[color=silver][right][i][b][u]TIMESTAMP:[/u] Monday, July 19th, 2021; After ‘Not Your Fault’[/b][/i][/right]

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[sub]A [@metanoia], [@LovelyComplex] & [@Venus] Collab || Featuring [color=635687]Mikhail Zima[/color], [color=005d9e]Danilo Belmonte[/color] & [color=C81935]Caitlin Cleary[/color][/sub]
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[indent][indent]The moment the sound of the metal doorknob being manipulated from outside of Cece's bedroom echoed across the room, the heartfelt scene between the former lovers came to a screeching halt. As Caitlin shot up from the bed and away from Mika, the young man had lost his balance at the sudden sound of the doorknob shaking. Right as he had turned around, he clumsily slid off the bed and had fallen face-first to the floor next to him, hitting the ground with a loud [i]thud[/i] sound and muttering “fuck that hurt” as his mouth was in the hardwood.

Mika struggled to get up, holding his head with his right hand, using his left to prop himself against the edge of the bed. His hair was already a mess to begin with, but now it was even more disheveled. He was trying to make sense of what just happened. From the blow to the head after he made like a monkey and fell off the bed and his head on the ground, internally he was grateful Cece wasn’t like most people who had a nightstand of sorts on both sides of her bed. But he still wasn’t sure what caused it. Then he heard the doorknob get even wilder with how fast it shook.

[color=C81935]“Shit!”[/color] Cece cursed under her breath, anxiously tapping her foot  as she tried to come up with a solution to her dilemma while the rattling of the doorknob turned into knocks on the door. She couldn't send Mika out the balcony out of fear someone might spot him climbing down or running away, she couldn't tell him to leave through the front door for obvious reasons, and there weren't many good places to hide in her bedroom besides the--

[color=C81935]"One second!"[/color] Cece called out to the visitor as normally as she could before turning to Mika. [color=C81935]"Get in the closet!"[/color] she hissed at him, pointing to the door a few steps away from her.

[color=635687]“Say what now?”[/color] Mika blinked at her as he rose to his feet. He understood the situation they were in. Technically speaking, Mika wasn’t even supposed to be here. Or maybe less so, he was in the room of someone who he previously was involved with-- not to mention she was technically a taken woman, [i]and[/i] he used the express way to get to her room, not using the front door like a normal person. 

Right like there was anything normal about any of this. Still, he had time, right? [color=635687]“No worries, I’ll just go down the way I came up,”[/color] Mika stated casually as he went around the bed and was heading towards her balcony window, passing the closet. 

[color=C81935]"Are you crazy?!"[/color] she hissed at him again, rushing over to Mika and grabbing him by the wrist closest to him to prevent him from going any further. [color=C81935]"The whole neighborhood is probably up and going at this point. Do you think nobody's going to notice you sneaking down my balcony like some thief?!"[/color] The knocks on the door grew more insistent, and Cece let out a small shriek of desperation. [color=C81935]"Just please get in the damn closet. [i]Please[/i]."[/color]

Mika didn’t know why he was having such a problem with this… urgent request. The balcony was literally right there, but looking at the way Cece had that panicked expression on her face, like it was literal life or death, whatever problems he may have had with the idea of getting into the closet (and they might’ve been juvenile), he still grumbled something under his breath, seemingly accepting this as his fate for the time being.

[color=635687]“Okay, okay--”[/color] Before he would get the chance to finish that thought, he felt Cece’s unreasonably forceful hands push against his back as the knocks and the rattling of the doorknob grew louder. It kind of reminded him of the bold, assertive Cece he knew by the creek. Maybe an inappropriate thought, but damn it if he wasn’t smirking as he was in the closet (never thought he’d ever say that). In a whisper (and before the door closed), he said, [color=635687]“Jeez you need a bigger closet. Or less clothes. Barely any room in here.”[/color]

[color=C81935]"Shhhhh! Be quiet!"[/color] The redhead shushed him harshly, wasting no time in shutting the closet door, rushing to the bedroom door, unlocking the knob and swinging the door open to finally reveal her new unexpected visitor: Danny Belmonte.

[color=C81935]"Danny… Hi."[/color]

Holding the copy of the love letter that was sent to the Belmonte residence, the muscular figure of the Hound on Scott Street came barging in, glaring at his best friend, [color=005d9e]“Who was that? I heard [i]something[/i]. [i]Someone[/i].”[/color] His eyes darted around to see anything that was off. Something that did not belong. A piece of clothing, a note, a person. Anything that just wasn’t right. He came to see Cece because he was worried but when she took [i]minutes[/i] to answer the door he knew something was off. 

