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Post by Angela on Feb 6, 2006 9:22:28 GMT -5
The following scenes concern Danil Andropov seeing the film "Brokeback Mountain."
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Post by Angela on Feb 10, 2006 14:45:57 GMT -5
(this post and a few others after it contain MAJOR SPOILERS concerning the film Brokeback Mountain. If you want to see this film but have not, you are free to skip over the scenes. A warning will be posted before them.)
It was a month before the Russian National Championships were supposed to take place in St. Petersburg. One miserably cold, wintry Saturday in December, about two weeks before Christmas, Danil Andropov decided that he would go and see a movie to relax after his second session of training.
He drove to the mall, about fifteen minutes away from the rink, and went to the theater. He shivered and buttoned his coat to keep the chill out. At the big multiplex, he read softly the titles of the films that were showing, trying to decide which film he should see.
"Aeon Flux," he guessed, pronouncing it wrong with raised eyebrows, "Brokeback Mountain, Chicken Little, Chronicles of Narnia, Derailed, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, King Kong, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang, Memoirs of a Geisha, Rent, Syriana, Walk The Line..." He only knew a few of the titles. He'd already seen Harry Potter three times; he didn't intend on seeing it again anytime soon, as much as he enjoyed it. He'd seen Chicken Little and didn't care for it. He had heard big buzz surrounding King Kong, but the story didn't appeal to him very much. Since he was such good friends with Hae Young Choi, his training mate from North Korea, he considered seeing Memoirs of a Geisha, if for no other reason than to be able to talk about the Asian culture... But he also liked the adventure that Narnia offered. Admittedly, he knew nothing about the other films. He didn't know who or what Aeon Flux was, and didn't understand the point of a film called Rent, or Walk The Line.
Obviously I need to pay more attention to films when they're advertized on television, he thought with a sigh. I guess it's Narnia...
Little did he know he was already standing in line.
"Excuse me, I don't mean to be rude, but you're next," a tall blond-haired man in his '20s pointed out.
"Oh, I'm sorry, go ahead, by all means. I don't know what I want to see yet," he said, embarrassed. He moved to the side, and the man thanked him. A brown-haired man in his '20s was with him.
"Two for Brokeback Mountain please," the blond said, clutching the other's hand.
"What's that about?" Danil asked the other as the blond paid the ticketer.
"Brokeback?" He paused, and answered, "It's about two guys who fall in love. It's our third time seeing it," he added proudly. He eyed the skater hesitantly.
Danil blinked in surprise, raising his eyebrows. He nodded slowly, intrigued. He was still so unfamilliar with American cinema it didn't occur that such movies could be made. Wouldn't Peter like to see it? he thought. Perhaps I should check it out before I invite him...
"It's a romance, you say?" Danil asked. The man nodded. "Interesting... I might like that, I think," Danil said thoughtfully. He smiled at the thought of Peter. God, he missed him, and couldn't wait to see him when he got home. The past week's road trip for the football team made him feel lonelier than usual.
"Well, you're welcome to sit with us if you choose to see it, no one's forcing you though," the blond said, holding up the two tickets. "I mean, if that kind of thing doesn't bother you. I don't know if you're gay or straight, not that it matters, but straight guys are usually so uptight about this movie," he explained with a shrug.
Danil looked at the showtimes. Coincidentally, Brokeback Mountain started in ten minutes, whereas Narnia had an hour before it started. "I'll take you up on that," he continued with a grin, and went up to the ticketer. "One for Brokeback Mountain, please."
"Do you have an ID, young man?" the woman behind the glass asked, looking skeptical.
Danil raised his eyebrows, but dug out his ID and handed it to her. Why was he asked for an ID? What was so bad about this film that you had to be of certain age to see it? After careful examination she nodded.
"You look younger than 18. Sorry forthe trouble." She handed it back to him and smiled apologetically. "Seven seventy-five."
Danil handed her a ten dollar bill, and waited patiently for his change and ticket. Once he had them he headed inside with the two men.
"It's rated R, because of some swearing and a little bit of violence and some short sex scenes. That's why you got carded. I'm Matt, this is my boyfriend Eric," the blond said, holding out his hand.
"Danil Andreievich Andropov, it's a pleasure," Danil replied with a smile. He was never around another gay couple so open about their sexuality before. Then again, he didn't know many openly gay, or bisexual, for that matter, people in the first place.
"Nice to meet you, Danil. Do you want to get some popcorn or something before the film starts?" Eric asked.
"Sure, thank you," he replied. The three of them headed to one of the many concession stands located throughout the multiplex. "So this is your third time, yes? What's it like?" It must be very good for someone to want to see it three times, Danil thought.
"It's a romance, but very subtle, you gotta pay attention to every little detail to fully get the magnitude of things," Eric said with a chuckle. "You're not familliar with it at all? Not even with the short story?"
"Not at all," Danil said, slightly embarrassed.
"Well, I hope you like it," Matt commented. "It's one of the best films I've ever seen. It changed my life. Literally. Just one thing, be prepared to cry. I know that we're going to cry at just about every scene."
"It's that sad, yes?" Danil asked with a chuckle. No film could be that good.
"You bet. We won't spoil you though with the ending, but I promise, it'll hit you like a ton of bricks. Even after our second viewing, we were still devastated," Matt said with a lighthearted chuckle.
The sound of popping corn filled the area, and mixed deliciously well with the scents of butter, hot dogs, nachos and the like. The theater was mostly crowded with adults with children.
"We're getting nachos, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and popcorn of course. What about you?" Matt asked as Eric ordered for the two of them.
Danil chuckled. "All this smells delicious. Too bad I can't have much of it!" he said, trying to lighten things up.
"Why not? On a diet?" Eric teased, amused, as he brought over a large cardboard box containing their food and drinks.
"Sadly yes. I'm an athlete, I can't eat a lot of junk food. But a small popcorn without butter should be all right, and chicken tenders as well," he said to the cashier. At least he'd have some protein. "My boyfriend is at home. I just got out of practice and needed to relax. Since this is so close to the rink, I thought it was as good a place as any!"
Eric chuckled. "The rink, huh? You play hockey or something?
Danil blushed at the stereotype he was about to reveal, nervously ran a hand through his crew-cut dark blond hair, and replied shyly, "I'm a figure skater, actually."
"Oh yeah? You want to go to the Olympics?" Matt asked, intrigued as they headed to the usher, who took their tickets and directed them to the specific theatre.
"Actually I've already been there. I placed fifth." He ate a little of his popcorn as they made their way inside the screening room.
"You serious? No way! When, 2004?" Matt asked. "You look pretty young to have been there in '02."
"Yes, it was 2004, in the mens division."
Matt was stunned. "I saw you then! You did that... what's it called... 'Romeo and Juliet,' right? The movie version?"
"Yes!" Danil grinned as they sat down in the middle of the theater. He was happy, relieved, he didn't feel so silly about being a bisexual singles skater. "I'm surprised people remember."
"Well, I forget what your other routine was to, but I remember that one," Matt said with a chuckle. "I love these stadium seats," he added off-handedly, putting his arm around Eric.
"Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto and The Swan by Saint-Saens," Danil answered. "It was dedicated to my mother..." he explained shyly.
"I remember liking that routine, just didn't know what it was to," Matt said, noticing the somber tone Danil's voice had now taken on.
"I'm not much of a skating watcher. This guy's a huge fan, watches every Olympics" Eric teased with a small smile. "More of a hockey fan myself."
"Well that's fine, of course, everyone has the right to like what they do, and let's face it not a lot of men like skating," Danil said with a chuckle. He had to resist pointing out that skating was, like any other sport, an annual one, not just occuring at the Olympics. "I'm not offended. I love hockey too. What are your favorite teams? The Penguins?"
"Really I prefer the Red Wings and Rangers more than the Pens, but don't tell any radio station here that." He rolled his eyes. "I used to intern at BZZ for the morning show and they sang fight songs for the Pens once and I filled in Rangers for the Pens once, and I got reprimanded for it. Well you seem like a nice kid. How old are you?" Eric asked.
"I'm 18. That's so annoying about that radio show. It's like with skating, you can like the Americans, but point out their flaws and you'll get slapped in the face. It's a shame."
"Yeah. You going to the Olympics next year?" Eric asked.
"Well, my National Championships are in a month, I have to place in the top 3 there, and then I can go, if nothing bad happens before then like injury or something," he said, tapping the armrest for good luck.
"Well good luck! You'll be fine," Matt said as the lights darkened. "Oy, now the half hour of previews. Hey, you don't have anything to drink," he noticed.
"Well, I try to lay off of the pop," Danil said bashfully. He learned since he had been living in southwestern Pennsylvania to use the word "pop" when referring to soda, otherwise few people would know what he was talking about.
"They have smoothies too, if you can have those," Eric told him.
"They do?" Danil was surprised. "That's perfect!" He looked back at the screen. "Do you think I have enough time to get one?"
"Sure! You've got about fifteen minutes, don't worry," Eric answered with a nod.
Matt offered to hold his tray of food for the time being while Danil went and got a peach-mango smoothie. When he came back, they were still showing previews.
Danil smiled, taking his tray after putting his cup in the cupholder. "Thanks, Matt. I see I didn't miss anything but previews. That's a good thing."
Eric chuckled. "I don't mind the previews, it's the commercials for Coke and stuff that come before the previews that bug me."
After ten more minutes of previews, most of which were for comedies, the film finally started.
All it took was a strum of the guitar at the beginning to cause Matt and Eric to sigh. Danil thought the music was soothing, but didn't associate it with any particular tone or feeling. It sounded peaceful. It was just a guitar with a string ensemble. Danil had never heard such pieces used in films before. It was quite beautiful...
As the film progressed, he didn't understand why Matt and Eric cried so much, or got misty-eyed and held each other. It wasn't the most romantic film he'd ever seen, in fact nothing seemed special about it. The two men were ranch-hands, working together over a summer. Danil could tell there was attraction between them, but it didn't seem very apparent. He recalled Eric's earlier words, about how subtle the relationship was conveyed on screen. Danil could certainly understand that. He had to be subtle before he publicly came out.
After the summer, the ranch-hands went their seperate ways, met ladies, married, and had children. All in all, Danil was considering walking out. He hated to admit it, but he found it quite dull, despite a few special scenes. But he stayed out of respect for his potential new friends. He did feel sorry for one of the cowboys, when he was refused employment at Brokeback Mountain because of his "stemming the rose" with his former partner...
It was the reunion between the ranch-hands, Jack and Ennis, that got to Danil, and made him want to stay.
Jack and Ennis reunited after four years, both still married with children. They met and went to to be alone, where Ennis promptly explained that since they were married, their relationship should probably end, though Jack, who only married for money, was perfrectly content with taking his father-in-law's advice and leaving his family alone.
"If you can't fix it, you gotta stand it," said Ennis, played by Heath Ledger.
"For how long?" asked Jack sadly, played by Jake Gyllenhall, giving such a heartbreaking look Danil felt tears in his own eye.
"As long as we can ride 'er," Ennis replied.
Danil saw himself in that scene, with Peter as Jack. He saw himself as Ennis because of how hesitant he was towards Peter, how they weren't physically intimate at all in public, because of his own fear. An earlier scene where Ennis' wife caught the two of them kissing made him close his eyes at the memory of his dear coach catching him and Stefan sleeping in each other's arms after sex in his coach's home on Valentine's Day almost three years ago, and the embarrassment he felt afterwards. But seeing Jack and Ennis so happy to be together made him think of how happy he and Peter were. Stefan was a part of his past. He knew it was time to focus on the present, and future.
That applies to all aspects of my life, he realized. Dear God... Why do I dwell so much on my past? There are times I forget how important the present is...
The more he watched the film, the more he saw himself as Ennis. And the more Ennis pushed Jack away, the sadder Danil became. He remembered how upset Peter was so many times when it seemed they just might be about to take things further with them, then Danil would pull away and change his mind. Here he was, wishing that Jack and Ennis could find some way to be together, when he was hurting Peter just as much, if not more, as Ennis was hurting Jack.
Ennis ended up getting a divorce, and Jack, who had, not in so many words, proposed to him several years earlier, was ecstatic. He went to Ennis' new home, only to be rejected yet again. Crushed, he drove home, driving from Wyoming to Texas, sobbing a little as a country ballad played on the radio.
To Danil, that scene spoke of what could happen if he were to do the same to Peter, and he felt Jack's pain and cried with him.
Ennis is such a fool, and what does that make me, if I'm Ennis? he wondered.
From then on, Danil seemed to forget that Matt and Eric were there. It seemed, in fact, that he was not in the theater, but in the movie itself, watching these events unfold in real time. He hadn't cried in almost six months, yet here hot tears streamed down his cheeks as he watched the heartbreaking tale reach its gut-wrenching conclusion.
Twenty years after they first met, Jack and Ennis were back on Brokeback Mountain, when Ennis cancelled a trip scheduled for August in favor of a later get-together in November due to his job. That was the straw that broke the camel's back for Jack, who missed Ennis so much he cheated on him with a male prostitute in Mexico in an earlier scene, just to release the need to be with him when Ennis rejected him.
Jack needed more than just a few times a year when they were together, and Ennis wasn't willing to give him more than that for fear of physical violence from society. That hit Danil in the center of his heart, because he had the same fears. He shook his head and sighed, drying his eyes as he watched Jack give one last heartbreaking look towards Ennis' truck as it drove away, along with all Jack had hoped for.
A short time later, Jack was with his wife and made friends with another married couple. While the wives were gone, Jack spoke with the other man, named Randall. Randall offered spending time together, just the two of them, hunting and fishing in a cabin by themselves. Jack said nothing, but Danil could tell he was considering it.
And one can hardly blame him for that, Danil thought sadly.
Later, Ennis got a postcard returned to him, that he had sent to Jack asking if November was still good for him. The postcard said Deceased on it. Ennis called Jack's widow to ask how it happened.
Lureen, played by a blonde Anne Hathaway, claimed it was an exploding tire, but her tone was so cold, Danil wondered if there was more to it than that. Then he saw on the screen a few men chasing Jack, beating him with a tire iron. The image was so horrific and brutal that Danil actually cried out and felt sick to his stomach.
Though it looked nothing remotely similar to what happened to him, Danil was transported back to that alley almost two years ago, where his four classmates jumped him, and almost killed his coach who was trying to defend him. The event traumatized Danil ever since. His nightmares stopped about six months ago, along with the panic attacks, but the memory of the event lingered, along with the constant fear that it could happen again, and turn out worse.
Ennis went to Jack's parents' ranch to carry out Jack's dying wish: he wanted his ashes spread over Brokeback Mountain, the one place he was happiest. Jack's father would not let him do so; Jack's ashes were going into the family plot. He was cold and intimidating, and Danil felt fear for Ennis. His mother, on the other hand, warmly welcomed him, and allowed him to go upstairs and see Jack's childhood room.
The scene was silent, and Ennis went to the window and opened it. All that could be heard was a raven outside, perhaps a crow as well. He sat on a stool looking out for a minute or so, then he was directed to a cloth hanging on the wall. He peeled it back, and noticed a compartment there that had a shirt inside it, and Danil was shocked to discover that inside the old blue shirt that Jack wore 20 years earlier on Brokeback Mountain, was the shirt Ennis had left at Brokeback by accident at the same time. His love had kept it all these years, right with his own shirt. Danil watched with more tears falling as Ennis held the shirt as if he were holding Jack himself. That broke Danil's heart, because throughout the film, Ennis had never actually held Jack in such a way.
The final scene in the movie was when Alma Jr., Ennis' oldest daughter, told her father she was getting married, to a man she'd known for about a year. She invited him to her wedding, and he gradually accepted. Then he went to his closet to put one of her sweaters inside, and there were the shirts hanging on the door, with a postcard of Brokeback Mountain. Now, Ennis' shirt was on the outside, and Jack's was on the inside.
"Jack, I swear..."
It took some time for the meaning of those three words to impact Danil's mind. When it did, Danil's heart felt heavier than it ever was during the film. Only after Jack died did Ennis realize how much he meant to him.
That was a revelation. There was no way Danil would let this happen to himself and Peter. He couldn't. He made a promise to himself not to go down Ennis' path. From now on, he wouldn't be afraid.
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Post by Angela on Feb 27, 2006 16:52:12 GMT -5
Matt and Eric stood up quietly, Matt had his arm around Eric. They looked at Danil, who was still in his own world.
"Should we-" Matt began.
"Nah, let's leave him be for a bit."
They stayed there a few seconds after the credits ended, and Danil was brought back to reality. He opened his eyes and dried his tears. Heaving a sigh, he looked around. When he saw Matt and Eric, he stood up quickly.
"I'm sorry, I've kept you-"
"No, it's okay," Eric said gently. "You all right?"
