First of all, you left me....

Liam opened his eyes and immediately closed them: the bright sunlight was shining through the unshaded window and hurting his eyes.

"Drink," the man turned his head and saw two things that surprised him: there was a bouquet of chrysanthemums on the nightstand beside the bed, and on the chair next to it hung new clothes and shoes. Reaching out, he grabbed the bottle of lemonade and tipped it into himself, closing his eyes in pleasure. The pleasant sweetness of the drink satiated and exhilarated him, it had been a long time since he had tasted something so delicious.

Getting a little used to the fact that the room was incredibly bright, he looked around the small room and noticed his traveling bag. Rising, he took a few steps and immediately staggered back in pain. Leaning back in his chair, he looked at his feet in bewilderment. They were bandaged, bleeding in places, but worse, there was excruciating pain. Liam gave up hope of reaching the bag and slowly made his way back to bed.

There was a knock at the door and Twelfth and Seventh walked in.

"Elders!" the man exclaimed, and his eyes filled with joy, "how happy I am to meet you again!"

"Liam, praise the Lord, you are home. How was your journey? I haven't heard from you in almost a year!" the man pronounced, sitting down on the bed of the sick man.

The Seventh Elder, restrained as usual, came over to the Twelfth and ordered him to stand up, examining Liam's legs. It was only then that the Elder noticed the tight bloody bandages.

"Heavens," exclaimed Seventh, taking off all the bandages, "how did this happen?"

"Long drive," smiled Liam.

The woman pulled out a vial of medicine from her bag, which was most likely wholly unique and didn't exist anywhere else except in a single copy. Something hissed onto the skin of his feet, and Liam grimaced in pain. Twelfth felt it his duty to give him support and took the man's hand. After the first cure, Seventh sprinkled silver powder on the wounds, and it was no longer as excruciating, the sensitivity even gradually lessened.

"Let the wounds be exposed to the air, try not to wear shoes for now, walk around the room barefoot, don't wet your feet, here's more of this powder for you, use it a couple of times a day," Seventh instructed.

When the hassle of treating Liam's feet was over, he was finally able to ask the elders.

"Where's Cal? Is he all right?"

"Well, yes, the factory manager is in good standing with the commandant," Twelfth said.

"He secretly feeds the workers and helps the orphanage," Seventh added.

"I see…" about the rest, Liam wished he could ask Cal in person, and was a little disappointed he hadn't seen him yet.

"So you brought more children?" the elder asked, "they're already at the orphanage as far as I know."

"Yes," smiled Liam weakly, "there were many kids, and these three are just the lucky ones."

"We'll take care of them. By the way, while you were gone, the newly formed Academy got an acting Head," said the Elder.

"Really? And who is that?" wondered Liam.

"It's Unner, your apprentice."

Liam lifted himself up on the bed and couldn't believe his ears.

"How did you talk him into it?"

"Nothing, he found us on his own and said he couldn't stay idle any longer, asked for some work, so we sent him to the orphanage. The children accepted him immediately and obeyed him in everything. That's why the Academy has been in session for six months now. Unner has divided the children into six classes, found three more Mentors, and one of them is the Fourth Elder, by the way."

"No way," Liam muttered.

"And how was your trip? Were you able to get Teacher Ko to cooperate?"

"No," Liam sighed, "Teacher Ko died the day before I left. And he predicted his demise. There in the bag," Liam pointed to his bag, "is a letter for his student Felix. We should hurry and deliver it, perhaps this influential man will lend his support to our cause."

"Of course, as soon as you're well enough, we'll do it right away," Seventh reassured Liam.

"How do I contact Cal?" the sick man couldn't stand it.

"Why, he's already been to your place twice today, he had to be kicked out of here for work," laughed the elder.

"Been twice?" Liam's heart was drowning in a sweet and warm syrup, "in that case, he'll come again…

"Of course he will come, you think, who washed you and treated your wounds," Seventh smiled.

"I suspect this broom came from him too," the elder glanced at the bouquet, "as did this suit; he burned the old stuff, it was full of lice."

Liam blushed. His eagerness to find out something about Cal had turned into a slight embarrassment he couldn't easily escape. Thanking the elders for their help and visit, he asked them to return to their business and was left alone in the room. At lunchtime Liam was visited by the Frau, bringing him liquid oatmeal with fish, strong black tea and a few slices of black bread.

He ate with an appetite and then fell asleep, still weary from the arduous journey home. At dusk, the door to the room opened quietly, and an elegant, tall man entered with a bottle of wine and cold meat. He carefully placed the guests on the table and lit the lamp. Then sat down in a chair, took off his gloves and scarf and tossed them back on the table and stared silently at the sleeping man.

