10 Chapter 9

Eric and Andrei's honeymoon was spent in the States at a very expensive beachside resort. The villa they rented was charming and lovely, built so that one of the walls of the bedroom was fully glass, overlooking the sea.

Six days passed in blissful harmony, and on the seventh morning Eric was reluctant to leave. "I wish we could stay like this forever." He said wistfully, resting his head on Andrei's chest as his index finger lazily traced slow circles on his husband's abdomen.

Andrei let out a low chuckle, kissing his forehead. "Should I buy a beach house for you?" He asked, causing Eric to sit up a bit more, wrapping his arms around the man's neck and sweetly kissing the corner of his mouth.

"Only if you promise to come with me. I don't want to be all alone at home." He said with a slight pout. Eric was very talented at acting spoiled, and it seemed Andrei was always willing to indulge him. He received a deep kiss on the lips as an answer.

"My time is limited, котенок. But there's much you can do, you won't be lonely." Eric huffed but didn't say anymore, resting his head back down on Andrei's chest. He liked to hear the strong, steady beating of his heart. Just listening to it made him feel even calmer than the lazy waves lapping on the shore.

*

It was another month before they were finally set off towards Russia. Though Eric was willing, there was a small part of him that was… hesitant, unsure of what he'd face when he arrived. He'd been learning the language for the past month and a half but it was so elementary he could barely say a full sentence. Aside from the language barrier there was the culture, the people…

Seated on beside Andrei on his private jet, Lily was planted on his lap. The white haired cat would be his only familiar companion aside from Andrei, and Eric pet her soft fur to calm himself as he stared out the window at the scenery.

As if he had read his mind, Andrei's hand reached over to cover his own, lifting it up to his lips so that he could kiss the back of it lightly. "You're worrying too much. Everything will be alright. All you have to do is let me take care of you." He said in that low, soothing voice of his.

"I know." Eric said, face tinged slightly pink. It was nice to have someone to rely on (other than his family of course).

When the jet landed, Eric bundled Lily up in his arms so she wouldn't be cold as he descended down the steps into the wind. A car was waiting for them not too far away, and that ride was just as interesting as the flight. The rural scenes changed until they reached a long road that led up to a jaw-dropping mansion.

"Welcome to your new home." Andrei said, an arm wrapped around Eric's waist as they walked up the steps and inside. The estate reminded him a bit of his family's own mansion, though this was a bit bigger and more classically styled. Looking around, he was both pleased and impressed.

"Are you hungry? The chef has already made something if you want to eat." Andrei asked, though Eric shook his head.

"I'm tired, I'll get some sleep first." Though it was technically morning in Russia, jet lag was making him drowsy.

"Then get some rest. I have work to take care of for the time being."

Eric's lips pulled down into a little frown. "Already? We only just got here."

"I've been away for quite some time, there's much I have to do. Be good, I'll see you when you wake up." He said, caressing Eric's cheek and departing with one last kiss.

With no choice but to listen, he followed one of the maids up the stairs and down the hall to the master bedroom. Though Andrei had been gone for a year, it was as meticulously maintained as his residence in America.

Setting Lily down on the bed Eric yawned, quickly changing into something more comfortable before snuggling up in the blankets. The covers were thick and soft, and only a few seconds after his head rested against the pillow, he fell asleep.

*

By the time Eric woke, it was evening, and Andrei still wasn't home. When he'd asked where his new husband had went, he learned that he was at his company. (Thankfully the majority of the domestic staff spoke English, including the head butler.)

Eric wasn't too upset about his absence however, as there was much to do and to explore. He ate a light meal in the dining room before picking Lily up into his arms so that they could explore their new home together.

The mansion was much bigger than it looked on the outside. It had so many doors and hallways he had gotten lost on a number of occasions, accidentally going in circles a few times. However of the more notable places he found a ballroom, a sitting room with a grand piano, a more modern installment with gym equipment (and an adjacent pool), an entertainment room, a library, and several other places he thought he might enjoy in the future.

The staff were also rather curious people. They were male and female, young and old, but none of them seemed particularly friendly. Though they were exceedingly polite during their limited interactions, they seemed to keep their eyes in front of them, focused only on their tasks and nothing else, seldom even talking amongst themselves. It was a bit unsettling, but he chalked it up to cultural differences.

After walking until his legs were tired, he brought Lily back to the bedroom, despite her protests. "Stay here." He said, not wanting her to run off and get lost in this maze of a house. It was late now, but since Andrei wasn't home yet he decided he'd read in the library for a bit. He'd slept for quite some time and now he wasn't tired at all.

Perusing through the shelves, he saw that the majority of the books were in Russian, but finding an interesting volume written in English, he pulled it out. Reading for a little less than an hour, there was a slight knocking on the door before the butler entered.

"Your husband has returned." He announced, causing Eric to perk up a bit. Closing his book, he walked out with a brisk pace, hurrying down the stairs to greet Andrei.

"Finally, I've been waiting for so long!" He exclaimed, launching himself into Andrei's embrace. "Welcome back."

Eric was still deep in his honeymoon mindset, feeling warm and mushy all over. As for Andrei, he thought that it was a rather novel experience to have someone greet him so enthusiastically when he returned home.

"My sincere apologies." He said with a slight smile. "What were you up to while I was gone, котенок?"

"I just looked around for a bit when I woke up. The library is very nice." He said, already thinking of spending his mornings in there when Andrei was gone. There was a spot by the window that looked like it would be perfect with a cup of coffee.

Since Andrei had already eaten, they returned to the master bedroom as they briefly talked about their days. Eric wasn't tired at all, but Andrei seemed to be returning to a normal schedule to get over his jet lag. Despite feeling full of energy, he joined him in bed anyways.

"Goodnight, котенок."

"Goodnight, муж." Eric said, causing Andrei to smile in amusement.

"I see you've been learning." Eric's smile was pleased.

"Of course I have. Soon enough I'll be fluent." He replied with great confidence, closing his eyes once more and getting comfortable. Though he failed to fall asleep for several hours, he'd never felt more content laying in Andrei's arms.

*

AN: муж means "husband" for those who are curious ^^