The day started like any other day. Lev woke up with Dimitri curled protectively around. They shared lazy morning kisses, Lev giggling as Dimitri buried his face in his hair. Matev came running in with his stuffed bunny, jumping onto the bed, and the three of them melted into a warm family hug. For a moment, everything felt perfect.
But life never lets perfect moments last.
Dimitri had to leave for an urgent meeting with his business partners. He heisted, glancing at Lev, who was packed Matev's school bag. ''I don't like leaving you alone,'' he muttered, thumb brushing Lev's cheek.
''We'll be fine,'' Lev smiled softly, but his eyes flickered with unease. Dimitri pressed a long kiss to his lips anyway, hugging them both tight before he left.
Lev held Matev's small hand as they walked into the preschool courtyard. He crouched, brushing hair from his son's eyes. ''Listen to your teacher, okay? Papa will be back soon.''
Matev nodded, but just as Lev stood, black vans screeched as he grabbed his son, but a rough hand ripped Matev from his arms.
Matev's cry shattered Lev's heart. ''Daaaaaddddddddd''
Before Lev could run, another man caught him, shoving a cloth over his mouth. The world went dark.
He woke up tied to a chair in a dark, abandoned warehouse. His wrists burned against the rope. Matev sat across the room on a cold floor, sobbing softly. Lev eyes filled with tears. ''Matev! Baby, it's okay! I'm here, sweetheart,'' he crocked.
A slow clap echoed through the room. Alekesi stepped out of the shadow, suit immaculate, eyes cold. ''How touching,'' he drawled. ''But I'm afraid your little family reunion will have to wait.''
Lev's blood ran cold.
Alekesi crouched next to him, voice dripping venom. ''Did you really think you could hide from me? You're carrying his child again, aren't you? He touched Lev's stomach almost mockingly. Lev recoiled, eyes wide with horror. ''I could end it right now, you know,'' Aleksei whispered.
Meanwhile, Dimitri's world had shattered.
He slammed his fists against his desk, shouting orders into the phone.
''Find them! I don't care what it takes!'' His voice cracked. He kicked over a chair, rage and terror boiling inside him. His men fanned out across the city, hacking cameras, bribing cops, scouring every street.
He finally got a lead --- an old warehouse on the outskirts. Without a second thought, Dimitri loaded his gun, eyes burning with fury.
Back in the warehouse, Alekesi taunted Lev's pulling Matev close, making him cry harder. ''Such a sweet boy...maybe I'll keep him after I'm done with you.''
A roar echoed outside.
Dimitri burst like a storm, gun raised. His eyes locked on Lev, tied and shaking, then Matev's terrified face.
''You fucking bastard!'' Dimitri snarled at Aleksei. He fired a warning shot, sending Aleksei's men diving for cover. Chaos erupted. Gunshots. Shout. The smell of smoke filled the air,
Dimitri fought like a man possessed, every punch fueled by rage, every bullet precise. He took down Aleksei's men one by one, blood and glass flying.
Finally, he reached Aleksei himself.
''You think you take what's mine?'' Dimitri hissed, slamming Aleksei into a wall. They grappled, Aleksei drawing a knife---Dimitri twisted it away, slamming his fist into Aleksei's jaw. Aleksei crashed to the ground, unconcise.
Dimitri's ran to Lev, cutting the ropes. Lev collapsed into his arms, sobbing. ''You came,'' Lev gasped, clutching him desperately.
''I'll always come for you,'' Dimitri whispered, voice breaking.
He scooped up Matev, who wrapped his little arms around Dimitri's nec, crying into his shoulder. ''Papa!'' Matev hiccuped.
Dimitri's eyes softened, kissing Matev's head. ''You're safe now. I promise.''
He led them outside into the dawn light, cradling Lev and Matev close. Lev's boy shock with silent sobs, Dimitri's jaw clenched as he held them like his life depended on it.
''I won't let anymore hurt you again,'' he swore, voice low and deadly. ''No one.''