Liam's face looked a little better, rest was doing him good and working wonders. A quick glance at his feet told him that Seventh had done her job well: the wounds were healing, the swelling had gone down, and his skin was turning a healthy shade of color.

He then turned his attention to the sack and stood up to sort through its contents in case there was anything perishable in there. It was pretty gross to touch the bag, so he just propped it up with the stick he usually used to open the window with and shook it all out onto the carpet.

Just as he thought, some unpretentious utensils fell out of the sack: an iron plate, a spoon, a mug. Then a notebook, a scrap of stale bread, a couple of awful-looking candies, a bag of cereal, an envelope, some clothes. Cal sorted through the items and picked up the envelope.

When he read the address, he raised his eyebrows in surprise and glanced at Liam. Making sure there was nothing else of value in the bag, he quietly tossed everything inside and headed out the door. At that moment, the man on the bed woke up. He looked at the handsome guest in the suit in surprise and joy at the same time, and involuntarily admired.

Sitting up on the bed, he waited for the man to stop what he was doing and look at him. As soon as their gazes met, Liam spread his arms out to the sides, inviting Cal into his embrace. Warmly snuggled against each other, they were silent and enjoying the long-awaited meeting.

"Promise me no more trips," Cal murmured very close to Liam's ear.

"I promise," Liam muttered, and pressed the pleasant smelling man harder against him, "now your hair is even longer than mine."

"Noticed that, huh? And why did you only apply to be a monk when your beautiful hair will grow back now?" smirked Cal, and a thin wet veil glistened in his eyes.

"Forgive me, it was no big deal, I regret leaving everything behind and risking my life."

"You left me in the first place, that's what you regret, please regret it more."

'I will,' Liam promised, 'how have you been all this time?

"You really want to talk?" asked Cal, disappointed.

"Well…"

Liam finally pulled his face to his and dug into his glossy lips.

"Is that better?" he asked, barely catching his breath as the kisses immediately became frenetic…

"Didn't taste it," Cal teased him, lapping at the slightly swollen and reddened lips again.

"Mmnmnmn," Liam tried to reply, but it was in vain. He gave up and enjoyed Cal's closeness, his wonderful expensive perfume, the smoothness of his skin and the tenderness of his kisses.

"You've lost so much weight," Cal whispered, running a graceful palm over Liam's sunken cheeks and then moving to his collarbones, his chest, his stomach…. His abs jerked and the man on the bed gasped, blushing.

"I'll get in shape in no time," he replied, taking a breath.

"I carried you to and from the bath yesterday, you've gotten as feathery as a feather."

"Sorry, I had a long meditation, I hardly ate anything," Liam rested his head on the man's shoulder and inhaled his heady scent, "thanks for coming and taking care of me.

Cal slowly fumbled for the spot where his pajama shirt hung loosely and ran his hand under the garment. Liam didn't see the pained grimace that contorted Cal's face. He ran his hand down his lover's back and was able to easily count all the ribs and came across several fresh scars.

Around his lower back, he fumbled for a hollow, apparently from the wound. Continuing his examination, he switched to his chest and thankfully found nothing frightening. Liam tolerated the touch on his body without complaint and easily flared up like a match when the man's hand moved lower, touching his thighs.

Cal didn't let himself go too far, however, and after these simple caresses, he removed his hand and adjusted his pajamas. Liam hadn't expected this turn and looked into Cal's dark eyes with concern.

"Is everything okay?"

"What do you think?"

Liam froze and suddenly lost his confidence. His body was actually in a terrible state: skinny, sickly, weak, practically hairless… Suddenly realizing his worthlessness, he huddled in the corner of the bed.

"You'd better not touch me, I … I don't look good," he turned away and clamped his eyes shut to hide the hot tears that were about to spurt from his eyes.

"What are you talking about?" the man was startled and reached out to touch Liam again.

At that moment, Frau Helmitz came in. She knocked on the door and asked if she could bring dinner for Liam. Cal replied that some vegetables would be nice and that he had brought cold meat. The woman didn't enter the room and immediately left downstairs, but it gave Liam a chance to pull himself together.

He sat down on the bed and wrapped himself in the blanket, looking down. Cal was still standing by the door, waiting for the Frau to return. She did come quickly, bringing sauerkraut, some greens grown on the windowsill, and a fresh flatbread. Cal paid her generously and closed the door.

He sensed that the man on the bed was winding himself up and a black cloud of negative thoughts was swirling around him, but he didn't rush to comfort him. Instead, he pulled out two plates and began slicing the roast beef with a sharp knife. After carefully arranging the meat on the plates, the man added greens, cabbage, and bread to it.

Then he opened the wine and filled the glasses with the scarlet drink. He looked around the table and was satisfied. Pulling up a chair, he extracted Liam from his blanket without a word and carried him over to the table. Sitting down across from him, he raised his glass.

