Nikolai Route

Nikolai's route summary from Queen of Thieves.

## Prologue

MC sits in a New York City park, attempting to overcome thoughts of having to move back home to Florida with daydreams of an exciting life. She’s trying to sell her art when she is approached by Nikolai and Elizabeth. Nikolai accuses MC of being a romantic while probing her about her replicas.

On the street, MC notices Vivienne in a jewelry store and follows her invitation in. Vivienne asks MC for her opinion between two necklaces, and MC points out that one of them is fake. Vivienne is impressed and flirts, before MC rushes off to a friend’s gallery showing.

MC bumps, literally, into Zoe. Despite MC raving about the art in the gallery, Zoe remains unimpressed. When they approach a bank of screens, Zoe talks MC into putting her art onto the screen display. MC makes Zoe smile.

Suddenly Jett appears, pouring black sand on the floor around a vase on display. When Jett hands MC a lit match, she realizes it’s gunpowder. Jett flirtatiously dares her to light the gunpowder, which she does.

An explosion knocks out the glass ceiling, and a helicopter appears. Jett grabs the vase and escapes. The scorch marks on the ground are in the shape of a poppy.

Remy appears, seemingly helping MC, who was knocked on the ground in the explosion. Feigning a fear of security asking too many questions, Remy leads MC outside. Remy offers to escort MC home, and when he uses her phone to get a ride, Leon appears.

While getting in the car, Remy pulls a necklace out of MC’s purse - one that Vivienne had been trying on earlier - and he accuses MC of stealing it. She denies it, but he says that people already think she’s part of the Gilded Poppy. Before she can retort, the car drives off.

Police lights flash behind them as Leon drives, and MC remarks to herself how calm he is while maneuvering at high speed through the city. He loses the police in the chase, and drives MC to an airport hangar.

The helicopter from the heist appears, and the whole crew comes out, much to the surprise of MC. She finally figures out that they’re all in the Gilded Poppy. Nikolai reveals that the heist was never about the vase, but was about stealing MC instead. The crew all say that they’d like her to come to Paris to help with their next heist. MC hesitates, and they show her that the police are already looking for her. So, not wanting to get caught and not wanting to have to go back home, MC agrees to go with them, excited for a new adventure.

[Written by reddit user directormmn]

## Season 1

### Episode 1

MC and the Poppy have arrived in Paris. MC is very excited to be there, though Nikolai goes out of his way to say how boring that is. MC continues to marvel when they arrive at the penthouse, remarking on everything from the floorboards to the lighting fixtures. The crew jokes around with each other, and MC feels a little more comfortable, but realizes that Nikolai has left the room.

Later that evening, MC asks where she should sleep for the night, and Remy shows her to a “guest room”. MC balks at how fancy it is, when Nikolai enters and reveals that Remy played a prank and it’s actually his room. He says she can sleep in his bed. When MC blushes and asks for clarification, Nikolai flirts with her, telling her he knows she wants him. MC doesn’t deny it. [CG]

[No heart scene available.]

### Episode 2

Nikolai pulls away from a bewildered MC. He leaves, telling her to sleep in his bed because he doesn't sleep. After succumbing to her jet lag, MC wakes up in the middle of the night and sees Nikolai working at his desk. When she realizes the plans she's looking at involve the Louvre, she gets very excited, asking Nikolai to let her help. He refuses, but after some goading he says that he'll show her what she'll be doing in the upcoming heist.

He asks her to replicate a painting from memory in 15 minutes after only showing it to her for a moment. She's annoyed but tries anyway. She doesn't get very far, and Nikolai says her technique is good but she'll need to be faster. MC wants to know more about the heist, and Nikolai agrees, but only if she can guess his favorite possession.

***Heart scene (15) - Beat Nikolai at his game!***

*Nikolai promises to answer three questions if MC can guess his favorite thing in the penthouse. She tries to narrow it down by asking him seemingly innocuous questions about himself, like his favorite drinks (alcoholic: champagne, non-alcoholic: black coffee) and his favorite subject in school (English; but the language, not the literature). He gives MC a hint: the thing in question is called one color but is, in fact, another color. MC muses to herself that Nikolai likes things clean and elegant. Classic.*

*MC notices Elizabeth in the room and suddenly figures out Nikolai's clue: Elizabeth is called a Russian Blue, but she's actually gray. Nikolai seems mildly impressed that she figures it out. MC assumes her victory and tells him that she's ready to ask her questions about the heist, when Nikolai reminds her that he already answered many more than three of her questions. He leaves the room, leaving MC dumbfounded.*

MC goes back to (Nikolai's) bed and wakes up, again due to jet lag, disoriented. She eventually joins the rest of the group in the common room, confronting Remy on tricking her about the guest room. He says it's all in good fun and shrugs it off. Nikolai rounds everyone up and they lead MC to the Underbelly for the first time.

### Episode 3

The group enters the Underbelly, and finds Jace, a buyer and informant. MC is shocked when Nikolai pulls out a genuine Monet, and he admonishes her for gawking over it, saying they have plenty of art back at "headquarters". The group splits up, and MC chases after Nikolai. He asks if she'd like him to give her a tour.

***Heart scene (26) - Let Nikolai show you his world!***

*MC follows Nikolai deeper into the Underbelly, noticing that people pay him significant respect, and that they're treating her like that too because she's with him. He tells her that everyone is speaking, in different languages, about her: who she is, where she's from, and how pretty she is. MC muses to herself that Nikolai would have a very nice voice for giving compliments if it weren't for his lack of politeness.*

*Nikolai promises to teach her something about his world, so he gives her a lesson in pickpocketing. While distracting her with a fake metaphor and shiny jewels, Nikolai lifts her purse from her shoulder. MC is very impressed. Nikolai shows her around a little more, and MC assures him she's had a good time.*

The crew regroups and runs into Gerard, seemingly another thief. He remarks that he knows about MC, and attempts to demean her. Nikolai swoops in, declaring that MC is an "undiscovered prodigy". He then wonders aloud how Gerard can sleep at night, which sends Gerard into a rage, revealing that he knows about Nikolai's true background. Confused, MC follows Nikolai and the rest of the group out of the Underbelly.

Remy talks MC into going after Nikolai, reminding her that he defended her honor. She catches up to him, thanking him for saying such nice things about her. He tells her it wasn't a compliment and that she still needs to prove herself. MC points out that she always calls Nikolai by his first name but he always calls her "Miss [Last Name]". He says he likes to keep a distance between him and those he works with. MC says that she would like them to become friends, and he replies, very firmly, that that is not what is happening.

### Episode 4

Nikolai stops a pickpocket from stealing from MC's purse.  They run into Remy, and meet a local baker they like. MC is impressed that Nikolai can tell she speaks Spanish just by looking at her.

Nikolai and MC break into the Louvre to continue to practice her speed-painting. MC presses him on what exactly the heist is, and he tells her that she'll be recreating a newly-discovered masterpiece so the Poppy can steal the original. While at the museum, Nikolai asks if she'd like to see more. MC says yes but the exhibit she wants to see is closed. Nikolai says that's not a problem for him.

***Heart scene (27) - Take a private tour with Nikolai.***

*Nikolai has Zoe shut down the security cameras in the closed-off wing. Zoe quips that he's finally cashing in a favor, causing MC to wonder what that means.*

*MC runs around the wing, excited by every piece of art there, which Nikolai admits he finds amusing. MC asks him what his favorite piece is. He points out a painting of Hamlet's Ophelia, and when MC asks why, he says it's "the scandalous look on her face", but goes on to say that it's about much more than just sexuality, and MC agrees. Nikolai then points out that he also likes the poppies in Ophelia's hair, and that the model almost died of hypothermia while floating in cold water for too long. They go on to trade art facts with each other.*

They hear a guard around the corner, and Nikolai presses MC close to him behind a statue to hide.

### Episode 5

The guard turns out to be Remy, playing a joke. He tells Nikolai he heard that Pierre Gerard is after him. Nikolai seems unconcerned, but a real guard comes around then, forcing their escape.

Back at HQ, MC is painting while bantering with the rest of the Poppy. Nikolai tells her to focus and she gets so caught up in looking at his eyes that she starts to draw him accidentally.

MC stays up all night finishing her work. She thinks she's finally going to catch Nikolai sleeping, but he's in the middle of (shirtless) fencing when she enters his room. [CG] He calls the painting a "triumph" and it takes MC a moment to realize that he's complimenting her. They both agree she needs to work on some techniques, and he offers to be her model.

***Heart scene (28) - Draw Nikolai like one of your French girls.***

*Nikolai continues to practice his fencing while MC watches and sketches. She asks him questions about how fencing works, and Nikolai says that he hasn't had a proper lesson for a long time but is just running drills. MC quips that he should be practicing with someone else, and Nikolai replies that he hasn't been able to find a proper partner.*

*Nikolai goes on to wax poetic about the world and how caring for too many people or acting too polite all the time is foolish. MC decides not to argue and focus on sketching his body instead.*

*When Nikolai comes to inspect her work, he's hot, sweaty, and smiling at her, and she thinks to herself that this is how he must look in bed. He notices her blushing, and says that he can think of other physical activities that are good for clearing one's head. MC suggests boxing, so she can sock him.*

MC and Nikolai go out into the city to get her art supplies, and he's completely baffled why she's getting so excited over paints. It actually makes him laugh out loud, and MC remarks to herself what a great smile he has.

