Thanatos no Futago summary(?)
So. Because I was planning to write a fic, I decided to relisten to it and (hopefully) get some of the details ironed out. The fic will be set after the series, after all. ^^ ...With a lot of fabrications, of course. *_*
So here's a little summary I wrote for both CDs. Please note that this was written by a complete beginner in Japanese, and I'm basing my summary solely on audio, so mistakes could be everywhere. So if there are any mistakes, please correct me. Or if there are any details you want to add, please feel free to do so. There should be a lot of details missing here because I skipped a lot- a LOT- of Victor and Yuri's scenes XD (Sorry, MoriMori, I love you but I really hated your character here XDD)
Thanatos no Futago
1912
The story started with two young boys of the same face and of the exact same features- angelic face, blond hair and brilliantly blue eyes named Mikhail (the elder twin) and Yuri (the younger twin). They had just finished helping out with little odd jobs that each of them were rewarded for, Yuri with a coin(?) and Mikhail with a bottle of fresh milk.
As Yuri started to tell Mikhail- who he fondly calls “Misha”- what he planned to buy with the coin, Mikhail finished his sentence for him by saying “now we can finally buy that hairpiece for Mother.”
Yuri was surprised, and asked “How did you know?”
Mikhail enthusiastically answered “Of course I always know what you’re thinking, Yuri. Because you are the one I love most in the whole world.”
“I love you too, Misha. You’re the one I love most in the whole wide world” replied Yuri.
“I know.”
When they arrived home, they gave the bottle of milk to their sick mother, who refused at first but with the twins’ insistence gave in and accepted it. A loving mother and her two little angels who earnestly worked hard for her everyday- together, the three of them were happy and content. But that was all bound to change the night a messenger from their aristocratic father came.
The messenger was sent to take Mikhail, the elder of the twins, to become their father’s heir. Mikhail strongly opposed as he never wanted to be separated from their mother, and especially from Yuri. But Yuri was able to convince him to go, by telling him that if he becomes successful then he can afford to get their sick mother treated. And besides, someday, they will definitely meet again. Yuri will definitely wait for him.
So Mikhail left, taking with him a letter that Yuri wrote for him. On one of his jobs, Yuri learned how to write. So he told Mikhail that when he learns how to, he should read it and write back. But on the day of their departure, because of the horrible weather, the carriage Mikhail was in had an accident and he was never found again and assumed dead.
Their father had then decided to take Yuri, the younger twin, as his heir. Yuri was devastated to find out that Mikhail had died, and had lived like a walking corpse ever since.
Fast forward years later, Yuri is in the army. Unbeknownst to him, Mikhail is still alive, but he had lost all his memories. The only thing the one who found him knows about him is his name, and that was just because he had a letter with the name “Mikhail” on it. He was taken in by Andre’s family, and is fondly called by the people around him as their “angel”. Although he doesn’t remember anything, when someone jokingly called him by the nickname “Misha” once, he had a very strong reaction to it, and firmly said no one is ever allowed to call him that.
It was on that same day Yuri’s childhood friend, Max, had stumbled upon the pub(?) where Mikhail works. At first he mistook him for Yuri, but when he asked Mikhail had no idea what “this rude guy” was talking about, let alone who he was. Mikhail came back later to ask him what it was all about, and Max told him that he resembled someone he knew. He teased Mikhail about being called “an angel on earth”, to Mikhail’s annoyance, only to follow it up by telling Mikhail that he thinks the nickname really suits him. He also complimented Mikhail’s cooking, and has since kept coming back to the pub.
As fate would have it, just as Yuri was in the military, Mikhail belonged to those who were against them. To avenge his comrades who had been sent to Siberia, he snuck in to assassinate someone who had turned out to be someone who had the exact same face. He couldn’t do it, dropping his knife from sheer shock. Yuri woke up at the sound, which only surprised him even more to see that they shared the same blue eyes.
Yuri was in just as much shock when he woke up. At first he told himself it couldn’t be his Misha, as he had died long ago and would never again return. He was starting to think it was all a dream only to be proven wrong when he saw the knife on the floor.
Upon learning that Yuri had an older twin, Max invited Mikhail over to his place, telling him there was someone he wanted him to meet. To both Mikhail and Yuri’s surprise, Max had actually set them up to see each other. That was how Mikhail learned that that Yuri is his one and only brother. At first he was angry, asking why he had never met him until now, but Yuri reassured him that all this time he never knew Mikhail was still alive.
