Shadows :. Criss .:

[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The sound of water running in the bathroom filled the quiet apartment. A soft, voice lofted quietly between the pelts of water on the floor of the shower. It wasn't English, the gentle rhythmic hum was her native tongue. Russian. Soft squeaks of protest followed as the water was turned off, the voice stayed as a hand slipped out pulling the towel in with her. wrapping it securely around her body the young woman stepped out.

Running her fingered through her wet hair as she made her way to the sink. The two ever present figures of her furries weren't far. Star sat on the sink watching her girl quietly. What her 'brother' Satar hung from the mirror grooming himself. Seeming to like the reflection there. The humming words tapped off slightly as she smiled, "Satar, my sweet, you look fine." She told him softly as if somehow knowing even without her eyes that he was cleaning himself. Star purred and nuzzled her girl's arm. "Yes, brat is always to clean." (brother) She chuckled reaching one hand out to pet Star's head softly. Satar feeling left out and half scolded dropped down from the mirror and clung 'upside down' to towel and licked his girl's chin. Lamia smiled at him petting him with her other hand.

Reaching in front of her, her hand found her toothbrush. It was easy enough to tell her's was smaller than her brother's. Sighing she turned on the water wetting her toothbrush then found the toothpaste squeezing some onto the brush, using her finger as a guide to where the bristles were. All this she did in near darkness. The lights were totally off even in now with the sun setting and the approach of nite-fall. But it wasn't as if the person inside needed the lights anyway being as she was. Sticking the tooth brush into her mouth she brushed teeth, all the while with Satar hanging from her towel. It was welcome for more than one reason. Firstly she adored the company of her furries as much as they did her. But second Satar served a purpose at the moment keeping her towel together around her frame. Stroking his fur lightly with the hand that wasn't busy as the other went over her teeth again.

Finally taking the brush from her mouth she spat into the sink. Star watched it pool and slide around the side. Turning on the water Lamia let her brush fall into the sink as she let the water run cold. Her hand moved to the cup dispenser an to the faucet filling it. Taking a gulp of the water she swished it around a few times then spat once more into the sink. Rinsing out the cup she filled it up again, this time drinking the cool water. Then crumbled the cup into a ball and dropped it into the trash can on the floor beside the cabinet, as she turned off the water. Taking her brush from the sink she put it back into it's holder.

She ran her fingers through her hair damp hair again as she turned to open the bathroom door. Star followed leaping down making her way on silent cat feet to Lamia's room and promptly leapt onto the bed. Satar dropped from the position on the towel an flew to the bed landing beside Star. Lamia chuckled lightly as she caught her towel before it fell. Tucking it in she forced it to stay for the time being as she moved to her dresser. Grabbing the black t-shirt from the top she pulled it quickly on then opening the drawer easily she pulled a pair of under-wear from within, letting her towel slip ever so down her waist. It lingered at her hips as she put under-ware on quickly and easily enough before the towel fell to the floor.

Bending long enough to pick it up, she tossed it out into the hallway. Then picked turned picking up the pajama bottoms of her dresser. Balancing on one foot she slipped into them, then the other leg pulling them up. She'd only just gotten them on when the jingle of keys came to her ears. Quickly tieing the ribbon with one hand as she shoved the drawer closed with the other, just as she heard his voice.

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Criss zoomed down the streets on his bike, the Kawasaki 450 Ninja, purred like that of a big cat as it sailed easily along. He smiled he loved the feel of the moter under his body. Balanced and held between his legs was supper for himself and his little sister. Already it was cool, the sun was all but gone from the sky only a faint glow remained. The stars dotted they nite sky around the bright full moon. It was damp but not raining The fact made him sad only just. He wouldn't have minded being caught in a rain storm, he just didn't like driving in it, walking was okay but it was a little more hazardous driving in pouring rain.

It had been a long week, he was glad for the weekend so he could relax and sleep in without having to worry with getting up early to get to the school. Teaching wasn't his dream job though he did like it. After school he'd dropped Lamia off at home then, had to go back to the school for a teacher's meeting. Those things were beyond boring. He had sat drumming his fingers on his pant leg. He'd text a bit back and forth with Lamia during it too, careful not to get caught doing it. As he sat there he thought about his passion, he had told Analeigh to follow hers in her drawings, yet he wasn't praticing what he preached. He wanted to get back to his music and magic, surely he could find a few places where he could play his music for some extra cash, he or amuse a few people with cheap parlor tricks, a deck of cards and a piece of string. Perhaps that in this city would amuse the masses. He wondered silently to himself then if he could talk Lamia into helping him somehow. He was sure his pretty little sister would draw people in. But if any dared to touch her or give her the wrong look he'd be on them likes fleas to a dog. Lamia was 'his' sister. Not some eye-candy to a horny old man.