Nikolai takes MC to a boutique to buy her a new outfit. When she goes to the changing room, she sees a stack of clothes with a note on top. The note is addressed to the "Thief Lord."

### Episode 6

Out of caution, Nikolai and MC flee the shop. He pulls the note out and sees that it’s in code. They head back to HQ, and later MC discovers Nikolai trying to clear his head by escaping from a pair of handcuffs. They banter with each other about his lack of emotion, and while she’s admiring his muscles, he takes her by surprise and handcuffs her to a chair. He says she needs to learn how to get out of them to be a true member of the Poppy, then he leaves. Jett comes in and sees the situation. He tells MC this is a totally normal initiation rite, and that he won’t help her. Elizabeth then enters, knocks over paperclips, and MC is eventually able to grab one and free herself.

She enters the common room where Leon is trying to convince Nikolai to not be such an ass to her. Nikolai says he knows she can handle it, then tells her to put on her new outfit (black leather separates). They all head to the Underbelly to meet with Jace. Gerard appears, disappointed that Nikolai hasn’t figured his code out yet. Nikolai cracks, yelling at him to leave MC alone.

Back at HQ, MC paints while Nikolai tries to crack the code. MC begins to paint Nikolai, and while thinking about symmetry, cracks the code herself: it was based on aesthetics instead of logic. Nikolai parses the code together, and it says that Gerard is going to steal the Van Gogh before the Poppy can.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 7

While MC is still reeling from the idea of having to recreate a Van Gogh in 15 minutes, Nikolai and Remy give a little backstory on Gerard: he comes from a powerful crime family and isn’t afraid to use violence on anyone. He and Nikolai have had a rivalry for the top thief spot in the Underbelly. While he’s ranting about how Gerard could destroy his reputation for good, MC realizes that Nikolai wants to be the best, more than anything else.

Nikolai then says how impressed he is with MC cracking the code that he offers to kiss her. To his surprise, she refuses, wanting a kiss to be on her terms. He says she’ll come around eventually, then they are interrupted by Zoe and Remy.

The Poppy gathers in the common room to come up with a new plan for the heist. MC decides she needs time outside the apartment to paint, so she goes to a cafe to practice. While there, Gerard appears and offers MC a spot on “the winning side” - his team. MC refuses and Gerard gets upset. Nikolai shows up and scares Gerard off. Nikolai tells MC to be careful around him - he killed his own father.

Nikolai calls MC naive, and she seethes, ranting at him about how just because she likes things and isn’t totally cynical about the world, that doesn’t make her dumb or naive. Before Nikolai can respond, Zoe calls, saying the Van Gogh has been moved and they don’t know where it is.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 8

The team goes into planning mode, trying to figure out if it was Gerard for sure who took the painting. Nikolai concludes that it could be no one else, and retires to his room to think. After some socializing with the Poppy, MC decides to go to bed.

Nikolai is still up and pacing, but MC reminds him that he said she could have the bed. He expresses frustration with not being able to clear his head properly, and MC suggests they go up to the roof to see the view.

***Heart scene (28) Sneak onto the roof with Nikolai.***

*They go to the roof, and MC is immediately struck by the beautiful view of Paris at night. She nearly forgets to breathe until Nikolai reminds her to. As she goes on about all the famous landmarks, Nikolai smiles, saying that her incessant chattering helps him think.*

*She asks him about his past, and he admits to not being from France originally but that seeing the Alexandre III Bridge for the first time made him happy. He points out a rougher part of town where he and Remy would sleep on the roofs.*

*MC gets a chill and asks for Nikolai’s jacket, but he refuses. He does admit that he doesn’t want to leave the roof, and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. He goes on to tell her, quite candidly, how lovely she looks in the light of the city.*

Later, MC awakes to find Nikolai asleep at his desk, having a nightmare. She wakes him and he jumps up, frantic and looking for Elizabeth. MC brings her to him, and while he holds her, MC asks what happened. He describes a recurring nightmare: He and Elizabeth escaping from a deadly scene, running for dear life. He admits that it actually happened a long time ago. Clearly shaken, he asks MC how she can get through life caring so much about everything, and she says it’s just a part of life. MC realizes that Nikolai doesn’t sleep by choice because he’s terrified of dreaming.

Before leaving the room, Nikolai mistakenly grabs MC’s sketches of himself instead of his own papers. She’s mortified, but he only remarks on how focused the work is and that she should use that focus for the heist. Leaving her bewildered, MC goes back to sleep.

### Episode 9

Nikolai wakes everyone up for a team meeting, as he has concluded that Gerard didn’t take the painting. Back in the bedroom, Nikolai tries to give MC some privacy to change clothes, but she decides to tease him instead. They banter flirtatiously, each saying the other wants to be kissed. As he helps her undress, Nikolai warns MC not to play games with him.

***Heart scene (28) - Play games with Nikolai.***

*They continue to tease each other, MC making him watch as she undresses and puts a new outfit on. All the while Nikolai claims to be a gentleman, not wanting to touch a lady without her permission. MC recognizes the game they’re playing and continues to play along. Nikolai helps her dress slowly, making sure to leave light touches on her skin - just enough to make her shiver. MC thinks to herself how much she wants him to touch her more.*

*MC then helps Nikolai dress into his tuxedo, and despite his even tone, she notices him trembling when she touches him. He teases her about avoiding tucking his pants in, then she does it anyway. Nikolai is definitely affected by her touch.*

*MC then tells him to help her put his shoes on, and as he’s kneeling down, remarks to her that she must want to see him at that angle. Lastly, MC goes to help him with his gloves, but he pulls them on himself, shattering the tension. The last thing Nikolai says is that any time she needs help with getting dressed, she can call on him.*

Now in the Underbelly, the Poppy disperse to do their own business dealings, then come back to regroup. They’ve discovered that Gerard thinks they stole the painting, and that it must still be at the Louvre. Nikolai is excited to have to plan a whole new heist. MC is shocked, reminding him that they only have three days before the painting is revealed to the public. Nikolai says they’re going to do the heist that night, utilizing the element of surprise.

At the Louvre that night, Nikolai leads MC to the new storage place for the Van Gogh. Gerard appears, thanking Nikolai for leading him straight to the painting. Nikolai then thanks *him* for giving the rest of the team time to infiltrate his apartment to steal his black notebook. Nikolai threatens to make the contents of the notebook public unless Gerard steps away from the painting heist and away from MC.

Gerard lunges at MC before tripping the laser security system then running off. MC falls, but Nikolai catches her before she trips the alarm. [CG]

### Episode 10

Nikolai looks MC over to make sure she’s okay. They escape the Louvre, and as Nikolai exalts about the successful play, MC calls him out, angry about not being told the full plan. MC feels hurt and used. Nikolai gets defensive, saying he needed her to act naturally. He tells her that if she can’t handle the work, then she should go home. It starts to rain, and Nikolai leaves MC on the street.

Remy appears with an umbrella, and MC tells him everything that happened. Remy insists that Nikolai does trust her, and that he and MC have much more in common than they think. Remy says Nikolai is happier with MC there, and that they should have this argument out of the rain.

Back in Nikolai’s bedroom, MC confronts Nikolai again. He laughs and points out how wet she still is. He offers her his shirt, but points out that she’s still upset. He tosses her one of his fencing swords, saying that this activity requires trust from both sides.

***Heart scene (27) - Show Nikolai how much you trust him.***

*They each grab a sword, and MC thinks to herself how fun it feels to swing it at Nikolai. As she swings, she starts the argument again. She says she needs to be informed before putting herself in a dangerous situation. Nikolai counters that it’s his job to keep everyone safe so they don’t have to worry at all. MC says that’s not his call to make.*

*Nikolai tries to make a flirtatious joke, but MC dismisses it, insisting on an apology. Even as she’s livid with him, MC thinks to herself how good it feels to do this, to be angry, but still not want to hurt him, and she knows he won’t hurt her either. While bumbling through an apology, Nikolai admits that MC was right, and that if he doesn’t take his teammates’ feelings into consideration then he’s no better than Gerard. He promises to keep MC more informed about heists going forward.*

After they’ve calmed down a bit, Nikolai moves like he’s going to kiss her, but then swipes some chocolate off her lip from earlier.

### Episode 11

As the Poppy prepares for the heist, MC and Nikolai are in his room getting ready. MC can’t resist teasing him, telling him she slept in his shirt. Nikolai blushes, admitting he thought about it. They flirt back and forth, and he admits to thinking about kissing her. MC pulls away, telling him to get his head in the game.