Yuri couldn’t believe it at first either, until he touched Mikhail with his own hands and hugged him. He was so happy to see his “Misha” again and so excited, throwing all sorts of questions at him like what he does now, where he lives, only to be interrupted by Max because he had to go.
Mikhail found it hard to accept Yuri at first, but through his Yuri’s perseverance his cold attitude towards him started to thaw. That was until Yuri, overjoyed at having finally found Mikhail again, brought up the idea of presenting Mikhail to their father who he thought would be pleased to know his son who they all thought to have died was still alive.
But Yuri was wrong. As soon as their father met Mikhail, he coldly dismissed him and told Mikhail he was not necessary. He only needed one heir and that heir was going to be Yuri. Consequently, all of Yuri’s hard work to win over Mikhail’s heart once more had been wasted.
Because Max had been so nice to him, Mikhail inevitably fell in love with the man. Once when Max was drunk, he took it as a chance to seduce him. Max mistook him for Yuri, but Mikhail didn’t mind and did it with him anyway. The morning after, Max apologized to Mikhail. Mikhail then confessed his love and begged him to love him back, going as far as telling him he wouldn’t mind even if he called him “Yuri” and treated him as a substitute. Max told him not to say that if he was going to cry, and also told him that he loved both Mikhail and Yuri. Mikhail knew he was lying, his ‘love’ for Mikhail and Yuri had completely different meaning. No matter how hard he tried, he could not make Max fall for him.
Yuri came ahead to help Mikhail escape with Andre as the two were being persecuted. Mikhail asked Yuri why he would help him even though he stole the man he loved from him and even slept with Max, he had done something so unforgivable. But Yuri unwaveringly told Mikhail “I love you”. Both Mikhail and Max were important to him so he didn’t mind. Mikhail was shocked to hear those words, he found it hard to believe Yuri loved him that much. And for a second, he seemed reluctant to leave Yuri until Max and Andre urged him to go.
As they were running from Yuri’s men who came later, Mikhail got injured. When the pursuers tried to shoot him, Max took the bullet. Max told Mikhail to run, but Mikhail didn’t want to leave his side. Andre had to step in and convinced him by saying he had to listen to Max and that Max will be okay. Max was innocent and they wouldn’t do anything to him, they’ll do something about his injury. But the two of them were the ones they were after so they had to go.
1912 ends with Max in Yuri’s arms, and his dying words “I love you”.
1917
The story begins with a dream of the past, Yuri telling Mikhail the forest is so dark and he’s scared. Mikhail reassured him “It’s okay, Yuri. I will protect you no matter what”.
“Really?” Yuri asked.
“Really. I promise. Besides, I won’t get lost because you’re with me, Yuri. Your hair is all glittering and it’s so pretty.”
“Misha’s hair has the same color.”
“Then, let’s be each other’s sign.”
'I will never be separated from Yuri, because he is the most important person in the whole world to me- my beloved, one and only younger brother.'
Mikhail woke up in an unfamiliar room. He didn’t know where he was, nor why he was there. He wondered why was all alone, where were his mother and Yuri? His head was in so much pain. He tried to get up but his leg was injured so he fell on the floor. He called “Yuri, where are you?”, and kept calling his name until Andre came into the room.
Andre tried to help him up, but Mikhail struggled. He reassured him that it’s okay, he was in the hospital, but was surprised when Mikhail suddenly asked who he was, how did he know his name, and where was Yuri.
When Andre carried him back to bed, Mikhail saw his reflection in the window. Who was that person who had the same hair and blue eyes as Yuri? Mikhail couldn’t believe it was him, he was only 12 years old. Mikhail asked Andre again where Yuri was.
Andre told him that they were in Germany, and apologized because Mikhail got injured while he was driving. He asked Mikhail if he doesn’t remember anything. Mikhail said he doesn’t know, so he told him that Yuri went back to Russia.
‘Yuri, where did you go? You said you will always be by my side. My beloved Yuri. My other half. The one most important to me in the whole world-my younger brother. ‘
---
The next time Mikhail wakes up, he was back to his usual self. He wondered how Max was, as the last thing he remembered was a vague memory of Max getting shot while protecting him.