He was far to over-protective of her he knew that. But she didn't seem to mind in fact she welcomed it. They were close, the six years meant nothing to them, they had a relationship as strong as could be. They knew each other intimately, inside and out always had. To the point of almost knowing the other's thoughts. They had always been there for each other.

Perhaps it was that intimate way they knew each other, that gave some people the idea that they weren't siblings, they had a strange love, hate, passion. They were sometimes seen as a couple, that idea had made Criss growl. It was rediculous! They were siblings, they looked a like for crying out loud, how anyone could think for half a second that they weren't related were clearly crazy.

The Jade Garden Apartment were just ahead of him now. His slowed every so slightly. Yawning he breathed in the scent of the coming rain. It was upon the city and coming in quickly, already felt in the air. A crack of thunder in the distance and the flash of lighting across the sky made him smile. With the apartment building just a head of him he slowed and salied the rest of the way onto the property and into the parking place near their door. The sound of his bike brought a bark from within. He smiled at it, as he cut the engine and pulled his keys from the ignition. Grabbing the bag in one hand, put the kickstand down then swung himself off his bike. His right hand played with the keys as she pulled them from his pocket, he let them hit against each other as he walked. He did it for a reason. Not just to boredom.

As he neared the apartment door he let them sake a little more in his hands, then hit them against the door knob, his presence surly heard by the young woman inside. Though Obezyanka's barking was sign enough of him come home. He put the key into the lock and turned it, feeling it pull as it opened. Pushing it open just enough for his slender muscular frame to slip through as he pulled the keys from the door and shut it behind him. Locking the door, he was greeted by a happy barking Caucasian Ovcharka, he smiled petting his dog's head. "Dobry sobaka" (Good dog) He said in greeting to him, then walked to the island putting the bag down then headed down the hall.

He noted the towel in the hallway near the bathroom door. Pausing a few feet from her bedroom door he spoke. "Lamia, sestra, I'm home (sister) He told her, his accent heavy in his voice as a word of his native tongue slipped from his lips.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

For now Lamia enjoyed the solitude of being alone in the apartment, but not too, she looked forward to her brother coming home. She tried to shower only when he was away or asleep. Because it was still strange after the many years by herself to get use to someone in the apartment when she showered. Even if that some one was family, her bother. Lamia too hoped that it would rain, the calm peace that washed over the city a wonderful thing. It made for strange dreams and wild ideas. Something she as a writer lived off of.

Though she had been in a mood that nite. Even as the stars twinkled above her, the very thing that usually made her happy. Instead she was sullen, something that didn't grace her often. Even with her furries at her side.


Lamia could use a job as well, writing didn't always pay the bills and she hated the idea that her older brother had to support her. She just hadn't been pressing the issue of actually looking. Few places seemed willing to hire a blind girl. So much for not discriminating eh? With her brother too, it would be easier to make rent between passion of writing, acting and classes. He after all wasn't the type of person to sit around and do nothing, however, he didn't keep jobs long. Tending to get frustrated quickly and blowing a fuse to the point of just quiting. Her brother had a short temper, so did she. They were both stubborn. She knew too that she was 'his' sister just as he was 'her' brother. Many a times she had been eye candy to a horny old man. But she could take care of herself, her brother had taught her well.

They had come far, but they still had a long ways to go. Trust wasn't easy for either of them. Not with their past even if some of it was the fault of each other. Still they were siblings first and for-most. They got along like they had growing up, that had never changed, and both prayed it never would.

The siblings had chosen the Jade Garden Apartments because of the rooms and floors. Without being so many she could avoid stairs which was good considering. It was peaceful too, without a lot of noise very good for Lamia being solitary and her furries, making it easier to keep them calm as strangers tended to annoy them.

Her shower had been enjoyable, the warm water as it slid over her body. But the water never stayed warm long enough. When it ran she was forced to get out. From her room she heard the jingle of keys it was very likely her brother. But could be one of the other tenets near by. Still though she quickly dressed just in case it was her brother coming home.

She heard the sound of the key in the lock. That was the tell all, Criss was home. Quickly she pulled her shirt over her head as the door opened and foot steps followed the followed.

Star zipped around her girl and promptly brushed around Criss' legs purring. Satar lingered at Lamia's side, hanging from her shirt collar. Once dressed she walked out to him. Smiling at him. "I heard my brat" (brother) She said raising her hand as it looking blindly for something. "You brought home supper, thank you Criss." Her Russian accent as heavy as his, yet she as 'brat' slipped easily out and unchecked around him. She loved not having translate ever word. He spoke it as natively and fluent as she did. The joys of brothers.

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Solitude at times was nice. But it wasn't something he wanted all the time. He never had, he just learned it the hard way. Though part of him never wanted to leave his sister's side he knew that sometimes he had to. For the the sake of both their sanity. Nothing, could dampen their brotherly and sisterly love for each other. He too could vouch for the rain and dreams. Strange melodies often came to him on those stormy nites.

