For a moment, something crossed the Colonel's face, like a breeze riffling the surface of the ocean. It centered on the words Major Raikov. It was noticeable only in how foreign it seemed to the stoic, chiseled features (and, granted, because Rakitin was watching much more closely than he really should have been). It took Ippolit a moment to place.

Fear.

The monumental, untouchable Colonel feared for his lover's safety.

It was the most adorable thing Ippolit had ever seen.

All Rakitin could do was find the man responsible for these crimes and stop him before any harm could befall the one the Colonel held so precious. It was enough.