With the stress he was going through at home and this, Danny was visibly [i]livid[/i]. If he ever found out who sent these letters, he would beat the living shit out of them himself. He hated that his best friend was hurting but you know what he hated more than that? He hated being lied to. Alert and focused in, trying to catch the slightest of noise or pick up the faintest of smells, Danny growled, [color=005d9e]“Cece, what’s that?”[/color] His nostrils went up as he picked up on a [i]scent[/i]. Something that he knew was very unlike Cailtin Cleary. 

[i]Sweat.[/i]

[color=C81935]"Huh?"[/color] Caitlin, who had been trying to remain calm in the midst of the abrupt mood changes she was experiencing, was quick to respond to Danny's inquiries with non-committal answers. [color=C81935]"What are you talking about?"[/color] she asked her friend, pretending to look around the room like he was. In reality, she was ensuring that there were no traces of Mika's visit in their vicinity-- for hers and his sake.

When Cece had told Danny about her breakup with the Southie, to say he was upset was an understatement. He had been against her and Mika's liaison from the very first time he'd heard about their conversation by David's grave, concerned that it was too soon after David's passing and overall a bad idea waiting to happen. Much to her delight, he'd ended up supporting her decisions like the best friend he was, but no amount of convincing attempts could get him to change his mind about the relationship. As fate may have it, his suspicions were proven to be right in the end. And after seeing how much Mika's actions had hurt Cece, Danny had sworn to give the Zima male a gift of his own the next time they came face to face. So if he found him hiding somewhere in her bedroom right now…

[indent][color=C81935][i]Dear God, please don't let him go in the closet…[/i][/color][/indent]
[color=005d9e]“I’m talking about the smell of [i]sweat[/i], Cece, and not just any sweat…”[/color] Danny marched toward the balcony to see if someone tried to make a great escape during the brief intermission of him waiting and Cece opening the door. He didn’t see anyone hiding on the balcony or running in the yard. The balcony door was also locked so that was a plus. So far everything was clear. Maybe he was overthinking this. Maybe Cece was being weird because of her grief. Then again… he turned on his heel looking at her once more. His green eyes were burning holes in the front, the back, and the side of her head. 

Danny didn’t like this. Not one bit. His gut never failed him and what his gut was telling him right now was to keep looking. The odor was strong enough for him to be able to tell that it could not  come from Cece’s always pleasantly scented, tiny body. It was strong, musky… definitely gave him the vibes of a man. Did he miss Niles on his way here? Did her boyfriend have the same thought as him to check up on her? His mind was going a mile a minute. He didn’t want to drop his guard just yet. Maybe he should check under the bed. 

Cece swallowed hard and discreetly took a deep breath. As bad as it was to admit, she was an excellent liar in regular circumstances-- she had to be, considering she'd been successful in keeping two long-term relationships under wraps for the entirety of their duration. But Danny [i]knew[/i] her. Danilo could recognize the subtle signs of her deceitfulness. Still, it was worth a try to divert his attention elsewhere. 

[color=C81935]"Does it? I don't smell anything. Maybe it's that new diffuser Mom got for my room when I was away,"[/color] she fibbed, trying to remain nonchalant as she took a seat on her bed. [color=C81935]"I'll get a different scent the next time I'm in town, then. Wouldn't want my room to keep smelling like sweat."[/color]

Raising his eyebrow, Danny carefully watched his mousey best friend explain the reason behind the smell. Sarcastically, he asked the air, [color=005d9e]“A new diffuser, huh?”[/color] When they locked eyes and he could see the hint of sadness behind all the worry, the Italian man [i]sighed[/i]. Just this once, for her, he would drop it. If she said her room was clear, then he would believe her. [color=005d9e]“Well, it's awful. Reminds me of the boys’ locker room when I used to play ball.”[/color] 

Danny's candid comment brought out a snort and Cece's first attempt of a smile for the day. Even with the grief and heartache governing the majority of her emotions, the thought of Mika listening to how 'awful' he apparently smelled and not being able to defend himself like she was sure he wanted to provided a much needed moment of comedic relief. Personally, Cece couldn't smell anything awful like what her friend was going on about, but considering how congested her nose was after she had spent most of her morning crying, maybe she wasn't the most reliable witness. 