Danil cleared his throat and nodded. "Yes, thank you. I'm all right." As they walked out of the theater, Danil hesitantly said, "I appreciate you staying and waiting for me. It's very kind, and I'm sorry I've kept you."
"You didn't keep us at all, Danil. We're glad you enjoyed it so much and were able to take so much away from it." Matt shrugged.
Danil chuckled. "That obvious, yes?"
"Well, you'd pretty much have to be inhuman not to be affected, and you looked really upset," Eric continued. "You want us to see you to your car?"
"I'd appreciate that, if it's not any trouble," Danil confessed as they headed into the night. "The film brought back a lot of memories," he continued quietly as they strolled the crowded parking lot.
Eric nodded. "Well, hopefully your life will be better now than before."
"It definitely is. And if it weren't for the two of you, I never would have seen it. Thank you very much."
By now they were at his blue 2005 Mercedes. He shook their hands.
"We'll have to get together again," Eric suggested. He quickly got out a business card and handed it to Danil. "Your boyfriend is more than welcome too."
"Thank you very much," Danil replied with a grin, taking the card. "Have a good night."
"You too, kid," Eric replied with a nod, and Danil got in his car and drove off.
In the car, Danil turned on some Rachmaninov to calm his nerves. As the melancholy Elegy in E-Flat played, he found himself crying a little once more at the thought of Brokeback Mountain, Peter and himself. The music he was listening to accented how he felt about the film and his life. He had grown up with this piece, but only now did it truly affect him emotionally, and make him think. He was so emotional he had to pull over for a few minutes to get his wits about him. He got out his cell phone and called his apartment to see if Peter was there.
No answer.
Danil's heart skipped a beat. Something was wrong. Peter should have been home... He dialed Peter's cell phone. No answer. Near panic, his next thought was to check his voice mail to see if Peter had called.
"Dorogoy, it's me. Just wanted you to know I might be a little late coming home, some of the guys invited me to a little party. I thought you might be tired, so don't wait up for me! K? Love you, bye."
Peter's happy voice filled him with relief, and he pulled himself together and headed home.
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Post by Angela on Mar 3, 2006 10:52:13 GMT -5
Danil let out a deep breath as he unlocked the door to his apartment and walked inside. Zoloto barked and happily greeted him, wagging her tail and licking him.
"Hey, girl, how are you?" he asked, lovingly petting her. The dog always calmed him when he was upset. Seeing the golden retriever looking at him so faithfully helped him to relax a little. The dog hurried to her toys and they played with her favorite, her quacking duck. Vaska heard the commotion and came out, eager for attention, he rubbed against Danil, meowing.
Danil spent some time with them, then headed to his room. He hated to admit it, even though it was so early, he was burned out. And it wasn't just because of the training. The film had left him feeling utterly exhausted. Perhaps a good night's sleep would help him think clearly.
As he headed to his bedroom a heartbreaking sight greeted him, a sight that he wouldn't have thought twice about unless he saw Brokeback Mountain: Peter's football jersey, hanging on the door. Danil gently touched the sleeve and closed his eyes. God, just the very thought of the possiblity of losing Peter was unbearable. He'd be full of regret if he were to find out something happened to him.
Enjoy the time you are given, he thought, and took the shirt into his room. Crying a little, he wrapped himself in the shirt, and fell asleep.
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Post by Angela on Mar 3, 2006 15:44:19 GMT -5
Slightly drunk, Peter made his way to Danil's apartment an hour or so later. He gasped when he found the door was unlocked. Of course he had seen Danil's car outside, but it was not like Danil to leave the door unlocked when it was so late, and even earlier Danil always kept the door locked; he was that paranoid.
Zoloto barked and happily greeted Peter in the usual way. That eased his mind somewhat. If something was wrong, the dog surely would have let him know. Instead of acting with a sense of urgency or panic, she went to her toys and brought him a stuffed rabbit to play with. Peter, still concerned for Danil, gently turned her down, heading to the bedroom to see what was wrong.
The sight of the man he loved sleeping peacefully with his shirt around him filled him with relief. Nothing was wrong. But why would he leave the door unlocked?
I'll ask him tomorrow, he decided, looking at how happy Danil looked as he slept.
Danil had gradually learned to supress the sadness and fear within himself, but there was something about Danil that still exhuded those things. Yet seeing him now, sleeping in serenity, that didn't even hint at these. And though Peter had watched him sleep a few times before, he never noticed it until now. The sight of his shirt gave him hope that perhaps, just perhaps, he really did mean more to Danil than he previously thought.
Peter locked the door to the apartment, which he kept open on the odd chance that something was wrong. Then he changed clothes and lay beside Danil, his arm draped over him. As he ran his fingers through Danil's soft blond hair, he kissed his temple, and fell asleep.
The sound of the alarm broke through Danil's slumber several hours later. He stretched a little and yawned, and merely turned over. Just a few more minutes, he thought.
"Rise and shine, dorogoy," Petter said happily, walking into the room carrying a tray.
"Mmm, a few more minutes," Danil said with a yawn.
"I made you breakfast," Peter continued, setting the tray down briefly.
"I'll make it in a few minutes, just a few minutes," Danil muttered, annoyed.
Peter laughed. "No, I made breakfast for us, me!"
Danil yawned again, and stopped. He looked at Peter, confused and stunned.
"You what?"
Peter never cooked! He didn't even know how! Danil looked at the tray and he stared from the food to Peter. "Potato pancakes! I haven't had these in years! How on earth..."
"I found a recipe, and called your brother's mother up for tips," he said, somewhat embarrassed.
Danil laughed. "Are you serious? Thank you!" He sat up, eager to try Peter's cooking. With help from Maria, surely this would be good! Her potato pancakes were always great.
Peter set the tray on the bed, and asked, "Now, what exactly do you put on these things, or do you eat them plain?"
Danil laughed. "Sour cream."
"Okay, I was gonna say, maple suryup sounds like a terrible idea!"
"Definitely," Danil said with a laugh. Peter went and got the sour cream and they sat down to eat together. "You know... I tried making these a few times, but they never turned out right. I just gave up. Now I see yours, and they're perfect! I'm jealous."
"Ah, what can I say, I have a gift I guess! Oh, seriously though, Maria's advice was the main reason they're good."
"They are delicious, just like my mother's," Danil said bashfully, after he'd taken several bites. "Thank you so much, Peter."
They talked for a few more minutes while they ate, and when they finished eating, Danil lay against Peter's chest with his arm around him.
"This was wonderful, Peter."
"I thought it was about time to show you just how much you mean to me," he said quietly.
The statement brought a flash of memory to Danil, and he looked into the 19-year-old's eyes.
"Speaking of which, I think it's about time I start showing you how much you mean to me. I'm nothing without you, you know."
This caught Peter by surprise. "Well... I know how much you love me, there's no need-"
"Yes, there is, Peter." He sighed, trying to think of what to say. "I saw a movie yesterday, and it really made me realize how neglected you've been by me. I don't want you to think you're meaningless. I've treated you like you are for the entire time we've been together, and don't try and dispute that! You've fought with me about this a few times before, don't act like it's suddenly never happened. You want to be lovers, I act as if we're simply good friends. But I swear to you that it will change, starting today." Danil kissed his hand. "You mean more to me than anything. Nothing means anything without you. And I don't treat you with half as much love as I feel in my heart. I saw what a huge mistake this was in the film, and I don't want either of us to go down that path. Can we move forward, starting now?" he asked.
Peter was shocked. He hadn't heard such words from Danil before. Of course, he wanted this. Hell, they'd been together for 4 months after they seperated, and 6 months before that! Was Danil ready for this though? Well, after so long, if he wasn't ready, he never would be. And if Danil was the one saying that he was ready, then Peter believed him.
"All right, dorogoy. Where do we start?" he asked.
"For starters, we can share the same bed," Danil said with a chuckle. "You'd think after so long I would be ready for at least that by now."
God, it took a freaking movie for him to realize this? I've been trying to let him know about this for months!
"Next..." Danil cleared his throat. "You know that I'm not quite ready for sex yet. But I guarantee you I will be soon."
"Now, there's no rushing these things, and no certainty involved. This isn't the kind of thing you set a date for," Peter pointed out firmly.
"I know, but I can feel that I am more ready, more certain, about it than before. So sooner rather than later, I think I will be ready. Is that all right?"
Of course Peter had been more than ready for months, before their seperation in April even. But he didn't want Danil to do something he'd regret later.
"Of course it's all right, but... I just don't want you to regret it later," Peter explained.
"When I am fully ready, I won't," Danil said confidently, stroking Peter's hair.
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Post by Angela on Apr 18, 2006 16:09:02 GMT -5
Since Danil would not see Brokeback Mountain on Sunday, he and Peter decided to see it on the following Saturday. Peter was quite taken by the film, identifying with it just as Danil had. During the murder scene, Peter had clutched Danil tighter than ever, and would hardly let him go until after the movie was over. Afterward, Danil invited Peter to come to the apartment when he wished. He even gave him an extra key. And while sex was still out of the question for Danil, they were more physically intimate than they used to be. Peter was now constantly asking Danil questions, about how he was feeling, how training went, he even sat in on several sessions. He also cooked more and treated Danil to several nights out that week.
Since Peter had changed so much, Danil had invited his half-brother, Evgeny Potemerenko, over for tea one day to discuss the possibility of seeing this film. Since he had a 4-year-old deaf athsmatic child, plus training himself and choreographing for others, Evgeny surely was too busy to pay attention to the publicity surrounding Brokeback Mountain, and so he shouldn't object to its subject matter. What he didn't know wouldn't hurt him, was Danil's philosophy.
Evgeny was a devout Russian Orthodox man, born to Anna Timcek and Aleksei Potemerenko in 1982. Aleksei was engaged to another woman at the time. The woman was mentally unstable, which was why he sought comfort and love outside of their relationship. When Anna ended up pregnant, it was out of the question for Aleksei to leave his wife because of her condition, and neither didn't believe in abortion. So Aleksei begged the 19-year-old Anna to give him their son. Raised so that he would never know of his true maternity, Evgeny grew up quite miserably with his mother Maria, but was sheltered and protected by his loving father. When he was 7 he and his family moved from the Arctic Circle port city of Murmansk to the warmer, southern city of St. Petersburg (then Leningrad). Aleksei soon reunited with Anna, who had moved there several years before and had a new family, which included her son Danil. While Aleksei and Anna had an 11-year-long affair, Anna babysat Evgeny and his sister Nadya, born four years after Evgeny to Maria. Extenuating circumstances forced Evgeny to flee to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in America when he was 18, taking Nadya with him to get better medical attention for her cystic fibrosis. Anna was murdered a year before he left, Danil the only witness. In August of 2001, more than two months after his 19th birthday, Evgeny's father passed away, and Nadya died in December. Danil came to Pittsburgh in 2002, and he and Evgeny remained as close as ever. In 2004 Maria and Danil's father, Andrei, broke the news to Evgeny and Danil about their parents.
About that same time, Danil was attacked by schoolmates who despised his rumored sexuality. The rumors were true, but there was no evidence to support it. Danil kept things very private and close to himself, as did his boyfriend, a French college art student named Stefan Richard. Traumatized from the attack, Danil was unresponsive for almost 3 weeks. During that time of course, the news about his sexuality became known to Evgeny. While tolerant about it, he never failed to point out to Danil that he was committing a grave sin. It was Danil's hope that by seeing this film, his brother might change his mind.
Evgeni hummed cheerfully as he headed up to Danil's apartment. To his surprise when he knocked, Danil replied that the door was open. Strange, but this was good! Usually Danil had kept the door locked at all times, whether someone else was with him or no. He headed inside and greeted the golden retriever who barked happily at the sight of him.
"Hey Zoloto," he said lovingly, then turned to Danil. "Your door was open? What's the occasion?"
"Actually that's why I called you here. Sit down, I made tea." As Zhenya sat down, Danil set the samovar on the table and got everything ready for tea. "I saw an amazing film, and I wanted you to see it. It changed my life! I think it will change yours too," Danil continued with a smile.
"Really, a movie did this? Well if it can change you so that you actually feel safe to leave your door open in the daytime when you're home, of course I want to see it!" Zhenya replied with a nod. "What's it called? Whats it about?"
Danil paused. "Brokeback Mountain... Have you heard of it?" he asked hesitantly.
"No," Zhenya answered, unphased. Danil heaved an inward sigh of relief. "What's it about?"
"I... don't want to tell you, before you see it. It would ruin the experience," he explained. Zhenya nodded.
"Ahh, okay then. So, do you want me to see this on my own then?"
"I'd rather see it with you, if that's all right." Danil wanted to be there to ensure that Evgeny wouldn't walk out if he got uncomfortable.
"All right, that's fine. Should I bring Mama, Slava and Ira?"
"No, no, they are not ready for this film," Danil answered immediately. "I mean, Masha and Ira are all right but... trust me, they wouldn't be interested."
"All right..." Zhenya sipped his tea and looked at him suspiciously. "Why wouldn't they be ready for it?"
"Just trust me, when you see it you'll know."
Zhenya raised his eyebrows and looked at Danil, but finally nodded. "All right then. So, when are you free to see this movie with me?"
"Saturday night?" Danil suggested.
"Sounds fine to me. So are you excited about Nationals?"
"Nervous is more like it," Danil admitted. "I'm changing my free skate."
"What?" Zhenya was stunned. Even he wouldn't be that stupid as to scrap a program in the middle of the Olympic season!
"I know, normally I wouldn't do it, but I have to! Brokeback Mountain's score is so amazing, I must let you hear it. It called to me."
"Danil, this change could cost you gold at Nationals, and might even cost you a place in Torino. It could even cost you at Europeans, Olympics, Worlds, if you make it there at all. I strongly advise sticking to 'Robin Hood.'"
Danil stood up and put the music in. As the soft guitar and strings played, Zhenya listened thoughtfully. Finally he sighed.
"It's beautiful, incredibly sad and peaceful. But doing this in the middle of an Olympic year is dangerous for your placement. Besides, you can't really jump to this music. Surely Parker isn't going to let you do this."
"I already talked to him, and he reluctantly agreed to let me," Danil protested. "Yes he was reluctant and unsure, but if I weren't so passionate about it I wouldn't insist on it! I love it so much, and you should see the program I came up with for it. I just pray it will be received well."
"Well if it's as great as you say it is, then I support you, and see no reason why it would not be received well just because it's a new program. If you skate it better than anyone else on the given night, then you'll win, deservedly so." He grinned and took Danil's hand. "I have never seen you so passionate about anything before. I can't wait to see what this film could do for me."
Danil smiled. "I hope it will go well when we see it together on Saturday."
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Post by Angela on May 1, 2006 13:01:10 GMT -5
Danil and Zhenya went to the movies as planned. Zhenya drove to Danil's apartment. Then Danil drove them to the movies. Zhenya was anxious to see the film that changed his brother so completely. Danil, on the other hand, was nervous. He dreaded what Zhenya's reaction would be when he saw the love scene between Jack and Ennis. Even though it was a dimly lit and hardly graphic scene, it was still a "gay sex scene," the likes of which Zhenya had never seen, nor would he want to. But the overall impact of the film just had to outweigh the bad things about it...
"I don't understand why you're acting so defensive," Zhenya said as Danil drove his blue Mercedes to the multiplex. "You've been so extra-sensitive today. If it's a wonderful film, that changed your life, I want to see it." Zhenya shrugged. "It's not like it's some senseless horror film they have out all the time. You know Brandi took Lyosha to see 'Saw II' of all things for their first date? Now that I'd object to."
"I just don't want you to make a scene and disturb anyone," Danil explained with a sigh.
"Why would I do that, Danilka? If this film changed your life, it must be good! Relax, I'll love it."
"I hope so." Danil parked the car and sighed. He still did not tell his brother what the controversial film was about. His excuse to him was "I want it to be a surprise." That was true, but he also knew that he wouldn't come if he knew the story.
It was so strange. Zhenya claimed he loved and respected Danil, and his sexuality "didn't bother him." That last sentence couldn't be further from the truth in Danil's eyes. Love, to him, was unconditional. Yet on the rare occasion they spoke about his relationship with Peter, or his past relationship with Stefan, Zhenya merely tolerated the subject, but was quick to criticize Danil if he spoke of being intimate with either man. Danil knew that Zhenya often prayed for God to send him a kind, loving woman to care for him and love him, but Danil was perfectly happy with Peter. Zhenya felt it his responsibility as Danils godfather to guide him on a path that led as close to God as possible, and if Danil strayed, Zhenya blamed himself. He took his responsibilities very seriously.
They went in the theater and Danil sighed, rubbing his forehead. He looked around. Strangely enough, most of the viewers were women this time.
"Danilka, will you relax? I'm sure I'll love it. I promise," Zhenya pledged.
Danil smiled a little. "Just, it might upset you."