He thanks Andre for having done so much for him and always taking care of him. Andre starts to spoon-feed him, to which he protests at first, but then gives in with Andre’s gentle persistence. When he finished eating, Andre asked him “Who is he?”, referring to Yuri.
Mikhail tells Andre the truth about their relationship, how Yuri is his younger twin and also the Olrov(?) heir. Andre is surprised to find out Mikhail is a noble, but more importantly, their enemy’s blood relative. He frantically asked Mikhail what he’s planning to do now, if he is going to go back to his family.
Mikhail answered him that he can’t go back. Inside, Mikhail is filled with so much remorse and self-reproach at the things he had done to Yuri. He now finally believes that Yuri had loved him all along. Now that his memories had come back.
That, topped with feeling like a burden to everyone around him made Mikhail feel depressed. Andre, ever so thoughtful, brought chocolate for Mikhail. He remembered that Mikhail said he wanted one, which cheered up Mikhail from his gloomy mood. He apologized for being a burden, which Andre firmly refutes. To him, Mikhail is not a burden at all.
Andre told him that if he really loves Yuri, then it’s okay to mend their relationship someday. But Mikhail told him there’s no way it’s going to happen, Yuri is an elite military officer while he is a rebel. But Andre insisted that as long as they’re alive, they will meet again and they can make up then. In Mikhail’s heart, he believed it’s already too late as he had taken away the man who loved Yuri.
Mikhail told Andre that he’s really straightforward. He’s such a nice person that he deserves to get married and have kids, that kind of happiness would be befitting for him. But Andre said he doesn’t need that. He loves Mikhail, and as long as Mikhail is by his side, he’s happy.
As Andre hugged Mikhail, Mikhail felt that it was so warm. He mused that in Andre’s arms, he had always been able to relax. All of a sudden, he felt his chest ache a little. Andre noticed that his temperature rose and asked him if he had a fever. There’s a very cute scene here where Andre told Mikhail that if he had a fever, then he had to take back the chocolate. Mikhail can’t have it until he recovers, which made Mikhail pout. Andre said he’s just kidding and bids Mikhail “Good night”, then Andre kisses him as he always does, but for the very first time, Mikhail’s cheeks grew warm.
Mikhail had grown more aware of Andre ever since. In spring, when his leg had recovered and he was able to walk, he told Andre out of the blue that since he had been taking such good care of him how about they just do it? Get married, that is. Andre tells him he loves Mikhail, so he doesn’t want to do something like that as long as Mikhail loves someone else. Mikhail is disappointed that Andre is completely oblivious to his feelings.
Andre asked him what he was planning to do from now on. Mikhail honestly tells him that he hasn’t decided yet. So Andre asked him if he wanted to live together. But Mikhail said that he wanted to go back.
“To Yuri?” Andre asked.
“I want to see him.” said Mikhail.
Andre told him it’s impossible. Did he think Yuri could forgive him? Yuri detests him. And there was what happened to Max too… By the time Andre had realized he let it slip, it was too late, Mikhail had already caught Max’s name and he asked if Andre knew something. He wanted to know what happened to Max.
Andre was forced to tell him the truth, that on that day he protected Mikhail, he died. Mikhail remembered how much resentment he felt towards Yuri back then, but now he’s filled with regret, blaming himself for Max’s death. Andre apologized, he had not meant to keep him in the dark. Mikhail smiled and thanked Andre for telling him the truth, it must have been tough keeping it from him. Andre hugged him and asked him not to smile at a time like this.
Mikhail wondered how Yuri, who loved Max so much, was feeling. If he could, he wanted to go to Yuri’s side at this very moment to hug him tight and console him.
---
Fall of 1917, Mikhail and Andre were back in Russia. The place had changed a lot.
Having given up on ever being forgiven by Yuri, Mikhail had to convince himself that Yuri was an enemy. Someday, Yuri will come to kill him. True enough, one of his comrades showed him a picture of Yuri, who they had found out was his twin and thus had suspected him as a spy of the army.
Things had become so complicated, and with their positions on the opposing sides, both Mikhail and Yuri had come to the realization that in order to live, one had to kill the other. Each of them had already decided they wanted to live on, with the men they each loved, and the only way to do so was to kill the other.
