Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: 2018

Time× 7:38 am

"I've got great news," Viktor said to Natalie as he poured himself a cup of black coffee.

Natalie looked at him through the mirror as she put on some makeup. "What is it?" She asked, tilting her head to the side. "You're finally getting rid of that damn nest on your face?"

Viktor gasped, quickly setting down his cup. "You did not just say that." He said, placing both his hands on his hips. This caused Natalie to laugh. "What's wrong with my beard? I like it, he'll I thought you liked it too. Every time I kiss you, you always say," He tried to mimic her voice. "It tickles."

Natalie rolled her eyes, smirking. "That's because it does tickles. And I do like, it's just... don't you think it's time to get a fresh look."

He frowned, walking forward. "No. Why the hell would I need a fresh look? I love my beard and so does the ladies. They're the reason why I grew it in the first place." He said, trying to get her riled up. "They think I look ten times sexier with it."

Natalie sat her makeup brush down and slowly turned around to him. "I'm sorry can you repeat that again. The who loves what? And you grew it for who?" She questioned with her eyebrows raised, crossing her arms together. "Go on, say it again. Repeat yourself!"

Viktor full-on laughed, clutching onto his stomach for support. "Nat, you know I'm just joking. I grew a beard because I thought it went well with my look." He said, as he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. "It makes me feel... nice."

She sighed in his arms, shaking her head. "Sometimes, I think you want me to kill you." She mumbled, glaring daggers at him. "You're lucky you're cute."

"Sexy." He mumbled back, placing a kiss on her shoulder. "I'm lucky that I'm sexy."

Natalie groaned. "You're honestly not, but whatever." Natalie looked up at the clock. "My interview is in two hours. You think I'll get the job?" Her interview was being held at the local art store that was inside the mall. She applied a week ago after not landing any auditions. She got tired of staying inside the Hotel and doing nothing. To her, it was time to bounce back on something. Just until an audition came around.

She'd never give up on becoming an actor.

It was her dream.

Viktor nodded. "Are you kidding me? Hell yes, I think you'll get it, you're perfect for the job. And if you don't get it, I'll just have to meet with the person who said no to you."

She chuckled. "I'm starting to think I'm influencing you, a little bit too much." She said as their eyes connected. "What was the good news you had for me? And it better not be anything stupid Viktor or I'm going to punch you."

Now it was time for Viktor to roll his eyes. "Nat, I'm a boxer. I get hit by plenty of people, stronger than you. Your punches don't hurt... anymore." He said boldly.

Natalie looked at him, with a squint. "Do you feel the same way about my pinches?" She asked. "Because I can always work on them."

Fear washed over Viktor. He chuckled, uncontrollably. "On second thought Nat, now that I think about it. You're the strongest person to ever punch and pinch me. I mean seriously, you've got a great form and everything."

Natalie sticks her tongue at him. "Enough already. Tell me what the surprise is." She demanded.

Viktor sat down on the bed and pulled her to sit on his lap. He bit down on his lips, trying his best to forget about the idea of bending her over. It's been a while since both of them had any... action and it was honestly starting to kill him. Natalie and everything about her were just so... addicting. "I talked to Buddy this morning and he said that we finally get to move into our apartment today." He finally lets out.

"Oh fuck yeah! Finally! I thought we'd never leave this place." She cheered, bouncing up and down on his thighs. Viktor groaned, tilting his back at the sudden friction. He grabbed her hips to stop her movements. "How far is the apartment? Is it a nice place? Did you guys check the crime rate from there?" She glanced down, feeling his erection. "Umm, you sure you don't want me to move?"

"You're fine." He breathed out. "Just don't move, it'll go away soon." He didn't even sound sure.

Natalie smirked at him. "Just think about me being old. My body all saggy, with grey hair all over my head."

Viktor shook his head. "Not helping." He said if anything his erection got bigger.

Natalie gasps. "Aww, thinking about me being old gets you hard." She commented amusedly. "I don't know if I should be weirded out or if I should kiss you."

He glared at her. "Please don't kiss me right now."

Natalie lifted her hands up in surrender. "Hey, I offered to get up."