That night at the Louvre, MC and Nikolai make it through the laser grid with her art supplies. They find the painting, and when MC starts to copy it, Zoe informs them that they now have 10 minutes, not 15. Nikolai gets her attention by using her first name, and gives her a pep talk, telling her she’s the only one who can do this. She finishes what she can, then they escape back to the penthouse.

The rest of the group is impressed with her work, and after they all go to bed, Nikolai tells her the same thing. They decide to stay up together so she can finish the painting and use his photographic memory in case she forgets something. He helps her fill in the details, and she’s able to finish in a few hours. Zoe remarks on her being a typical American workaholic but MC is too proud of her work to think about the lack of sleep.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 12

Nikolai and MC are at the Louvre gala for the unveiling of the painting. It’s revealed to the public with a very positive response, and Nikolai confirms that the switch was made - everyone is actually looking at MC’s copy. He leads her around the room in a dance so she can overhear everyone complimenting the painting, and he tells her she’s extraordinary. MC gets flustered and changes the subject to his childhood with Remy. MC remarks that she can’t imagine him as a pickpocket. He asks if she’d like a demonstration.

***Heart scene (28) - Steal from the rich with Nikolai.***

*Nikolai, still dancing with MC, bumps into a rich man, and reveals the stolen wallet as soon as the coast is clear. MC asks to see more, and he moves them to the other side of the room, stealing all manner of things on their way. MC teases him about his “Thief Lord” nickname, until he tells her it originally started as an insult because he always acted so high and mighty even as a kid, but then the Poppy grew in reputation and newcomers didn’t realize it was a joke.*

*Nikolai spots his next target and tells MC she should help. As she distracts the man, Nikolai picks his wallet. Before MC can grab the man’s phone, Nikolai makes a big scene, pretending he and MC are in the middle of a lovers’ spat.*

*Once they’re done, MC admits that she feels a little guilty stealing people’s things. Nikolai reminds her that she just helped steal a Van Gogh and that thieving is what they do.*

They leave the gala to meet up with the others, and they celebrate their victory. Zoe reminds MC that she has a painting of her own in the Louvre, but MC admits she hadn’t thought about it. They ask her if she plans to stick around, and after looking at Nikolai, she agrees to stay. After more celebrating, everyone except Nikolai and MC leave to go party more.

Nikolai thanks MC for her help, and MC, throwing caution to the wind, tells him she doesn’t want thanks, she wants a kiss. He escorts her back to HQ, and while in the elevator they flirt and he wonders how she’d like to be kissed. They make it back to the room and he finally kisses her slowly. Then all at once it’s hot and heavy. [CG] They’re holding each other close, about to move to the next level, when the sound of a gun cocking breaks them apart. It’s Gerard, and he’s pointing the gun right at Nikolai.

[Written by reddit user directormmn]

## Season 2

### Episode 1

Nikolai attempts to distract Gerard while he’s still aiming the gun. Then Elizabeth jumps at him from behind and Nikolai is able to get the drop on him. They grapple for a minute until MC throws Nikolai a sword and she grabs Gerard’s gun. Gerard asks him if MC is worth more than his life, and while Nikolai hesitates, Gerard escapes out the window.

Nikolai checks on MC, who is clearly shaken. They take a quiet moment together before checking in with the rest of the crew. They all want revenge until Nikolai reminds them that they have Gerard’s decoded black book. Zoe sends it out to everyone in the Underbelly, allowing the rest of the underworld to take care of Gerard…permanently. The rest of the group eventually go to bed, and MC and Nikolai head to the roof to calm down.

Nikolai asks her if her feelings have changed after the encounter, and MC reassures him that she’s not going anywhere. Nikolai tells her their next heist will be in Italy, and that everything will be back to square one, smirking and calling her by her last name again. MC is excited about playing their game with him some more.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 2

The crew arrives in Venice, to MC’s delight. She notices Nikolai being reticent and tries to pull him into the conversation, but he says he needs to concentrate on the heist. They arrive at their penthouse, which looks very similar to the one in Paris. MC concludes that she must be sharing Nikolai’s room again. He agrees, but not about picking up from where they left off. They’re playing a new game now.

Instead, he suggests they go out to explore the city, guessing correctly that she wants to go to the Piazza San Marco first. She’s annoyed that she’s so predictable, but Nikolai insists that her romanticism is the only predictable thing about her.

***Heart scene (26) - Be seduced by Venice with Nikolai!***

*They arrive in the square, and MC is immediately drawn to the beauty of the architecture. She notices Nikolai watching her, and he says that he likes seeing things through her eyes. He - once again - correctly guesses that she wants to get gelato, but isn’t mocking her about it anymore.*

*They both try to guess each other’s favorite flavors, but neither are right on their first few guesses. He flirts with her, reminding her that he knows even more about her tongue from the other night. She blushes and orders him pistachio. He orders her tiramisu, which she admits is amazing even if it’s still not her favorite.*

*Nikolai then admits it’s driving him crazy, and asks to know what her favorite flavor actually is. She says it changes depending on the day, that she doesn’t really have a favorite. He says it’s the same for him, and that great minds think alike.*

The Poppy go out to dinner together, enjoying how much MC likes the food. She asks them all about their fluency in Italian (Vivienne is the best, Nikolai and Remy are pretty good, the others never learned). Nikolai then reveals - quite loudly and publicly - their next heist: a 16th century sword.

MC feels something is off, though, and when they get back to the penthouse she tells Nikolai she knows that’s not the real heist. He tells her the sword is just a distraction, and that he and MC will be doing the real heist together.

### Episode 3

Nikolai reminds them of their last heist, when someone moved the Van Gogh before they could steal it, and it wasn’t Gerard. He believes they have a new opponent and this heist will draw them out.

The “real” heist is for another painting - a Titian. Instead of creating a copy, Nikolai tells MC she’ll be creating authentication documents for another painting. They’ll be admitted into an art auction, where MC will steal the Titian. Nikolai admits that he’s going to enjoy watching MC work.

After a stressful dream, MC wakes up in the middle of the night and sees Nikolai - as usual - working at his desk. [CG] He’s crafting his character for the heist. He asks if she’d like to work on hers too, and even offers his lap as a seat.

***Heart scene (27) - Get up close and personal with Nikolai.***

*She takes his lap as offered, asking how character building works. She’s skeptical that he can pretend to be anyone other than himself, because he always seems so self-assured. He asks what she sees in him, and she says he’s smart and aristocratic, which is why so many people believe his “Thief Lord” persona.*

*They work on Nikolai’s character together, fleshing out parts of his backstory and personality. He’ll be playing a spoiled, rich art collector who enjoys horseback riding. MC concludes that if he likes animals then he must be polite. Of course, she admits that she only said that because she wants to see him act charming for once. Nikolai agrees to the character.*

Later that day, MC muses to herself about becoming an official Poppy member. Nikolai enters, and is immediately flustered seeing her lounging on his bed, wearing his dress shirt. They tease each other until he goes to take a shower. MC calls her parents and is in the middle of a voicemail when Nikolai comes out of the shower, wet and nearly naked. He’s trying to goad her until she reminds him that they’re playing a new game, and if he wants another kiss from her, he’ll have to ask this time.

### Episode 4

The crew work on the heist in the common room, while MC and Nikolai trade heated glances with each other. The group laugh together for a bit before heading out, leaving Nikolai and MC alone. They have a conversation about the heist, dropping in innuendos wherever they can find them. MC expresses nervousness about stealing a painting, so Nikolai suggests they practice.

They go to a local museum, and Nikolai tells her to choose a painting to steal. MC tells him she feels guilty for stealing something that’s for everyone’s enjoyment. Nikolai doesn’t quite understand but finds the idea intriguing. He calls her soft, and thinks her soft heart will cause her heartache in the future. They go back and forth on whether she should feel guilty, but ultimately Nikolai says she deserves to take something for herself for once, and she agrees. Before they leave, MC feels like they’re being watched, but doesn’t comment on it.

Back in the bedroom, Nikolai is working on the heist details while MC creates the fake documents. She daydreams about Nikolai while adding embellishments to his character’s backstory: he owns a scandalous painting that was thought to be lost on the Titanic. When she notices him watching her, he comes over to inspect her work, teasing her about her description of the imaginary painting: a naked man with jet black hair and piercing blue eyes.

He gets closer to her, moving his hand into her hair, knowing that his touch is having an effect on her. He reminds her that she set the rules of the game, and can break them just as easily. MC turns away from him, telling him he’s going to lose. But Nikolai loves a challenge, and he loves to win.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 5

MC is back in the closed museum, Nikolai directing her through an earpiece. She gets momentarily distracted by how good his voice sounds, and he starts flirting with her until she regains focus. She goes to cut the drawing out of the frame, until Nikolai suddenly wants her to take the frame, too. But it’s on a weight sensor and won’t tell MC how to fix it. She eventually comes up with her own solution, and successfully steals the artwork.

The Poppy takes her out to celebrate, and MC muses how much they’re starting to feel like family. While Remy is in the middle of telling a story, a waiter trips and spills red wine on Nikolai’s shirt. He completely freezes until Remy takes him away to clean up. The others tell MC that Nikolai doesn’t like red wine, but only Remy knows why, and that she shouldn’t ask about it.

