the need to justify myself because I know I was wrong."

"If you didn't want relationship with me..." Vlad's voice shook and that made Andres's heart sink and he rushed to the man to wrap his arms around him.

"Don't say that." He muttered as he buried his head in the man's shoulder. "I don't... Vlad, I don't know what I'm doing. I've always wanted a family but you make me believe I need a family. I might sound like I know what I want but really, I don't because I'm scared. The only thing I can do is my work and other than that, I fail effortlessly. That's why I didn't want to think of us after our one month is over. I wouldn't want to lose you because you are perfect for me."

He pulled away so he could see the Russian's face but Vlad didn't look up at him. He left his head on Andres' shoulder so the man continued, "I know what I'm saying is pretty cheesy but it's true. You make me want to settle down and I'm scared I might never be able to do that with you."

"How can you say such embarrassing zings." Vlad murmured but Andres still heard him, making him blush, but he didn't look away when Vlad lifted his head to look at him. "You are talking like you want to make family with me."

And there was the cold chill again. The same cold sensation he had gotten when Vlad had confessed to him. Andres knew he wanted a family. He was indeed getting old but he was scared of settling down. What if something happened to him? What if something happened Gala or Fyo? What if something happened to Vlad? Andres knew the world out there and it had always stopped him from even the thought of it.

"Vladimir-"

"Be quiet." Vlad smiled gently at him then slowly cupped his face with his hands. "I understand. We don't have to rush zings." Then he leaned up and kissed him.

Andres felt absolutely relived by that and kissed him back, letting him take control of the kiss. He was surprised when Vlad pushed him against the kitchen counter and kissed him deeper, making him feel weak at the knees.

     Moaning deep in his throat, he pulled Vlad closer to support himself and gasped when he felt the man's hand against his boner.

Vlad arched a sly brow at him and smirked. "Too soon?"

"Well..."

Vlad sighed, taking a step from him. "I guess. You should go up and take shower. Rest up. I will wake you up for dinner."

"Vlad-"

"It is fine. Go." The Russian managed a smile but Andres knew it was fake. His hazel eyes didn't glow like it used to.

But before he could say anything to make the man feel better, Vlad turned away from him and walked out of the kitchen, leaving Andres feeling terribly guilty.

_______________
Okay so this is like the what chapter of the book? I can't remember but it's nearing twenty. Isn't it about time we get some action around here?

^_^ I hope you're ready. And please, if you know you're below 18 and you read the next chapter... Tsk tsk tsk. You're naughty :)