As kids he could always tell when she was in a mood, he was was often the same way, sullen when he wished to simply be left alone to himself. His sister was no different and perhaps had gotten some of it from him.

Jobs weren't easy to get, nor were they any easier to keep, he was doing well with this teaching gig. Criss had a bit of a temper, not easily controled, that didn't help his case. He wasn't the best at it. When it came to things of his sister too it was harder. She had told him about the times she'd looked for a job and been turned down, not outwardly but turned down none the less, because of her blindness. It was cruel discrimination and something if given the chance he didn't wish to stand idle for. Just as he wouldn't stand idle for horny no good men oggling his sister. Only he could look at her with love and an adoring manner. Though that said, if ever she wanted to date a guy he wouldn't stop her. He would just have oppinions that he would try, and likely fail, to keep to himself. Even if he was more than aware that she could take care of herself, thanks in part some to him.

Criss had no objections to any of the apartment within the city. All were nice. But he did have to admit with fewer rooms it was quieter here to a degree. The downstairs was wonderful for Lamia so was wonderful for him. The view was lovely, when it rained he liked to open the window in his room and let the cool soothing air drift in. Relaxing and calming him. Like only one living soul could do, Lamia. His sister knew him inside and out. She knew what made him tick and what buttons 'not' to push. Even if at times she pushed them just to make him smile later.

He loved a good long hot shower too. Though he had to take one early in the morning to get any hot water they was his sister enjoyed the steamy spray of the hot water as well. So for the most part they showered at opposite ends of the day so both were promised their full 'hot' shower. Jingling the keys was something he thought of to let her know he was coming. Even still it could be another tenet pulling out their keys. But all the same he did so each time he handled his outside the apartment. Others would hear it but not quite like Lamia would with her hearing being more acute with her lack of sight.

A chuckle escaped his lips as the Russian Blue rubbed around his ankles. "Hello little girl. " He said as he knelt to stroke the cat's fur. Star purred moving into his touch. Satar eyed him from the collar of Lamia's shirt. "An' you boy always with her, good." He said as if expecting the bat to totally understand him. At the sight if his sister's smile he smiled back "Figured you would sestra" (sister) He answered his Russian accent heavy in his voice even if the true harsher Russian words weren't. "That I did, Welcome lil sis. Salad just like you like. I won't tell you what I got myself though." He told her. He wasn't vegetarian like his sister was. But he didn't fualt her in the least for her choice. Honestly though he had gotten a salad too, it sounded good only his did have bacon bits and chicken cut up in it. He could have said the same to of sisters. "Sorry I was late, some teacher meeting I had to rush back to. A down fall of the gig. What I wouldn't give to go back to my dreams and follow my passions." He said with a sigh.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

It was nice, just Lamia most of the time perfred the company of her brother. The times when she just wanted be be totally alone were few. Her brother for the most part was a loner she wasn't as much, though her accent and her eyesight kept her so, she didn't really like it. It was for that reason that she clung so to her brother. She remembered foundly as a young girl, when he would crawl into her crib and sleep in there with her. As Lamia grew and was old enough for a bed they'd shared a room. It had never been strange or awkward for them. They knew their limits and boundaries. Now they had seperate rooms, because they were at the age that both wanted that solitude sometimes and the privacy was a plus. But still there were the nites when they'd curl up on the couch together and fall asleep watching a movie. Like her brother rain was a relaxing thing for her the strange dreams images that made her smile or shiver depending on the mood either way she loved those stormy rainy nites.

Her mood was likley seen a bit on the way home, she hadn't wanted him to go back to the school but he'd had to. So when he came home he would likely ask her what was up. Only he could get her to open up and talk so freely.

Lamia had heard Criss' temper first hand, not at her, at her parents when they were back in Russia. He and their father had never seen eye to eye. Never would, the man as they learned about a year after moving to the states had died. They had a few friends that kept them in the loop. As it was now even their mother was ill. Though she'd never been well, not with their father as he was. They felt bad the loss, knowing that soon they would be orphans, but they had each other and that was all that was needed. Lamia didn't care about dating right now, nor did she see herself ever really caring. But knew if it came they'd cross that bridge later.

The apartment was nice in other ways, being so close to the school. A plus since neither of them, Criss more so, were so keen on mornings. Neither really liked getting up. But had to, as Criss often said, "It's one thing to 'be' up and another to 'get' up." It was nothing for him to be awake on the computer talking to someone or playing games online. He had a habbit too Lamia wished he'd break, he drank more than he should. Their father drank, and she feared it would lead him down the same path he had gone. She was admitate about that, often pushing him more than she normally would. He pushed her buttons but both knew the limits. But Lamia pushed harder on the drinking thing.

