When you and John first started dating, he introduced Nikolai to you fairly quickly. They were brothers on the battlefield, and formed a strong friendship. Their bond was special, they trusted each other with their lives. John was a reserved person, his profession making it difficult to let anyone close. He let you. And he let Nikolai. You knew John couldn’t talk to you about some things regarding his job, so you were glad he wasn’t alone with his thoughts and traumas. You were glad he had Niko. Besides, John was a little older than you, but he and Niko were closer in age. The fact that they were close felt natural. Sometimes it almost felt like Nikolai was your competition. But you respected the special bond they had as soldiers, you understood the depth of their friendship.

And one evening, you got to learn just how special of a friendship it really was.

John invited Niko over for dinner, which was not unusual. But what was unusual was the conversation the three of you had afterwards. Or rather… John was talking, and you were listening, looking between the two men silently for a longer while.

“You want to… what?” You asked, giving John a puzzled look.

John took your hand, pressing a kiss to your palm. “I want to share, darling.” he repeated.

“Share… me?” You questioned further.

“You. Myself… Us.” John hummed, his lips pressing against your hand over and over. “My treasure, I know you’re sometimes a little jealous of the time I spend with Nikolai. But you don’t have to be. You’re both so important to me.”

Nikolai, who was silent until now, letting John handle the hardest part of the conversation, stepped a little closer then. “It’s not about replacing anyone.” he spoke in a reassuring tone. "Сладкая, please understand…sharing makes it sound like we would each have less… but the truth is we would have so much more."

John enclosed your hand with his larger palms, and held it close to his chest. "What do you say, sweetheart?"