Viktor shushed her. "Just stop talking... and moving. It's gonna go away soon."

She rolled her eyes. "Barely." She said, before smiling. "Just think about Donald Trump naked."

Viktor's face fell. "Nat, what the fuck. That's so nasty, you're so nasty." He looked at her in disbelief. "Jesus, you couldn't say anyone else's name."

"It went away did it not? And be lucky I didn't say your dad."

Viktor let out a breath, shivering in disgust. "I'm never going to get a boner again." He said to himself. "Since I've got no training today, I'll come with you to your interview and after that, we'll start moving our stuff into our new apartment. How does that sound to you?"

Natalie pushed him down on the bed softly before sitting herself on his pelvis, with her hands moving up and down on his chest. "That sounds very, very good." She said as she leaned down to give him a kiss. She pulled away, her eyes peering into his. "This may sound like a stupid question, but can we please just make out? I miss being able to kiss you all the time." She whispered the last part.

Over the past two weeks, they barely got to see one another because of how much Viktor was practicing. He'd leave way too early in the morning and come back way too late at night. Sofia was the cause of it, she kept changing the time he needed to be at practice and leave. She was honestly starting to piss him off. He loved training and even loved the people he worked with but Sofia was just making his work environment... strange. She was weird... too weird. "I'm sorry about that, my new coach is... confusing. I'll talk to her about my practice time later this week."

"Don't," Natalie said, quickly shooting the idea down. "You're a boxer, it's your job to practice at whatever time of the day. I'm the one that has to get used to it." She said, not wanting any drama. "I'll get used to, sooner or later. It's alright."

Viktor placed his warm hand on her cheek, caressing it softly. "You're too good for me Nat." He whispered before his eyes fell onto her lips. "Kiss me." He commanded and Natalie did, not even caring about her lip gloss smudging against his skin. Viktor grunted as Natalie's tongue slid in and out of his mouth, her hips slowly grinding on him. On instinct, his hands found their way to her ass cheeks and he squeezed them with urgency.

"We've gotta stop," Natalie said, pulling back. She scolded herself because of how needy she sounded. "Before we do something we're not supposed to."

Viktor's heart was pounding hard in his chest. "Where's your vibrator?"

Natalie's eyebrows furrowed. "In my suitcase, why?"

"Go get it."

"A-are you sure?" She asked nervously. "What about you?"

Viktor lifted his head up to smile at her. "I'll be fine. Let's just worry about you today Nat." Natalie nodded before quickly standing up and running to where her suitcase was. She unzipped the suitcase before rummaging through it. After a minute went by, she finally found it. "I was beginning to think you lost it." Viktor joked.

"I could never," Natalie said, walking back to the bed. She grabbed the hem of her dress and moved it up as she laid down. "Alright... I'm ready."

Viktor rolled over on the bed and climbed on top of her. He kissed the side of her neck, his lips twirled against her skin causing Natalie to lose control of her breathing. She loved when he took his time to taste her body. It was the most amazing feeling in the world. Viktor's mouth moved from the side of her neck and traveled down to her navel. He kissed her thighs and Natalie licked her lips, feeling her tong get soaked. "You're wearing a thong." He commented as his hands gripped the soft fabric. "I should've known." He pulled it down and threw it across the room.

Natalie felt her body seize when Viktor blew into her pussy and his fingers began to massage her already soaked folds. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head when Viktor slipped a finger inside of her. She whimpered when she felt his finger begin to move in and out of her. "All this wetness, just for me." He said as he picked up the pace, adding another finger into her. Her juices sloshed each time he moved. "So beautiful."

"Faster." She breathes out, grinding on his finger. "Fuck, I think I'm gonna cum."

Viktor smacked her thigh. "Hold it." He commanded. "I'm not done with you yet." She was breathing harder, as his fingers massaged her clit in a fast relentless rhythm. "Hold it." He said again, feeling her tighten around him. Viktor lowered his head and buried his face into her cunt, licking her juices like his life depended on it.

One of Natalie's hands gripped the back of Viktor's head, pulling him forward, while the other gripped the sheet. She moaned loudly, not able to contain herself. "Vik." She moaned. "Please."