"Criss, it is my eyesight that is gone not my hearing." She told him with a laugh, Star loud purr made Lamia smiled. "She will take a petting from anyone." She said the added, "This one on the other hand.." She looked to Satar, the nodded to her brother, "Yes they are, they do well too. Like your boy, I know he's at her side now." She said smiling. Obezyanka barked an answer to Lamia. She chuckled. "Da, Obez' dobry sobaka." (Yes, good dog) Then to Criss, "It is okay brat, I understand. You should, I know how you miss it. Is there away you could do both?" (brother) She asked she squeezed his hand lightly.

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The most important thing to Criss had always been Lamia, even since she was born. Even before anyone knew how things would turn out before it was apparent that she was blind, he had always felt as though he had to protect her. He remembered all to fondly those nites when they were younger, he crawled into her crib when she was crying or restless. He always had a knack for telling when she could use a someone living at her side. Even now though it wasn't crawling into bed together, it was them still as close. To curl up on the couch in each other's arms just talking constantly. The nites were hard form them both but they managed to make it through, those rainy nites somehow made it better the peaceful fill that washed over them both.

Criss had noticed all to well his little sister's mood. But hadn't said anything about it on the way home, having been in a rush to get back. He would later though, when they were back together, curled up happily in each others arms with a movie playing on the TV or even just them together asleep.

He wasn't a patient person, he had never been But he forced himself to, to maintain a job to keep a steady income for them both. Lamia couldn't work, so he was the main bread winner. Money was needed to keep a roof over their heads and food in their stomach. Not to mention Lamia's need for her meds, that was something that was a given it had to be done to keep them both together. He tried not to think of loss, he knew his no good father was dead. No great loss to man kind as far as Criss was concerned. But if, Lamia ever died, he couldn't deal he'd lose himself totally an wouldn't be far behind his sister in death. It was something he never wanted to think on. He knew someday they would die everyone died. But he couldn't bare that thought of living even a second without her.

Mornings were not is thing, only because it kept him employed did he continue to do such a thing, and get up. They needed certain things to survive, this apartment was one of them. There were certain things that they didn't need. Like the vodka that was often in the fridge. Criss drank and his father drank. A habbit as kids both of them hated, because it often made him violent and angry. Yet here Criss drank, it was nothing like his father did, and he didn't go postal like he had, but still it made Lamia nervous she was always on him about it. Being one of them few things that could get them into an argument enough to leave the room to keep it from getting worse.

Laughing lightly he smiled at her "I know little sestra." (sister) He said putting an arm around her. He smiled at Star, "Yea she will but you will always be her favorite, as for your other little friend." He reaching his hand down to scratch Satar's head lightly. The bat moved into his touch. "The three of them do their job well." Criss agreed. He smiled as Obezyanka barked, the dog didn't understand their English words but he knew enough by their gaze and eyes on him to know they were likely talking about him. Criss scratched the large dog's head with his other hand. Sighing lightly he answered his sister. "Maybe someday, right now we need something more steady you know that. As much as I love it music and magic tricks won't pay the bills." He hugged her as she squeezed his hand. "Lets eat I'm starving." He added heading towards the island where he'd set the food.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
He was just as important to her. She would be lost without him and she knew it all to well. Her brother was her everything, without him she was nothing. Period. It wasn't something she always admit to but it was true. She would admit to adoring her brother, and loving that he knew when she needed him even when they were kids. It was that fond closeness that got them through hell and high water at back in Russia. They for each other were peace that even rain could not come close to.

Lamia knew her brother would ask later, she hoped he would. She knew when she was curled up into his arms laying beside him on the couch he would get her to talk. Willingly and openly. Another way to get her to talk, if she was sleeping and someone talked to her, she'd carry on a conversation with them in sleep and not remember a word of it in the morning. Criss did it sometimes for a laugh, or just honestly not realizing she'd drifted to sleep. Either way he always told her later what had been said. That going back to their no secrets.

It was a toss up as to who was more or less patient. Lamia was better with animals and with school work. Though she couldn't sit still for long periods of time. While her brother was more a people person, he was bad with school work. Yet could sit for hours at a time playing Solitaire be it with a deck of cards in his hands or on the computer. Lamia admired her brother for his ability teach. And do so well enough that even he grew to enjoy it. At first he had struggled with it, that was very clear. But now he was beginning to get into it more and found his niche.

Morning meant two pots coffee, Lamia drank two cups, four tops. Criss drank the rest plus a cup of Starbucks during the day, if not more on some days when he just couldn't sleep the nite before. Lamia was the heavier sleeper of them. She could sleep through pretty much anything once she was out. Her brother on the other hand, it took him longer to fall asleep and he woke easier, it didn't take much to wake him. And once he was awake he had an even harder time falling back to sleep. It was his attempt to 'knock' himself out with vodka that had started more than one argument between them.