"I promise it won't," Zhenya said, laughing. He put his arm around him to comfort him. "God, I've never seen anyone so worked up over a movie."
Danil laughed a little, but wasn't comforted much. He only prayed that Zhenya would keep his promise when he found out what the film was about.
As expected, twenty minutes into it, Zhenya spoke.
"Danilka, this film changed your life? It's boring. Nothing is happening. I'm sorry if it offends you, but I don't see what's so great about it."
"You will... soon. The plot will move faster soon."
"All right." Zhenya sighed, rolling his eyes.
As Danil predicted, the plot moved faster when the two had sex. Zhenya gasped and glared at Danil.
"You brought me here to see a film about rape? This changed your life? You-"
"Zhenya, please..." Danil groaned. "There is so much more to it if you'll only watch."
"I have no interest in seeing a film about rape," Zhenya snapped. "I can't believe you've been misled so easily."
"Excuse me," a man said from behind them, "I'm trying to enjoy this masterpiece. If you don't like it, just get up and leave. Don't ruin it for the rest of us who actually want to see it. The 'rape' scene, as you call it, has been over for the last two minutes."
"You think this is a masterpiece? I suggest watching 'The Passion of the Christ,' more worthy of the title," Zhenya snapped. Before the man could reply, Danil gave Zhenya a hard push.
"Get out! You're bothering everyone! God, I knew you'd react this way! Just get out or stay quiet!"
Danil was so upset he was near tears. He knew he'd react negatively but didn't think it would be this bad. He thought he'd at least be respectful to the other moviegoers.
Zhenya sighed. Though the film disgusted him, he felt it his responsibility as Danil's godfather to watch, then guide him away from such sinful matters. So far he had failed in his duties, at least from his standpoint, but all that would change today. Since Danil was attacked he had tolerated his sexuality, and now he was seeing what a mistake that was.
"Izvinyit," he said finally, and watched the rest of the film.
He felt heartbroken for Alma, Ennis' wife, and her children. He couldn't imagine having to deal with someone as cold, distant, selfish, heartless, and uncaring as Ennis. He was even tempted to feel sorry for Jack at some points, particularly after the divorce. But that sympathy was short-lived when Jack went to Mexico for the prostitute. That scene told him that all Jack wanted in Ennis was sex, and confirmed that the sex scene was rape.
As with Peter, the scene that affected Zhenya the most was Jack's murder. Zhenya clutched Danil's hand, recalling what happened in February 2004. However, that was all the emotion he expressed throughout the film, except during Thanksgiving dinner at Alma's. Alma had remarried and Ennis had come for dinner. The two of them fought, about Jack, in the presence of their children and her new husband, and Ennis stormed out.
But excluding those two scenes, that was it. Zhenya felt no emotion when Ennis found the shirts, and shook his head at the ending. Danilka, how could you be so easily misled... he thought as the credits rolled. Danil, crying, stayed seated, as did most of the audience. When the lights came on, Zhenya stood up. The man behind him had also stayed.
"Look, I just want to thank you for acting respectfully," the man said, holding out his hand. "I respect your opinion, but you could show your boyfriend a little more respect than that."
"He is my brother, not boyfriend," Zhenya said simply, ignoring his hand. "Half-brother to be exact. I have a beautiful fiancee, who is a woman, and we have a son. My half-brother is gay-"
"Bisexual!" Danil exclaimed, and stormed out. Yes, they were only half-brothers, but this was the first time Zhenya had introduced him as that. He always used to say "brother." He didn't bother saying "half-brother." To Zhenya, they wee full-blooded brothers, and that was how Danil felt.
What, I like this film, so he's disowning me? Danil thought as he stormed to the car. He was so emotional he sat in the passenger's seat and waited for Zhenya. He considered calling a cab, but figured it was his car, so Zhenya would have to drive it to his apartment sooner or later. It might as well be sooner. Then Zhenya could get in his car and leave him alone.
"Bisexual," Zhenya continued, rolling his eyes, annoyed at Danil's outburst, "but I am not. He deceived me into seeing this movie, and I am his godfather so I took it upon myself to tolerate the rest of this film. I still don't agree with it, and it is far from a 'masterpiece,' but that's the great thing about America. You can express your likes and dislikes." He shook his head.
The man nodded. "No offense... but if you really cared about your brother, or half-brother to be exact, you'd go after him and talk about why he's so upset instead of defending your sexuality to me." With that, the man left the theater.
Zhenya glared after him. What business did he have getting involved in their lives? But he agreed he did need to talk to Danil. He assumed that he went to the car, anxious to go home. He couldn't blame him for that. Zhenya wanted to hurry to his own house to be with his fiancee.
He was surprised that Danil was in the passenger seat. He got in the driver's seat and Danil explained.
"I'm too upset to drive."
"Fine, I'll drive, but first we need to talk. You're upset because I don't like the message this film sends."
"I'm upset because you didn't get the message this film sends! You didn't understand the film's message, that's why I'm upset!"
"The only thing I saw was a man raping another man, and he ruined Ennis' life and the lives of all those associated with him, and he grew sympathetic towards his rapist and was under the illusion that they loved each other. That happens, Danil, it's a fact that someone in a situation such as rape or kidnapping that they feel sympathy for their tormentors."
"That's all you saw?" Danil asked, staring at him.
"That is all I saw," Zhenya answered with a sigh.
"Then you saw nothing!" Danil exclaimed, slamming his fist into the dashboard. He was so certain this film would change Zhenya's mind, or at least help him to be more tolerant. "You think Jack deserved to be beaten to death with a tire iron?"
Zhenya sighed, and thought for a moment. After a few seconds of silence, Danil spoke.
"You actually have to think about that?" He didn't know how to react to that. Was this a good thing, that he was thinking about it? Or was he simply choosing his words carefully? The thought of his brother supporting the way Jack was killed terrified him. How could he be so heartless when Danil himself almost had a similar fate?
"Danil... no one deserves to die in such a way, and no human has the right to take another's life except in self-defense. Unfortunately we don't understand the reasons for his death, but I can think of scenarios where those men might have felt they did not have a choice," Zhenya said sensibly. "Did he try rraping someone else? In which case I'd say it was justified."
"Jack wasn't killed because he was a rapist! He wasn't a rapist! Jack was murdered, beaten to death, because he was gay!" Danil couldn't believe his brother's comments.
Zhenya shook his head and sighed.
"The sex scene in the tent was rape."
"If you only paid attention you'd see that Ennis put his arm around Jack first! Ennis initiated it, it was entirely consentual. There was drinking involved, haven't you ever had an encounter with someone you were attracted to that ended up blown out of proportion?"
"You think it was consentual because that is how you wanted to see it," Zhenya said flatly.
"Just as you wanted to see it as rape," Danil quipped in the same tone. "Ennis loved Jack. It was love. You can't handle it because it's with two men. If you can't respect this film for what it tries to do, then you can't respect me, and if you can't respect me, you don't love me."
"That's bullsh*t and you know it, Danil Andreievich!"
"Love is unconditional, Zhenya. You say you love me, but when I try and involve you in aspects of my life, you try and steer me away from them, or you push me away. You pray every day for God to send me a kind, loving woman to be my wife. Well, suppose this prayer is answered, but she's not Christian, hm? Suppose she's Buddhist, or Hindu, or Islam, or God forbid atheist! You'd try and convert them, and don't act like you wouldn't. Suppose they won't convert. You still wouldn't be satisfied! Nothing pleases you, nothing! I have a kind, loving Christian to share my life with. Just because he's a man doesn't give you the right to criticize how I live my life. I'm through, you hear? I'm through trying to please you, and I'm through trying to get you to accept me. Let's just go to my apartment and you can drive home and leave me alone."
Throughout this rant Zhenya made various attempts to protest, to interrupt, but Danil wasn't letting him get a word in. He couldn't, wouldn't, not now that he finally had the guts to tell him exactly how he felt. Danil felt much better now that he expressed all this, finally. He was angry, and not going to take it anymore. Zhenya sighed and began driving home.
"I didn't know Peter was Christian," Zhenya said quietly.
"He doesn't go to church because he can't stand the churchgoers badgering him," Danil explained, looking away from him. "I can't blame him actually. I get enough of that from you at home, I don't need to deal with it at church too."
"What denomination is he?" Zhenya asked curiously.
"He's Catholic."
"It's a shame he feels unwelcome at church because of that. If he were Orthodox he wouldn't be treated this way..."
"You see? You just proved my point! You're never satisfied!" Danil said, exasporated. "He prays and believes, but that's not good enough for you. He must be Orthodox."
"I didn't mean it like that," Zhenya said gently. "I only meant that he is welcome to Orthodox church just as much as you are, no one would badger him. Any Christian is welcome at St. Nicholas's. In fact... you should invite him to church someday. If he wants to go to church, that is, then invite him to ours. He'll be embraced there."
"Really?" Danil was surprised at how kind Zhenya was acting now. Was he sorry? Did he understand the film? Perhaps not yet... but someday he might.
"Of course. Talk to Peter, maybe bring him tomorrow," Zhenya answered, glancing over to him with a small smile.
"I'll do that," Danil replied, with a smile of his own.
"I suppose I overreacted," Zhenya continued. "I'm sorry for exploding on you."
Danil bit his lip. "Well... I'm sorry too."
"We both said things we didn't mean."
"I meant what I said," Danil pointed out, "just as I know you meant every word you said... except the 'half-brother' bit..."
"Yes, I didn't really mean that, and I'm sorry for it," Zhenya said sadly. "I was just upset."
"Upset at the possibility that someone thought you were gay?" Danil asked, raising his eyebrows.
"Well as a male figure skater that comes with the territory in the West. And yes, I am uncomfortable with people thinking that of me. But I shouldn't have been quite so defensive. I'll try to be more understanding."
"Now that is what the film is trying to say," Danil said with a sigh.
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Post by Angela on May 5, 2006 19:19:03 GMT -5
Snow was falling slightly as Danil and Zhenya rode home in relative silence. Upon arriving at Danil's apartment building, night had already fallen.
Hesitantly, Zhenya asked, "Do you still want to have dinner?"
"Actually not really. The reason I wanted to have dinner with you and Peter after the movie is because I hoped to have a rational discussion with you about it, but your opinion is far from rational, and I won't have you upsetting me anymore than you already have. I'm still upset with you," Danil said flatly.
"All right, I understand," Zhenya replied. He did understand, he just wished Danil could understand whee he was coming from.
"I'm sorry, Zhenya." He meant it. "I hate it when we fight about this aspect of my life. I need some distance for a while. It's nothing personal, I just want to avoid a further fiasco like this."
Zhenya nodded. "I'm sorry that I can't agree with your lifestyle, Danilka. I'm just trying to help you."
"You're trying to sculpt me into what you think a perfect person is. Well I have a news flash for you, Zhenya. There is no such thing as a perfect person. And if you for one moment thought there was, you need to take a good, long, hard look in the mirror because you are far from perfect. And it's interesting that you accuse Jack of rape when you yourself were falsely accused of the same thing."
"Now, Danil Andreievich, those are completely different circumstances-"
"No they're not. You and Katya had consentual sex, so did Jack and Ennis. Same thing."
"Okay, I refuse to go into this anymore. Let's just say good night, and I'll see you in church tomorrow," Zhenya said, tired of fighting.
"All right. Good night then."
Danil went up to his apartment while Zhenya went to his own car and drove home.
At the knock on the door, Zoloto barked and wagged her tail excitedly. Peter called, "It's open!"
Danil stepped in and quipped, "You didn't even ask if it was me. What if it was a burglar with a gun?"
Peter laughed. "You really think she would be so excited to see a burglar with a gun? Her reaction gave you away." Zoloto was jumping on Danil, begging for attention. "She must have heard your footsteps and recognized you, she went nuts, didn't you hear her? Crying and barking?"
Danil sighed, petting her lovingly. "Yeah, I heard her... sorry, I was just a little-"
"Paranoid again. Dorogoy, I thought you felt safer now." Peter sighed. "Where's Zhenya? I thought he was coming for dinner."
"I took back the invitation," Danil said simply, falling on the couch with his hand against his head. He had a massive headache and didn't really feel like talking, or eating, or even playing with Zoloto or Vaska.
"What happened?" Peter asked, concerned. He sat next to him and put his arm around him. "You have a fight? He didn't like the movie?"
"He didn't understand the movie. And what's worse, he tried to come up with scenarios for why Jack deserved the way he died."
"What?" Peter was stunned. After a moment's silence, he stood up angrily. "I can't believe that! Son of a... I hate him!"
"Peter, he's my brother," Danil pointed out sadly, putting his head in his hands.
"All right, I don't hate him but I hate what he's done to you. How dare he! You didn't even try and correct him?"
"Of course I did, but he's stubborn with his beliefs. He prays every day for God to send me a good woman to love me. Never mind I already have you."
Peter clenched his fists. "I can't believe him. The nerve! You try and help him be accepting of yourself, and he throws it in your face. A$$hole!"
"Peter," Danil said with a sigh, rolling his eyes. Peter knew how he felt about swearing.
"Pardon me for telling the truth," Peter said sarcastically.
"Look, let's just live our lives and let him live his. If he wants to be blind the rest of his life, then fine."
Peter sighed. He wanted to give Zhenya a big piece of his mind. But he loved Danil too much to start anything.
"You want something to eat?" he asked again, in a more gentle tone.
"No, thanks. I think I'm just going to take some aspirin and go to sleep. I have a massive headache."
"All right," Peter replied, wishing there was more he could do to make him feel better. He went over and handed him some aspirin, then kissed his cheek. "It's all right, love. He'll change. You've got to believe that." He himself wasn't so sure. But he had to give Danil hope.
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Post by Angela on May 26, 2006 10:18:26 GMT -5
Zhenya drove his black Viper home with the radio softly playing Beethoven's 5th Piano Concerto. He still couldn't believe what Danil tried to do to him. Of all the ways he could possibly hurt him, this was the worst. Trying to convince him that homosexuality was normal and deserving of society's acceptance. Danil was more depraved than he thought.
Zhenya felt tears in his eyes, and unsuccessfully tried to blink them away, so he pulled over for a few minutes to compose himself. He cried with his head in his hands.
"Where did I go wrong, Lord Jesus? Was I not involved enough in his spiritual quest? Did I make the wrong decision in accepting Stefan and tolerating Peter? How could I let him fall so far, so fast? Is Andrei's absence to blame? Why, Lord Jesus? What have I done wrong? Am I unfit to be his godfather? Should someone else at the church have been in my place? How could he have been deceived so easily? For that matter, how could I? Dear Lord, help us! Help me to understand, please..."
Zhenya composed himself and continued the drive home, looking forward to being with the woman he had literally risked death to be with.
"Ira," Zhenya cooed as he embraced her tightly, savoring everything about her. She was dressed in a short white satin nightgown with thin straps and lace at the bottom, her hair slightly wet from her recent shower. Zhenya inhaled the sweet scent of cocoa butter on her skin and the scent of jasmine in her short, soft black hair. Despite him being upset about Brokeback Mountain, he had to admit he appreciated the great life he had with his family even more, and said a silent prayer of thanks that everything was working out between himself and Irina.
"Mmm," Irina replied, returning the embrace and the many soft, long-lasting kisses Zhenya was giving her neck, shoulders, and face. He finally pulled away slowly and looked her in the eye.
"Ira, since it's still early, I want to take you out for a night on the town. Dinner, dancing, concert, theatre, whatever you want my love. I want to go out."
Irina laughed. "I think that's a wonderful idea. It's not even 8, we can be home in time to get a good night's sleep for church tomorrow. I would love to try that new night club in Squirrel Hills, the one with the jazz band and the dance floor? Isn't that a wonderful idea?"
"Definitely, that sounds like a lot of fun!" Zhenya replied.
"How was the movie? It changed your life too?"
"Actually far from it, it was the worst film I've ever seen, but I want to talk about that later." He kissed her gently. "I want you to get dressed up, and I'll ask Mama if she can babysit Slava till we get home. And tomorrow, how about we take Slava to see Santa at Century 3, we can shop and look at the decorations, then go to Overly's Christmas in Wheeling. Trust me, I know it seems far but it is amazing. Thousands of lights and much more."
"All right. Oh, Zhenya, I can't wait to have our first Christmas celebration together since we reunited!" She kissed him passionately.
Irina went with him upstairs, and as they parted when she went to the bathroom and he continued down the hall, she called, "Make sure she puts Slava to bed no later than 9, I don't want him to be cranky and tired during church like he was last week."
"No problem," Zhenya said. He knew how much Maria loved spoiling her grandson. They spent many weekend nights together when Zhenya and Irina went out, and even though bedtime was no later than 9, Maria usually let him stay up past that, usually no later than 9:30. But when you're four years old, that half hour means a lot.
Zhenya knocked on his mother's door.