Easing the tension in his body, trying to push his Danny senses in the back of his mind, Danny approached his friend and pulled her into an embrace, [color=005d9e]“Sorry, I just… worry. How are you feeling?”[/color]

Caitlin allowed herself to sink into Danny’s strong, caring embrace, instantly finding a comfort and safety that soothed her soul. She should’ve called him as soon as she found out about the letter. [color=C81935]"About as well as you can expect,"[/color] the girl admitted in response to his question. She took in and letting out a deep breath, as the weight of her guilt settled back on her shoulders once more. [color=C81935]"I've spent all morning trying to figure out a who or a why, but I can't think of anyone I might have upset enough to do this besides Natalia getting back at me for dating Niles.”[/color]

[color=005d9e]“Nah, Natalia wouldn’t do that,”[/color] Danny defended his sister, but not in a way that meant she had honorable ways of handling her emotions. He continued, [color=005d9e]“If anything, she’d go to Niles and tear him a new one.”[/color] Whether it was his twin sense or he simply knew his sister, Danny believed wholeheartedly that sharing love letters from Cece to a dead guy was beyond low, and unlike Natalia. It wasn’t a forward method, which was not the Belmonte way of doing things. Sure, they all had their secret lovers but they would never out someone or get back at someone like that. His sister was a bitch not a snake. 

To add to his twin’s defense, Danilo knew for a fact that the past two weeks Natalia barely left her room which was concerning. Danny had tried to check up on her but she just told him she was fine, just a little tired. [color=005d9e]“I don’t think right now any of my family has the mental capacity or care to find David’s secret stash, photocopy it, and mail it to every house with the motive to hurt you. We’re barely keeping it together as is.”[/color] 

[color=C81935]“I know-- I’m sorry,”[/color] the redhead apologized profusely, instantly regretting making any mention of Natalia or alluding to her involvement in this situation. That had been very self-centered of her. [color=C81935]“I know it was a far-fetched thought, but she was the only person I could think of that has ever admitted to not liking me. Even still, I’m really sorry for bringing her up in the first place. ”[/color]

When Caitlin apologized, Danny wondered where Natalia was emotionally, ever since Edenrdige shifted for the worst. Part of him felt like Natalia was taking Niles' relationship to heart since Danny knew she loved him. Even to this day, she loved him-- though she’d never admit it. Part of Danny felt Natalia was grieving and feared the coming loss of their mother, which only made her loss of Niles even worse, seeing how their relationship was rooted in a similar grief. And part of Danny felt his sister was lonely, so very lonely, and seeing everyone get in relationships, like Niles, like Vivia, like Tiff, like himself did not help. She wanted support but support in a way only a lover could do. 

There was no clear answer for this but one thing he felt at his core was Caitlin was an unintentional victim. Whoever was doing this was hurting and with the previous Charlie letters, it seems like they liked the idea of a ghost haunting the town. [color=005d9e]“I’m sorry you’re going through this Caitlin, I wish I knew how to help.”[/color] 

As soon as Danny occupied the space next to her in the bed, Caitlin rested her head on the man’s broad shoulder. [color=C81935]“Thank you, Danny. Really. Just being here and checking up on me helps more than you’ll ever know.”[/color] she reassured him in a soft voice, holding the hand closest to her.

[color=005d9e]“I’m glad,”[/color] Danny softly replied, interlocking their fingers and going the extra mile of lifting it up, giving her hand a tender kiss, [color=005d9e]“I’m here for you no matter, Cee. You’ve dealt with me at my worst, when all I could think about was my pain, and I want to be the same for you.”[/color] At the mention of his own issues, Danny realized he hadn’t told her about his recent resolution. He hadn’t told her about Marco.

Danny still didn’t think he had enough strength to come out to his father. His father was a whole other obstacle for him to face, in time. But he knew from this point on, no matter what, he would never compromise his relationship with Marco. He loved that boy and it was time he started to show that. 

As quick as his wonderful thoughts came, they took a quick exit to the left. Was this the time or place to tell her? She was in pain. Her love letters were being showcased to the whole goddamn town bringing her worst trauma to surface. He could only imagine what she was going through, how much pain she felt. Telling her about his happiness, while she was clearly suffering, felt more selfish than not. Instead of disclosing his relationship with Marco, and how he was coming out to all those that mattered to him, he asked, [color=005d9e]“Has anyone tied the letters back to you?”[/color] 

And just like that, the compassionate moment being shared between the two friends was once again clouded by the original nervousness that held Caitlin hostage since hearing those knocks on her door a few minutes before. [color=C81935]“Funny you should mention that…”[/color] Cece began, letting go of his hand and rising from her bed. She began pacing the length of her room back and forth in front of him, trying to find the best way to ease into the news of her and Mika’s rekindled ‘friendship’. Deep down, she knew that Danilo would be upset about the news regardless of how she worded it. [color=005d9e][i]'He broke your heart, Cece. He doesn't deserve you.'[/i][/color] But she also knew he would take it better if he heard it from her instead of finding out a different way. [color=C81935]“There is, um, [i]someone[/i] who put two and two together. They actually dropped by to check in on me as soon as they connected the dots.”[/color]