At his laugh Lamia smiled too, "Between you and Obez' I knew brat." (brother) She told him as she moved into her brother's touch. Reaching an arm across her chest she found his hand on her shoulder and gave it a light squeeze. She nodded lightly to her brother he was right about their pets and of Star and Satar. "They do yes." Came a verbal agreement with his words. Lamia reached out her other hand to Obezyanka. He gave a short low bark and licked her hand with his slobbery wet tongue. Lamia smiled and giggled lightly. Sounding almost childlike. She knew well he would do something of the sort. Either lick her hand as he had, or nudge his head into her hand for a petting. He was was easy enough to read, if he gave that short bark it meant he'd lick her. If he was silent his head would soon nudge her hand. "You should Criss. Your happiness should come first. Money is not everything." She insisted pressing the point. Holding her brother close she purred lightly, not unlike Star. "Of course brat.." (brother)

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

She was his little sister that was all that needed to be said of either. They were there for each other always and forever. That wasn't about to change any time soon. As siblings, together they could get through most anything, it was that closeness that got them through the trials in their childhood. What could have torn them apart brought them together instead.

Criss had made a mental note to ask her later about her mood. He didn't want to leave knowing she wasn't in the best of sorts, but didn't have much choice. So when he got back and they were together relaxed together he'd ask, and they were talk working out whatever troubles bothered them. He knew he could get her to talk. Few could get her too, even fewer got English. Most of the time if she didn't want to answer a string of Russian words, often the more colorful ones, would flow from her lips. Leaving her to stalk of why they were still dumbfounded. It was amusing to mess with her when she slept, but didn't do so on purpose often. He told her because they were siblings, but she was his little sister he wouldn't use her like that, even for a silly laugh.

It was no toss up on Criss' eyes. As far as he was concerned Lamia was far better with it. She tended to keep her temper in check she was quieter yes, but also because of that less apt to go off on people because of a short temper. Criss was like stick of dynamite lit at both ends. When the charge reaches the end of the fuse he explodes and there in that leads to a lot of 'pieces' to clean up. Playing Solitaire was fun for him it calmed him, keeping the fuse lit just that little bit longer. It's why so often he's seen with a deck of cards in his hands. Even in class. If only ruffling the deck lightly with his thumb while he lectured it kept him more clam than if he were without a deck.

Morning was the work of some unseen force of evil. Caffeine and vodka were Criss' friends. He was addicted to one and simply liked the taste of the other. Caffeine kept him going through the daylight hours of the day as well as a good part of the nite. The alcohol put him to sleep when his mind can take no more. He envied his sister in her sleeping ability, she was lucky being able to get sleep like she did. She often had to wake him up. An alarm clock would do him no good, he'd wake grab it and hurl it across the room. More than one alarm clock had meet it's demise in that manner. It was the often nitely habit of his that lead to those arguments, ones he'd rather just stay out of. So if he was going to attempt to knock himself out for a few hours he did so after Lamia had gone to bed for the nite.

He beamed at her smile, her face lit up his world. "You'd better my sestra. Or I'd have your hearing checked." (sister) He joked as he hugged her close to him. "All three, they know to watch out for you." He added tipping his head down to kiss her atop her head lightly. Criss chuckled, "Doggy drool tonite eh sis?" Criss laughed both at his sister and the dog. But smiled too because of the giggle that came from Lamia. It was light and childlike, he loved that sound from her. "Shapinaya sobaka." (Crazy dog) Criss said in Russian to Obezyanka as he reached down scratching behind his ears. Obezyanka moved into the touch tipping his head up slightly to let his tongue slide across Criss' hand. "It is Lamia. Without money we have no roof over our heads or food in or stomaches. I've grown accustom to both. And you. Most important, of all little sestra with your meds we can't afford not to have a steady income." (sister) Criss told her pressing it back the other way. Lamia was his life, and she needed her meds. Therefore they needed the money, her meds were not cheap. As she purred he held her closer "I love you." He whispered in her ear.

After their nitely water fight and laughter between them both they sat down to their meal. Criss his usual drink vodka on the rocks. He'd only drink one now, anything else would come later. Lamia innocent there compared to him with her water. Smiling lightly he took a sip of his drink then pulled the lid of his salad. "What was on your mind earlier?" He asked her in attempt to draw the conversation off him and to her. After all he had noticed her mood and made a note to ask her about it later.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Her big brother had always been there for her. Long before she lost her sight totally. He seemed to know before their parents that something wasn't quite right with her, or perhaps it was just being as he was now, a loving protective brother. Either way Lamia didn't mind. Criss was her best friend always there no matter what. Even through all the hells growing up, they were as close as ever.