"Come in," Maria replied. She was practicing some yoga.
Zhenya stepped in and smiled lovingly at her.
"Hi, Mama. Are you busy tonight?"
Maria, in a grey sweatsuit, got up and laughed.
"Oh, I'm sure I could fit you into my schedule. You want me to babysit."
Zhenya chuckled and embraced her. "Yes, if you could please. But Slava is to be in bed precisely at 9 this time. No later. Not 9:05, not 9:10, 9:00."
"Yes, Captain Von Trapp," Maria said, saluting. The two of them laughed. "Your own babushka used to let you stay up later than you were supposed to you know."
Zhenya grinned. "I know, but I want him to get a good night's sleep tonight. We're going shopping tomorrow, all of us, and we're going to Overly's afterwards. We're leaving straight from church, so bring extra clothes. Wheeling is freezing at night," he advised, kissing her cheek.
"Oh, all right. What exactly is Overly's?" she asked.
"It's a beautiful Christmas lights display, and there are shops and sleigh rides and a nice big bonfire, and you can get food and drinks there too. I went there a few years ago on recommendation from Angie. Oh, wait till you see it, Mama, it's so beautiful there. Thousands of lights! And carols playing and everything."
"Oh, it sounds wonderful! All right, baby, I'll make sure Slava goes to sleep on time."
"Thank you," he said, kissing her cheek again. "I'm going to see Slava now. Ira's getting ready, we're going out for dinner and dancing."
"Have fun," Maria said. "I'll be in to see Slava in a few minutes."
Zhenya smiled and headed to Slava's room. Slava was reading a picture book. He waved happily to his father.
"Privet, Malenki," Zhenya signed.
"Privet, Papa! How was the movie?"
"I didn't care for it, to be honest." Zhenya sat next to him. "Did you have a nice afternoon with Mama and Grandmama?"
"Yeah! We watched Dumbo! I like the mouse! Can we watch it tomorrow?"
Zhenya smiled. "I'd love to, baby, but we're going to take you to see Santa tomorrow. How about Monday?"
"Santa! Really? I can't wait!"
Zhenya laughed. "Have you been good all year?" Slava nodded. "Oh, I don't know... Santa watches everything, you know. Are you sure you're on the Nice list?" he teased, and Slava nodded. "All right. What will you ask Santa for? Do you have any ideas?"
"Star Wars Lightsaber! The purple one that Mace uses!" Slava signed excitedly. "I also want Lord of the Rings Gandalf and Harry Potter," Slava signed earnestly.
"All right, we'll see what Santa says," Zhenya replied, kissing his head. "You feel like spending the evening with Grandmama while Mama and I go out?"
"Yeah! Can we watch Pinocchio?"
"You'll have to ask her, but you are to be in bed by 9. We have a big day tomorrow. Got it?" Slava nodded. "Okay. Want me to read to you?" Slava nodded excitedly, handing him the book. Zhenya laughed and began reading the story in sign language. Reading to his little sister Nadya was one of his favorite pasttimes, and to pass that tradition to Slava meant a lot to him. It hurt a little that Slava would never be able to hear his voice, but he compensated by using funny faces and gestures as he signed. The story he was currently signing was "Green Eggs and Ham."
Slava loved watching his father act out the roles. He always cheered when he was finished and immediately asked for an encore.
This night, while Irina was getting ready, Zhenya read two Dr. Seuss books to him, and then Irina came in during the third.
"You ready dorogoy?" she asked as she came in, sat beside them and kissed Slava's head, then her fiance's.
"Yeah, just want to finish this book," he replied.
"Okay. Slava honey you're going to stay with Grandmama, okay? And tomorrow we'll take you to see Santa," Irina signed, smiling lovingly.
"I can't wait, Mama!" Slava replied, then focused on Zhenya who was just finishing the book.
"The end. Okay, malenki, now we have to go." He kissed his head. "We'll see you in a little while all right?"
"Okay, Papa. Have fun!"
"We will," Irina replied with a laugh.
Maria came in and asked, "Are you two ready?"
"Yes, Mama, I was just reading to Slava."
Maria smiled and cradled the boy in her arms.
Slava immediately signed, "Can we watch 'Pinocchio?'"
Maria laughed and nodded. "Pinocchio it is. Come on, I'll put it on for you."
Irina and Zhenya walked downstairs with them, and got their coats.
"In bed by 9," Zhenya reminded them as they settled down to watch the Disney classic.
"No problem," Maria replied. As Zhenya headed to the dorr after Irina, Maria teased, "Captain Von Trapp."
Zhenya rolled his eyes, but smiled as he left the house.
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Post by Angela on May 31, 2006 0:52:15 GMT -5
Irina turned on the car stereo, and switched the CD to Mussorgsky's Pictures At An Exhibition.
"We should get some poinsettas tomorrow," Zhenya commented as he buckled in.
"Oh, that would be lovely. I'll be glad when spring comes; I want to have tons of flowers outside!"
"Mmmm, a sea of flowers, like in 'The Wizard of Oz.'"
"You know what? We've never watched that with Slava," Irina pointed out. "That's a part of every child's life. We'd better get a move on with that."
"Oh, you're right! We should watch it with him this week," he agreed.
"Speaking of, how was the movie you saw? I know you said you didn't like it, but what was it about?"
Zhenya told her his own idea of the film, leaving Irina confused.
"Are you sure it was rape? I mean, do you really think Danil's life could be changed by something so horrible?"
"The film deceives you into thinking it was love," he replied calmly. "It's my fault, really. I should have tried to set him straight long before he got this bad."
"What do you mean?" Irina asked, raising her eyebrows. "I thought the Orthodox church says that we are born with our sexual orientation, be it heterosexuality, homosexuality, or bisexuality." She shrugged.
"We are, that is true," Zhenya replied, "but acting on homosexuality is a sin. Danil has, and he has no intention of repenting. I never should have supported that. I should have stopped him when he showed the first signs of temptation," he explained.
"Zhenya, it's not like you have control over who he wants to be with," Irina pointed out. "I mean, I don't want Slava exposed to that lifestyle either, but you can't do anything about it..."
"What I should have done was set him up with Yuka Karamoto."
"Zhenya, if there's one thing someone should never do, it's force someone to be with someone else. Take it from someone who knows. I never wanted to be with Igor! You say you don't approve of Peter just because he's a man. Well you forget that my parents didn't approve of you because you were poor," Irina pointed out.
"That's different," Zhenya said, simply being stubborn.
Irina sighed. "They have as much right to be together as we do..." Her voice trailed off.
Nothing more was said as they arrived at the restaurant. Ever the chivalrous one, Zhenya opened the doors for her, and as they waited for a table, he stood while she sat. Finally they were given a table close to the band, and Zhenya pulled out the chair for her.
"Oh, this place looks beautiful," Irina commented, looking at the romantic candles, soft blue tablecloths, and decorative centerpieces.
"I can't wait till we're married," Zhenya said, taking her left hand, admiring the 2-karat princess-cut diamond on the 18-karat white gold band. In Orthodoxy, it is the right hand which wears the wedding bands, while the left wears the engagement ring.
"Neither can I," she replied, smiling at him. She was wearing a tight purple dress with long sleeves and a long flowing skirt. Zhenya was in a simple white shirt with black jacket and pants. Irina was also wearing the earring and necklace set he had given her for an engagement present, along with the ring.
The two of them had dreamed of a spectacular wedding for five years, so when they reunited, Zhenya wasted no time in proposing, and they immediately set about making actual plans: flowers, dresses, suits, venues, menus, decorations, the whole lot. They decided to marry in April, since the competitive season would be over, Zhenya would be pro, and they had nothing to worry about. And hopefully the weather would be nice too...
"Can you believe Slava will be starting kindergarten in the fall?" Zhenya asked as the waiter came to take their orders.
"Mmm, I'll have the Caesar salad, with shrimp, and a glass of Mascatto," Irina said, handing the waiter her menu.
"Excellent choice, madame. And for the gentleman?"
"I'll have the fillet mignon gorgonzola with sun-dried tomatoes. I'd also like a bottle of sparkling red Asti, if you could please," he added.
"You have excellent taste, sir," the waiter complimented with a grin, left them for a moment.
"I know, he's getting so big, it seems like only yesterday he could fit in my hands!" Irina replied, and sighed. "Oh, Zhenya, you should have seen him, he was so tiny. And so cranky! Oh, it took Ksenia, Natasia, and I hours to put him to bed some nights..."
The two discussed Slava for a while longer, drank their wine, and ate their food.
A young woman was on stage now with the band, in front of the microphone. She had a voice much like a young Natalie Cole. She had performed two songs earlier. Zhenya paused thoughtfully, looking into Irina's eyes as the young woman sang.
"The shadow of your smile when you are gone
Will color all my dreams and light the dawn
Look into my eyes my love and see
All the lovely things you are to me..."
Zhenya stood up and took Irina's hand. "Let's dance, my rose," he said softly, leading her to the dance floor. He wrapped his arms tightly around her waist and she grasped his hand, and they danced.
"Our wistful little star was far too high
A teardrop kissed your lips and so did I
Now when I remember spring
And all the joy that love can bring
I will be remembering the shadow of your smile..."
Irina lay her head on his shoulder, savoring this moment. It had been a long time since they'd gone out together, just the two of them. The atmosphere was surreal; time seemed to stand still for them. The singer repeated the last two lines, then the song was over. Zhenya didn't move though; he loved holding Ira just as much as she liked to be held by him. He stood still, holding her tightly, caressing her hair. He grinned when the band started up again, grateful they didn't have to actually get off the floor yet.
"Someday when I’m awfully low,
When the world is cold,
I will feel a glow,
Just thinking of you,
And the way you look tonight..."
"Oh, Zhenka, this is more fun than I've had in a very long time," Iina said as they started dancing again. They kissed slowly.
"It is for me too, love. I'm so happy with you, it seems like the world stops moving." He chuckled and spun her a little as the singer continued.
"Oh but you’re lovely,
With your smile so warm,
And your cheeks so soft,
There is nothing for me,
But to love you,
Just the way you look tonight,
With each word,
Your tenderness grows,
Tearing my fear apart,
And that laugh,
That wrinkles your nose,
Touches my foolish heart,
Lovely,
Never never change,
Keep that breathless charm,
Won’t you please arrange it,
'Cause I love you,
Just the way you look tonight...
Just the way you look tonight..."
"It's too bad we have church tomorrow and all those plans, that means we should get a good night's sleep..." Irina said coyly, then whispered in his ear, "Maybe we can have a quickie before bed?"
Zhenya grinned. "That would be nice."
The two sat back at their table and finished their wine. Zhenya paid the bill and they left, rather in a hurry, to go home.
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Post by Angela on Jun 6, 2006 19:52:23 GMT -5
(the following contains violence)
After a few hours of passionate love-making, Zhenya lay with his arms tightly around Irina, her fingers gently touching his strong chest. It was just after midnight.
Zhenya saw the rink passing by in circles; he was doing a forward scratch spin with his arms over his head. Obviously he was in practice. He finished the spin and looked around. The place was deserted. What was he doing here? It was Sunday, he never practiced on Sunday; he took the third commandment very seriously. He got off the ice and started taking off his skates. As he passed the bulletin board, he discovered it was not Sunday, but Monday.
What's going on? What happened to Sunday? he asked himself.
He headed to the lockerroom and showered. He felt exhausted, as if he had gone through an entire two-hour session. Eager for some lunch, he hurriedly dressed and got ready to leave. On his way out he waved at some various passers-by, who averted their eyes when they saw him. Zhenya couldn't understand, but figured they must be in a hurry to get to their destinations...
He went to the local salad bar to eat. On his way, he was pushed roughly by someone behind him.
"Excuse me," Zhenya called, and rolled his eyes. He headed into the restaurant and waited to be seated. For some reason, he was given a table in a rather empty, dimly-lit, corner. Usually he preferred somewhere near a window.
"Don't you have anywhere... sturdier?" he asked the waitress gently as he tried to steady the rickety table.
"I'm sorry, sir, we can't have our guests disturbed. I'll be back in a moment to take your order," the waitress replied smugly.
Zhenya blinked and tried to read his menu, never more grateful he had help like Aria and Angie at his own cafe... At least they weren't rude to their customers.
"Disturb the guests," Zhenya mused as he put the menu down. He wondered if he should speak to the manager, but decided it was best to avoid confrontation. Let someone else complain about her, he thought as she came back. "Grilled chicken on wheat, with lemonade, if you can manage that," he said half-sarcastically. Hell, he's put up with rude people before. He knew how to react.
The waitress wrote down the order, took his menu and left.
Zhenya rolled his eyes and shifted himself in the squeaky chair. This place was pathetic! And it was usually his favorite restaurant for lunch! Yet now, this was the worst he'd ever been treated!
I don't have to take this, he thought as he stood up and moved to another table beside it. It was a much better choice; no old stains, no squeaks or creaks, the legs on the chair and table were level. He shook his head to himself as he thought of the dimwitted waitress.
To his surprise, several people who sat across the aisle stared at him in shock and disgust. He looked back at them, confused, but said nothing.
This day is getting weirder and weirder, he thought as the waitress arrived.
"Sir," she said in a hushed voice, "I'm going to have to ask you to return to the corner table."
"It's about to break, no," he said simply. "I'm not 'disturbing anyone' here. And if you want my money, you'll make me as comfortable as possible."
The waitress sighed and set his food down for him, then left. Zhenya sighed. He hated to "pull rank" like that. It reminded him of when he worked in the florist's in St. Petersburg when he was a child, cutting flowers for those rich enough to afford the best of the best. None of those he catered to were kind to him; they would scold him for being slow, or cutting the flowers too short, or not getting the right amount. Anything they could complain about, they would.
Zhenya ate his meal, paid the bill, and gave the waitress a dollar for tip. As he walked out into the sunlight, he decided to go for a short stroll in the park to walk it off.
It was sunny but being the middle of December it was of course rather cold. However there was only a slight frost on the ground. Zhenya observed the various decorations around the park. Lights and ornaments on some of the pine trees (the lights were not on of course), decorations hanging from some wires between posts, there were some Christmas displays of various figures set up: Santa and his reindeer and elves with toy soldiers, the Nativity, even a winter scene with polar bears, igloos and penguins. Again the lights were not on since it was so early, but they were full-sized figurines, so they were pleasing to the eye day or night. Children were enjoying playing tag and hide and seek.
A soft crying caught his ears, and he followed the sound to where a little boy sat on a bench, crying softly.
"Hello, little one. What's wrong?" he asked, concerned. He kept some distance so as not to frighten the poor thing.
"I... want... my... mommy," the boy replied, sobbing.
Zhenya nodded. He thought so, considering the boy was alone.
"Well, I tell you what. Why don't we look for her together, ah?"
The boy tensed. "I'm not apposed to go nowhere with strangers, actually I'm not even apposed to talk to 'em," he answered, standing from the bench.
Zhenya nodded. "All right, that's very smart. I tell you what, if you stay here, I can fetch a policeman, and he will help find your mommy, all right? You can trust the police, it's their job to protect you," he said soothingly. The child bit his lip hesitantly.
"Okay..." he said finally, sitting back down.
"All right, you wait there, and I will be back with police as soon as I can, all right?"
The boy nodded and Zhenya started walking away. He stopped after a few steps.
"Oh, what is your name, so I can tell the police? And your mommy's name, do you know it?"
"Ryan O'Malley, an mommy is Jennifer."
"All right, Ryan, just have a seat, and I'll be back as soon as I can," he said calmly. He had noticed a police car just outside the park, and went to find it. An anxious redhead woman was talking to the officer, holding a photograph frantically.
"He was going to get some hot chocolate, and now I can't find him, he never came back!"
"Are you Jennifer O'Malley?" Zhenya asked.
"Excuse me, young man, the lady and I are busy," the officer snapped.
"Yes, I'm Jennifer O'Malley," the woman replied, glaring at him suspiciously.
"Your son's name is Ryan? Wearing a heavy blue jean jacket, with white fur on the collar?" Zhenya continued, just to be sure.
"What have you done with my son?" the woman exclaimed, lunging toward him. Her fingers grasped his neck and shoulders. Zhenya did not try to break free.
"Madame O'Malley! I assure you, your son is perfectly fine! I left him at the bench, I was going to get the police to find you!" Zhenya exclaimed in shock. "He's on the bench next to the igloo display, safe and sound!"
The officer grabbed Zhenya and held him fast. He nodded to Jennifer.
"Go and see if he's telling the truth. This man could possibly be dangerous."
"Dangerous? I'm just an Olympic figure skater!" Zhenya cried out in anger as Jennifer hurriedly followed Zhenya's directions, calling for her son. Within a minute, Ryan and Jennifer emerged from behind some trees. "There, you see? Safe and sound. You can release me now," Zhenya snapped.