They met at the old apartment where Mikhail, Max and Andre escaped to and lived in for a while, where Mikhail confessed that he already remembered everything. He ran to Yuri and hugged him and told him that he loved him. Mikhail asked for forgiveness about Max, but Yuri told him it wasn’t his fault, it was an accident.
Then Yuri pushed him away and told him this and that are different. He had to kill Mikhail because he wanted to take Mikhail’s identity to live on. And if he didn’t kill Mikhail, in the end someone else would, and he didn’t want that to happen. He didn’t want Mikhail to die in someone else’s hands, just as much as Mikhail had no intention of letting anyone else kill Yuri. The only way to end the endless cycle was to kill each other.
They smelled something and Mikhail ran to the door. As he suspected, the apartment they were in was set on fire. He reckoned the ones who did it had planned to get rid of both him and Yuri all at once. The only way out is to jump off the window. Mikhail urges Yuri to jump off together, but Yuri tells him to go ahead and even threatens him by shooting in his direction when Mikhail refused to. Yuri said they both won’t make it out if Mikhail doesn’t jump down first, so he tells him to go and tell Victor he will be late.
Mikhail ran to Yuri and hugged him tight, crying, just as he did moments ago, but this time he adamantly refused to let go. There were people waiting for them, so they had to come back. And in his gentlest voice, Yuri had finally called him “Misha” once again.
They stayed in each other’s arms as the flames continued to swallow their surroundings. As he held Mikhail Yuri said “Misha, I wrote in that letter: No matter how far apart we are, our hearts are always together.”
Flashback to their childhood memory. At night, Mikhail asked Yuri if he was still awake. Yuri answered yes he was. Mikhail tells Yuri that if Yuri were to die, he would be so sad, he won’t be able to live on. Yuri tells him he would feel the same way. So Misha said, then we should die together. But Yuri tells him that if they do, then their mother would be lonely as she would lose them both. He didn’t want to make others sad if they died. So instead, they will meet in the heaven. They will definitely quickly recognize each other no matter where, because they are twins.
‘Don’t worry, Misha. No matter how far apart we are, our hearts are always together.’
The story ends with Victor waiting for Yuri, who is late. He plans to take Yuri to America, and live together there. Victor thought that at least, even if he’s away from Mikhail, his heart will be at peace.
So here's a little summary I wrote for both CDs. Please note that this was written by a complete beginner in Japanese, and I'm basing my summary solely on audio, so mistakes could be everywhere. So if there are any mistakes, please correct me. Or if there are any details you want to add, please feel free to do so. There should be a lot of details missing here because I skipped a lot- a LOT- of Victor and Yuri's scenes XD (Sorry, MoriMori, I love you but I really hated your character here XDD)
Thanatos no Futago
1912
The story started with two young boys of the same face and of the exact same features- angelic face, blond hair and brilliantly blue eyes named Mikhail (the elder twin) and Yuri (the younger twin). They had just finished helping out with little odd jobs that each of them were rewarded for, Yuri with a coin(?) and Mikhail with a bottle of fresh milk.
As Yuri started to tell Mikhail- who he fondly calls “Misha”- what he planned to buy with the coin, Mikhail finished his sentence for him by saying “now we can finally buy that hairpiece for Mother.”
Yuri was surprised, and asked “How did you know?”
Mikhail enthusiastically answered “Of course I always know what you’re thinking, Yuri. Because you are the one I love most in the whole world.”
“I love you too, Misha. You’re the one I love most in the whole wide world” replied Yuri.
“I know.”
When they arrived home, they gave the bottle of milk to their sick mother, who refused at first but with the twins’ insistence gave in and accepted it. A loving mother and her two little angels who earnestly worked hard for her everyday- together, the three of them were happy and content. But that was all bound to change the night a messenger from their aristocratic father came.
The messenger was sent to take Mikhail, the elder of the twins, to become their father’s heir. Mikhail strongly opposed as he never wanted to be separated from their mother, and especially from Yuri. But Yuri was able to convince him to go, by telling him that if he becomes successful then he can afford to get their sick mother treated. And besides, someday, they will definitely meet again. Yuri will definitely wait for him.
So Mikhail left, taking with him a letter that Yuri wrote for him. On one of his jobs, Yuri learned how to write. So he told Mikhail that when he learns how to, he should read it and write back. But on the day of their departure, because of the horrible weather, the carriage Mikhail was in had an accident and he was never found again and assumed dead.