Lamia's mood was nothing really, just she hadn't slept well last nite. So she was achy and tired. The day had done little to help ease her fatigue only adding to it especially when her brother couldn't just stay home when school was over. She hated for him to be gone from her. In case something happened, Lamia was strong and independent but sometimes the 'what if' can run in her head. Besides with her, a little ache that wouldn't be quieted by her meds often meant something more sinister could be around the bend.

To her Criss was better, in that he was more outgoing with people, she would rather keep to herself and her furries. His deck of cards was to her like Star and Satar were to her. They calmed her when Criss wasn't around. She often pet her bag lightly unseen beneath her desk. Never did her bag go on the floor, there was to much chance of someone accidentally kicking the bag and her furries. No-one touched the bag. Just as no-one touched Criss' cards.

Evil forces of morning was something Lamia agreed with too, only in that the sun was up and it didn't do her eyes any good. Lamia knew quite well which of the two her brother was addicted too an which he liked. She was Russian, she knew her way around a bottle. But she didn't have the taste for vodka like her brother. Which was likely very good because the alcohol wouldn't have been good for her with her seizers. She wasn't naive about his drinking, she knew he did. Lamia to curl up in his arms because she knew he wouldn't disturb her getting up. He'd stay with her where ever they were. Eventually falling asleep naturally or laying awake staring into space.

"I'll keep that in mind." She said with a light laugh as she was pulled closer to him. "They watch out for me like you do brat." (brother) She agreed. Again she purred lightly when he kissed her. They were close and they loved each other it showed. "Yes.." She said with a nod as she scratched Obezyanka's head again. She chuckled lightly at what Criss said. "How much do they really understand? Him and my pair.." She asked with questioning tone. Shaking her head lightly she sighed listening to him. "Criss your happiness is important too." She told him. She would have said more, but his three words, 'I love you' made her pause. He was trying to quiet her. As if to say 'I don't want to talk about this.' She nodded lightly in understanding knowing he'd feel her movements against his shoulder. "I love you too." She replied back, though her's wasn't quiet a whisper.

As they made their way to the island Obezyanka, Star and Satar lay down obediently out of the way. Knowing when their owners had eaten that they too would get their supper.

The water fight was a nitely thing, their thing. That said and done they sat down to eat. She made no comment of his drink of choice. It was common enough for him. Though she wondered perhaps if he didn't need some help with his drinking problem. She was drawn from her thoughts when he spoke. "Just tired, sleep did not find me last nite. I did not want you to go back tonite, but I know you had too." She answered as she took her lid off and drizzled on the vinaigrette dressing. Before she speared a forkful and brought it to her mouth.

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

He had no way of knowing what was in store for either of them. But he did know his little sister needed him. They were only a six year a part, to some siblings that may have been a lot but to them it was nothing.
Criss had no way of knowing that there was anything 'wrong' with his little sister. And besides to him she was perfect. Yes there was the looming threat that she would oneday lose the last bit of sight she had. But they would cross that when they had to. It wasn't as if it would change anything, they would still be close nothing would ever be able to change that. They survived childhood so adulthood wouldn't change them.

Criss knew not sleeing all too well. But when his little sister wasn't sleeping that was grounds for concern not just with her medical issues that where bad enough somedays when she slept he didn't want to think upon what they'd be like if she couldn't sleep. Perhaps he could convince her to drink a shot of vodka to help her sleep. But to do that, she'd have to do without her meds and that wouldn't be good in the morning. An' that was something he wasn't willing to gamble with, his sister's life her existance was truly everything to him. Without her he'd fall apart and both knew this. There had been a time or two when they were kids when she was sick enough to be in the hospital. they were ten and four. It was then that Lamia's eyesight was beginning to fade and her seizer's began.

It was one of those things that would never really be known. Both thought the other was better with their sociability. One was agreed between them at least for others. With Lamia, don't touch her furries an for Criss don't touch his cards. Criss was well aware that she knew about his drinking habits as well as her wanting to curl up in his arms knowing he wouldn't disturb her. He didn't mind really, she was his natural way to relax she calmed him like no other. Most nites just her presence alone could lul him of to sleep, but still some nites he did lay awake staring into space.

He chuckled lightly, "Good see that you do. 'Cause you ever start losing that an we are in serious trouble my little Atrum Angelus." He said to her, calling her by his nickname for her, meaning 'Dark Angel' in latin. "Yes, we all would be lost without you." Criss agreed nuzzling her lightly, if only to see her smile. Nodding in a yes as well he said nothing as he watched her scratching the large dog's head. Obezyanka made content sounds as he nudge his head deeper into hers. "I don't know. Our trio is smart.. They're as smart as the needed to be to keep up with us I suppose." He replied not sure really how to answer the question. as she sighed so too did he. "I will not will this fight, but little sestra. Money has to come first to keep you healthy. Because you know as well as I do if "anything" ever happened to you. I would fall apart." (sister) He said stressing the word anything. Criss smiled brightly kissing her atop the head again. "You better." He said hugging her close.