Jennifer came up to Zhenya, and after a moment, slapped him across the face.
"Stay away from my son, you disgusting, filthy pervert." The two of them left, and the officer released his hold on Zhenya.
"I think it's best if you leave, young man, before things get worse. There are places where you can be with your own kind, you know. I suggest you go there and stay there."
In a daze, Zhenya sat down on a nearby bench to compose himself. This was not the first time he had experienced police brutality; he had plenty of it in the two-and-a-half weeks before he left for America in 2001. Falsely accused of rape, the Russian police tortured him to get a confession. Unfortunately, Zhenya refused to satisfy them by admitting to something he didn't do. But he couldn't say he was innocent either, or the woman's fiance would surely kill her. Fortune eventually smiled upon them though, and circumstances forced Ekaterina's husband into prison. She fled to America to be with the man she loved a few years after she faked her death to save his life. Assuming a new identity, Ekaterina Valerova now became Irina Smolenskaya, and the two of them lived in happiness with their son, Miroslav, ever since. Zhenya was grateful for the live he led now, but during those two-and-a-half weeks, he actually caught himself begging for death on more than one occasion...
He finally stood up and walked out of the park. He'd had enough of this; he was going home right this minute.
Of course his car was in a parking garage, and he had to walk to get there. It wasn't far, only 4 blocks.
Again, for some strange reason, the people he passed regarded him with a sense of rudeness that he hadn't experienced in a long time. He heard some older men quoting Bible verses at him, which really didn't make any sense when he heard what they were saying. They mostly related to Sodom and Gemorah, Adam and Eve, and various passages from the Gospels. He didn't understand why he was meant to feel insulted or intimidated by these. He was after all enrolled in the seminary, and he lived the Bible as best he could, he read it every day for an hour, and that was on his own. He read Irina, Maria, and Slava an hour of Bible verses as well. Sometimes the people spit at him and proclaimed that he was Hellbound, disgusting, immoral, unnatural, a freak, they said he "didn't belong with true Christians like themselves."
Zhenya couldn't understand, but these words hurt him a great deal. He had to turn towards a window display to compose himself without letting the pedestrians see him upset.
The crowd disspersed as he turned the corner, and walked down a lonely sidewalk. As he passed a nearby alleyway, a pair of arms grabbed his right arm and pulled him into the alley. His hands were tied behind his back. Zhenya cried out in surprise, and received a few punches from his mysterious attacker. Zhenya looked at the large man before him. He was caucasian, with brown hair and green eyes, and looked to be at least in his early 30s. He also had a build perfect for a bar bouncer.
Zhenya had never seen him before. What sort of grudge did this man have against him? He tried to get away but he was slammed against the wall. The man pinned him there as he repeatedly punched him and kicked him. Zhenya fought back by kicking the man in return, but it never got him far. The man shoved him to the ground and pinned him there with his foot. Zhenya coughed and spat out blood and a tooth or two, and gasped as he felt something rough against his neck that was pulled tighter fairly quickly. It was another rope. Zhenya screamed, terrified, as his whole life flashed before his eyes. Here he was, about to be hanged! For what? What did he do wrong? It wasn't like he was a criminal!
The nuss stopped tightening after a moment, and instead of forcing the young man to hang himself, the man used him as a punching bag, with his arms tied to the same post as the nuss.
Zhenya screamed and pleaded with the man to let him go, offering him money, pardon, material goods, anything to save his own life so that he could go back to the wonderful life he led at home. He would not be swayed. The thought of dying like this terrified Zhenya; he wanted nothing more than to be with his wife and son at this moment...
"Why are you doing this? Why here? Don't you know the police will come soon?" Zhenya asked, trying to stall him, threaten him, anything he could to get under his skin and make him wonder what the hell he was doing.
"What self-respecting cop is gonna bother coming to your rescue? One less for him to worry about," the attacker reasoned, his voice gruff and menacing. "As for why I'm doing this, it's simple: I like to look my meat in the eye before I kill it." He smiled and lifted Zhenya from the ground. He banged the skater's head against the wall to make him dizzy for a moment while he tied him to a nearby pole, tossing the nuss over one side. “Any last words?” the man continued, slightly pulling the rope.
Zhenya was in pain from the many blows he received, with particular emphasis on his groin and stomach. His arms were starting to ache from supporting his weight as he hung from the streetlamp that he was tied to. He trembled even more as the attacker pulled out a knife. Closing his eyes just before he felt the cold metal slice against his lower right leg, he thought of the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and especially the prayers to St. Mikhail and St. Joseph.
Dear Lord, help me...
Surprisingly, the small, thin cut did not seem to cause any real intense pain. Zhenya was slightly relieved but didn't know how long this "generosity" would last. He decided not to wait until things got dire, and as the man stood back for a moment, Evgeny lunged at him with his legs, managing to kick him in the head. Thankfully, the man was apparently stupid enough not to loop the nuss around the pole, so rather than hanging himself, Zhenya managed to pull the entire rope with him. The man lost the knife, and Zhenya found it. He quickly grabbed it with his feet, knelt and brought his hands to it. In one swift stroke, the rope around his hands fell. It was just in time; the attacker was charging toward him. Zhenya fought him once more, this time overpowering him thanks to his hands being free as well as armed with the knife. Zhenya glanced towards the entrance to the alley as he heard faint police sirens, giving the man a moment's advantage. He lunged at him, and Zhenya lost the knife. He managed to throw the man off him, and ran for his life. He was no fool. His priority was getting home where he was safe. As he hurried to the garage his car was in, the thoughts raged on.
Why did this man do this to him? Why was everyone acting so horribly? He hadn't seen anyone he knew all day. This just did not make any sense! Why all of a sudden was he treated like some kind of monster?
Zhenya drove as fast as he could to his home. Apparently, the man did not even try to chase him. Zhenya murmured a prayer of thanks for getting away safely. He hoped Slava was napping or something; he didn't want his son to see him like this, as brused and battered as he was.
Zhenya hurried inside the large house, greeted by Irina, who gasped and rose from the couch.
“What on Earth...”
“You won't believe the day I've had!” Zhenya exclaimed, embracing her. She did not return the greeting as eagerly as he did. “I was almost arrested by a policeman, for what I have no idea, and then on my way home some guy attacked me! Oh, God, it's good to be home.” He held her close for a moment, then pulled away. He was rather stunned at her silence and lack of physical contact.
“You're not supposed to be here,” Irina said disapprovingly. “At least, not at this time.”
“What? I don't understand...”
Irina sighed.
“I'm going to get Zhenya. He'll take care of you.”
Zhenya stared after her as she walked up the stairs. She's going to get Zhenya? He thought, But how can that be? I'm Zhenya... unless...
Zhenya strode over to a nearby mirror. What he saw shocked him, and made him want to cry. It was all coming together now... sort of.
He touched his cheek, felt his hair, did everything he could to make sure it was really him. It was. He couldn't believe it: the reflection showed Danil. It was bruised and battered, but it was Danil's reflection instead of his own.
This couldn't be real... There's just no logical way for him to suddenly be in Danil's body! Could this possibly be a dream, or a figment of his imagination? His thoughts were interrupted by footsteps coming downstairs. He saw himself standing there.
At the sight before him, this the likeness hurried to him, concerned.
“You look terrible! What happened?”
Zhenya told of what had happened, and was taken to the bathroom where he could get cleaned up. As he put a moist, warm cloth to his face, the Zhenya Irina had gotten spoke.
"You know how to make these horrors stop," he said gently.
"No, I don't," Zhenya snapped, really having no clue how to end this nightmare.
The likeness sighed and gently started addressing the wounds.
"I hate to see you live such a depraved life. You don't even pray for salvation!"
Dear God, surely I wouldn't act this way if Danil really were in this situation, he thought in shock. He thought back to when Danil was attacked. His first concern was if Danil was going to be physically and mentally healthy. Then... Zhenya swallowed hard. That was the time he started praying for God to send Danil a woman to love him instead of a man.
Still, Zhenya stared at the likeness. "I could be on my deathbed! I would be if I hadn't gotten away! And all you can do is criticize me for my sins? What kind of brother are you?"
"Which is exactly why we should pray that God is merciful to you," the likeness said, pausing in his care to take his hand. He began to pray, but Zhenya pushed his hand away.
"I don't believe you. You call me depraved, others call me disgusting, immoral, unnatural, a monster. I'm none of these things! I'm just-" He broke off as he realized the reason this was happening.
"Just what?" the likeness asked with a sigh.
"Just... Danil... the same Danil you knew years ago... the only thing that's changed is the gender of the person I share my bed with, and that is none of your business," Zhenya replied, realizing that since he appeared physically as Danil, he should call himself Danil to others. “You're a hypocrite, Zhenya. You have gay friends, and you don't criticize them. Why am I any different? Because I'm family? Or is it because I'm Orthodox?”
The likeness folded his arms. “They do not involve me in their sexual escapades. I don't care who they're with as long as they live decent lives. You, on the other hand, insist on forcing your lifestyle upon me. That is what is different. And yes, you're family, and yes, you're Orthodox, so it's a combination of all these. That's also why we forbade you from being alone with Slava. We don't want you to force your lifestyle upon him. He's just a child! He's too young to understand the truth about homosexuality. It is wrong, immoral, unnatural. God created us so we could reproduce. You can't reproduce with a member of the same sex.”
“And what about a straight person who happens to be infertile? Are they condemned because of that?”
Zhenya couldn't believe he found himself making viable arguments about this issue, when his mind had been so... clouded before. All of a sudden, hearing what his likeness was saying, now it sounded completely ridiculous.
“Infertile people are different, that is how God made them. God did not, however, create you so you could go gallavanting around with men.”
“God works in mysterious ways,” Zhenya said simply, and stood up. “I'm going home.”
Zhenya did not wait to be called back. He went to his car, rather surprised that no one called after him. Were they really so cruel in this demented reality? As he drove, he fought to keep the tears from falling down his cheeks.
How cruel was it that he couldn't have time alone with Slava? He was his father, for Christ's sake! Of course... since he was in Danil's body, he was technically his uncle, but still! He had every right to be with him, he was great with kids! And still the words he had heard from his clone pounded worse than the punches he'd just received. He actually called him those things... to his face.
He walked slowly up to the apartment door. He was exhausted, and in pain from the beating he'd just endured, as well as the overall stress of the day. He was starting to lose hope that he'd ever be treated with respect. As he opened the door, Zoloto greeted him happily, licking him and jumping on him. Zhenya smiled and returned the greeting. He was glad to finally be treated with love, even if it was just by an animal. Vaska also came to him, rubbing against him affectionately. And still, there was more...
Peter was on the couch, reading a book. When he saw Zhenya he stood up in shock.
“What the hell happened?” he asked, rushing over to him.
The football player put his arms around him. Repulsed, Zhenya thought it best if he did not pull away. After all, he had to act as if he were Danil. Still, at Peter's soft sobs, Zhenya put his arm around him in return. He hated to see anyone cry...
"Peter..."
"Shh," Peter interrupted, pulling away slowly. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up," he whispered, putting his hand on his cheek. "God, how could anyone do this to you?"
The horrified, heartbroken look on Peter's face broke Zhenya's heart. Despite the gender, that was the same look Irina had given him on several occasions when Zhenya had been in the hospital from injuries.
"Peter... I'm going to be fine. I got cleaned up a little, now I could do with some rest, and some compresses on my bruises, a few bandages on my cuts, and I'll be good as new," he said, trying to sound optimistic and calm him at the same time. He also needed to go to the dentist, but that had to wait.
"I just... wish it could be me instead of you."
"Don't say that," Zhenya insisted. "You don't deserve this anymore than I do." He took Peter's hand tightly in his in an effort to comfort him. He couldn't believe how natural this simple gesture felt... how natural being with Peter felt. He felt the same now as when he was with Irina. Could he have been... turned into a gay man? Or was it simply that the emotions of gay and straight people were exactly the same?
Peter placed his hand on Zhenya's cheek, and leaned towards him. Zhenya closed his eyes in dread as he felt a soft kiss on his lips. He was surprised. If he didn't know any better he might never have thought he was kissing a man... Were a man's lips really so similar to a woman's?
As Peter pulled away slowly, caressing Zhenya's face, Zhenya felt lightheaded and weaker than he previously felt. His breath came in short gasps, and he found it hard to move. Was he dying? He tried to open his eyes but couldn't. He tried to move, but couldn't. There was a flash of light, then nothing. Complete darkness.
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Post by Angela on Aug 2, 2006 16:58:01 GMT -5
Zhenya felt lightheaded and exhausted. He moved a little, feeling hands on his naked waist and someone's head against his back. He yawned and opened his eyes, relieved to find himself in his own room. He looked beside him, and there lay Irina, her arms tightly around his waist, her head nestled against his back. Zhenya looked at her and kissed her head, then her lips. Strangely enough they felt no different than Peter's. Was this some sort of deception? Or was it true? For the sake of his relationship with Danil he prayed that it was true...
Zhenya gently removed Irina's hands and went to Slava's room. He knelt at his bed and ran his fingers through his sleeping son's hair. He sighed, and folded his hands in prayer and contemplation. Slava was perhaps the greatest gift he'd ever received. It was Danil's right as his uncle to be with him, and he should not be restricted in his relationship with Slava, or Peter for that matter. It was Danil's life, and who he slept with was none of his business. He had no right to say who he should be with at all.
He kissed Slava's forehead, and crossed himself. He said a quick prayer, thanking God for all that he had, especially for giving him such a wonderful gift in Slava.
"I used to do that nearly every night when you were born," a male voice said softly from the doorway. Zhenya stood up and turned, startled at first. He relaxed when he saw the ghost of his father Aleksei, who stepped inside and went over to Slava's bed. Making the sign of the cross over the boy, he uttered a soft prayer of blessing, then turned to Zhenya and embraced him.
Zhenya sighed. He was always closest with his father. When he died, he was beyond crushed. When his spirit started visiting him to give him comfort and counsel, it comforted him.
"Papa, I just want to know... was that-"
"Your mother's idea," Aleksei interrupted flatly. "You need to stop being a godfather when it comes to Danil's romantic life, and start being a brother." Zhenya sighed with relief. He'd hoped it was something like that, instead of deception.
"She's right, you're right. It's just so confusing, trying to do the right thing when it comes to being his spiritual guide. I don't want him to go down the wrong path," he explained.
"I know," Aleksei said, walking with his son outside the bedroom and going down the stairs to the kitchen. "But as you point out, it's none of your business who he sleeps with."
"What would you do, if you were in my place?" Zhenya asked, sitting down at the kitchen table with him.
Aleksei turned on the light and joined him. "I truthfully would merely glance at him, make sure this Peter takes good care of him. You know scholars seem to feel that the real sin is the violence in the Bible, not that homosexuality is an abomination, but rape is. Do you understand?"
"I never expected you to say that, considering how involved you were with the church..." Zhenya said, puzzled.
"Circumstances really forced me to change my opinion," Aleksei explained. "When I met Sergei Marakov, and became friends with him, he was so open about it. Of course, he was outside Russia where it wasn't so dangerous. Anyway, before I met him, I felt the same way as you do about homosexuality. It's nothing to be ashamed of, just ignorance."
Zhenya nodded, folding his hands in front of him. "So I should accept him, and Peter, and embrace them like the family they are?" Aleksei nodded and smiled.
"There is also something else you should do, and you know exactly what it is," Aleksei continued, eyeing him.
Zhenya closed his eyes and sighed, leaning his head back. "I know," he replied with a sigh. "It is what I should do... but I'm not quite sure how to say it. I mean, if I could actually speak and have him understand, that would be good, but that's not really possible. I don't know how to sign 'homosexual' or 'gay' or anything like that in a concept that he would understand at such a young age."
"Spell it out, then," Aleksei suggested. "You know the letters. It really isn't hard. Slava is indeed too young to understand why the world frowns on Danil's lifestyle, but he needs to know now, before he gets any true impressions about what is 'right' and 'wrong' according to society."
Zhenya nodded. "You do have a point... I will talk to him. Before church today."
Aleksei smiled and put his arm around him. "That's my boy. You're a wonderful father."
"Truth be told, that is what I wish to be more than anything," he confessed.
Aleksei kissed his forehead, got up and disappeared.
Zhenya sighed. He always felt so empty when his father left. His eyes drifted to the telephone hanging on the wall. He stared at it for the longest time, and finally got up and took it off the hook, dialing Danil's number.
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Post by Angela on Mar 2, 2007 16:41:11 GMT -5
Peter woke with a start and moaned, slamming his fist on the alarm clock. He didn't even open his eyes, and simply lay back down to sleep. But that damned thing still rang!
“What the hell?” he demanded, annoyed. Then he realized that it was not the alarm that was ringing, it was the telephone. “God, this is ridiculous,” he groaned as he saw that the time was a little after three in the morning. “Hello?!” he demanded.
