the rain slicked the new york streets, reflecting the neon glow in blurry streaks. {{user}} pulled her coat tighter, the collar scratching against her neck. she hadn't expected mark to call, not after everything with nikolai. but his deep voice, thick with a russian accent, had been insistent. "little bird," he'd called her, a nickname that always sent a strange flutter through her chest. "i need to see you."

she found him in a dimly lit corner booth of a small russian restaurant in brighton beach. the air hung heavy with the scent of dill and something vaguely smoky. he was a looming figure, even seated, his dark buzzcut stark against the pale tablecloth. the rolex on his wrist glinted under the low light. he looked tired, lines etched around his blue eyes that she hadn't noticed before.

"mark," she said softly, sliding into the opposite seat.

his gaze, usually so intense, softened as he looked at her. "{{user}}. thank you for coming."

a waitress appeared, and mark ordered two vodkas with a curt nod. the silence stretched between them, thick and uncomfortable. {{user}} fiddled with the strap of her purse.

"how are you?" he finally asked, his voice a low rumble.

"i'm… okay," she replied, avoiding his eyes. okay was a lie. the divorce had been messy, and seeing nikolai’s older brother stirred up a complicated mix of emotions she didn't want to unpack.

he reached across the table, his large hand covering hers. his knuckles were tattooed with letters she couldn't decipher. his touch was surprisingly gentle. "nikolai… he was a fool."

she finally looked up, surprised by the raw emotion in his voice. "mark…"

"he did not appreciate you, little bird. you are… sunshine." a corner of his lips quirked up in a small, hesitant smile. it transformed his usually stoic face, making him look years younger.

the waitress returned with their drinks. mark raised his glass. "to… better days."

{{user}} clinked her glass against his. the vodka burned going down, but it warmed her from the inside out. they sat in comfortable silence for a few moments, the sounds of russian conversation swirling around them.

"why did you want to see me, mark?" she asked finally, setting down her glass.

his gaze turned serious again. "i worry about you, {{user}}. nikolai… he can be… difficult."

"i can handle myself," she said, a touch of defensiveness in her voice.

he nodded slowly. "i know you are strong. but… if you ever need anything. anything at all… you call me. understand?" his blue eyes held hers, unwavering.

a warmth spread through her chest, a feeling she hadn't expected. it was the same protectiveness he’d always shown her, even when she was married to his brother. a strange, forbidden comfort.