All three of the furries had learned by experience and training. Their humans ate then they ate. It was best for them, and more so big ol' Obezyanka, being a large dominate dog, Criss and Lamia had to be the alphas or else a dog like Obez wouldn't respect them. Star and Satar were by experience, that they had never gotten fed before their humans.

Some nites the water fight left them darn nearly soaked and a puddle on the floor. Both cleaned it up, that wasn't often though, just if both were extremely hyper and in a good mood. "You should take a few of my sleeping pills, the shouldn't affect your meds." He offered then added. "I didn't want to either." He said with a light sigh between bites.

....

When they'd finshed their meal Criss stood throwing the plastic trays into the sink, he'd wash them later. Lamia would likely turn him down, she hated taking meds even her own. But he had to be a good big brother and offer. With a smile then before she even could answer upon his offer pulled his deck of cards from his pocket. "Or there's always another option." He said as he turned her hand gently upward and let his cards fall from the other. A knowing smile spread across his face, his sister wouldn't turn down a game of cards. Be it Poker, GoldFish or good ol' BlackJack. Best of all, it would have her smiling, something Criss could never get enough of.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.
Lamia didn't want to know everything that was in store for them she was happy finding things out as they came so long as her brother was at her side. She knew well that he would always be. The age different didn't matter to Lamia in the least, they were close because of their past and the loved they shared age was nothing it would never be. She never saw her blindness as a disability no more than she thought anything was 'wrong' with her. For her blindness was normal it was all she'd ever really known. And remembered, even if her sight ever did totally fail her as the doctors said it someday would she wouldn't care. She had her brother, they had both survived an abusive alcoholic father and they would survive life and adulthood together too.

Lamia usually slept easily enough but lately her meds had been messing with her. She'd been taking more of her seizer meds so the new dose was just something she had to get use to. She hoped she got there soon, or else the added stress from the lack of sleep would make her seizer meds practically useless. She was almost to the point that she'd agree to the vodka if it'd put her to sleep. If it weren't for her seizers she could probably drink her brother under the table if she tried. That wouldn't be proved. Criss wasn't willing to gamble with her health no more than she was. Lamia was well aware that if anything ever happened to her and she died, he'd kill himself. She'd do the same for him. Those years ago where scary for the siblings, but with Criss by her side Lamia made it through.

It didn't matter, Lamia had the utmost respect and admiration for her brother, no matter what was truth or what wasn't that wasn't going to change.

Smiling she moved into him. "Yes Criss." She nodded, the purred lightly at the nickname. Only he could call her that. Anyone else tried an she'd beat them senseless with her rarely used cane. "And I you my brat." (brother) She told him lacing her fingers in with his as she did smile when he nuzzled her. "Yes true much." Came her agreed answer. "You won't, She added, "and I wish you wouldn't try. But I do understand Criss. You would fall and not get up." She told him hugging him close, as she reached up catching his chin easily in her hands when he'd kissed her. "I will not let you fall my brat, no more than you would ever let me to." (brother)

She shook her head in a 'no' at the offer of his sleeping pills. Lamia was stubborn Criss was stubborn it was a fair trade, but when it came to taking more pills that she already did. Lamia simply wasn't interested. She didn't reply to him, he already knew her answer and thought on the subject. So she left it simply at the shake of her head.

....

Lamia heard him throw the plastic trays in the sink when they'd finished eating she didn't protest, she wasn't in the mood to really. As he spoke she raised a brow, was he really going to offer her vodka? That was the first thought that came to her mind. But when he touched her hand an turned it upward dropping the deck of cards fall into her hand she smiled. "I like that option. But do you plan to cheat?" She asked able to tell which deck she held easily even without seeing it. The deck was in a box, and he hadn't left to get another, so it meant only one deck his Black Tiger deck. "Get 'our' deck and we will play." She agreed then added, "I may take you up on the other two offers later.." As she stood moving around to the other side of the island finding the three food bowls easily with her hands. Now was time to fed their furries.

The three, cat, dog and bat perked up as Lamia touched their food bowls, they knew that their supper was on the way.

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[Viktor Criss Smirnov]

.:.
.... and we're so far from where we started.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

There were somethings Criss wouldn't have minded knowing in advance, like would Lamia ever totally lose her eye sight? He hated seeing her suffer in the sunlight. He was more carefree and less serious on most things but when it came to his little sister's health that wasn't something he would ever leave up to chance. Where she didn't care if she went totally blind, because she had such poor eye sight now. Criss didn't want to see her lose it. He'd try to find a way to help her if he could, to make it better.