“Peter, it's Zhenya. Is Danil there?” Zhenya couldn't blame Peter for being upset, he would be too if he were in his place.
“Zhenya? Zhenya who? We don't know any Zhenya. Goodbye,” Peter said sarcastically.
“Peter, please. I want to speak to Danil.”
“I think you've said enough for one night, asshole. Besides, do you have any idea what time it is?”
“Peter...” Zhenya was about to scold him for swearing, but took a different route. “You're absolutely right, I'm an asshole. I'm man enough to admit it, and I want to apologize to Danilka.”
Peter was quiet for a moment.
“You've said you'd stand by him before. But you rarely really mean it. I mean, sooner or later something always happens to make you change your mind. So that's why I'm interceding on Danilka's behalf. I'm putting a stop to this before you have a chance to hurt him again.”
Zhenya sighed and shook his head. “This time it's different, Peter. I've accepted Danil, and yourself, I've accepted the ttwo of you, I want Slava to know the truth, and I want the two of you to join us tomorrow after church for Christmas shopping, and to see a Christmas lights display in Wheeling. This time I won't betray him, I swear it.”
“I'm not going to let Danil take the chance that you might! You can swear, vow, promise all you like, it still won't change the fact that you've done this before, and when he needs your moral support the most, you abandon him!” Though he was angry, his voice never rose above a whisper, since his love was sleeping soundly right next to him, and he wouldn't have him upset.
“Peter, you have every right to feel this way, but-” Zhenya sighed. After a pause, he asked simply, “Do you love him?”
“You know damn well I do, and that's why I'm doing this. I'm through with this conversation. Good night, Evgeni Alekseievich.”
“”I'm not through asking questions. I asked you that for a reason, yes, but not for that reason,” Zhenya said calmly. “All right, you love him. Stefan loved him too. When Danil was attacked, Stefan stood right by him nearly every moment. I wish I could say the same,” he continued sadly. “If Danil were in that situation again, would you stay with him, even if, let's say, your own life was at stake?”
“Are you kidding?” Peter asked skeptically. “Of course I would, in a heartbeat. I'd do anything for him.”
Zhenya smiled a little. “I feel the same way about Ira. You'd sail to the edge of the Earth and beyond for him, wouldn't you?”
“Is there a point to any of this?” Peter asked, raising his eyebrows. “Yes, I would. I'd go anywhere, do anything, give anything, just to be with him.”
“Ira and I went through a lot to be together. I'm sure you know that. I've endured torture, she's endured abuse. She's had to fake her death, forsake her whole existence as she knows it, just for me. That's a lot to give up. Of course, she had no choice, if she wanted to be with me. Our love was strong enough to survive all of that. If Danil's love for you, and your love for Danil, is strong enough to survive the hell I've given you, then you deserve my blessing. And you have it. Please, if nothing else, tell Danilka when he wakes that I'm sorry. The message of Brokeback Mountain was not received by me because I didn't want it to be received. I understand it now. It wasn't really a film about love, or the different types of love there are. It's about how people react to that love. I was very wrong to react the way I did to that love. I love Danilka as much as you do... and please tell him that I'm sorry that I was too blind to show it.” He waited a moment, tensing up slightly at the silence that resulted. He bit his lip in anxiety.
“Allo?” Danil's groggy voice spoke into the telephone.
“Danilka!” Zhenya said in surprise. “I... I didn't think Peter would-”
“He said you had something important to say to me. So, say it, and it better be good.” The 18-year-old didn't sound too open.
“I'm sorry about tonight. You were right. I didn't let the message in because I didn't want to hear it. I love you, and I shouldn't interfere with your personal life. You are smart enough to make your own decisions when it comes to that aspect of your life... And I do want to be informed and I would be happy to talk about it with you, just like I talk to you about Ira and I. I also want to tell Slava the honest truth about you and Peter, that you love each other just like Ira and I. I know the message of Brokeback Mountain now, and I ask your forgiveness.” Again, Zhenya waited in anticipation as his ear was once again met with silence.
“Zhenya... I don't know what to say,” Danil said with a sigh. He fell silent once more. Zhenya waited a few moments before he spoke again, hesitantly.
"I take it that's a good thing?" he finally asked.
"I wish," Danil said with a sad sigh. "Zhenya, how many times have you pledged your support for me, your 'undying, unconditional support,' only to let me down and betray me."
"That is over now, I promise," Zhenya swore.
"Zhenya, you've said this over and over again. The fact is, I'm tired! I'm tired of getting my hopes up only to have you dash them once again. You can swear, promise, pledge all you like, but I am absolutely through trying to please you. As heartwrenching as it is for me, I'm saving myself a lot of heartache later by putting a stop to this before it begins."
Zhenya closed his eyes. "Please, Danilka... Just one more chance? One more chandce to prove how great a brother I can be?"
"Zhenya-"
"Danil, I'm sorry. I don't know how to prove to you that I've truly accepted you."
"Then stop trying," Danil said with a sigh. "Good night."
"Wait! Don't you at least want to go with us tomorrow? We're going Christmas shopping and then to a lights display in Wheeling, and we'd like you and Peter to join us," Zhenya said in a rush.
"Zhenya-" Danil paused. "Did you say... Peter too?"
"Peter too, he's the man you love, it wouldn't be right to invite you and not him. And it wouldn't be right if you would go without him. So he of course is invited. Mama, Ira and Slava and I, we're all going. I want this to be a family affair. Will you and Peter come?"
Danil paused. Inviting Peter was a step up, a step forward. Usually Danil had to be the one to ask if Peter could come on family gatherings. Perhaps one more chance wouldn't hurt... if he didn't expect much.
"All right, Zhenya. One more chance. But one more insult, we're both leaving."
Zhenya sighed with relief. "Thank you, Danilka. I don't deserve such a forgiving brother."
"I know," Danil said spitefully. "What time are we leaving?"
"After church. We'll wait for you and Peter. Is he coming to church?"
Again, Danil paused, then answered, "No, he needs to think carefully about it before he goes."
"All right, that's fine. So we'll see you at about noon then. You can follow behind us, or we could take the SUV and you can come with us. It doesn't matter."
"Well... the SUV sounds fine," he replied with a small smile. "We'll see you then."
Zhenya nodded and smiled, satisfied. "All right. I'm sorry to have woken you. Get some rest. You'll need it, we will probably be home late."
Danil laughed. "Well, for this I think I can make an exception to beign awoken in the middle of the night. Good night, Zhenya."
"Good night, Danilka."
Zhenya hung up the phone and sighed with relief. Now he just had to tell Slava, but that of course could wait until morning. He went back to his wife, who was still sleeping, and lay beside her to sleep for another few hours.
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Post by Angela on Apr 9, 2007 11:21:43 GMT -5
Zhenya went back to sleep feeling much more at ease, his arms around the love of his life. The next morning, he woke up to an empty bed. To his surprise he had slept in by about a half hour. He went downstairs and the delectable scent of sausage, bacon, and eggs filled his nostrils. Slava sat at the table with Maria, while Irina stood at the stove putting the finishing touches on the Denver omlettes she was cooking.
“That smells amazing, Ira,” Zhenya said as he strode into the kitchen. “Good morning, everyone.”
“Good morning, Zhenya!” Irina and Maria replied, smiling lovingly at him. Zhenya and Slava signed their greetings as well.
“I can't wait until after church, for once,” Zhenya continued with a laugh, pouring himself some tea. “Guess what. Danilka and Peter are joining us when we go shopping and then to the Christmas display!”
“What?” Ira asked, turning to look at him. “Peter... Peter too? I- in public?”
“Well, sure! They're family, after all,” he replied with a shrug. He had noticed that since their reunion with each other, Irina and Danil had a more strenuous relationship than they used to. It worried Zhenya a little.
Maria smiled at him.
“I'm so glad that you've opened your mind to Danil. He deserves your love and respect as a brother.”
“Well, I agree, but...” Irina paused. “Well, I suppose it's all right... as lon as they don't... draw attention to themselves.” She shrugged.
Zhenya raised his eyebrows.
“When I embrace you in public, no one bothers to complain,” he pointed out. “Why should Peter and Danil be any different?”
“Can we not talk about this in front of Slava?” Ira asked with a sigh, serving food to everyone.
“Actually, I want to talk to Slava about Danil and Peter anyway. I want him to know the truth about them. He deserves to know.”
“He's only four years old! How do you expect him to understand?” his fiancee asked.
“By telling him that Danilka and Peter love each other just like you and I do. And while other people may not like it, the fact is that there is nothing wrong with the way they feel about each other, no matter how much people disagree and offer 'evidence' to support their beliefs. Simple as that.”
“I agree with Zhenya,” Maria commented. “I have no problem with Danil dating a man. And he shouldn't have to hide Peter from us. They both deserve to have us get to know Peter and love him just as much as Danil loves him.”
“But it's not... natural for a man to be with another man... or a woman to be with another woman,” Ira disagreed. “I don't approve of it.”
“Ira, you loved Danil before you found out he was bisexual,” Zhenya pointed out. “Remember how good you were to him when he needed you most? Well, he needs you to show him that your love will not diminish just because he loves Peter.”
“There's a lot more to it than that and you know it, Evgeni Alekseievich,” Ira pointed out as she sat down. Zhenya looked at her disapprovingly at being addressed by his full name.
“Ekaterina Alexandrovna, please.” Zhenya attempted to reason with her, and addressed her by her real name to return the gesture. “Danil is my brother. I want him involved in our lives as much as possible, and we have no right to limit how he acts when he's with us. He doesn't tell us that we offend him when we kiss or say we love each other,” he pointed out. “Please, Ira, let me tell Slava the honest truth. The sooner he hears it from us, the sooner he can hear an unbiased, honest opinion about it, and this way he won't have to grow up asking us if Danil and Peter are 'abominations to God' or some such nonsense.”
“I never said that,” Ira said with a sigh.
“No, but other people would. That's why we have to be the ones to tell Slava that the lives Peter and Danil lead are okay, that there's nothing wrong with them. No matter what anyone else says.”
Irina was quiet for a moment, then nodded.
“Yes... you're right... It's better he hears it from us than anyone else. All right. I suppose you want to be the one to tell him?”
Zhenya nodded.
“I'm glad the two of you were able to work this out,” Maria said with an approving nod.
“Of course. We can work out anything if we're willing to listen to each other,” Zhenya replied, then turned to Slava.
Slava, there's something we would like you to know about your uncle Danilka, he signed.
Yes, Papa?
Do you remember Peter, Uncle Danilka's friend?
Slava nodded.
Well, he and Uncle Danilka are more than just friends. They love each other very much. You see, your Mama and I love each other, and Uncle Danilka and Peter love each other just like we do. Now, some people don't like that because they're both boys, but we all want you to know that no matter what anyone tells you, there is nothing wrong with the fact that they love each other. Okay?
Okay, Slava replied simply. Zhenya glanced at Ira, then to his mother.
“That seemed simple enough...” he said with a shrug. Is there anything you want to ask me about Uncle Danilka and Peter? Zhenya continued signing.
No, Slava replied with a smile. I understand. Uncle Danilka loves Peter. Is that all you wanted to say?
Zhenya chuckled and looked at Maria and Ira.
“Do you want to say anything else?” he asked them. They shook their heads, and Zhenya continued signing.
No, that's all, Malenki. Remember, you can come to us with any questions you have anytime you like. Okay?
Slava nodded.
“That was easy,” Zhenya said with a laugh. “Now, let's finish breakfast,” he continued, signing as he spoke.
Can I have some more milk please, Papa? Slava asked.
Of course, Malenki.
Zhenya got up and poured Slava some more milk, then sat back down. The rest of the meal went by in relative silence.
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Post by Angela on Apr 13, 2007 18:17:51 GMT -5
(this scene actually takes place the day after Danil sees Brokeback Mountain for the first time)
The next day, Danil strode confidently into the rink and went over to Parker, his skate bag and new CD in tow.
"Dobroy utro, Parker," he said happily, embracing him. "How are you?" He couldn't wait to tell him about his day, but he worried how he would receive the idea of changing his long program, which had brought him such success, so abruptlyl...
"You're in a good mood. What's up?" Parker said as he finished up drawing up schedules for this other students.
"You're not going to believe it. I saw a movie yesterday, a simple movie, and I'm convinced that seeing it changed my life," he said as he started stretching. "I never knew a film could do that. Or maybe it's just my imagination, maybe I am just not afraid to live life the way I want to anymore. But whatever it is, it's wonderful!"
"That's great," Parker said, smiling to hear Danil speak so optimistically. "What movie did you see?"
"Brokeback Mountain," he answered, pausing in his exercises. "I went alone, but ended up meeting two men there. I didn't intend on seeing it but I didn't know what else to see. When they told me that's what they were seeing, and that it was a gay love story, I decided to take a chance and see it. And I'm so glad I did."
"I've heard about the movie. I am glad you were able to take something away from it."
"Me too." He sighed and sat down. "It was so sad, I kept thinking about Peter, and myself. I really think my life is much better because of this. In fact, I feel so passionately about this..." He paused. "Parker, you're going to think I'm insane."
"If you are about to tell me that you and Petter got married, I will tell you that I think you are too young... Now that I've said my piece. What's on your mind...:
Danil chuckled. "Not yet! But that might be in the future," he said, laughing. "No, what I have in mind is more oriented to the task at hand." He pulled out the CD and the tape he made of the music. "I want to skate to this. If possible, I want to get a long program done in time for Nationals. But an exhibition will do!" he said in a rush.
"You want to change you freeskate..." Parker was taken back. "That's going to be a lot of extra work, but you're old enough to decide what you want to skate to, and when you want to skate to it."
"I know it will take a lot of work, and not only that but it is risky to change it so soon before the Olympics, and the judges might overlook me because of it. I have to admit that I thought I was crazy when I first thought of it. But just listen to it, yes? Then tell me what you think. Hell, an exhibition would be a good idea anyway, because of the music. You'll see what I mean."
Parker put the CD in and pressed play. He listen to the music, a stone expression on his face.
"Hard to put 10 jumps in there," Danil said bashfully when the music was over. "So perhaps an exhibition is a better idea. But I know I want to use it, either way. I've never heard anything so powerful."
"It won't be impossible to add ten jumps," Parker said. "If you want to do this, we'll start on it right now."
"You think it can be done?" Danil asked hopefully. "I really want this. You know I wouldn't ask unless it really meant a lot to me." He did a little more exercises and headed with Parker to the ice.
"Anything is possible. We just have to work hard."
"I'm ready," he replied with a grin.
Papercutcutie: "Okay," Parker said. "Just start skating. You practically choreograph for yourself anyway. Become the visual to match the music."
Danil smiled bashfully, and started stroking, occasionally getting a pose or two. He did a triple tow on the first guitar cord, and went into a flying camel from that, finishing the spin with a layback position. He smiled thoughtfully, and continued skating, thinking of what else he could do... He felt a few stag jumps and leaps would be fitting for a footwork sequence, followed by some rapid turns...
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Post by Angela on Aug 27, 2011 22:04:08 GMT -5
Danil sighed as he got ready for church. Peter was in the kitchen, cleaning up after a hearty breakfast of pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and toast, all of which Peter made himself. Danil, as he always did when under stress, ate very little. Hours after the phone call with Zhenya, Danil still didn't know what to make of his words. They were, after all, just words, and actions spoke louder than words did. He decided to be a complete pessimist and see if Zhenya would prove himself in action as well as words.
He brushed off his black blazer and went into the kitchen to kiss Peter goodbye.
"We'll pick you up after church, so please, be ready?" Danil pleaded, kissing his lips. "I'll see you in a few hours."
"All right," Peter said with a sigh. "I still don't see why you're doing this."
"He invited you to come without me having to ask. He wants to tell Slava the truth about us. That's got to count for something," Danil said with a shrug.
"Yeah, well, we'll see if he actually does tell Slava. He's not his only parent, after all. Irina may not like the idea," Peter said with a snort.
"Well, if we plead our case, perhaps she'll understand," Danil said with another shrug. "Anyway, maybe Zhenya was able to convince her. Maybe he didn't have to, maybe she agreed. I don't know. All I know is that is a step forward for him."
"I wonder what 'truth' it will be that he will tell him," Peter said hotly. "The Orthodox truth, or the real truth."
"I doubt very much that Zhenya would want to turn his four-year-old son against us," Danil reasoned, "especially when he likes us so much."
"You don't know Christians very well," Peter said sadly.
"Peter, come on. I'm Christian, after all."
"Yeah, but you're gay. Gay Christians are different than straight Christians," Peter said with a sigh. He turned away to clean some more grease off of one of the pans. "You accept people better than straight Christians."
"You don't know every straight Christian in the world, or every gay one, for that matter," Danil said gently, putting his hand on his shoulder. He paused. "This isn't just about gay or straight to you, is it, Peter?"
