OK, this story has supposedly been updated but WHERE is the new chapter!!

Author's Response: I'm so sorry! Do the length of the chapter, it wouldn't format the way I wanted it to so I chose to take it down and post it in two parts. I tried to do it as quickly as possible but it still took some time. Hope you understand.

Nice update

What a fantastic update!  I really love the tender and sweet interactions between Sunny and Nikki and how much they care for each other.  It's sad that Nikki has to keep a part of his life closed off from Sunny, but I totally get why he feels the need for that to be so.

 I can't believe his father was still so unrepentant and cruel, even though he was on his death-bed....I hate to say he deserves to be where he is, but.....his mother is pretty sad too; I can't imagine not sticking up for my child and siding with my husband at his/her expense.

Thanks for another fantastic update; can't wait for the next one!

Hey Onimosity. I am lost for words to describe this last update. Just when I thought hmmm she can’t move me again, there you go making me all teary eyed again. Exceptional chapter! Everytime I think Nikki and Sunny's reationship has peaked, the next update rolls out and I see there is more to their love.

The unfolding of Nikki’s character is extraordinary. As we get more and more glimpses of his past, it’s like we are gently removing the layers which make him the complex man he is, allowing us to understand why his life took the turns it did and how he came to be who he is. A privileged man who was wronged, and who found himself in a situation where his survival meant that he had to adapt quickly to his very unfortunate circumstances. From gentleman to gangster, that is our Nikki.

And to think his father was indirectly responsible for his lot in life is even more pathetic than I initially imagined. By letting his son walk into a dangerous situation without so much as a warning, his father clearly demonstrated his weakness of character. And there he is on his death bed still heaping coals on Nikolai’s head. Pathetic, pathetic, pathetic! His mother has my sympathy and if not my understanding. I couldn’t help but be moved when she gave her little speech about his father’s pride and her shame for standing by and doing nothing. I see the similarities between her shame and Nikolai fear (and maybe his shame as well) about telling Sunny about his lifestyle.

I am glad a young Nikki had Stanislavsky to cushion his prison experience, but by the time he left there his parents’ betrayal and his schooling under the ‘fatherly’ Stanislavsky had turned him into a willing killer. I can’t help but wonder if Stanislavsky‘s son had survived how would he have turned out. Would he have been the son of the cobbler or a gangster like Nikki? Maybe it’s only me, but I feel a sense of unease when Nikki refers to Stanislavsky as father. I am a firm believer of loving someone from afar and I keep thinking that may be Nikki needs to do just that - love his ‘father’ from a distance.

I just hope Nikki doesn’t take Stanislavsky's advice though. One thing we know is that though Sunny may not know the details Nikolai’s life, she knows who he is. Like Ben once said, everyone in their neighbourhood knows about him. I am starting to wonder about Sunshine’s motive for wanting Nikki to talk about his life. Is it because she wants to know the gruesome details or is it because she wants him to own up to who he has become?  Ah Onimosity, you are playing this one close to your chest aren’t you?

One thing for sure I am anxiously awaiting part 2. Should we be afraid for Sunny’s safety? guess we will find out soon enough eh... and i am investing in some more tissue as well...

I liked the structure, it went with the chapter, if that makes any sense.

Thanks for updating 

OMG my laptop went highwire and I had NO ACCESS to the internet!!!!  I was literally hyperventilating thinking I need my fix (this story I mean)  seriously I have been in such a ratty mood for nearly 2 days BUT I'm back on line and happy and breathing normally.....see what you've done to me!! 

What I liked about this chapter was the way you focused on key people in Nikki's life and what they mean to him.  I loved the conversations he had with all of them, very revealing even those with his parents.  His parents have alot to answer for but luckily for N. he has Sunny in his life to show/teach him friendship and love.  Writing from N. point of view was insightful and gave us a better understanding of his thoughts/hopes/fears- I really felt for him, more so than ever and I wasn't a huge fan until recently.   Good approach and I think you should use it again at some point.

I'm still worried about Sergei, from what Antaloy said he's bored and that's not good, too much time to think (bad thoughts). 

Anyway enjoyed this and looking forward to next update. Take care.

This is one of the best stories.  Keep up the great work.  Happy endings....

Loved the udpate was great and soe parts heart breaking. Niki's parents werent the best of parents especialy his father. His mom is ok, she at least has a little remorse for not suporting him. I hope Sunshine love for Nikki will be able to handle what he does for a living. Keep doing your thing this story is outstanding.

Awesome update. Love this story. So emotional, I actually feel "Nikki's" pain and confusion.

ok alot motions going on this chapter but it good i'm glad he told his dad off yes he made bad choice but as somone father should have been there for his son  when he need him  every boy wanted a father. i understand why he doens't wanted to tell her about what he does because he lose that light he loves so much about her and who knows if she can handle that. sometimes in life it best we don't know all about people but thing agian it might make them stronger together if she knows and tells him that she loves him no matter what. love how that little boy keep  asking for sunshine he in love with her it so cute. i'm glad to see antoher chatper amazing work from you and thanks for the updated.

I really love the relationship Nikki and Sunshine have developed..how they can sense what is actually going with each other by just looking a the other person or hearing their voice. They really are so in tune w/each other it is beautiful!

I love the flash back looks into the begiining of their relationship. Looking back I think Nikki was a goner from day one!!

Nikki's mom is a sad woman. Unable to support her son because of her husband although she knew he was not guilty of the things they said he had done. His father pitiful excuse of a man...allowed his own child to drawn into a trap by his enemies and did nothing to help him. I can see why Nikki loves Stanis and why he represents more of a father to him than his own father ever could.

I do like that Nikki's mother seems to still love him a lot and still wants him to have what makes him happy, i.e. Sunny, I hope they can have some type of relationship.

I am worried about Stanis' talk with Nikki about his own wife. I want Nikki to tell Sunshine the truth but I am so afraid that it will turn her off from him also. I know Sunny is a loving forgiving person but I cannot see her accepting of that kind of lifestyle. Nikki will either have to leave this life (which I would think would be very dangerous to do) or lose Sunny. I just want them on their way to happiness. Does their relationship have to end perfectly no but just not tragic or sad, they both deserve so much more than unhappiness.

Funny things : Stanis' grandson is so not feeling Nikki w/o Sunny, it is adorable!! Another man fallen under Sunny's spell!!

Nikki has lost so much weight everyone has noticed even his mom who has not seen him in years. Either Priscilla is still punishing our poor Nikki or he just stopped eating when he lost his Sunshine. The later just supports that he would not survive if Sunny chose to leave him.

So funny a dancing gangster, that could even be a professional ballroom dancer, hysterical. .I picture that and it make m smile!!

Finally, how perfect is the only name that he feels is real to who is was the name his Sunshine has given him, btw my favorite name for him too!!

I JUST HAVE ONE QUESTION FOR YOU. IS SUNNY AND NIKKI GOING BE TOGETHER FINALLY.

"Also let me know if it was too schmaltzy ((gently please))." 

No, it was just the right amount of schmaltz (just kidding).

Seriously, this was another fantastic chapter. Although the conversation between Nikolai and his father was brief (and I think you may have intended to use 'conscience' instead of 'conscious' at one point), it was quite well done - very easy to see how his father's obstinacy is part of his own personality. It was also interesting to compare that scene with Nikolai's earlier conversation with Stanislovsky and see the ways in which both of his 'fathers' have shaped him.

Also, every exchange between Sunshine and Nikolai warms my heart, because luv is wonderful, and those two are excellent representations of it. I hope nothing bad happens to Sunny in the Sudan...