Their father had then decided to take Yuri, the younger twin, as his heir. Yuri was devastated to find out that Mikhail had died, and had lived like a walking corpse ever since.
Fast forward years later, Yuri is in the army. Unbeknownst to him, Mikhail is still alive, but he had lost all his memories. The only thing the one who found him knows about him is his name, and that was just because he had a letter with the name “Mikhail” on it. He was taken in by Andre’s family, and is fondly called by the people around him as their “angel”. Although he doesn’t remember anything, when someone jokingly called him by the nickname “Misha” once, he had a very strong reaction to it, and firmly said no one is ever allowed to call him that.
It was on that same day Yuri’s childhood friend, Max, had stumbled upon the pub(?) where Mikhail works. At first he mistook him for Yuri, but when he asked Mikhail had no idea what “this rude guy” was talking about, let alone who he was. Mikhail came back later to ask him what it was all about, and Max told him that he resembled someone he knew. He teased Mikhail about being called “an angel on earth”, to Mikhail’s annoyance, only to follow it up by telling Mikhail that he thinks the nickname really suits him. He also complimented Mikhail’s cooking, and has since kept coming back to the pub.
As fate would have it, just as Yuri was in the military, Mikhail belonged to those who were against them. To avenge his comrades who had been sent to Siberia, he snuck in to assassinate someone who had turned out to be someone who had the exact same face. He couldn’t do it, dropping his knife from sheer shock. Yuri woke up at the sound, which only surprised him even more to see that they shared the same blue eyes.
Yuri was in just as much shock when he woke up. At first he told himself it couldn’t be his Misha, as he had died long ago and would never again return. He was starting to think it was all a dream only to be proven wrong when he saw the knife on the floor.
Upon learning that Yuri had an older twin, Max invited Mikhail over to his place, telling him there was someone he wanted him to meet. To both Mikhail and Yuri’s surprise, Max had actually set them up to see each other. That was how Mikhail learned that that Yuri is his one and only brother. At first he was angry, asking why he had never met him until now, but Yuri reassured him that all this time he never knew Mikhail was still alive.
Yuri couldn’t believe it at first either, until he touched Mikhail with his own hands and hugged him. He was so happy to see his “Misha” again and so excited, throwing all sorts of questions at him like what he does now, where he lives, only to be interrupted by Max because he had to go.
Mikhail found it hard to accept Yuri at first, but through his Yuri’s perseverance his cold attitude towards him started to thaw. That was until Yuri, overjoyed at having finally found Mikhail again, brought up the idea of presenting Mikhail to their father who he thought would be pleased to know his son who they all thought to have died was still alive.
But Yuri was wrong. As soon as their father met Mikhail, he coldly dismissed him and told Mikhail he was not necessary. He only needed one heir and that heir was going to be Yuri. Consequently, all of Yuri’s hard work to win over Mikhail’s heart once more had been wasted.
Because Max had been so nice to him, Mikhail inevitably fell in love with the man. Once when Max was drunk, he took it as a chance to seduce him. Max mistook him for Yuri, but Mikhail didn’t mind and did it with him anyway. The morning after, Max apologized to Mikhail. Mikhail then confessed his love and begged him to love him back, going as far as telling him he wouldn’t mind even if he called him “Yuri” and treated him as a substitute. Max told him not to say that if he was going to cry, and also told him that he loved both Mikhail and Yuri. Mikhail knew he was lying, his ‘love’ for Mikhail and Yuri had completely different meaning. No matter how hard he tried, he could not make Max fall for him.
Yuri came ahead to help Mikhail escape with Andre as the two were being persecuted. Mikhail asked Yuri why he would help him even though he stole the man he loved from him and even slept with Max, he had done something so unforgivable. But Yuri unwaveringly told Mikhail “I love you”. Both Mikhail and Max were important to him so he didn’t mind. Mikhail was shocked to hear those words, he found it hard to believe Yuri loved him that much. And for a second, he seemed reluctant to leave Yuri until Max and Andre urged him to go.