Back at the penthouse, MC works on a painting while Nikolai watches. She expects him to tease her about it, but he doesn’t say anything until she’s done. He only says, “Thank you.”

Later that night, MC is woken by an agitated Elizabeth. She leads her to the common room, where Nikolai is having another nightmare. She wakes him gently, and he says something in another language, asking how much wine she drank. MC keeps talking to him until he’s fully awake. He goes to make some tea, and MC says she can do it for him. Nikolai doesn’t understand why she’d make such a small gesture, and she tells him that sometimes people need it.

***Heart scene (26) - Do something extra nice for Nikolai.***

*MC wants to make the tea properly, and asks Nikolai how he likes it. He replies that it’s more about the ritual than anything, so MC pulls him to her until he’s right behind her with his hands wound around her waist. She says he can watch from above, just like a heist. He rests his head on hers, telling her she is entirely too kind to him.*

*He instructs her how to make the tea. He even makes a little joke about the “sterling” silverware he uses, which MC takes as a good sign. He’s starting to tremble less as he continues to walk her through the process. He says she shouldn’t touch the tea with her bare hands, or ever drink it. He only says that it’s “a control thing” and says no more about it.*

Once he’s stopped shaking, he makes MC tea of her own, and they sit together in the common room with Elizabeth stretched out across both of their laps. Nikolai then elaborates: he can’t control the nightmares or the Gerards of the world, but he can control his tea time. MC says she understands, and after explaining that she’s not allowed to get up because she has a cat on her, falls asleep against his shoulder.

### Episode 6

Nikolai receives the response from the auction house, and now they want to see this mysterious character’s lurid painting that supposedly went missing on the Titanic. MC says she can just forge the painting and use someone as a model, but Nikolai reminds her that he’s the only one who fits the description she gave. MC says she’s done nude paintings before so she’ll be professional, but Nikolai wants her to enjoy it as much as he does.

He strips and she paints. [CG] Nikolai admits that staying still and watching her is a test for him. MC realizes that he’s reset the game and held himself back because he wants to control himself. He admits to how she makes him feel, so his goal is to master the art of mixing business and pleasure. MC vows to him that she’s going to break his resolve.

The next day, MC is attempting to talk her way into the auction house to scope it out, while Nikolai is directing her through the earpiece. Once she makes it inside, she gives him the layout of the building. She meets up with Nikolai after, and soon gets the feeling that she’s being watched again. She tells him this time, and they leave immediately.

They arrive back at the penthouse, where MC is elated with all the good work she’s done lately. She asks for a reward, and he mentions that he would help bathe her to cool her off from the heat of the day.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai cool you off...to heat things up.***

*Nikolai goes to grab a cloth and when he comes back MC is on his bed in her underwear. He stares for a moment before collecting himself. He joins her on the bed, and begins to run the wet cloth gently over her skin. She comments on how nice it feels and, while unclasping her bra with one hand, he tells her that all thieves have deft fingers.*

*He continues with the cloth, moving it to her legs. She’s getting flustered, asking if he’s sure he doesn’t want to do anything, now that it’s just the two of them. He says he has to concentrate. She lets him finish up, and when he’s done she realizes he never actually touched her with his bare hands. She concedes he won this round, but she will win in the long run. He says it was supposed to be her reward, so asks if she’d like a concession. When she agrees, he says she’s beautiful.*

Later, MC is awakened by a shout, seeing Nikolai in the midst of another nightmare. He asks her not to tell anyone, and while he leaves she thinks to herself how the nightmares seem to be getting worse, and wonders why.

### Episode 7

Nikolai is taking MC on a gondola tour of Venice, pointing out landmarks and giving the juicy historical context. MC then receives a text from her mother, and MC says she’ll need a good cover story for when she becomes a full Poppy member. Nikolai says if she becomes a full member she’ll have to go completely off-grid.

MC is obviously upset by this idea, asking if Nikolai ever calls his mother. He blurts out that his parents are dead - murdered - poisoned. He admits that he’s never told anyone else. She asks for more details, and eventually he tells her. His entire family was murdered with poisoned red wine on his 15th birthday. He was underage so didn’t drink much, and was otherwise distracted by his birthday present: a kitten. He watched his entire family die, then the house was lit on fire to destroy the evidence. Nikolai barely escaped with his life and with Elizabeth. He describes it as an assassination and assumed the murder was political in nature. He has decided to leave it behind him and not search out the killers.

MC wants to ask him more questions, but he seems reticent, so she changes the subject. Zoe then texts them to say they stole the sword, which intrigues Nikolai - this means their opponent knows what they’re doing. Instantly he seems more like his usual self, even saying that MC should join him in trying out their newly acquired sword.

The next morning at dawn, they arrive at the Piazza to spar. They practice for a while, and he doesn’t let her win, but admits that she’s “adequate.” He demands a prize for winning, and takes her face gently in his hand.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai claim a prize.***

*MC asks if he’s going to ask for a kiss. He says no, that he’ll never break first. But he goes on to say how fun the anticipation is, and surmises that MC enjoys it as much as he does. He uses the (thankfully dull) blade of the ornate sword to play a lock of her hair, and tells her what’s going to happen: he’s going to squeeze as much tension out of her as he can get, and then… he’ll squeeze tighter. And he’s going to enjoy bringing her to her knees.*

*She tells him he needs to kneel first, and not get up until she tells him to. He says he’s very good at everything he does, then tells her what he wants for his prize: to touch her. She agrees immediately and he drops to a knee, and gently caresses her ankle. He moves the touch higher, slowly. Just when she’s really starting to enjoy it, he moves his hand away, saying that’s all he wanted.*

MC goes to the auction house for more information. She finds the guest list and begins reading names to Nikolai over the earpiece. When she gets to a particular name, Konstantin Verderevsky, the earpiece feed goes dead and the alarms go off. She’s forced to escape on her own.

She gets back to the penthouse to hear Remy and Leon arguing with Nikolai, telling him that cutting out her earpiece in the middle of a heist is too far. Nikolai says she needs to be ready for anything, while the others argue that she needs to be supported as a member of the team. MC realizes he’s been testing her all along, storms into the room, and demands that they have a talk.

### Episode 8

In the bedroom, Nikolai continues to defend himself, telling MC he could hear her on the earpiece and had everything under control. This does nothing but upset the MC more, especially when he tells her he didn’t test the rest of the Poppy this way. Nikolai reminds her that she promised to stay, and he has to believe that, so he’s pushing her to succeed. When MC says he’s breaking her trust, he reminds her that he told her about his family, and how Remy is the only other person to hear that story in thirteen years. MC asks why he’s doing this to her, and he doesn’t reply before leaving.

At the auction, MC and Nikolai are playing their characters, gathering information around the room about who else might be bidding on the Titian. Nikolai tells her about the dungeons underneath them that used to be used during the Renaissance. Suddenly someone bumps into Nikolai, discreetly passing him a note from Konstantin Verderevsky, saying he won’t be attending the event. Nikolai seems shaken, but when MC asks if he’s okay, he slips back into flirt mode. MC tells him she can be mad at him, pull off the heist and make him want to kiss her all at once. Nikolai tells her to prove it.

***Heart scene (28) - Make Nikolai lose control.***

*After gregariously shaking a few hands, Nikolai is pulled aside by MC, who tells him she likes it when he’s charming. He replies that he finds her more attractive when she’s not charming. She attempts to break him by eating a strawberry very slowly. He claims she’s being too overt, but his eyes betray him as he watches her mouth, eventually admitting that it’s working.*

*He pulls her aside to a dark corner and asks to taste her. She wants to know if he’s asking for his kiss, but he says no, moving his mouth to her neck instead. He kisses her there for a moment before remembering they’re in public and pulls away. She asks him what she tastes like. He says raspberries, and where he comes from raspberries represent all that is good in life. It’s also slang for a thief’s hideout, and Nikolai says he could get lost in her.*

The auction goes quickly, and once someone gets the Titian, they leave to follow it. As they head back to HQ to change, MC talks about how Konstantin Verderevsky didn’t purchase the Titian, but MC’s painting of Nikolai instead. When she questions that, Nikolai snaps at her, asking if she ever stops talking. He belittles her relationship with her parents, and gets annoyed when MC tries to tell him off. She knows something isn’t right, but she can’t deal with his bad attitude, so she tells him she doesn’t want to see him anymore that night, and that she’ll finish the heist on her own.

### Episode 9

MC is changing in Remy’s room, still fuming about the fight. She tells Remy what happened, and he tells her that Nikolai is very sensitive about families, but he’d never take a jab at someone else’s like that. She tells him he was being downright nasty and that she’s going to steal the painting on her own. The others come in and wish her luck, not being able to go with her because they have to tie up loose ends with the sword.

At the warehouse where the painting is kept, MC finds and takes the painting, creating a little poppy “calling card” on the floor before heading back to the penthouse. Everyone else is still gone, so MC puts Nikolai’s dress shirt on - instead of a new set of pajamas he obviously left for her - and goes to sleep.