Viktor pinched her clit and looked up at her. "Not yet." He grunted, before grabbing ahold of the vibrator and flicking it on. He waited for a second, before finally sticking it into her rear.

"Ah," Natalie gasped, a warm heat flooding inside her. Viktor latched onto her clit again, this time moving the vibrator in and out of her. "Shit, shit, shit!" She cursed as sharp, electric jolts of pleasure ran through her body. "Oh my - oh my god!" Her head tilted back and her hips rolled back in an attempt to get away from him.

Viktor smirked.

She was running away from him and his dick wasn't even inside her. He let the vibrator stay in her and wrapped both his hands around her waist to keep her from moving. Natalie tried to break away from his grip but failed miserably.

"Go ahead Nat, give me what I want." And she did. Her body writhed in ecstasy, as she reached her climax. Her moans echoed within the walls of the hotel room. Viktor continued to lick and suck her until she fully rode through her orgasm. "You alright?" He asked, as he pulled out the vibrator and shut it off. He let it lay on the bed. Natalie replied to him, but it was inaudible. He gently tapped her leg. "Words Nat, I need words."

"You almost killed me!" Natalie shrieked, lifting her head up. "My body is still shaking."

Viktor chuckled. If he could high-five himself right now, he would. "I'm just that good."

Natalie groaned. "Don't start getting all cocky Viktor." She lowered her head. "I feel so sleepy now."

Viktor couldn't contain his laughter. He laughed so hard that his stomach began to hurt. "We need to buy you another one of these. It comes in handy." He said, referring to the vibrator. He glanced up to look at Natalie. She was glaring at him. He sighed heavily. "Alright, how about you take a nap and I'll clean you up. When it's time for us to go, I'll wake you up."

"Okay." She whispered.

Viktor felt his pants tightened, which caused him to look down. He had a huge bulge in his pants. "I most definitely need a cold shower." He mumbled under his breath before walking to the bathroom.

•••••••••••••

"That interview was long as hell Vik," Natalie said with her head on Viktor's shoulder as they walked out of the art store. "And the interviewer was a jackass. It was like no matter how hard I tried crossing my legs, he was trying to get a look."

"He was doing what?" Viktor asked, his fist clenching. He stopped dead in his tracks before turning around to head back into the store.

"Viktor!" Natalie yelled and quickly grabbed ahold of his hand to stop him. "Don't, it's not worth it." Viktor didn't bulge. "Please Vik, I'm serious. Just this once, let it go."

Viktor sighed, but eventually turned around. They began to walk again. "I hate when you do that Nat. You always wait till the last minute to tell me when someone's bothering or has done something to hurt you. Do you know how that makes me feel?" He questions angrily. "It makes me feel like I'm not doing my job as your partner to protect you!"

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Vik." She responded. "But you have to see it from my point of view. I'm not a princess. I don't always need you to protect me, I'm a big girl, therefore, I can do it myself. And if we're being technical, you're a freakin hothead Vik, which is the number one reason why I always wait to tell you things like this. Be honest, if I didn't stop you, you'd march right back up in there and kick that guy's ass. And it would land your ass right back in jail. Not everything is worth fighting for."

Viktor stopped walking, just to scold her. "It is when it comes down to you." He said, which caused her eyes to soften. "And while you're on the subject of being honest, you should know that not everything is worth walking away from."

Natalie nodded, taking in what he was saying. "I'm sorry."

Viktor rolled his eyes. He hated hearing those two words come out of her mouth. "Don't say you're sorry, you've got nothing to be sorry about." He glanced down at his watch, looking at the time. "Do you need anything from here, before we leave?"

"Nope," Natalie said lowly and began walking away.

"Don't do that," Viktor said, catching up to her.

"Do what?" She asked, giving him the side-eye.

"Get all in your feelings and start cursing me out in that big head of yours."

Natalie glared at him. "My head isn't big!"

"If you say so." He mumbled under his breath.

"You keep trying me Viktor and I'm gonna put you in the hospital." Natalie threatened.

"It was a joke!" Viktor shrieked.