As they were running from Yuri’s men who came later, Mikhail got injured. When the pursuers tried to shoot him, Max took the bullet. Max told Mikhail to run, but Mikhail didn’t want to leave his side. Andre had to step in and convinced him by saying he had to listen to Max and that Max will be okay. Max was innocent and they wouldn’t do anything to him, they’ll do something about his injury. But the two of them were the ones they were after so they had to go.
1912 ends with Max in Yuri’s arms, and his dying words “I love you”.
1917
The story begins with a dream of the past, Yuri telling Mikhail the forest is so dark and he’s scared. Mikhail reassured him “It’s okay, Yuri. I will protect you no matter what”.
“Really?” Yuri asked.
“Really. I promise. Besides, I won’t get lost because you’re with me, Yuri. Your hair is all glittering and it’s so pretty.”
“Misha’s hair has the same color.”
“Then, let’s be each other’s sign.”
'I will never be separated from Yuri, because he is the most important person in the whole world to me- my beloved, one and only younger brother.'
Mikhail woke up in an unfamiliar room. He didn’t know where he was, nor why he was there. He wondered why was all alone, where were his mother and Yuri? His head was in so much pain. He tried to get up but his leg was injured so he fell on the floor. He called “Yuri, where are you?”, and kept calling his name until Andre came into the room.
Andre tried to help him up, but Mikhail struggled. He reassured him that it’s okay, he was in the hospital, but was surprised when Mikhail suddenly asked who he was, how did he know his name, and where was Yuri.
When Andre carried him back to bed, Mikhail saw his reflection in the window. Who was that person who had the same hair and blue eyes as Yuri? Mikhail couldn’t believe it was him, he was only 12 years old. Mikhail asked Andre again where Yuri was.
Andre told him that they were in Germany, and apologized because Mikhail got injured while he was driving. He asked Mikhail if he doesn’t remember anything. Mikhail said he doesn’t know, so he told him that Yuri went back to Russia.
‘Yuri, where did you go? You said you will always be by my side. My beloved Yuri. My other half. The one most important to me in the whole world-my younger brother. ‘
---
The next time Mikhail wakes up, he was back to his usual self. He wondered how Max was, as the last thing he remembered was a vague memory of Max getting shot while protecting him.
He thanks Andre for having done so much for him and always taking care of him. Andre starts to spoon-feed him, to which he protests at first, but then gives in with Andre’s gentle persistence. When he finished eating, Andre asked him “Who is he?”, referring to Yuri.
Mikhail tells Andre the truth about their relationship, how Yuri is his younger twin and also the Olrov(?) heir. Andre is surprised to find out Mikhail is a noble, but more importantly, their enemy’s blood relative. He frantically asked Mikhail what he’s planning to do now, if he is going to go back to his family.
Mikhail answered him that he can’t go back. Inside, Mikhail is filled with so much remorse and self-reproach at the things he had done to Yuri. He now finally believes that Yuri had loved him all along. Now that his memories had come back.
That, topped with feeling like a burden to everyone around him made Mikhail feel depressed. Andre, ever so thoughtful, brought chocolate for Mikhail. He remembered that Mikhail said he wanted one, which cheered up Mikhail from his gloomy mood. He apologized for being a burden, which Andre firmly refutes. To him, Mikhail is not a burden at all.
Andre told him that if he really loves Yuri, then it’s okay to mend their relationship someday. But Mikhail told him there’s no way it’s going to happen, Yuri is an elite military officer while he is a rebel. But Andre insisted that as long as they’re alive, they will meet again and they can make up then. In Mikhail’s heart, he believed it’s already too late as he had taken away the man who loved Yuri.
Mikhail told Andre that he’s really straightforward. He’s such a nice person that he deserves to get married and have kids, that kind of happiness would be befitting for him. But Andre said he doesn’t need that. He loves Mikhail, and as long as Mikhail is by his side, he’s happy.
As Andre hugged Mikhail, Mikhail felt that it was so warm. He mused that in Andre’s arms, he had always been able to relax. All of a sudden, he felt his chest ache a little. Andre noticed that his temperature rose and asked him if he had a fever. There’s a very cute scene here where Andre told Mikhail that if he had a fever, then he had to take back the chocolate. Mikhail can’t have it until he recovers, which made Mikhail pout. Andre said he’s just kidding and bids Mikhail “Good night”, then Andre kisses him as he always does, but for the very first time, Mikhail’s cheeks grew warm.