She wakes up with a start in the middle of the night, realizing that Nikolai shouldn’t still be out. She finds notes on his desk, and with the help of Zoe’s translation app, she translates the note - which is in Cyrillic. It says that whoever is following them is definitely from Nikolai’s past. It goes on to say that whoever it is is deadly and will use those close to Nikolai to get at him, so everyone must be far away from him so he can handle the situation alone. MC realizes he planned the whole thing - the two heists, the argument - it was to make everyone too preoccupied to notice he was pushing everyone away.

MC deduces that Nikolai either got caught or got himself caught. She flies into a panic, and suddenly realizes that she cares so much because she loves him. She remembers the dungeons he was telling her about, and believes he’s being held there. She’s terrified it will flood because of the rain, and dashes out of the penthouse.

She runs through the rain, breaks into the palace and finds the dungeons. She finds Nikolai chained to a wall, injured but alive. [CG] He’s delirious but still tries to make flirtatious jokes with her. She believes he’s been poisoned. As she tries to pick the chains’ lock, water starts to flood the floor.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 10

MC finally picks the lock on the handcuffs and she and a still-delirious Nikolai escape back to HQ. The others are back already, and Remy takes Nikolai to lie down. The rest of the group say there were no loose ends to tie up, and only realized too late that Nikolai planned it that way - they’re angry, but agree to talk about it later. Remy comes back and suggests someone stay up with him. MC immediately volunteers. Before entering the room, she and Remy agree that they both love an impossible man.

MC changes into her new pajamas, watching over Nikolai as he sleeps fitfully. Suddenly he wakes, ranting about the heist. When he sees MC, he says he doesn’t want her there, to see him like this. She reassures him, and after Elizabeth curls up on his chest, he drifts back to sleep.

As she watches over him, she muses to herself about the revelation of being in love with him, and not knowing how he feels about her. He half-wakes again, still, dreaming and speaking different languages until MC figures out he’s “talking” to one of his family members who died. He finally registers that she’s there, terrified of going back to sleep. She asks what he needs, and he says he wants her close to him.

***Heart scene (28) - Get in bed and let Nikolai hold you close.***

*Nikolai admits he likes having MC there - she says she knows. For a long while he just holds her tight - no jokes or games. She thinks about how safe and protective she feels all at once. He asks if she likes the pajamas - she does. He says they were supposed to make her feel better when he knew how much the argument would upset her.*

*She softly chides him, asking what she’s going to do with him. He begs her to keep him in the present, to not let him slip back into the past. She reassures him, and he pulls her even closer. She makes a mental note to remember how cuddly he is when he’s sick. He tells her she smells like raspberries, and she says that that’s pretty romantic for him, but for once he doesn’t mind because he’s right. She agrees, and he drifts back to sleep, with her dozing off right after. Later, she wakes for a moment and sees Nikolai still holding tightly onto her. She smiles and goes back to sleep.*

A few days later, Nikolai is still bruised but mentally recovered. He immediately chides MC for ruining his plan. MC huffs, telling him the rest of the group could have helped him make a different plan. Nikolai says this is personal, and doesn’t want to risk anyone else in the Poppy just because he’s the target. He would rather have them all hate him than be dead.

Nikolai nonetheless commends MC on figuring it out so quickly, and pulls out something shiny from his pocket. It’s a Poppy, and he asks if she wants it.

### Episode 11

MC takes her poppy pin while Nikolai tells her all the reasons she earned it. The rest of the crew come out to celebrate, but their attention quickly turns to Nikolai, and they lay in on him for getting himself kidnapped and manipulating all of them. They tell him using their trust in him against them isn’t fair, and that they won’t just abandon each other the moment one of them gets into trouble. Nikolai is bewildered that they feel this way, but ultimately concedes to them. They say they don’t want an apology, and finally Nikolai admits that he was wrong. The group cheers.

In a gesture of goodwill, Nikolai decides to tell the whole Poppy the full story. He reveals that his true name is Konstantin Nikolayevich Verderevsky, and clarifies that whoever is hunting him is using his own name as a taunt. MC then reveals that she has a plan to draw their opponent out: by attending a masquerade in the city, where they assume their enemy will feel safe because of the masks. Nikolai agrees to the plan, calling it brilliant in its simplicity. Remy remarks that they might have another mastermind on their hands, and Nikolai says he can make room.

The next day, MC and Nikolai go for a walk. He reaches out to hold her hand as they chat. She asks if she won’t be annoying, and he reassures her that he didn’t mean any of the terrible things he said. They go on to discuss the heist, and Nikolai reveals he’s already working on their next one. This stresses MC out, because she’s not sure he’s taking the current threat seriously enough. He reminds her that he’s already survived so much and made such a reputation for himself that he’ll never be forgotten.

She changes the subject to her initiation into the Poppy, reminding him that they live together permanently now. He has no problem telling her how happy he is about that, and admits that he desperately wanted to kiss her at the auction when he knew he was going to be kidnapped. MC realizes how much she wants to kiss him too, and seriously thinks about ending the game to give into her desire. At that moment, Zoe calls and informs them that someone purchased tickets to the masquerade with Nikolai’s real name. The heist is on.

They’ve arrived at the masquerade - Nikolai is wearing a gold mask and the old sword - now deadly sharp - at his waist. The others are in position, waiting for their moment. Nikolai tells MC he likes having her on his arm, and they walk out to the balcony. She comments on the lovely view, Nikolai comments on her loveliness. He wants her to know that, in case anything happens that night. He’s still a thief at heart, and he wants to deny it, wants to keep a clear head, but he wants to take what he wants. She asks him what he wants. He finally says he wants her kiss, and asks what he should do to get it.

***Heart scene (30) - Make Nikolai get on his knees for you.***

*She says she might deny his request, but he doesn’t believe her. She says maybe she’ll make him beg for it, even though he’s sworn he’ll never do such a thing. She says it’ll have to be from the heart. He touches his forehead to hers, telling her the thought of kissing her has become an obsession, and knows that even when it happens it’ll never be enough. He wants her.*

*She pulls away, telling him that was pretty good, but now she needs to hear him say it again...while on his knees. Nikolai is highly amused, reminding her of who he is, and asks who she thinks she is. She replies, “The queen of thieves,” and he must kneel for her. He finally complies, kneeling and telling her everything he wants to do to her. All manner of intimate, dirty things: keeping her up all night, making her moan his name, and watching her face as she comes apart. She asks to know something she doesn’t know. He goes on to say how much he wants her in his life: to hear her laugh, see the way she thinks… he wants all of it.*

*He asks her to please kiss him, as he kisses her stomach, telling her how much he needs her. MC thinks how good he is at even this, and tamps down on the desire to jump him right then. He keeps kissing her, boasting how much he can pleasure her. His hands travel beneath her skirt and up her legs, and further… until she tells him she’s convinced.*

*He springs to his feet, and she finally kisses him. They are desperate for each other, and she yanks his mask off to get at him easier. His hands are in her hair, letting it loose. Their mouths come together, and they both admit how much they wanted this. Nikolai said he wanted to take his time, but can only think of taking her then and there. She agrees, not wanting to wait anymore. As he presses her against the wall and she wraps her legs around him, she relishes in her victory.*

### Episode 12

They are kissing furiously now, and they are just starting to remove clothing from each other, when the crew comes through on the earpieces, telling them they need to stay in view at all times. They’re very reluctant to pull away from each other - Nikolai even says he’d prefer death to celibacy. They straighten themselves up and head back to the party.

MC asks him to dance, and while they waltz around the room Nikolai tells her they’ll get another perfect night together. That they won’t have to wait until the next heist to be together. He apologizes again for manipulating her, but she says it’ll take more than that to drive her away. He remembers when Gerard threatened her, and the only thing he could think about at the time is whether he’d be able to use his body to stop a bullet. So he wanted to be absolutely sure about him, because he was already so invested in her.

He then says how vulnerable he feels with her, and wants to conquer that vulnerability. MC reminds him that they need to keep their promise to trust each other, and that he can’t mastermind everything, especially their relationship. He tells her that he trusts her professionally, but that the rest of it is foolishness and weakness - too romantic. MC says love doesn’t work like that, and while he’s trying to process her using the word “love,” she leaves him on the dance floor.

A while later, Nikolai approaches MC, wearing a strange hat. He pulls her out into the hallway. She protests, until she realizes it’s not Nikolai at all. He looks the same, but his eyes are the wrong color and his grip is too rough. She realizes - too late - that the others still have their attention on the real Nikolai. The man starts to drag her off but she fights, unsuccessfully. They arrive on the balcony, where Nikolai is waiting, sword drawn. [CG]

They begin to fight, and Nikolai realizes quickly how evenly matched they are. He’s fought this man before a thousand times, but thought him dead. The man takes the hat off, and MC can see he looks so much like Nikolai, except for the burn scars on one side of his face. It’s Casimir, the favorite cousin Nikolai thought he saw die. They fight again but Casimir gets the drop on Nikolai, and throws him over the balcony into a canal.