Peter closed his eyes and stopped scrubbing. "They hate anyone with the slightest difference to them. In their minds, different automatically equals wrong. Anyone who isn't exactly like you, they'd better change to make themselves like you, and if they don't, kill them, ridicule them, excommunicate them, throw them out of your home..."
"Peter, Peter, you're rambling," Danil said, concerned. "Look, I understand how you feel, but not all Christians are the same. Not all Christians believe the same things. Not all Christians read the same Bible. Peter, Orthodoxy is different than most denominations-" Danil stopped and cringed. "Oh, my God," he groaned, "I'm turning into Zhenya."
Peter chuckled in spite of himself.
"I won't try to convert you, I promise," Danil said with a smile. "But you should be informed that the people at church are not like those Catholics you knew. One thing we differ on, we believe that sexual orientation is something you are born with."
At this, Peter looked at him, raising his eyebrows.
"Yes," Danil continued. "We believe that one is born gay, straight, or bisexual. So no one will ever tell you that 'God created you to be straight.' That's nonsense." He paused, biting his lip slightly. "Of course, acting on homosexuality is a sin, but the church will not condemn you. The church does not condemn anyone, Peter. They try their best to guide its members on a path of righteousness. It is not their place to judge people. Only God can do that. So we would never be harrassed there. We would be pitied, certainly. But they would never scream obscenities or ridicule us. The church is a welcome place for all, including us."
"Do you want me to go with you?" Peter asked, annoyed.
"I'm not asking you to come," Danil pointed out. "I'm just saying that Orthodoxy is different than Catholicism. That's all. You don't have to come if you don't want to. I don't blame you. But if you want to know what it's like compared to what you're used to, I just thought I'd tell you."
Peter glanced at the clock. He hadn't showered yet, but at least he'd brushed his teeth and washed his face...
"If I go get dressed really quick, can we make it in time?" Peter asked.
"Of course," Danil said, surprised. "Zhenya likes to get there fifteen minutes before mass starts, so that he can pray beforehand... You... you really want to come?"
"I'd better go change clothes, before I change my mind," Peter mused, drying his hands.
Danil couldn't help but smile a little as Peter rushed to get ready. He never intended for him to come to church, but he wasn't going to deny him if he wanted to go. As Peter was dressing, the buzzer sounded. Danil turned on the intercom.
"Yes?"
"It's Zhenya," Zhenya replied in Russian. "Are you ready?"
Danil paused. "Can you wait five minutes? Peter is coming too... That's okay, isn't it?"
"Of course!" Zhenya replied cheerfully. "We'll be here when you're ready. Oh, be sure to bring extra clothes in case you get cold in Wheeling."
"We will."
Danil smiled to himself, and looked towards the bedroom. Peter came out, wearing a blue cashmere sweater and black jeans. His hair was combed back neatly.
"Is this okay?" he asked, self-consciously. Danil chuckled.
"You look fine. Anyway, you come there to pray and worship, not to make a fashion statement and show off your wardrobe."
"Speak for yourself," Peter said bitterly. "That's all they did at my church."
Danil crinkled his nose. "That doesn't sound like a truly devout group, if all they do is judge what everyone is wearing to the service."
"Told you," Peter said as he grabbed a coat. "Is Zhenya here?"
Danil went and got some heavy sweaters for them from the bedroom.
"What's that for?" Peter asked.
"Zhenya said it gets cold in Wheeling in the evening," Danil explained.
"Wheeling? What are we doing going to West Virginia?" Peter asked with a laugh.
"I told you, we're going to church, then shopping, then to a lights display in Wheeling. Angie took Zhenya there a few years ago, and now he goes every year. He says it's wonderful."
"Better be to drive four hours to get there and back," Peter said with a shrug.
"Well, Zhenya's going to drive, so it's no stress for us," Danil said with a chuckle as they walked out the door.
"Yeah, I know. I just don't know if I want to spend that long of a time with him in a confined space like that. At least in public places like church and the mall, we can distract ourselves and ignore him. In the car-"
"Peter," Danil scolded, "don't be rude to him. This is a big step for him. Let's meet him halfway, okay? Please?"
"Fine, whatever. But if he starts to criticize us-"
"He won't." Danil walked with him outside, where Zhenya was patiently waiting.
"I thought you weren't getting your hopes up," Peter mused quietly.
"I'm not," Danil said, pausing to look at him.
"Well, what's with this 'he won't criticize us' business? Have you forgotten last night already?"
"Of course not. I don't know if he'll say anything about us or not! All I know is that I want this to be as peaceful as possible, non-confrontational. Okay?" Danil rolled his eyes, and walked over to Zhenya.
"Danilka," Zhenya said with a loving smile as he embraced him and kissed his cheeks. Peter followed behind. When he caught up to them, Zhenya smiled at him and held out his hand. The truth was, he didn't know how to greet him. He'd always greeted him with a handshake, because he didn't want Peter to get 'the wrong idea.' Westerners seemed to be like that. They took the slightest physical contact and assumed they were lovers or something. "Peter, it's good to see you."
Peter shook his hand and looked at him critically. "Yeah. Good to see you too." It was obvious he didn't mean it.
"Peter..." Danil hissed through clenched teeth.
"It's all right, Danilka. Peter, I know that I've displeased you, and I want to make it up to you both," Zhenya told him. "Consider this a peace offering. I've already told Slava about you-"
"Yeah, what exactly did you tell him about us?" Peter asked, eyeing him.
"I told him that you and Danil were not just friends, that you loved each other in a romantic way, the same way that his mother and I love each other," Zhenya answered calmly. "I confess that at first, I didn't know what to say, how to say it, how to sign it, but in the end it just came naturally. Of course, if you want to elaborate on it, I understand and you're welcome to do that," he added as they made their way to the dark blue mini-van.
"So, where are we sitting?" Danil asked.
"You can sit by Slava if you like. There's room for both of you beside him," Zhenya answered.
"All right. Who are you, and what have you done with my brother?" Danil asked with a laugh. He got in and sat next to Slava. Peter sat beside Danil, putting his arm around him. He was doing that, not only to be affectionate to Danil, but also to test Zhenya's loyalty.
"Good morning, Danilka, good morning, Peter," Irina said, looking back at them from the front seat. She was smiling her usual bubbly, cheery smile.
"Good morning, Ira," Danil said happily, smiling in return. He turned to the seat behind him and smiled to Maria, who sat in the last seat. "Good morning, Masha."
"Good morning, Danilka, good morning, Peter," she replied with a loving smile.
"Morning," Peter replied with a nod towards Ira, then offered a smile to Maria. He looked at Slava, who was looking at them with his usual happy grin, behind his usual book. Slava always had a book with him.
"What are you reading?" Peter asked in sign language.
"'The Lorax,'" Slava answered, showing him the book.
"Great book!" Peter grinned. "Did your Papa tell you something important today?"
Slava looked at him, confused.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
"Did he tell you anything about Uncle Danil and me?" Peter asked.
"Yes, he said you and Uncle Danilka loved each other, and even if people said that was wrong, it isn't," Slava answered. "Is that what you mean?"
Peter nodded. "Yes, that's what I meant... Slava, do you understand what he meant, when he said that we loved each other in the same way that your Mama and Papa do?"
"I think so," Slava replied with a shrug.
Peter nodded, and put his other arm around Danil, who was talking to Ira, answering questions about the evening. Peter kissed his lips passionately, Danil laughing in surprise.
"What's with you?" he asked with a laugh.
"Nothing," Peter answered with a shrug. "I just felt like kissing you. That's okay, isn't it?" he asked with a slightly louder voice so Ira and Zhenya could hear.
"I kiss Ira whenever I wish, and vice-versa. I don't see why you should be any different," Zhenya answered, smiling in the rearview mirror.
"Thanks." Peter looked at Slava. "That's what your Papa meant when he said that we loved each other in the same way that your Mama and Papa love each other."
Slava giggled. "Okay."
"And there's nothing wrong with it," Danil added, finally noticing the "secret" sign language conversation between the two. "Even though people might say there is, there's still nothing wrong with two boys or two girls loving each other like your Mama and Papa love each other. Do you understand, Slavachka?"
"Yeah. Do you want to read to me, Uncle Danilka?" Slava asked, handing him the book.
Danil smiled and took the book in his hands and began to sign the story. They managed to read the entirety of the book on the way to church.
"I'm glad you came, Peter," Zhenya said as he opened the door to the church.
"Why, so you can 'save' me?" Peter asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Nothing of the sort, I promise," Zhenya replied, patting his shoulder. "Danil told me you felt unwelcome in your own church, so I told him to invite you to ours. If it doesn't turn out to be your kind of thing, that's fine, but you shouldn't have to turn your back on God just because people at your church criticized you."
"Who said I turned my back on Him?" Peter asked, folding his arms across his chest.
"I didn't mean it like that. I'm sorry," Zhenya said gently. "I understand how defensive you are. Just relax, enjoy the service. I hope you do."
"So tell me," Peter said as they all walked inside, "even if I'm gay, and have no intention on changing, can I convert to Orthodoxy, or would I be excommunicated?" Zhenya paused to bless himself with holy water.
"If you want to be a practicing Orthodox, the conversion process is a long and thorough one. Just ask Danilka. But really, if you are interested in learning about it, possibly converting, then no one would turn you away. You would be taught that acting on homosexual deesires is a sin, but you expected that, I'm sure." Peter nodded at this. "As for excommunication, this is only done in extreme cases, and even then the church itself does not condemn anyone. They are simply left to their own devices. God is the one and only judge. That's as it should be."
"Would I be excommunicated for being gay?" Peter phrased his question more accurately to his mind.
"No, of course not," Zhenya answered gently. "Even if someone is excommunicated, the only thing that means is that they are barred from communion. They can still go to church and worship and pray." He went to a row of chairs close to the altar. Slava sat next to his beloved father, then Irina and Maria. Peter sat beside Zhenya and Danil sat beside Peter. Zhenya knelt on the floor and crossed himself, closing his eyes in prayer and contemplation.
"You okay?" Danil whispered to Peter.
"Yeah," Peter answered, looking around. The altar was similar to its Catholic counterpart, but the paintings of the saints throughout the church were very different than he had remembered from his own Catholic upbringing. Even the ceiling was covered with paintings of saints and angels. "Nice church."
"Yes, it is very beautiful, though not as nice as the Cathedral of Peter & Paul in Petersburg," Danil agreed. He smiled as Slava was kneeling right beside his father, praying just like he was. Danil followed suit and prayed too.
"There's no pews or kneeling stands?" Peter asked.
"No," Danil replied softly, though not looking up to meet his gaze. "It's just the way it is."
Peter sat on the chair, and folded his own hands. He didn't pray, but was quietly observing the congregation. Many were dressed in regular jeans and sweatshirts, while others, like Danil and Zhenya and his family, were dressed in slightly more formal attire. In his old church, Peter recalled how people came dressed to the nines, and often heard whispers during mass about the wardrobe of the people in front of them. That was certainly not the case here. Peter noticed there weren't many people here so early, but all of them were silent, kneeling on the floor and praying. Those that came in after them did the same, hardly making a sound.
Just concentrating on the reason they're here in the first place, Peter thought, and finally knelt on the floor beside Danil.
"Already I can tell a difference between this church and my old one," he whispered. "I like it... so far..."
"I'm glad, now, shh," Danil hushed his partner gently, not even opening his eyes.
Several minutes later, everyone was standing and the opening hymn was sung. Peter observed there was a great deal more standing in the Orthodox mass than there was during a Catholic one. They stood through all three readings, and all the hymns. There were no responsorial psalms, but the congregation sang along with all of the hymns anyway. Communion was administered in the same fashion as its Catholic counterpart. The prayers for others, meanwhile, were sung, rather than spoken. In fact, the majority of the mass was conducted through secular, harmonious songs and tones. Peter found it very relaxing and refreshing. After the mass, Peter noticed that most of the congregation was heading down a small flight of steps.
"What's that?" Peter asked.
"Coffee house," Danil explained. "Do you want some? Oh, Zhenya, do we have time?"
"We have plenty of time," Zhenya answered with a smile.
Downstairs, it was a nice little cafe. Nothing fancy, but there were tables of snacks and drinks available, and plenty of tables for everyone to sit at. Usually, Zhenya sat with Andrei and Lily, with Danil, and Natasha and Misha. Today was no exception.
"Natasha, Misha, I don't think you've met Peter Zemeckis before," Zhenya said, gesturing to Peter. "He is Danil's boyfriend." His voice was at a normal volume, and there was nothing uncomfortable in its tone. "Peter, this is Mikhail Viktorovich Ignatiev, and his mother, my coach, Natalya Ivanovna Romanova-Ignatieva-Rampal."
"Have to get you to write those down," Peter said with a chuckle as he offered his hand.
"It's a pleasure, Peter," Natasha said with a warm smile. "You may call me Natasha."
"Now that I can do," he said as he sat down. "Nice to meet you, Natasha."
"Nice to meet you, Peter," Misha said with a small smile and a nod. He shook his hand firmly. "Just call me Misha."
"Misha, cool."
"We're going to get some snacks. Do you want anything?" Zhenya asked them.
"I've seen you play American football. You're really good," Misha continued, after Zhenya and Danil left to get refreshments.
"Thanks! You play?"
"I'm glad that he is enjoying himself," Zhenya commented at the buffet with Danil.
"So am I. I didn't even expect him to come... At first, he thought I pressured him into it, but he decided to give it a shot. I'm glad he did, and I think he is too."
"He was asking me about converting to Orthodoxy, and what it means to be a gay Orthodox Christian..."
Danil turned to him. "Please tell me you were nice."
"Of course I was. I explained the complicated process of conversion, and advised him to ask you if he had any questions about it. He brought it up, not me. I promise, I didn't try to convert him."
"Well..." Danil looked at Peter, having a good time with Misha and Natasha, the three of them laughing about some incidents that happened during games, "I don't know if he will convert, but he will certainly attend mass. I think I can say that with certainty."
"He's a lost lamb, looking for a shepherd," Zhenya commented, grabbing some cheese and crackers as well as some fruit and cookies. "His old one turned away from him, even if it didn't mean to. He wants acceptance, he wants to be loved. I told him that he would be welcome here."
Danil crinkled his nose as he got a few oranges. "You did not call him that, did you?:"
"No, of course not. It's just my observation on what we talked about, that's all."
"Peter?" Andrei stood at the round table and looked quizically at him. "What brings you here?"
"Danil- er, well, actually, I guess you could say that Zhenya invited me."
"I didn't know you were Orthodox," Andrei observed, sitting down with Lily in tow.
"I'm not. I'm Roman Catholic. Zhenya invited me to come since I hated my old church so much that I stopped going. I want a church whose purpose is to praise God, not one that criticizes my so-called 'choice," he mused bitterly.
"Oh, I see. Well, don't worry. You won't find any of that here. Welcome to St. Nicholas's." Andrei held out his hand, which Peter shook.
"Thanks. Hi, Lily," Peter said, to which Lily returned the greeting with an embrace and a kiss on the cheek.
"Hello, Peter. It's great to see you."
"Great to see you too, Lily," Peter replied, cheerily, as the two sat down.
"Such nonsense that people think one is 'born straight,'" Natasha commented as she sipped her tea, which she'd gotten before she sat down. "We are created by God in His own image. He gives us struggles, tests, that we have to endure, such as disabilities, diseases, and sexual temptation, but one is most definitely born that way. The only 'choice' is deciding to act upon those desires." She shrugged.
"And therein lies the sin," Misha added with a nod. "But- ahem, I really don't think of it as a sin anymore." He looked at Peter, almost apologetically.
"Thanks," Peter said, shifting uncomfortably in the chair.
"At any rate," Natasha continued, looking at her 28-year-old son, "it is not our place to judge others. We are but mortals. God has His own Plan and His own Will. It's not our place to question, or to condemn, anyone. God is the one, true judge. That is why we don't think that we are superior to anyone. That is pride, and pride is a sin."
"Well said," Misha agreed with a firm nod.
Peter felt relieved, and nodded. "That's what I've always believed, too."
"Well, we're certainly glad you came," Andrei said gently, patting his shoulder. "It was good of Zhenya to invite you."
"Yeah, it was..." He looked over to where Danil and Zhenya were getting cups of hot tea. Danil carried two plates of snacks and Zhenya carried the cups, one in each hand. It was nice of Zhenya to invite him to church... Even if he had alterior motives, it was still nice that he could be seen in public with Danil, be known as his boyfriend, and not be criticized for it, even at church.
"I thought you'd like some of this," Danil said, setting one of the plates down. He offered the other to Zhenya, who set down the cups of tea for his mother and Ira, who had been in the bathroom with Slava.
"Help yourselves," he told them as he smiled. He turned to Danil and Peter. "Tea? Or would you prefer coffee, Peter?"