[indent][color=C81935][i]God, you are going to [b]hate[/b] this…[/i][/color][/indent]
She was nervous. He didn’t like that. Everything about Cece’s aura from her pacing to her dragging her words out felt suspicious. Whoever this person was that put two and two together was someone she knew he wouldn’t like. At the moment, he couldn’t think of who in Cece’s life annoyed him to no end. What he did know is he [i]hated[/i] waiting. [color=005d9e]“Caitlin,”[/color] Danny said under his breath, trying to keep his annoyance at a bare minimum. She needed him. He had to keep his irritation under control. [color=005d9e]“Spit. It. Out.”[/color] He commanded, not liking this game she was playing. They were supposed to be friends but somehow it felt like she was having a hard time being honest with him and he did not like that.  

At Danny's command, the redhead looked up at him with nervous eyes, took one last deep breath to cope with the anticipation, and nodded towards the closet door. 

At the same moment, there was an ominous sound that came from the closet, the sounds of some slight shuffling, like hangers falling onto the carpet floor, muffled cursing from someone or something inside, and the doors rattling and shaking. The noise itself wouldn’t have been bad or suspicious if the sound elsewhere in the room hadn’t been nonexistent. 

And Mika knew he fucked up and tried to safe himself some grace. He peered open the door about a few inches. He saw the path to the balcony was clear. He might be able to make a run for it, but he heard voices. Cece’s and some male’s voice. It was a somewhat deep voice, but he couldn’t tell who it was. So that’s why he was peeking through as minimally as he could, but such a small exposure made him realize one crucial thing.

Mika couldn’t see shit.

As he was going to close it, Mika wasn’t aware that he was leaning against the door to the point where he lost his balance. He had been in such an uncomfortable position for so long that his legs momentarily went numb and his falling body forced the door to slam at the other end, almost coming off of the hinges. That was avoided, but what wasn’t avoidable was Mika not only coming out of the closet, but he fell face first onto Cece’s floor, bouncing in a way where he was on his shoulder.

[color=635687]“Son of a bitch that hurt.”[/color] To make matters worse, his legs were pulsating in an almost static-kinda way. It was all prickly from shin to toes, but he looked at whatever was in front of him. He saw a borderline panicked Cece as his eyes went up, but what he wasn’t prepared, what Mika didn’t anticipate, was seeing Danilo fucking Belmonte. [color=635687][i]So that’s who the other voice was.[/i][/color]

Yeah, that shouldn’t be a problem at all. 

He tried standing up but only managed to get up on one knee. [color=635687]“Oh Captain my Captain!”[/color] Mika saluted him. Was it a smart idea? Maybe not, but at times of pure intensity, all Honey Badger could do was joke. 

Danilo’s physique, expression, and aura completely shifted the moment Mika came to view and suddenly, it all clicked. Caitlin was anxious and worried because she was guilty-- guilty of hiding her ex in her closet. The logical reason was there: Mika saw her handwriting in the letter and came to see her, thinking this would be a way to ease back into her heart. But logic didn’t matter when you were pissed. All Danny could see was his best friend’s ex, the one that broke her fucking heart, knowing well enough she was still grieving the death of David, was in her room, alone with her. All Mika ever did was add more grief into her life and now she was happy with another man and he didn’t like that. He didn’t like that Mika thought he could slither his way back in, like the damn snake he was. 

Danny could feel the tightness in his chest, his muscle tensing, and his palms sweating. If there was a moment he was just like his dad, the infamous Tasmanian Devil of NYC, this would be one of those moments. Danny took pride in his self control. Out of all his siblings, ‘side for Mira who was more apathetic than not, he had chill. So much chill. He was coolheaded, he didn’t get into fights, that would break his mother’s heart, and yet right now? In this instant, he could only feel the burning heat of wanting to murder someone. 

His energy to fight the side of his brain, the part that controls himself and his emotions, depleted. Repressing anger required careful thought and Danny did not have that. He was not going to cool himself down, all because the people in this room had poor communication skills. There was a reason why basketball was so important to his routine. It helped him release, gave him inner peace while he built his endurance, stamina, and strength, and it taught him: self control. 

Even without basketball, Danny exercised and trained himself to be stronger. Taz raised him to be a fighter and there was no way in hell he would let this bullshit slide. Someone had to show this asshole he couldn’t enter his ex’s bedroom like she was his property. Someone had to show him that some people didn’t forgive easily. Someone had to show him to not fuck around with someone that was precious to him.

[color=C81935]“Danny, please don’t do it…”[/color] Cece pleaded with her best friend, hoping she could persuade him against what she knew he wanted to do.