The last thing MC sees is Casimir lifting a handkerchief to her nose and mouth… and then everything goes dark and she’s being carried away.

[No heart scene available]

[Written by reddit user directormmn]

## Season 3

### Episode 1

We find MC tied to a chair in a wine cellar, Casimir revealing that she’s already escaped twice, and he’s quite impressed. She’s finally able to get a good look at him, then asks why he kidnapped her. He says it was just to get Nikolai to talk to him. He goes on to reveal that he has standards to live up to, because he and Nikolai are nobility, descended from the late empire.

Casimir had taken a long time to track Nikolai down once he found out he was alive, then discovered that Nikolai had abandoned his name and took up with criminals, which Casimir took to be a major slight. He wanted to rid the bloodline of cowardice, but when the time came, he couldn’t kill Nikolai himself. And since MC saved him from drowning, he’s only come up with a better plan.

At that moment, Nikolai bursts into the room. He confronts his cousin, demanding he let MC go. Casimir says he needs Nikolai - needs the Thief Lord - to steal back their family’s glory. Nikolai refuses to answer, instead guessing correctly what Casimir’s been up to in the last few years, even figuring out it was him who told Gerard where their hideout was. They begin trading insults back and forth until MC interrupts them, asking what she can do to get herself out of the chair. Casimir replies that Nikolai can agree to his plan.

Nikolai again refuses to answer, asking Casimir how he escaped the poisoning. He said he drank the wine, but his mother must have watered it down. When he awoke everyone was dead and the house was burning. He was dumped into an orphanage and stripped of his name. Years later it was when he was trying to find a family painting that he discovered the Poppy, and Nikolai - still alive.

All the time he’s talking, Nikolai is crafting their escape. He’s been fiddling with a tea strainer, but when Casimir grabs the tea, he tells Nikolai to drink first. He does without any hesitation, then Casimir drinks as well. Nikolai then says he could never accept the offer after he kidnapped MC, and then Casimir collapses. Nikolai immediately runs to MC, helping her escape.

Once they're out, he embraces her tightly, then kisses her - it’s desperate but tender. He tells her he’s never letting her go again. The rest of the Poppy arrive then, telling her how worried they were. Nikolai then reveals that he’s been building up an immunity to poison, and MC realizes it was in his tea the whole time. Her mind starts to wander, and suddenly all she wants to do is be alone with Nikolai, to pick up where they left off. Nikolai is thinking the same thing, and dismisses the rest of the crew so he can keep his promise to MC.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 2

Nikolai breaks them into the first empty house they see. They’re on each other in an instant, kissing and undressing each other, saying how scared they were for the other. They cling desperately to each other, falling into bed still half-dressed. They can’t slow down, eager not to wait any longer, and they finally cross that line. [CG]

Afterwards, still partially clothed, Nikolai admits again how scared he was that she was dead, that the hours they spent apart were unbearable. MC admits that she loves him - he replies that he already knew, and she has terrible taste in men. Then he says he loves her too - she already knew that too, because he has great taste. He says he’s obsessed with her, that the feelings he has for her are the one thing he can’t overcome.

She asks if he wants to be exclusive with her, and he says yes. He’s never had a proper relationship before, but in true Nikolai fashion, he vows to be the best at that, too. He looks at her heatedly again, telling her he’s usually a better lover, and says he wants to savor her.

***Heart scene (29) - Let Nikolai savor you.***

*They start slow, undressing each other with care and reverence. Nikolai has removed his gloves so MC can finally appreciate the feel of his bare hands on her for the first time. He caresses every part of her slowly, methodically, with fingers, tongue and breath. She lets him touch her, and he tells her he loves how responsive she is.*

*By the time she’s fully undressed and he’s using his tongue, MC tells him she’s ready. But he reminds her that he likes to toy with her, so he takes his time, settling his mouth between her legs. She tells him he’s incredible, and Nikolai eventually moves up to join themselves together. Her release is slow and gentle, and he tells her how gorgeous she is. He finishes then, too, and MC marvels at the look on his face when it happens.*

Nikolai is stunned to realize he’s still *feeling* after they’re done. MC realizes any of his past relationships must have been purely physical, because he can’t understand why he’s still emotional after the deed is done. MC says all she feels is amazing. They lie together for a while, then head back to HQ.

The rest of the Poppy are waiting up for them, and Remy even gives them a standing ovation when they arrive, and high-fives MC. When Nikolai suggests they discuss their next heist, the crew insists he and MC take a night off together. Nikolai eventually agrees.

As they walk hand-in-hand on their last night in Venice, Nikolai checks in with MC, and she quips that she should learn more fencing. Nikolai kisses her, stealing her breath away. They kiss for a long time, then Nikolai admits that he understands everything about her but doesn’t understand why he can’t get enough of her. She says she feels the same way.

MC asks about the heist, and Nikolai replies she’ll know more when they arrive in Hong Kong.

### Episode 3

They arrive at their Hong Kong penthouse (which, once again, looks just like the first one). Nikolai shows her around before they settle in his room. As they chat, Nikolai reveals that he hates the word boyfriend, so MC suggests they come up with a different word for him. Before they come up with something, Nikolai suddenly asks if she thinks he’s a coward for not wanting to avenge his family. She reassures him, saying of course not. Then Nikolai blurts out the word “partner,” wanting that to be their word for each other. MC immediately agrees.

Nikolai and MC go explore the streets of Hong Kong while her poppy pin is being set into a necklace. He takes her to a shop to buy her a bikini for their rooftop pool, then they head back out to the markets. He says he wants to do more with her than just dinner (dinner is so *boring*), and asks if she’d like to go on a real date.

***Heart scene (27) - Go on your first date with Nikolai.***

*He leads her, arm in arm, to a guarded gate. He tells her to walk with confidence, and they both stride past the guards like they own the place. He picks the lock on the gate, opening it to reveal a beautiful tea garden. He says he thinks she’ll appreciate being there with no one else around.*

*MC asks him about past relationships, and he concedes that he’s been on dates before, but this is the first relationship he’s had in the traditional sense. MC says it’s kind of a first for her too, because everyone she’s dated in the past made her feel less-than. Nikolai doesn’t understand how telling her how amazing she is could ever diminish his own talents. They both agree this is good for them. They share a gentle kiss, and Nikolai surreptitiously slips a flower into her hand.*

Later, MC is enjoying the pool while Nikolai lounges next to it, planning the heist. MC watches him for a moment, noting his regal posture, then asks him if he was ever going to tell her that he’s nobility. He said he’s *descended* from nobility, and that any lordship title he has is going to be earned. She then tells him he needs to relax, and the next chance she gets she pulls him into the pool with her. They tease each other, kissing until they rush to the bedroom.

He sweeps everything off his desk, placing her on it and telling her how long he’s wanted to take her there. As he peels off her clothes, he tells her how quickly she became an obsession for him. She relishes in this as they come together.

They join the rest of the crew in the common room to discuss the heist. Nikolai mentions Baron Kwok, and Leon says he’s got an expansive art collection. Nikolai agrees, saying that since all this expensive art is in one building, they’re going to *steal the building*.

### Episode 4

When the crew starts questioning the heist, Nikolai clarifies that they’re going to steal the deed to the building. Leon is immediately skeptical, and Nikolai says that the plan is to get Baron Kwok to gamble the deed away, leaning into the knowledge that wealthy people tend to be high rollers. Nikolai divvies up responsibilities to the team, and then says that he and MC will play in the game. MC is nervous about playing that role, but Nikolai tells her that her desire to own all the art in that building will be her motivation to win.

The next day, Leon is teaching MC how to play whist, and they bond over their shared love of romance stories. Nikolai huffs, but MC reminds him that his own cat is named after an Austen heroine. They get back to the whist, which is a game of intellect rather than luck. Leon and Nikolai soon realize that MC is a natural hustler with cards, much to their delight. They decide to use her to be underestimated on purpose.

Later in their bedroom, MC and Nikolai are practicing whist and watching Elizabeth scamper around. Nikolai decides they’re ready to up the ante on their game, and MC suggests strip whist. Nikolai wins the first trick, demanding she take off her underwear. He asks if she's ready for a high stakes game.

***Heart scene (27) - Play for keeps with Nikolai.***

*Nikolai retrieves her underwear like it’s a chess piece he just won. MC immediately wins the next trick, and tells him to take off his jacket. He does, slowly, keeping eye contact with her the whole time. They play in near silence after that, items of clothing being shed one by one. They’re nearly evenly matched.*

*MC claims his shirt next, and looks at their loot. She’s got his clothing in a big pile, while he’s laid her clothing out, organized meticulously. She teases him, asking if he still thinks he’s going to win, and he says he’s certain of it, and wins the next trick. He wants her dress off, but he wants to take it off himself. He does, and revels in his near victory.*

*MC isn’t sure how she can win, until she makes a decision and plays her best card, tying them again and telling him to take his pants off. She kisses him and helps him out of his pants, kneeling as she goes. Nikolai says he knows she’s distracting him, but doesn’t stop her. Then she pulls back and tells him it’s his move. Her gambit worked - he’s too distracted to play well, and when their cards run out they’re in a dead tie.*

MC starts to get dressed and Nikolai says he wants to take her out somewhere nice that night. Before she can put them on, however, Nikolai pockets her underwear, leaving her without any - he’s emptied her underwear drawer. He smirks at her, asks if she’s coming, and they leave for their date.