Sleep came harder for him, but his little sister was suppose to be the better sleeper of them she always had been. So a sudden change in her sleeping pattern was cause for concern Even with it likely linked to her meds it worried him. As much as he hoped she'd adjust to the change in dose he wished it as much if not more. He wasn't sure what he'd say if she agreed to vodka. One shot wouldn't hurt her, however, the whole drinking him under the table. They wouldn't find that answer out ever. Criss wouldn't dream of letting her have that much.

It was the same for Criss, he had respect and sincere admiration for her. Because of what she goes though being unable to see, and the stares when people realized she wasn't 'normal'. It didn't change them, wither Lamia had her sight or not they were forever and always sister and brother.

He smiled back but didn't reply aloud he just held her close as she moved into him. At the purr of him using his nickname for her his smile grew. He knew well that would beat anyone else who called her that senseless. He would likely stand back and watch amuse by the act. Only because she wasn't a violent person often. Nodding Criss replied, "Forever and always." With his fingers laced in with her he gave her hand a light squeeze. "I will stop then Lamia. An thank you. I know you are here always with me. But it is assuring to hear it as well."

All to well he knew she'd never agree to sleeping pulls but he offered all the same. Because they were both stubborn and sometimes need a little push to do what is best for them both.

....

He cast a glance at her, a little surprised that she'd said nothing to him. "You really don't feel well do you?" He asked her softly as he read out rubbing her hand gently. "If you're up for it little sestera. And no I would never cheat, you know be better than that. (sister) Nodding he kissed her forehead then left her to walk to his room for the other deck he'd modified for her. Replying back on the last statement when he returned, "One or the other. But not both, you know that." He said as he walked back around to her putting the deck on the island then grabbed the Obezyanka's food from atop the fridge taking the lid of he plopped the food into Obezyanka's bowl. Then took it putting it down in front of the dog as his sister followed with the bowls for the other two. All three seemed to say 'thanks' in their own way then quickly began to eat. Obezyanka his dog food, which was homemade. Like a stew only the meat wasn't cook as well done as they would have liked, it was minus all the seasonings. Star's food was salmon, Satar had moths and live mealworms. They let him out to hunt naturally but he never strayed far, he liked for them to turn on the light outside on the balcony and he 'hunted' the moths and bugs that gathered around it.

With their furries eating Criss looked to his little sister, "What do you want to play?" He asked willingly leaving the choice up to her. They had their favorites. Criss personally preferred Poker when it came to two person games. Speed was good too, Lamia always does pretty well with the game considering.

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[Lamia Zoya Smirnov]

.:.
The truth is in the shadows the land of in between..

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

To Lamia it didn't matter if she lost her sight or gained it back she would cope either way, she didn't have much choice. Part of her though hoped it would either come or go totally it was frustrating seeing the blur. Her world was shades of black and gray much like a cat only seeing certain colors. If doing so didn't totally make her eyes and headache she'd still stare into light bulbs just to see the ring of color as long as it would last.

She would adjust to them in time she always did. Just right now her system wasn't willing to right now. That likely just stress with school sometimes when she got herself to into her school work it affected her sleeping especially when she was on a new dosage of meds. Lamia knew that her brother was protective of her, and that she wouldn't get more than a shot of vodka. Not as if she wanted more than that really, and she didn't really care to try to drink him under the table. It didn't sound fun to her, besides that much would really make her sick.

Nothing would change them, they had survived the trials growing up and they would survive adulthood too. They had each other and to them that was most important.

She smiled as he held her close. Criss had learned it, he'd wanted to call her 'Angel' but not in Russian he wanted it so few knew his words. When he'd found the Latin word for Angel and learned 'Dark' as well it had been perfect for Lamia so the nickname had stuck. "Forever is a long time brat." (brother) Lamia told him then nodded, "Always yes, Criss I will not leave no more than you would me."

Maybe later she'd agree but right now she wasn't quite that desperate just yet.

....

Lamia was quiet, she sat rubbing the back of her neck absently. "Not really no." She answered her voice soft as well. She turned her hand in his to squeeze his. "I am, it will help me to sleep perhaps." She replied hoping it would. Lamia was slower getting the food for their furries tonite so she was glad when Criss came back and helped her. "Yes brat." (brother) Came her reply back as she got food for the others. They were spoiled in many ways but were healthy so it didn't really wasn't to bad. Besides the three of them were to use to their 'special' diets to eat the regular pet food. All turned up their noses at such offers. Satar likely wouldn't hunt tonite with Lamia not feeling well all the furries and Criss would be at Lamia's side unwilling to leave.

"Goldfish!" She said with a light giggle. Knowing that it wasn't his favorite. "One hand then we can play your pick." She added as she let her hand move along the island, finding the deck of cards easily she headed slowly her bed room. Criss would follow her. And their furries wouldn't be far behind once they'd finished their meal.

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