But it was too late. Aggressive and territorial, Danilo stood up, cracked his neck and strode to the guy on his knees. In his rage, he was blind to anything and anyone else. There were no words spoken. Instead, Danny threw his right fist into a curved punch straight at Mika’s temple. He had waited for this day since Cece had been crying in his arms all goddamn night. There was no way in hell Danny would forgive this piece of shit. Those tears could never be taken back. She cried so much.

[color=C81935]“[i]DANNY[/i]!”[/color]

Mika’s body whipped when the force of Danny’s hand hit the side of his face on the temple. He felt a wave of whiplash come over him, losing all sense of whatever equilibrium he had in the moments before when he saw Danny approach him. He was on his back now, looking at his former captain. [color=635687]“Gotta admit, you still have a good right hook,”[/color] Mika remarked with a half-smirk on his face, looking at the towering Italian man who had more anger in his face than Ley ever did when he ate her cake…again.

It didn’t take long until Danny had pulled him to his feet, almost tearing the collar off his shirt. He could feel the temptation to continuously bash the Southie’s face in until he was unconscious or dead. With absolute force, the Italian boy pushed forward, using his full body and hold to slam Mika against the wall by the closet and pin him. [color=005d9e]“You have sixty seconds to explain yourself,”[/color] Danny seethed, and whether he could feel Cece or not, he growled, [color=005d9e]“And you better stay the fuck back, Cece. This is between me and the fuckface that hurt you.”[/color] 

His legs felt like jelly still and maybe a bit lightheaded on account of getting suckerpunched and forced to his feet faster than he ever had been before. It was at that moment Mika noted just how strong Danny is. It’s been close to three years since he had any sort of interaction with him, at least on a personal level. They haven’t been this close or at each other’s throats like this since their personalities clashed when they were still on the basketball team. Back then, it was more in the rivalry sense, but this wasn’t it. There was anger and almost hatred in Danny’s eyes. Mika had seen that one too many times whenever he looked in a mirror after Hyde reintroduced himself into the Russian man’s life.

[color=635687]“Fuck face? I see you’ve expanded your vocabulary.”[/color] Mika, again, couldn’t help himself. [color=635687]“Maybe elaborate for this fuckface, because I’m not sure what you want me to explain for you, [i]Danilo[/i].”[/color]

[color=C81935]"Mika, [i]stop it[/i]!"[/color] Caitlin hissed at the Southie, knowing full well that poking the bear that was Danny when it was already raging was a foolproof way of getting punched a few more times. [color=C81935]"Danny, do you really have to do this? Can we all just go downstairs and have a civil discussion about this?"[/color]

Yeah, no. This was not going to be a fun ride for either of the boys in the room. Instead of responding, like a calm natured man would, Danny let his primal nature take over him and with reckless rage slammed Honey Badger into Cece’s wardrobe. He didn’t care if the whole neighborhood could hear him beating the living shit out of this guy. Danny was [i]irritated[/i] and there was no way in hell he was coming down from this. 

Not giving Mika a chance to stabilize himself, Danny aimed for his nose and connected, causing blood to splatter onto his fist. And that’s when all Danny’s restraints were gone. There was nothing holding him back, not the fact that a terrified Cece was helplessly watching or the fact that the sight of him now would make Marco cry. Danny was going to kill someone tonight, he felt it. With his fists, he slammed into the other boy’s face, again and again and again. With his knee, he made sure Mika’s rib cage took a blow. Regardless how many times Mika winced, the Belmonte boy would not stop. 

Hell hath no fury like a Belmonte’s scorn. 

And when it was all said and done, Mika was barely standing. He was using his arm on the wardrobe dresser to hold himself up while the other gripped his ribs that hurt like a motherfucker. He knew Danny was strong. It didn’t take a genius to figure that much out, but he didn’t know he had this much rage in him. It was like looking into a taller, more toned, slightly darker complexion reflection of himself. And with better hair (Mika would never admit that to anyone). He hated that, at this moment, the only thought that went through his head was how this beast of a man would make a killing at fight club. Probably not the best thing to prioritize right now but it’s what he was entertaining.

[color=635687]“Jesus and I thought Viktor hit hard…”[/color] Mika spat up blood, aiming it at the wall. Mika tried to breathe and it fucking hurt. God, how deep did Danilo go with that knee of his? [color=635687]“So you wanted me to explain why I’m here? That's what you wanted?”[/color] Spitting blood out of his cheek some more, Mika glared at the former captain of the Celtic basketball team. [color=635687]“Well, you human wrecking ball, I’m here for [i]her[/i].”[/color] He pointed his head at Cece, making a mental note of how terrified she was. He wondered if that was for him, Danny, or just in general. [color=635687]“I read that damn letter and rushed here to see if she was doing okay.”[/color]