"I'd like to drink to your return," he said, smiling.

Liam hesitantly took his glass and awkwardly raised it too, before draining it completely and only then placing the glass on the table. Cal raised an eyebrow and, silently, filled Liam's glass again. The man started on the meat. It was obvious he was terribly hungry and hadn't eaten such a delicious meal in a long time.

Cal carefully picked up a few slices from his plate with his fork and knife and set them down for Liam. He froze for a moment, but didn't refuse and quickly emptied his plate. They raised their wine glasses again, and Liam congratulated Cal on his high position. Cal modestly tasted the wine and set it aside.

Eventually, Cal gave Liam his portion and, propping his chin up with his hands, watched the man across from him. It was a rather pathetic sight, but Cal hoped it would pass soon, just needing to show enough care and attention.

After dinner, Liam felt slightly weak and wanted to go back to bed. Cal kindly carried him there and cleaned up the table. Then pulled out a notebook and, sitting in a chair, made some notes while Liam dozed off. An hour later, he woke him up to take him to the shower room. For some reason, he no longer kissed Liam or touched him for any purpose other than caring.

The whole thing made Liam's heart scratch and when, after bathing and other rituals, he was back in bed and Cal was gone, Liam panicked. Sitting up on the bed, he did what he had been doing lately – he began to meditate. Slowly his mind went blank and his even breathing made him calm.

After two hours, he opened his eyes, completely peaceful, and asked himself a few simple questions. Among them were how to get healthy and attractive again, how to help at the Academy, and how to pass on the letter. With these thoughts in mind, Liam went to bed so that in his sleep his subconscious would continue to search for answers.

He woke up the next morning, refreshed and awake. He even went to the bathroom himself with little stops. He was indeed getting better. Frau brought scrambled eggs with sausage and green peas and inquired about his well-being. The man tidied up the room a little and looked outside when he heard a noise. Buses under an escort of armed guards were passing under the windows.

Liam looked at the column in surprise and noticed that the buses were packed with people. The city itself was much more deserted. A spontaneous market used to gather under his windows, but now the street was empty. The few passersby with tense frowns hurried about their business without speaking to anyone. At lunchtime, Twelfth dropped by and brought him a couple of entertaining books.

They began to read together, sipping flavored tea and occasionally exchanging a few words. After three hours, Liam's eyes began to water, and he excused himself to go to bed. In his condition, it was normal to rest more than usual. The elder tucked his blanket under him and quietly left the room.

In the evening, Liam was alone. When he woke up, it was eight o'clock, and it had long since darkened outside the window. He turned on the desk lamp and yawned. His stomach rumbled, luckily there was dinner waiting for him on the table, which Frau Helmitz had brought in advance. The man devoured the chicken legs and mashed potatoes, drinking a large mug of morsel.

Among other things on the table, he saw a small box of chocolates. He knew that this was a precious delicacy and was very surprised. However, when he opened the box, he found a small piece of paper inside with a wish for good health and the signature "K".

A wave of gratitude mixed with guilt flooded Liam's heart. He pressed the piece of paper to his lips and closed his eyes as if he wanted to pray. The candy was unbelievably delicious, imported from Switzerland, with different toppings, and Liam decided to share the pleasure several times over, stashing the box in his nightstand. He spent the rest of the evening reading the book he'd started earlier, and before going to bed he treated the wounds on his legs one more time with the silver powder Seventh had left behind.

Cal didn't show up for a week, and Liam would have fallen into despair if he hadn't gotten little gifts from him every day. They were the usual things: exquisitely scented shampoo, underwear, warm pajamas, writing utensils, a radio. But the last gift he brought and delivered in person.

It was ten-some days since Liam's return, and Cal pondered how to bring back his carefree, easy-going nature. In the morning, when the man had barely finished his breakfast, the brakes squeaked under the window and a beautiful black car stopped. Liam effortlessly walked over and looked out into the street.

That's when he saw the chauffeur open the door and Cal emerge from there likes a king. He wore a long cashmere coat, a gray hat hiding his snow-white hair, which he hung to the side and covered with a scarf. A leather-gloved, handsome hand grasped the car door, and the man leaned into the passenger compartment to retrieve a weighty package. Liam felt his palms sweat, and he felt a little pathetic again compared to this incredible man.

Liam was still standing at the window when the door behind him opened and Cal walked in. He took off his hat, and with a smile, stepped toward the man in pajamas. Liam froze, not knowing what to do. Cal's hand touched his cheek and shook off the crumbs, making Liam completely embarrassed.

"Good morning, how did you sleep?" Cal asked, throwing his coat and gloves on the chair, "Did you miss me?"