### Episode 5

They arrive at a fancy restaurant, and when they sit down, Nikolai demands MC to tell him how she feels right now. She feels exposed, naughty, and like she’d like to kick him. After he compliments the poppy necklace she’s wearing for the first time, they get a good look at their mark, Baron Kwok. They watch him for a while, noting important things, when suddenly Kwok stabs one of his dining partners in the hand with his fork. MC is terrified, but Nikolai reassures her, telling her he’ll keep her safe no matter what. Nikolai then suggests they continue the date by breaking into Kwok’s building.

It’s all too easy to get in, and Nikolai explains that Kwok believes his reputation is enough to keep his things safe. MC asks why they don’t just take something now, and he says that they don’t just want one or two things - they want all of it, and they want everyone to know it was the Poppy who did it. MC marvels at the collection, and Nikolai delights in her excitement. He kisses her and presses a leg between hers. He’s able to make her come apart before their time is up.

MC wakes the next morning to see Nikolai working on the heist. When he greets her with a soft smile, she thinks to herself how happy she is with him. [CG] He requests that the next time she get undressed she leave the poppy necklace on. As they eat breakfast, MC notices that Nikolai is doing little things for her without being asked. The whole group discusses their plans for the day, and Remy comments on how happy MC and Nikolai are making each other. But he also says Nikolai tends to overthink and doesn’t know what to do with himself when he’s happy. MC ponders this as he leaves.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 6

A few weeks have passed, and MC and Nikolai have been busy practicing whist and going on lavish dates. They’re at a casino, practicing at separate tables, communicating through their earpieces. MC decides to make a game of it, telling him she’s not wearing underwear again. She flirts heavily with him over the comms, trying to break his concentration. She continues to goad him until he can’t take it anymore. He asks if she’s just trying to be punished later, and she questions if it isn’t *him* that wants that. Nikolai rushes back to his table, wins the game quickly, and demands MC meet him in the bathroom.

***Heart scene (28) - Nikolai. Empty room. Now.***

*MC wants Nikolai to admit how much he wants her. He says he’s going to get her back for the earpieces. They stagger into the bathroom together, and he says he knows what she wants. He’s going to bend her over the counter, make her watch them in the mirror the whole time, and she isn’t allowed to make a single sound. She agrees, but tells him to take his gloves off. He removes them with his teeth, and then they’re on each other.*

*He says she probably wants to hear something romantic, so he begins to compliment her. She isn’t allowed to respond, so he takes that moment to spin her around and she braces herself against the counter. He makes her watch them in the mirror as he touches her and whispers sweet nothings in her ear. She bites her lip but he tells her to use him instead, so she bites his fingers. He tells her not to hold back - he needs to see what he does to her. It takes everything in her to stay quiet when she finishes, but she manages to anyway, Nikolai following just behind.*

MC wakes alone in the middle of the night, eventually finding Nikolai on the roof. She says she’s already seen his nightmares and he should be sharing the bed with her anyway. Nikolai tells her he won’t let her see his weakness anymore, because she might use it against him one day. MC reels at that, but only tells him she’d prefer it if he tells her when he’s leaving, even if she’s asleep. He’s hesitant, but ultimately agrees.

MC then notices he’s holding a piece of paper, and asks about it. It’s from Casimir, left for Nikolai where he would find it. He tells her she shouldn’t worry about it, and MC decides not to argue.

They’ve finally been invited to Baron Kwok’s gambling house, and Nikolai, Remy and MC go over their characters one more time before they go in. Remy is charming as ever, introducing his friends to the rest of the table, where Vivienne is working her own mark. Suddenly Baron Kwok comes over, and says they’re not fooling anyone.

### Episode 7

MC thinks they’re made, but Kwok says he knows they’re card sharks, and then laughs - he was joking. MC leans into her ditzy character, charming Kwok. Later, MC is enthralled in watching Nikolai play, and he reiterates that he believes in luck, not winning. [CG] Then he watches her play, proud of her prowess. After a successful evening, they head back to HQ.

They arrive in the bedroom, kissing and talking about how well the plan is unfolding. MC thinks about how happy she is at this stage in their relationship - everything feels like ecstasy - and they head to the bed, undressing each other on the way. It’s over almost as soon as it begins, and MC revels in the fact that she can make him lose control so easily. While she starts to rest, he says he’s not done with her, that he can do so much more if they stayed up all night. He wants to experiment with her limits.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai keep you up all night.***

*MC admits she’s never tried an all-night marathon, which surprises Nikolai. He tells her the key is pacing - but not hers, his. She’s not going to get a moment’s rest, he says, but they can go slow. He takes his sweet time with her, mapping out everything on her body. Time seems to slip away and her limbs turn to jelly. When she needs a water break he already has a bottle waiting for her.*

*Later, she asks how he has so much stamina, and he says he can’t get enough of her, and could stay in bed with her forever. They continue their lovemaking until both of them are shuddering. He whispers something to her in Russian, but when she asks about it he says he wasn’t really thinking. He says he doesn’t want to lose control in front of her - it’s too messy. She insists she likes it, and wants to do it again some time. He says they will, and exhaustion finally takes them.*

The next morning, they’re by the pool again, and while MC swims she thinks about the night before and how satisfied she was. He’s obviously thinking the same thing, but says he’s confused as to why he still wants *more* after last night. MC questions if he was just trying to get her out of his system last night. He says yes, and she’s offended, but he clarifies that he wants to be able to focus on the heist, but he’s obsessed with her. MC says maybe she should try it instead.

She tells him it’s her turn to ruin him for anyone else, and he replies that she already has. She kisses down his body and past his waistband, and while she tends to him he calls her exceptional. After they’re done she asks if he’s had enough of her, but of course he hasn’t. He’s sweet with her, but he also expresses concern that he can’t think straight around her.

### Episode 8

The crew is getting closer to the game with Kwok, though they say they’ll have to get through his right-hand man first: The Bullshark. MC and Nikolai haven’t beaten him yet, but Leon insists that beating him means they’re the best at the game. They decide they just need to keep trying.

MC and Nikolai head out to dinner, but instead of the fancy place that Nikolai chose carefully, MC insists on going to a hole-in-the-wall place that smells good. Nikolai is annoyed she wants to change his plans without warning, but MC shoots back that she’s allowed to want more than one thing or change her mind. He begrudgingly goes to her chosen place.

Once inside, Nikolai tries to order for her, and she snaps at him, telling him to stop trying to control everything. He tells her how he’s struggling to read her, and she says she’s just a spontaneous person. As she eats she thinks back on what Remy said about Nikolai overthinking everything. Afterward he asks her to go to the night market with him - she agrees, knowing he’s trying to be spontaneous and salvage the evening.

***Heart scene (26) - Let Nikolai be spontaneous for you!***

*He tells her to get whatever she wants, and she heads over to try some dessert soups. She insists Nikolai try one of them, and he only agrees after he asks if it will make her happy. He hates it, as he predicted, but MC is happy anyway.*

*He then apologizes for earlier, saying he was frustrated with himself. He thinks he doesn’t have all the attributes to be a perfect partner. He wants to anticipate her needs before she even realizes she needs something, and he thinks he failed tonight. She insists that’s not what a relationship is about, but he says he’s not conventional, and wants to know everything about her because that’s who he is. He’ll steal anything he can’t provide for her. He wants to know every little thing she wants, no matter how small, so he can “optimize [her] happiness.”*

*She says again that’s not how life works, that sometimes plans change and people feel sad. He doesn’t understand how her feeling sad could ever be a good thing. She tells him it’s impossible for him to make her happy all the time, and he reminds her that he’s the master of the impossible. Before they head home, he asks that she start telling him how she’s feeling more often.*

In the middle of the night, Nikolai kisses her softly and tells her he’s leaving. MC is glad he’s taking her advice and telling her, but wants to know where he’s going. He’s annoyed that she wants to know more, because it will ruin her sleep cycle. Suddenly MC has a brainwave, saying she knows how to beat the Bullshark.

### Episode 9

MC’s plan is to rattle the Bullshark’s confidence by stealing a piece of prized jewelry from his wife. She and Nikolai break into his house and have their hands on the necklace when the wife - Mrs. Li - enters. She sees they’re stealing the necklace, and begs them to do it, saying she hates it because her husband only buys her things to show her off like a prized object. MC sees a possible future for herself like Mrs. Li: being miserable because she always does what her husband tells her, because he thinks she’ll like it. Nikolai doesn’t seem to be thinking the same thing, but offers her his condolences before they leave.