Shooting Caitlin a death glare, processing all this information thus far that [i]she[/i] went out of her way to [i]hide[/i] from him, Danny balled his fists, digging his nails so deep into his skin that he pierced it and it started bleeding. He wanted to keep going. He wanted to bash Mika’s head in until the other man was knocked unconscious but that wouldn’t accomplish anything. That would only make Cece’s room more of a mess. Stepping back, giving Mika the space to breathe, Danny glowered at the sight before him. Frustrated that Cece’s ex was here, carrying no ounce of remorse for his wrongdoings, and disappointed at Cece for allowing this to happen. She really was a doormat. [color=005d9e]“What made you think that was okay?”[/color]

Danny glanced from Mika’s face to the blood on his own hands. Was this some kind of stupid joke? [color=005d9e]“Unless you two aren’t telling me something, I don’t understand why the person,”[/color] Danny’s eyes grew dull, his anger turning into an entirely different beast now, [color=005d9e]“that broke your fucking heart to the point that… it doesn’t even matter because I’m the one that lived through it.”[/color] Not finishing his initial statement, Danny's attention was back on his fist. He wanted to break something. He wanted to punch a hole in the wall. He wanted to scream. Did his friendship to her mean nothing? 

[color=005d9e]“I find it fucking funny,”[/color] Danny was starting to understand why Natalia never liked Cece. Was he so dumb to think that he actually meant something more to her than the men she fucked? Through all the bullshit, all the pain she went through because of David, because of Mika, and he was sure she was going through issues with Niles because if Niles can mentally fuck Natalia, Danny was sure he could do the same with Caitlin, he was there. Danny was still there. [color=005d9e]“All this… and for what?”[/color] 

The anger in Danny changed into hurt. He was tired of Cece not owning up to her feelings. He was tired of… being her diary and with what reward? What did he get from this? Danny knew one thing for sure, if they got back together he would not be there. No more would he listen to her sobs late at night and try to comfort her when no one else would. No more would he carry her through her pain because she really had a type and they always took her for granted. No more would he check to see if she was okay. No more. 

She was doing fine anyways on her own, leaning on a good dick that would let her down. [color=005d9e]“So you guys could fuck?”[/color] Danny asked the two in the room and then laughed, [color=005d9e]“I don’t even care about the fact that you have a boyfriend,”[/color] He shook his head while he talked, making internal decisions the more he expressed himself. [color=005d9e]“There is no ounce of self respect in you, Cece, and [i]that[/i] I hate seeing,”[/color] he criticized, completely and utterly fed up.    

As Danny went on his tirade against her, the terrified Caitlin tried to remind herself that his words were coming from the place in his heart that cared fiercely for her. She could understand why he was angry, upset and even disappointed in her for allowing Mika back into her life again with the way things had ended between them. He had every right to feel this strongly, and maybe there might even be some truth to his harsh words. She was a liar, a sneak, a cheater, and a spineless excuse of a woman.

But even with these things in mind, Cece couldn't help but consider his reaction the slightest bit hypocritical. Sure: the circumstances that had brought together and torn her and Mika apart were entirely different from the ones that had brought Danny's relationship with Marco to its demise all those years ago. But if Danny had been awarded a second chance by Marco, even after being the one to break the boy's heart in the first place, why couldn't Mika be awarded the same opportunity? 

There was nothing Caitlin wanted so desperately at the moment than to bring these observations to the forefront. She wanted to look Danny right in the eyes, raise her voice and demand an explanation of what made one case worthy of forgiveness but not the other. But instead, the young woman merely stood there in silence and shame, blue-green eyes locked on the floor as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks and pooled onto the hardwood beneath her feet. 

[color=635687]“Just hold it right there, Belmonte--”[/color] As Mika spoke, he grimaced in pain from the damage that Danny’s fists did to his face and his knee did to his ribs. Nothing was broken in the rib area, but he could estimate something was bruised. He made sure to get as comfortable as he could  before he continued. [color=635687]“You can do whatever the fuck you want to me. Kick me in the shin when my back is turned, but Cece didn’t do anything. You’re right: I broke her heart. I hurt her in ways I can’t even begin to excuse nor will I, but, no, I didn’t come here so I could fuck her.”[/color]

As he stood there, trying not to kneel over from his own excruciating pain dealt by the man-beast himself, something that might’ve been tolerable if he was feeling boiling anger for what Danny said to Cece, Mika contemplated whether or not if he should mention what happened a couple weeks ago when he essentially apologized to Cece. Was it his place? Maybe not, but he had to do something because things weren’t getting better at this point and she wasn’t exactly in any state to say anything. [color=635687]“I know you don’t like me. You have every reason not to and I don’t know if this will help or hurt my case, but I understand I hurt her. If you think you hate me for breaking her heart, then I must loathe myself for it, right?”[/color] He let out a low chuckle and grimaced again. [color=635687]“I know nothing I could say or do can make up for what I did to her. If I’m being honest, I don’t think I deserve any forgiveness, but I’m trying to be better. And it starts with her.”[/color] 