"Can you just shut up so I can lay my head on your arm?" She asked impatiently. "You're being difficult." Viktor was going to tell her about how ridiculous she was being but decided against it. He kept his mouth shut, knowing if he said anything she'd beat his ass. "I forgot to ask when does your press conference air?"

"In a couple of days." He answered lowly. He went to his very first American press conference yesterday and it was plain shit. Buddy and his dad basically did all the talking, while he sat back and just watched. It was awful, but what made it even worse was when Buddy decided to finally pitch the idea of him fighting with Adonis Creed... Apollo Creed's son.

It pissed him off that his dad and Buddy would put him in this situation. And even though it was still a shocker to him, he didn't know how he'd tell Natalie.

"What did they ask you? Was it any fun?"

He couldn't answer the question, because soon he heard, "Viktor?!" A cheery voice called out from the corner, which caused Natalie to turn her head around.

Viktor cursed under his breath, knowing who that voice belonged to. "I think that girl is calling you," Natalie said about to point, but Viktor quickly caught her finger.

"Don't point, just keep walking and act like you can't hear her." He said, trying to get away.

Natalie rolled her eyes. "Viktor you're being ridiculous, she's literally right behind us. I'm sure she knows that you can hear her." Natalie stopped walking and grabbed Viktor's hands to halt him from moving any further. "Just talk to the poor girl," Natalie whispered.

"Viktor." He heard his name being called again.

He mentally groaned before turning around to face the petite woman who has been driving him insane for the past two weeks. "Sofia." He said her name in annoyance. "Hey."

Sofia smiled, placing her dark wavy hair behind her ears. "Hey." She replied, sounding way too happy. "What a coincidence seeing you here. I'm just on my way to head inside the... movie Theater."

Something deep inside Viktor told him that it wasn't a coincidence. "Cool." He said, not knowing how to respond back.

Sofia's eyes went from Viktor's face to Natalie's hand that was wrapped around his arm. "And you are?" She questioned, rudely. She knew exactly who Natalie was. It was common sense who she was.

Natalie's eyes widen at her tone of voice. She quickly looked to Viktor as if to say, "Who the fuck is this girl?" But Viktor only gave her the same look, which said, "You're the one that wanted to stop. You handle it." Natalie shook her head before looking back at Sofia. "Well considering the fact that we're close together and that we're holding hands, that makes me his girlfriend," Natalie responded, sending her a fake smile. "And you are?"

Sofia frowned. "I'm Sofia, one of Viktor's coaches."

Natalie looked her up and down, before looking back at Viktor. Viktor chuckled. He liked seeing her about to lose her cool. "That's funny, he's never mentioned you before." She responded. He has mentioned Sofia to her, but Sofia didn't need to know that. Right now Natalie just wanted to make her feel not important.

"Really? I could say the same for you." Sofia clapped back, wanting to hit a nerve.

Natalie's mouth opened to set her straight but instantly shut at the sound of Viktor's voice. "Welp, Sofia it was nice seeing you here. We've got to head out and go move into our new apartment."

Sofia gulped. "Apartment?"

"Yup, something that couples buy and then move in together," Natalie said. "You should try it sometimes."

"Bye," Viktor said, quickly pulling Natalie away.

"Why the fuck did you pull me away? I was waiting for her response so I could slap the short bitch. Who the fuck does she think she is?" Natalie questioned angrily. "Is she crazy in the head or something? Does she not know that I'll beat her ass and leave her on the street for dead? I'll fuck her up, looking at me like that."

"And she calls me the hothead." Viktor said in his head "Careful Nat, wouldn't want you to land back in jail." He joked, using her own words against her.

She scoffed. "For that bitch? I'd go back willingly."

Viktor chuckled, draping his arm over her shoulders. "You're gonna be the death of me woman."

"Why the fuck is she even your coach?" Natalie asked looking up at him as they walked. "I thought you had to be old to be a coach? She looks pretty young."

Viktor shrugged. "I'm not sure, Buddy is the one that hired her. But now you see why I said it's weird working with her, right?"

Natalie nodded. "I do. She gives off negative energy." She groaned. "We don't need any more negativity in our lives."