"You arrived so suddenly today," was all Liam could reply, keeping his eyes on the man's handsome figure and proud posture. He was literally devouring him with his eyes, and he was embarrassed at the same time, but he kept looking at him.

"I've been very busy at the factory," Cal said nonchalantly, "but I just managed to get away, so I brought you a present."

"Thank you, you've given me so much already, I don't know how to thank you."

"It's nothing, I feel guilty that I'm very busy at work, there's..."

Cal stammered, then suddenly smiled and handed Liam the package," Forget it, I hope you like it."

Liam hesitantly took the bundle and walked with it to the table. Cutting through the thin twine and parchment, he found brushes, canvases, and paints. For Liam, it was like stepping back into the distant past. He gently stroked the treasures with his fingertips and turned to the man excitedly.

"This, this… thank you!" he threw him around his neck, forgetting everything."

"You're welcome, I hope you spend your spare time with pleasure and benefit," Cal said smiling and removed Liam's hands, lowering them down, "come on, get started."

"But," Liam faltered, "I still need a stretcher, staples, and an easel."

Cal pulled out a notebook and wrote down his request.

"Okay, well, in that case, do you want to ride with me?"

He suddenly offered, "can you wear shoes yet?"

"Yeah, I think I can," Liam rushed to the closet to pull out the new clothes Cal had given him. Quickly shedding his pajamas, he was left in just his underwear and didn't notice the man in the far corner of the room flinch. Watching him from beneath lowered lashes, Cal struggled to suppress the urge to touch the man he loved. Barely able to catch his breath, he turned away and stared out the window.

"Cal," Liam called to him, buttoning his pants, "I saw a column of buses fulls of people, do you know what's going on?"

The man frowned and pressed his lips together. His gaze became anxious.

"Never mind, probably some refugees," he said, hiding his feelings.

"Refugees, you say, but they were accompanied by an armed escort," Liam said incredulously.

"Then maybe they were prisoners," Cal muttered.

"You're not hiding anything from me?" The man asked him point-blank, almost fully dressed.

Instead of answering, Cal walked over to him and adjusted his collar. Making sure everything was on properly, he smoothed the jacket over his shoulders and nodded, satisfied.

"No, I'm not hiding anything, but some things you can't change, and I won't bother you with them," Cal said firmly, "I think your hair is still short, you'll need a hat to go outside."

The men walked down the stairs. Cal held Liam's arm, helping him walk the distance to the car. It was the man's first time in such an expensive car, so he looked around admiringly, much to Cal's amusement.

He relaxed lazily on the seat and closed his eyes as if he were asleep. The car drove past a row of stores and even a drugstore where Liam worked. He sadly swept his eyes over the front of the building because memories came flooding back. Finally, the chauffeur stopped the car in front of a large factory store. He opened the door and Cal got out first, and then with his help, Liam got out of the car.

They entered a large, warm room filled from floor to ceiling with clothes. The store manager was fawning over Cal and eager to please him. The men looked at several hats and settled on one. Now Liam lacked a coat like Cal's, and the factory manager demanded a warehouse.

Expensive, exclusive items meant for a select few were stored there. Pulling out a dark beige insulated coat, Cal made Liam take off his tattered old clothes and try on the new one. The coat fit snugly, making the man feel childishly excited. He stroked the pleasant fabric and looked at the beautiful buttons. Cal lifted the sides of the coat, making sure it was warm and practical enough. Thereafter, the men left the store.

Then the car drove out of town and Liam was surprised, but he was warm, cozy and a loved one was near. They drove quietly along a deserted winter road, and a dusting of snow was rising behind the car. Liam yawned and leaned his head on the man's shoulder. After a few minutes of measured rocking inside the car, he dozed off.

By his behavior, he embarrassed Cal in front of the driver, who was watching the road and the passengers carefully. However, the man didn't even turn a deaf ear as he continued to drive. Через сорок минут они въехали в небольшую рощу, за которой простирались бескрайние поля, двигаясь вдоль них, машина подъехала к высоким каменным стенам и стальным воротам.

Cal got out and rang the bell, at the sound of it, a young girl ran out and unlocked the gate. The car continued on and soon stopped in front of the ancient building. Liam was as excited as a child to be in the newly formed Academy. He jumped out of the car and ran, forgetting the pain, towards the young man who came out on the porch.

"Mentor!" The man exclaimed and rushed towards him.

"Unner! How glad I am to see you! What a blessing to meet you again!" The men hugged each other, and after waiting for Cal, they entered the stately building together.

"Follow me, we've been waiting for you, Mentor, and we've prepared lunch. Cal, you are as always keeping close to your teacher," Unner turned to his apprentice.

"How can I leave him alone?" 

Cal laughed, and followed the new Head into the main dining hall.