Although her eyes remained on the ground, Caitlin had listened closely to Mika’s small speech. Any discussion of how the couple’s breakup affected Caitlin was yet to be had. When they had spoken about Mika’s reasons to end their ‘relationship’, the focus of the conversation had been on Cece reassuring the Zima man that his secrets would be safe with her. She could tell it had taken a lot of courage for him to share the sensitive information, so the last thing she wanted was to invalidate, dismiss him or shame him by shifting the narrative onto herself. That meant that there were still many questions left unanswered, like whether Mika was aware of the hurt he had caused her, or whether his actions came with any ulterior motives. His words so far proved that this wasn’t the case, but only time would tell if his actions would back them up.

The tension in Danny’s stature eased when he saw Caitlin cry. His flash of anger had protected him, momentarily, from his issues but now seeing his best friend cry and knowing he was the cause of it, the guilt came in, like an arrow straight to his heart. Just like when Marco told him to not leave when he was so certain he was going to end things for good with him. Danny was back in this place where he could see himself in the mirror and hate the part inside of him that could only think of the self and not the people around him.

[i]Fuck[/i]. 

Grumbling to himself, Danny made his way to Mika, not in a hurry, and offered his hand, [color=005d9e]“We’re not so different, Fourteen,”[/color] As he waited for Cece’s ex to take his hand, Danny sighed, [color=005d9e]“Let’s go over there,”[/color] He gestured to Cece’s bed, [color=005d9e]“So we can get you cleaned up.”[/color] As much as he wanted to justify his behavior, he knew he was hurt not only because of this. Honestly, this was only an excuse for him to act like a child. He was hurt about so much more but his mother raised him better than this and if he left Cece in a place where she felt alone, with no one to lean on, that was more guilt to add to everything else he carried on his shoulders. He needed to fix this. Starting with his former teammate.  

Letting his former captain take the lead as he slowly moved away from the wardrobe dresser, which was the only thing that was holding Mika up, he leaned on Danny more than he ever had in all the time he had known him. It might’ve not been the longest distance, but his ribs hurt and his face -- as well as head -- felt like they were on fire. When they got to her bed and Mika sat down as slowly as he could, still grunting from the pain, at least he didn’t have to worry about it getting worse.

[color=635687]“Not trying to judge whatever hidden skills you might have, but how experienced are you at cleaning wounds?”[/color] Part of him wondered if he knew anything about it. Not that it was a hard skill to acquire, but nobody could blame him for being a little on edge.

[color=005d9e]“Depends on how bad it is,”[/color] Kneeling down in front of Mika, Danny examined his former teammate’s face, [color=005d9e]“Looks like you mostly need a couple of ice packs. But first, I need to apply pressure to that open cut on your lip and clean your face,”[/color] His green eyes scanned down Mika’s body until it went to the rib cage area, [color=005d9e]“Lift your shirt up.”[/color] 

[color=635687]“If that’s what the good doctor ordered.”[/color] Mika laughed, causing just a slight surge of pain to go through his body. He took off his jacket first, as close as he could, setting it on the bed behind him, and lifted his shirt from the fabric. Even doing this, no matter how thin the fabric was, it still hurt. Nevermind the fact that Cece was about to see just how more muscular Mika had become since the last time she saw his bare chest. And why was it [i]that[/i] was where his mind went? Get a hold of yourself, Mika!

With his shirt lifted, he looked at his former captain. [color=635687]“So what’s the verdict, Doc?”[/color]

Rolling his eyes, Danny took a quick glance over the damage he did before bringing himself up and lightly tapping Mika’s face a couple of times, [color=005d9e]“You’ll live. Like I said. Ice packs should do the trick.”[/color] Crossing his arms, he peered down at Mika and sighed, [color=005d9e]“I don’t hate you. But I can’t say I’m a big fan of you either.”[/color] 

Danny pedaled back to the door, the door that led him to the shock of his life, and grabbed onto the doorknob, [color=005d9e]“I’m going to assume I interrupted a much needed conversation between you two so I’m going to get the first aid kit. Just don’t do anything stupid, please,”[/color] his eyes rested on Cece when he said his request. 

The young woman nodded, and waited until Danny had exited the room before kneeling in front of Mika. [color=C81935]“Are you okay?”[/color] she asked him softly, gently cupping Mika’s face with both her hands as her eyes searched for any signs of distress. It wasn’t hard to notice that her ex had toned his physique significantly since the last time she had seen it, but her attention was currently on the bruising around his ribcage and the swelling starting to develop in his face.