He pulled her close and placed a kiss on her forehead. "And we won't have anymore, I'm sure Sofia got the message to back off."

"Let's hope that's true," Natalie mumbled.

"Nat, don't let her ruin today. It's supposed to be a good day for us. We started off the day right, I had my morning breakfast." He said, which caused Natalie to laugh. "And you exercised." He winked at her. "And now we're going to go pack and then move into our lovely new apartment."

Natalie sighed. "You're right. From here on out, it's only positive vibes for the rest of the day." She took her phone out of her pocket. "I'll get us a Lyft."

"Perfect."

••••••••••••••••

"No peeking." Viktor urged as he covered Natalie's eyes with his hands. "I'm serious Nat, no peeking." He edged himself near the front door of the apartment. "No peeking."

"Gotdamn Viktor, how many times are you going to say it?" Natalie whined. "And how do you expect to open the door if your hands are covering my eyes. Make it make sense Vik."

Viktor sighed. "Alright. You've got a point." He paused for a moment. "Turn around and keep your eyes shut. Don't open your eyes under any circumstances. Promise."

"Viktor seriously."

"Yes, now promise."

Natalie's eyes rolled. "Fine." She said, agreeing. "I promise."

"Good." Viktor turned her around so that she wasn't looking at the front door. As promised, Natalie kept her eyes shut, waiting to be able to open them again. Viktor quickly took the keys that he got from the leasing office, out of his pocket and placed it into the keyhole. He unlocked the door and twisted the doorknob, opening it wide in the process. "Alright, turn back around." He said, guiding her back towards the door.

His hands were back to covering her eyes. "Can I open my eyes now?" Natalie asked, impatiently.

"Yup," Viktor said, removing his hands.

Natalie squealed running into the apartment. "Viktor I fuckin love it!" She yelled, running up and down the place. "It's so big and there's so much space. And," She sniffed the air. "It smells so good." Tears start to form in her eyes. "We really have our own apartment."

Viktor stifled a groan. It was weird to him how some women, (Natalie in this case) cried about the most littlest things. "Yes, Nat." He said, gently. "We really do have our own apartment." He picked up their bags and suitcases from the doorway and bought them inside. When he was done, he took the keys and then closed and locked the door. "Dетка, please stop crying. You know I hate it when you cry."

Natalie wiped at her eyes, trying to console herself. "I'm sorry, it's just so cute. And I'm so damn happy." She walked over to Viktor and pulled him into a tight hug. "I love you so damn much."

"Ya tozhe tebya lyublyu." He replied back in their native tongue. They seemed to hug for forever until he had enough and pulled her to the ground with him. They sat on the cold red mahogany floor, in each other's arm. Their eyes looked around the place. "Now that I'm actually sitting here, looking at it. It does seem pretty big."

"How many rooms and bathrooms do we have?"

"We've got two bedrooms. I thought the extra bedroom would come in handy, just in case your dad comes to visit. That way he wouldn't be sleeping in the living room. There are two bathrooms. And we've got a small back patio where we can store some things. The apartment also comes with in-unit laundry, an alarm system, a gym, pool and a bunch of other stuff."

"Really? And how much is the rent?"

Viktor shook his head. "If I tell you, you're gonna wanna move. Therefore, I'm keeping my mouth shut." He acted like he zipped his lips up and threw away the key.

"In that case, I won't even ask again." Natalie's smile widened as she continued to look around the place. "We're home."

"We're home." He whispered again. He sat back and listened as Natalie told him where exactly she would put everything and how exactly she would design the apartment. His body heated up as he imagined all the great things they would do here. Their funny moment, their stupid arguments, the dinners... and of course his personal favorite, the sex. He vowed to himself that as soon as he was back to his normal routine, that he would fuck the shit out Natalie in each damn room and on each object he seemed fit.

"Are you even listening to me?" Natalie questioned, snapping him out of his thoughts.

He chuckled. "Nope, I'm sorry Dетка. I toned you out." He said honestly. Natalie pinched his thigh and went back to talking about the different carpets she'd put around the place. Viktor only smiled, taking in her happiness.

This was their moment.

And nothing was going to ruin it.

Or so he thought before his phone rang.