"He doesn't know how to present an offer to someone," Mikhael said, irritation clouding his voice. "She would've made a great ally."

"I didn't know you were that keen on getting Azaelya into the gang," Nik said, teasing but gentle. The two sat together on one of the towers of the castle ruins near Nik's place, watching the setting sun.

"She's got a sharp mind." Scowling, Mikhael took a swig of his diamohjin. The smell messed with Nik's mind more than he liked to admit. "She's also resourceful and cunning. Her wit would probably match yours. She'd make an excellent addition to our team."

Nik shrugged. "Maybe she just doesn't want anything to do with this life. It's not an easy one to lead, that's for sure."

"I know." Mik took out his cigarette and blew a cloud of smoke. "I know, but fuck it!" He slammed his fist on the stone wall between them. Nik nearly flinched at the outburst. "What the fuck is with the old man? He's always blowing off potential recruits! Why the hell doesn't he let you and I handle recruiting like the old days? He's just so - ugh!"

Nik flinched and hunched in his shoulders. Mikhael didn't notice as pulled at his short hair with a hand, taking a long swig of his alcohol with the other hand. Just then, he seemed to remember. "Shit." His eyes flew to Nik, darkening with remorse. "I'm so sorry, man. I completely forgot that you hate it when I do this."

Nik's returning smile was twisted. "It's okay." His heart still pounded, hammering away in his chest.

"Not if it messes with your head." Mikhael flung his bottle, and it disappeared into the darkness below them. Silence ensued after the dim crash. Nik could tell Mikhael was looking at him, but just stared out at the sunset instead. His head pounded with a headache and his eyes were probably red from the strain of keeping them open for more than twenty four hours straight.

"Are you okay?" Mikhael spoke up after an eternity. He didn't touch Nik, for which the latter was grateful. "Mish said you had a fever this morning. Is it still there?"

"God knows," Nik said, gritting his jaw. "I don't give two fucks about some damn fever."

Mikhael was quiet. He knew better than to stir up Nik's temper. "You know you can talk to me, right? If something happened-"

"I know." Nik cut him off. "Nothing happened. I'm fine." I didn't throw up last night. My grandfather didn't abuse my sister last night. Tears burned his eyes and he blinked hard. God, he was such a wuss! Always close to tears like some fucking kid!

Angry and restless, Nik jumped to his feet. He didn't dare look down at the drop, turning away and running a hand through his hair. He glanced at his watch. "I'm going home," he said to Mikhael, who already knew this and hadn't bothered to stand. "See you tomorrow." He strode away.

He knew Mikhael meant no harm, but he just couldn't. He couldn't talk about his feelings. He couldn't risk Misha getting more hurt than she already was. He couldn't talk about all the shit that was wrong in his life because that would just make it all the more real. He couldn't show weakness or cry.

He had to be strong - the strongest -because only the fittest survived. There was no place for the weak in his world. No place for weakness in his ascent to the top. That was his way of life, and Mikhael knew it.

* * *

Damn, looks like Nik has some big demons of his own! 

Thoughts?

Next update: now! Surprise xD

See ya!