Mika rolled his eyes at Danny’s comment. When he left and it was just him and Cece, alone, he relaxed a bit, sighing out as slowly as he could. Still hurt like a fucking bitch, but not as bad. Looking at his ex, there was a moment where he did have a certain amount of stress in his eyes but the minute focused only on her, it seemed to disappear. [color=635687]“Don’t worry. It doesn’t hurt as bad as it looks.”[/color] That was obviously a lie, but Mika didn’t want her to worry, especially because this day had been bad enough for her. [color=635687]“No worse than I was dealt with growing up. Viktor hit harder than Danny ever could and Danny at least had a good reason.”[/color] But that didn’t make the bruised ribs hurt any less. [color=635687]“What about you, though? How are you holding up? I mean, on top of everything else that’s been happening, I know that couldn’t have been easy for you to see.”[/color]

The young woman shook her head and looked away, not wanting Mika to see how her eyes were being blinded by tears once more. [color=C81935]“This day has just been so overwhelming, you know? Having my letter being blasted for everyone to judge, seeing Lizzie break down over David's passing becoming the talk of the town again, making Danny upset to the point of lashing out on you…"[/color] she trailed off, wiping away at the corners of her eyes. [color=C81935]"It always feels like I'm hiding things. I keep secrets from people not out of malice or ill-intent, but because I’m scared that telling them the truth will hurt, upset or disappoint them. But then something happens that the truth comes to light, and I end up hurting people even more when I was trying to avoid it in the first place. It makes me feel like a terrible person, and I can't even begin to say how so, so sorry I am about the pain I cause people.”[/color]

Mika could see how much anguish that Cece was going through. Having to go through it and go through it silently was a feeling he could relate to. With as much strength as he could muster, Mika grabbed Cece’s hands, squeezing them until she was looking at him. [color=635687]“Look at me: this isn’t your fault. I’m sorry you had to witness Lizzie breakdown like that. I can’t imagine how you must’ve felt, but please don’t blame yourself, Cece.”[/color] He could feel her hands almost tremble. Mika’s heart was literally breaking for his ex. It was hard to watch her go through this pain. No amount of beating could ever compare to the one she’s doing to herself. [color=635687]“Look at me--”[/color] Mika squeezed her trembling hands until they no longer were and that she was looking at him. [color=635687]“This…none of anything that’s happened, the letters, David’s mom breaking down, Danny’s anger -- none of it is your fault and none of it makes you a bad person. You are single-handedly one of the most compassionate people I know. You have never shown yourself to be selfish. It’s something I’ve always admired about you. The fact you’re so worried about everyone else just proves my point. You, Caitlin Cleary, are an amazing person. And you’re funny, too!”[/color] In typical Mika fashion, he follows heartfelt up with a complimentary quip.

Mika's kind words soothed Cece's aching heart, and his last comment brought about her first laugh of the day. [color=C81935]"Not as funny as the guy cracking jokes before, during and after getting a beatdown. He is [i]such[/i] a hero."[/color] she joked with a smile, playfully squeezing the young man's hands.

After a brief moment of silence, the redhead spoke up again. [color=C81935]"Thank you, by the way. For standing up for me, coming to check in on me… You didn't have to do any of that, and you still did. It really means a lot to me."[/color]

It was nice to see her smile. For her to laugh, joke, and return to the Cece he adored and admired so much. The light in her eyes was still clouded by the pain and stress of everything that was going on, but Mika could see the storm over her soul start to clear up. Was that his doing? Maybe but maybe it was the fact that he and Danny were no longer at each other’s throats anymore. Whichever it was, Mika was just happy that she was starting to feel better.

[color=635687]“And I’d do it all over again. Even getting pounded on by the only Northsider who hits almost as hard as ReyRey. I’d climb that fucking trellis again just to make sure you were holding up alright.”[/color] A return of a grin was on Mika’s face, though it hurt to smile that much due to the cut on his lip. 

Before Caitlin could do anything other than smile wider and brighter, Danny’s voice reverberated across the Cleary house.

[color=005d9e]“HEY CECE! DID YOU GUYS MOVE THE FIRST AID KIT? IT USED TO BE IN THE DOWNSTAIRS BATHROOM BUT NOW I CAN’T FIND IT ANYWHERE!”[/color]

The former lovers exchanged complicit looks that morphed into small, discreet laughs. [color=C81935]“Let’s go downstairs before he starts freaking out again,”[/color] the redhead told Mika, assisting her guest in standing up, wrapping her arm around his waist and helping him half-limp out of her room.[/indent][/indent][/color]