Mikhail had grown more aware of Andre ever since. In spring, when his leg had recovered and he was able to walk, he told Andre out of the blue that since he had been taking such good care of him how about they just do it? Get married, that is. Andre tells him he loves Mikhail, so he doesn’t want to do something like that as long as Mikhail loves someone else. Mikhail is disappointed that Andre is completely oblivious to his feelings.
Andre asked him what he was planning to do from now on. Mikhail honestly tells him that he hasn’t decided yet. So Andre asked him if he wanted to live together. But Mikhail said that he wanted to go back.
“To Yuri?” Andre asked.
“I want to see him.” said Mikhail.
Andre told him it’s impossible. Did he think Yuri could forgive him? Yuri detests him. And there was what happened to Max too… By the time Andre had realized he let it slip, it was too late, Mikhail had already caught Max’s name and he asked if Andre knew something. He wanted to know what happened to Max.
Andre was forced to tell him the truth, that on that day he protected Mikhail, he died. Mikhail remembered how much resentment he felt towards Yuri back then, but now he’s filled with regret, blaming himself for Max’s death. Andre apologized, he had not meant to keep him in the dark. Mikhail smiled and thanked Andre for telling him the truth, it must have been tough keeping it from him. Andre hugged him and asked him not to smile at a time like this.
Mikhail wondered how Yuri, who loved Max so much, was feeling. If he could, he wanted to go to Yuri’s side at this very moment to hug him tight and console him.
---
Fall of 1917, Mikhail and Andre were back in Russia. The place had changed a lot.
Having given up on ever being forgiven by Yuri, Mikhail had to convince himself that Yuri was an enemy. Someday, Yuri will come to kill him. True enough, one of his comrades showed him a picture of Yuri, who they had found out was his twin and thus had suspected him as a spy of the army.
Things had become so complicated, and with their positions on the opposing sides, both Mikhail and Yuri had come to the realization that in order to live, one had to kill the other. Each of them had already decided they wanted to live on, with the men they each loved, and the only way to do so was to kill the other.
They met at the old apartment where Mikhail, Max and Andre escaped to and lived in for a while, where Mikhail confessed that he already remembered everything. He ran to Yuri and hugged him and told him that he loved him. Mikhail asked for forgiveness about Max, but Yuri told him it wasn’t his fault, it was an accident.
Then Yuri pushed him away and told him this and that are different. He had to kill Mikhail because he wanted to take Mikhail’s identity to live on. And if he didn’t kill Mikhail, in the end someone else would, and he didn’t want that to happen. He didn’t want Mikhail to die in someone else’s hands, just as much as Mikhail had no intention of letting anyone else kill Yuri. The only way to end the endless cycle was to kill each other.
They smelled something and Mikhail ran to the door. As he suspected, the apartment they were in was set on fire. He reckoned the ones who did it had planned to get rid of both him and Yuri all at once. The only way out is to jump off the window. Mikhail urges Yuri to jump off together, but Yuri tells him to go ahead and even threatens him by shooting in his direction when Mikhail refused to. Yuri said they both won’t make it out if Mikhail doesn’t jump down first, so he tells him to go and tell Victor he will be late.
Mikhail ran to Yuri and hugged him tight, crying, just as he did moments ago, but this time he adamantly refused to let go. There were people waiting for them, so they had to come back. And in his gentlest voice, Yuri had finally called him “Misha” once again.
They stayed in each other’s arms as the flames continued to swallow their surroundings. As he held Mikhail Yuri said “Misha, I wrote in that letter: No matter how far apart we are, our hearts are always together.”
Flashback to their childhood memory. At night, Mikhail asked Yuri if he was still awake. Yuri answered yes he was. Mikhail tells Yuri that if Yuri were to die, he would be so sad, he won’t be able to live on. Yuri tells him he would feel the same way. So Misha said, then we should die together. But Yuri tells him that if they do, then their mother would be lonely as she would lose them both. He didn’t want to make others sad if they died. So instead, they will meet in the heaven. They will definitely quickly recognize each other no matter where, because they are twins.
‘Don’t worry, Misha. No matter how far apart we are, our hearts are always together.’
The story ends with Victor waiting for Yuri, who is late. He plans to take Yuri to America, and live together there. Victor thought that at least, even if he’s away from Mikhail, his heart will be at peace.