"Coffee's fine..."
"I'll have tea, please," Danil said with a nod as he took a cracker and spread some cheese on it. "It's good to see all of you," he said to the others at the table.
"Good to see you too, Danilka," Misha said, getting up from his seat so he could embrace him. "So, this is your boyfriend?"
"Yes, that's right," Danil answered with a smile towards Peter.
"He's pretty nice," Misha continued with a chuckle as he sat down once more. "We were really getting into a discussion about football earlier."
"I heard," Danil said with a laugh. "Get Peter started on that, he'll be occupied the whole day!"
It was nice being in such an atmosphere of kindness and compassion, after a lovely mass, Peter observed as the conversation continued in various topics. It was even nicer that no one told him he was "living in sin" or something. He had yet to meet the priest face-to-face, but he was content thus far with the congregation.
"Well, that was really nice," Peter commented as he sat once more beside Danil in the car.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it," Zhenya said from the front seat. "Next stop, Pittsburgh Mills!"
"Awesome! I love that mall!" Peter cheered.
"I've never seen it decorated for the holidays, so I'm really looking forward to it," Danil said, now putting his arm around Peter.
"It's great. Wait till you see." He smiled and the two kissed.
"Would you two like to take Slava to see Santa Claus while we go shopping?" Zhenya asked.
Danil grinned. "Really? That would be great!"
"You mean you actually trust us alone with him?" Peter asked, skeptical.
"Of course I do. Danil is his uncle, after all, and just because he is gay doesn't mean he's a pedophile..." Zhenya lowered his eyes for a moment in guilt. "I'm sorry if I ever made you think-"
"It's okay," Danil replied gently. "You know better now."
"Why don't you babysit Slava a few times a week?" Irina asked. "He could even sleep over if he wants."
"Really?" Now Danil was surprised. "We'd love that!" He turned to his nhephew and signed, "How would you like to sleep over at my apartment sometime? We could play with Zoloto and Vaska, make pizza, watch movies, read books?"
"I'd love that!" the boy signed, excited. "When?"
Danil chuckled, and ran through his schedule in his head. "How does Friday sound? Is that a good time for him to sleep over?" he asked his parents.
"That sounds fine to me," Zhenya replied with a grin. "I take it Slava wants to?"
"Yes, he wants to know when," Danil answered, then signed to Slava, "Friday. We'll pick you up in the afternoon, and we'll go to the park, have a snowball fight, go sledding, then come home and have hot chocolate with marshmallows and watch movies. Sound good?"
"Okay! I can't wait!" Slava signed with a giggle.
"Aww, that'll be fun!" Peter said with a laugh. "We'll go to the park, play in the snow, come home, have hot chocolate, maybe some soup, pig out on pizza, then enjoy some movies."
"That sounds perfect!" Irina said cheerily.
The enormous mall was three stories, complete with an indoor mini-golf area, spacious food court, and breathtaking Christmas displays and decorations everywhere. Fake snow, lights, red, green, white, gold, silver, they were all over the place, everywhere you looked. The stereo was playing holiday music. Kids were running around with their families, laughing and jabbering, pointing at various items saying they wanted them as gifts.
"A lot of last-minute shoppers," Zhenya observed with a chuckle as he moved to the side to dodge a running seven-year-old girl. "Christmas is Tuesday."
"Lisa, get back here!" a woman cried, darting after the girl.
"She went that way," Zhenya said, gesturing in the direction the girl went.
"Thank you," the woman replied gratefully, and rushed into the pet store, calling the girl's name.
Peter chuckled. "A lot of people do their shopping last-minute here. That's when they can get the best deals, though actually, the day after Christmas gives you the best deals. Even better than the day after Thanksgiving."
"Papa, can we look at the puppies?" Slava asked, tugging his sleeve to get his attention before he signed.
Zhenya smiled. "Why not. You guys want to look in the pet store?"
Slava stuck his fingers through the holes in the cages, greeted lovingly by the licks and sniffs of the puppies, along with the usual cold nose, yips and cries.
"They're so cute! Papa, can I have a puppy?"
Zhenya glanced at Maria and Irina. A pet of any kind was something they hadn't discussed, but the three of them seemed skeptical about the idea.
"I want one like Zoloto!" Slava withdrew his fingers from the cage to sign to them.
Zhenya cleared his throat.
"Ira, Mama, what do you think?" he asked, lowering his voice. He didn't know why he was doing that; it wasn't as if Slava could hear him.
"Let the kid have a dog," Peter said with a chuckle, sticking his fingers through the cages to pet one of the puppies.
"Now, Pete, he's not our kid, so it's not our call," Danil said with a laugh. He was playing with one of the kittens nearby. "Hey, this one looks a little like Vaska!"
"Yeah, he does!" Peter turned to look at him. "Awww, what a cutie! Mrowr? Purrrr!" He turned to greet the adorable tiny tabby feline.
"A dog is a lot of responsibility," Zhenya signed to Slava as he spoke, with a gentle, compassionate expression on his face. "You'd have to feed him, bathe him, walk him, play with him, and right now, we just don't think you can handle all of that."
"I can handle it! I can handle it! Please?" Slava begged.
Zhenya sighed, finding it hard to distinguish his son's face and the puppies' faces behind him. He glanced once more to Maria and Irina, both of whom shook their heads.
"Maybe a dog is too much responsibility, but what about a fish?" Zhenya asked the two of them.
"That's a fine idea!" Irina agreed. "An aquarium! What a wonderful Christmas gift!"
"Slava, we have an idea. We will get you an aquarium, with fish, and if you can take good enough care of them, we will consider, I stress, consider, getting a dog later," Zhenya signed.
"Okay!" Slava cheered. "Can we look at the fish now?"
About a half hour later, the group was leaving the store with aquarium supplies. Zhenya, Irina, Maria, and Slava had looked over the fish, and settled on several different kinds, but because of their plans for the evening, they couldn't actually get the fish until the next day. They were getting minnows, goldfish, and Irina picked out several angelfish. Slava also picked out a few clownfish, because he loved Finding Nemo. He was also delighted to find a beautiful blue tang, and already gave her the name "Dory." The two clownfish, naturally, were "Marlin" and "Nemo."
Slava was skipping along with his parents, signing, "Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming! Just keep swimming, swimming!"
"Awww, he is so cute!" Peter observed, laughing. "Makes me remember what my brothers and sisters were like when they were little."
"I didn't know you had any siblings," Zhenya commented.
"Are you kidding? I got two older brothers, two younger brothers, and two younger sisters. But Matt's the only one who talks to me..." He paused by an Orange Julius, and went in briefly to get a drink. "Guys want anything?"
"I'll have a strawberry-orange one," Danil called.
"How sad," Zhenya continued quietly. "I wonder why they don't talk to him..." He looked at Danil, who shrugged.
"He never tells me anything about his family," he explained.
"I wonder why..." Irina piped up. She went into the Orange Julius as well, and brought two orange juliuses out, one for her, the other for Zhenya. She knew it was his favorite.
"Thanks," he said, taking one of them. "Mama, do you want one?"
They paused by a water fountain, sitting down to enjoy their drinks, which everyone had by this time. Slava took his over to the fountain itself, looking at the shiny coins in the bottom basin. It was a large blue ceramic tiled fountain, with tiles of various blue shades used throughout. Steps led on top of it, and three basins: two smaller ones in the form of tiers, above the main one at the bottom, arranged similar to a pyramid. The water poured into the smallest basin at the top, which overflowed and poured into the other basin, which overflowed to the bottom basin. But the bottom basin was mainly filled with water by a few waterfalls flowing from the fountain's medium-sized dolphin statues on either side. The highlight of the statues, however, was a beautiful mermaid on a rock, identical to its Danish counterpart created to immortalize its patron's famous title character. The statue was in the bottom basin, with the dolphins above and an outline of a heart between them. The fountain itself was surrounded by plants, both real and sculpted, creating the illusion of a marine paradise. The steps and the bottom basin's barrier were so wide, you could sit or stand on them without getting wet.
"What a beautiful fountain," Irina said with a dreamy sigh, putting her arm around Zhenya.
"Yes... It is very beautiful," he agreed, turning to look at her and kiss her gently.
"I've never seen anything like it," Maria chipped in quietly, glancing at her son and his wife. She didn't want to ruin the moment.
Peter stood up and went over to Slava, putting his hand on his shoulder. Slava turned to look at him.
"Do you want to make a wish?" he signed.
"Sure!" Slava replied, clearly excited.
Peter smiled and held out a quarter.
"Do you know how to do it?" he asked as the little boy held out his hand to take the money. Slava shook his head. "Make your wish, then toss it in. And if you don't tell anyone what you wished for, it'll come true!" Slava's eyes lit up, and Peter gave him the shiny quarter. "Close your eyes, and make a wish," he signed.
Slava turned to the fountain and closed his eyes, thinking carefully about what he wanted to wish for. At last, one came to him, and he opened his eyes and tossed the quarter into the bottom basin.
Danil walked over and put his arm around Peter.
"That was really nice of you," he said.
"Forget it," Peter said bashfully with a chuckle. He took another quarter and tossed it into the basin.
"Did you make a wish?" Danil asked. He did it so fast, he doubted he had time.
"I've known what I would wish for for the past several months," Peter replied, slipping an arm around his waist. Danil smiled and returned the gesture. He reached into his pocket with the other hand, and tossed a quarter into the basin as well.
"What did you wish for?" Peter whispered.
"I'm not telling," Danil said with a laugh. He looked at Slava and patted his shoulder lovingly. "Did you tell Peter 'Thank you?'"
"Thank you, Peter," the boy signed, embarrassed that he'd forgotten his manners.
"You're welcome, Slava," Peter replied with a grin. He leaned over and gave him a kiss on the cheek.
Maria smiled at them. She had just tossed her own coin into the fountain, on one of the sides so that she wouldn't interrupt the moment.
"You two make a beautiful couple," she said.
"Thanks," Peter replied, putting his arm around Danil.
"So, Pete, does your family live in the area?" Zhenya asked.
"Yeah. They used to live in Pittsburgh, now they live in New Salem," Peter answered with a sigh. He sat down with Danil to finish his drink.
"What do they do for a living?" Irina asked, curious.
"Dad's name is William, he's a stockbroker. Mom's name is Ophelia, she's a lawyer. Oldest brother Richard is a minister, older brother Matt's a legal aid attorney, younger brother Mark's an architect, younger sister Caroline is in her sophomore year at Penn State, studying to be a forensic scientist, Luke's a senior in high school, and Katy's a sophomore. Luke wants to be a screenwriter, Katy wants to be a flautist." It was clear from his monotonous voice that he didn't have any interest in the topic of his family.
Zhenya bit his lip. He didn't want to press him, but he was curious. "I'm sorry to have brought it up," he said quietly.
"No big deal, I just don't want to talk about it," Peter replied with a shrug.
"I'm sorry," Zhenya repeated. "I won't bring it up again."
"Thanks," Peter said with a sigh.
Danil sighed as well and put his arm around Peter.
"Let's take Slava to see Santa," he said, kissing his cheek.
"Sure!"
The group walked away from the fountain, and headed toward the gigantic Christmas display where Santa was. It was set up to look like a winter wonderland, with fake snow all around, giant candy canes, toy chests, presents, and in the center was a beautiful gingerbread cottage. Outside of it stood a few elves, and inside was Santa. A line of children with their families stretched all around the area. After each child gave their list and had their photo taken, they were given some treats in a goodie bag. A train track was set up around the area. Small children rode in each of its ten tiny cars. There was a ticket booth on one side, where children and parents waited.
"Can I ride the train before we see Santa?" Slava signed.
Danil grinned and looked at Zhenya.
"Why not. You guys can wait with him here, get some photos, have some fun, and we'll be shopping," Zhenya answered with a loving smile towards his son. He leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You be good for your uncle Danilka and Peter," he told him.
"I will!" Slava replied happily.
Zhenya, Irina, and Maria headed off towards one of the toy stores, the closest of which was located in the middle of the adjacent hall. Slava waited in line for the train patiently with his uncle and Peter.
"I can't believe Zhenya's actually trusting us to be alone with his son," Peter commented softly. "Maybe he has come to his senses."
"I think so," Danil agreed with a nod.
"But if Slava turns out to be gay, will he blame us for it?"
"Peter!" Danil scolded in a whisper. He sighed and rolled his eyes.
"I bet he would," Peter mused with a shrug as they moved a little further towards the ticket booth.
"By the time Slava is old enough to come to terms with his sexuality, whether he's gay, straight, or bisexual, years will have passed, and Zhenya would have had to come to terms with the issue before that happened." Danil folded his arms across his chest. "I doubt he would blame us if he turned out to be gay."
"I'm glad you're sure about that," Peter replied with a sigh.
"Slavachka, do you want one of us to ride the train with you?" Danil asked the boy, eager to distract himself from the subject.
"Sure! Will you ride with me, Uncle Danilka?"
"I'll be happy to," Danil replied, putting his hand on his shoulder.
At last they reached the ticket booth, and Danil was happy to discover that the ride was free. Not that he would have minded paying, but it was nice.
"Get some photos," Danil said with a grin to Peter, helping Slava into the first car, the one directly behind the locomotive.
"I will," Peter replied with a grin, moving aside to let other children pass. He got out his camera and began to take photos of the display and the train, and then filmed the actual ride.
The track moved through the display in a circle, then switched to a figure 8 pattern, then circled back to the beginning. In total, the ride lasted a little more than five minutes. Then, the children went either to wait in line to see Santa, or left the display. Of course, Peter, Danil, and Slava went to the end of the line of children waiting to see Santa.
"What are we gonna tell Slava if Santa can't understand sign language?" Peter asked, keeping his voice down to not arouse suspicion from the other children around them.
Danil bit his lip. Good question. He looked toward the open cottage, watching as Santa and a little girl talked excitedly.
"I never thought of that," Danil admitted, glancing down at his four-year-old nephew. It would be awful if they got into a discussion about whether Santa was "real" or not simply because he couldn't understand sign language... "Well, he might know it," Danil said, but sounded doubtful.
"Maybe we'll tell him he just works for him," Peter said with a shrug, "and that's why he doesn't know how to sign..."
As they inched forward in line, Danil crinkled his nose in thought. "I don't know if he would get that..."
"You know, maybe he's not even old enough to question it," Peter theorized. "The only reason I asked was because of 'Miracle On 34th Street.'"
Danil nodded. "I suppose we'll just have to cross that bridge when we come to it..."
It took a while, but they finally managed to get to the cottage. Slava hopped onto Santa's lap.
"Ho, ho ho! What's your name, little boy?" Santa asked, smiling cheerily.
"His name is Miroslav," Danil explained to Santa. "He is deaf. We can interpret if you need us to."
"That's fine," Santa replied, and turned to Slava. Though he did not know how to sign, he still interacted with a few deaf children in his work. It was best not to break eye contact with them, and act as cheerful as usual. "So, Miroslav, how old are you?" he asked, and Danil translated.
"Four! Almost five!"
"Really? You'll be starting school next year, then?" Santa continued, and Danil was happy to translate.
"Yes!"
"Well, maybe Santa can bring you some things you can use for school, if you've been a good boy. Have you been a good boy all year?" Danil translated by signing as he spoke.
"Yes, Santa!" Slava signed, and Danil translated.
"I don't know," Santa said wryly. "Are you sure you've been a good boy, all year?"
"Yes, yes!" Slava replied as Danil translated.
"Okay, what can Santa bring you for Christmas?" Santa asked with a broad grin.
Slava rattled off a number of items, and Danil carefully translated for him.
"All right, well Santa will talk with his elves, and see what he can do! You be good though! Now, would you like to get your picture taken with me?"
"Sure!" Slava replied happily, and Danil nodded.
Slava put his arm around Santa and looked towards the camera, a toothy grin on his face.
"Thank you, Santa!"
"You're welcome, Miroslav. Now, before you go, would you like some goodies from Mrs. Claus to take home?"
"Yes!"
"Slava," Danil said, as he signed, "remember your manners."
"I'm sorry. I mean, yes, please, Santa!"
"Then you go right over there, and Mrs. Claus will give you some goodies to take home, and be sure to share!" Santa smiled and helped Slava get down.
"Thank you for being so good to him," Danil said with a smile.
"It's my pleasure," Santa replied. "Ho, ho, ho!"
Danil and Peter walked with Slava to the neighboring cottage, where Mrs. Claus offered a small bag of cookies and candy, and an elf offered them their choice of prints and decorations for the photo.
"Merry Christmas!" Mrs. Claus said in a jolly voice as they left with the goody bag and photos.
"Merry Christmas," Danil replied, and Peter nodded.
By the time they left the display, they were just in time to see Maria, Irina, and Zhenya leaving the toy store with bags full of presents.
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