MC doesn’t feel good about the theft, but Nikolai only says he knows now that the Bullshark’s weakness is his pride. When they’re next in the casino, MC wears the necklace. Nikolai shows her off to everyone, and MC feels very uncomfortable. She shakes it off and they join the Bullshark’s table, flaunting the necklace in front of him, knowing he can’t say anything without acknowledging that he was robbed. The trick works - they finally beat the Bullshark at cards, and Baron Kwok immediately comes over to congratulate them.

Back in the bedroom, MC and Nikolai acknowledge they need to talk, and he removes her necklace immediately. He says he never wants her to feel like Mrs. Li, like an object. She’s skeptical, but he insists that he’s sincere - even if she were to never wear anything beautiful he would still feel the same about her. He undresses her and the next hour is spent in bed. When it’s over Nikolai leaves, not wanting to sleep, and MC thinks about the thing she’s *really* worried about: him making plans without her.

The next day at the casino, Baron Kwok brings them over to his personal table, complimenting the way they play. He invites them to play a private, high-stakes game, and MC makes her move, telling him to bet the deed to his building. He laughs and agrees immediately, but asks in exchange for them to find and bet a supposedly-lost Rembrandt painting. Nikolai says they already have it.

After they leave, Nikolai clarifies that the painting was actually destroyed, and he wants MC to paint them a new one. She immediately bristles, thinking this is just like before - the thing she’s worried about: he’s making another plan without her.

### Episode 10

MC snaps at Nikolai, annoyed that he’s doing what he promised he wouldn’t. Nikolai defends his actions, saying he was thinking on his feet. MC feels like she’s not involved, and he says she’s involved by making the painting. She reminds him that she’s now expected to fool someone who is notoriously violent to those who wrong him. He brushes off her concerns, and she storms off.

A few days later she’s calmed down a little and has started working on the painting. Nikolai helps with bringing her research materials, and then points out that she looks stressed. He offers to help, as his hand slips under her dress.

***Heart scene (27) - Let Nikolai help you relax.***

*MC isn’t sure, she’s forgone showering to keep working, and admits to feeling pretty gross at that moment. He reassures her, telling her how “inexpressibly beautiful” she looks to him. His hand keeps working under her skirt, and he kisses slowly up her leg. She reminds him that they’re in the common room, but he knows she finds the chance of being caught exciting.*

*He continues to kiss up her thigh, telling her to relax. Then his tongue is on her and she exalts in her ecstasy, not bothering to be quiet for once. When it’s over she asks him to hold her, and he does. She allows herself some quiet time with him while she rests before getting back to work. He tells her to let him know if she ever needs anything to be happy.*

Later that night, Nikolai comes into the bedroom saying he’d fallen asleep in the living room and was upset to see her gone when he woke up. She asks if he had a nightmare, but he reveals that Casimir sent him another message: theories about who murdered their family and more pleas for Nikolai to help. Nikolai says that Casimir’s return has only made him dwell on the past more and made the nightmares worse. When he rejects her embrace she presses in, insisting that she take care of him the way he takes care of her. She leads him to the bed, and in the midst of their touching and kisses, she tells him she loves him. He thanks her, and MC isn’t mad he didn’t say it back - she knows he’s not ready yet.

The next day, Nikolai interrupts her painting to drag her into the bedroom, telling her he needs her at that moment. He’s been unable to think straight since she told him she loved him. They’re about to get hot and heavy when Baron Kwok calls, saying he’s bored and wants to play a game with MC. Nikolai says they’ll be there tomorrow, but Kwok says he wants to play with *only* MC.

### Episode 11

The Poppy all meet together to discuss the game. MC is nervous but the crew reassures her that Kwok is probably just trying to get in her head before the big game. Leon suggests losing to him so he won’t be set off, but she can’t let him know she lost on purpose.

MC arrives at the casino for the game. Kwok begins to talk about his own marriage, how he wasn’t able to give his wife the emotional support she wanted, and she ended up giving up on him - they live almost completely separate lives now. MC sees the parallels between them and her and Nikolai and she despairs. Kwok has noticed the similarity too, and worries for MC’s wellbeing, saying that a man like Nikolai has to suppress his emotions if he wants to succeed in their world. The last thing he says before winning the game, is that the big game is being moved up a few days. This gives MC less time to work on the painting.

Back at HQ, Nikolai gives her a cursory once over before laying out their plans for the evening - he’s scheduled dinner and even bought her a dress. MC blurts out that she can’t do this, thinking that everything is perfect but he never asks if she wants it. She wants to get to work on the painting - Nikolai is crestfallen but says he understands. He asks what she needs, and she asks him what would happen if she wanted to call off the heist altogether. He insists that they continue, and MC snaps, asking him if he thinks she’s too emotional to make a decision like that. She wants him to show some emotion for her sometimes too. He reminds her that he almost died for her, but MC points out that being dead won’t fix the relationship. Frustrated, she goes back to painting. [CG]

A few days later she’s finished the painting just in time for the game, and she and Nikolai have barely spoken about anything but the heist. She doesn’t know how she’ll be able to pretend to have a good time when she feels so terrible. Nikolai enters, suddenly the most uncertain she’s ever seen him, and he asks if she’d like help washing the paint off her body. MC admits that she’s missed him, and Nikolai offers to take care of her.

***Heart scene (30) - Let Nikolai take care of you.***

*MC agrees and Nikolai undresses her, though not with his usual teasing flair. He’s hesitant, but he holds her close for a long time and MC realizes how much she’s missed the affection. As they enter the shower together, she asks what made him want to do this, and he says he knows she’s tired because he knows about being tired.*

*He cleans every part of her meticulously, and comments on how lovely she looks with all the color running down. He’s slow, methodical and affectionate with her the entire time, even making a light joke about paint always being in her hair and that maybe she should wear gloves in the future. She asks if this shower idea was part of the heist, to make sure she wouldn’t be found out as the painter, and he admits that it’s partially true but he actually wanted to check on her because in their argument she’d called it “his” heist but he thinks of it as theirs together.*

MC leans into him, realizing this might have been a ploy by Kwok to undermine their confidence, but that he also might have been right. She reminds Nikolai that they don’t have much time, and they finish getting ready for the big game.

### Episode 12

MC worries the painting might give her away, the subject of two figures locked in heated argument might be too transparent. Nikolai admits he wouldn’t own it himself but it’s perfect for what they need.

They’re finally playing the big game of whist with Baron Kwok, and it has drawn a huge crowd. Nikolai and MC, despite unresolved issues, are playing in perfect harmony. Finally, they win the game to a roar of applause. Kwok admits he’ll miss the Rembrandt, but he lost fair and square. They offer the painting to him anyway as a gesture of goodwill. MC thinks to herself that now she and Nikolai can focus on each other.

The Poppy heads to dinner to celebrate. They’re laughing and drinking when suddenly Baron Kwok appears at their table, complimenting MC on her forgery. While she sputters, Kwok reveals that he knew all along and couldn’t resist trying to trick the Gilded Poppy. He says, with a smile, that he’ll get his collection back. Then he leaves.

The rest of the group don’t know how to feel about this, half of them saying they had a successful heist, so who cares? Nikolai says they can decide for themselves if they’re happy or not, and leaves. MC follows him, asking what’s wrong. He says he’s failed his team on two separate occasions now, and they shouldn’t follow him anymore.

MC says it’s partially her fault because it was due to the painting being fake that they were discovered. Nikolai agrees, saying that once again her emotions got in the way. Everything explodes after that, MC yelling that she’s been trying to talk to him for a long time, but he keeps pushing her away. He’s annoyed that she only ever wants to point out his failings. He’s going to be perfect for her, because she deserves it, but she says that’s never been the point. He wants to be wanted for who he is, but MC says she wants him for who he is, but that he’s been unable to admit to having flaws.

Nikolai is quiet for a moment, then asks why MC never tells him she loves him. The only time she’s said it out loud was in bed, where he assumes is the only place he has no imperfections. He thinks an emotional person like her would be saying it all the time, and she counters, saying she didn’t think he was ready to hear it. She then immediately tells him all the reasons she loves him.

He says he never wanted to fall in love with her. She says she knows, and that’s why she can’t do it anymore. She doesn’t want to be with someone who doesn’t want to love her. They both agree to end their relationship, and he leaves.

[Written by reddit user directormmn]

## Season 4

### Episode 1

MC is in the middle of a jewelry heist, but Nikolai is distracting her. He’s taking her right then and there, demanding she say his name. She comes apart, then he drops her unceremoniously, reminding her that they’re not together anymore. She tells him he doesn’t need to remind her every time. She muses on the change in their relationship - she’d rather have something more than just physical, but this is okay for now. They joke about keeping it a secret, though Leon suspects they’re still sleeping together.

They fix each other up, and MC laments the lack of touch when they pull away - she still loves him fiercely. But they can’t help but bicker, needling each other until the security system kicks back on, and they make their escape.

The Poppy meet up for a celebratory dinner. Despite being broken up, Nikolai points out how invaluable she was to everyone. As they all exalt in their recent string of victories (and public notoriety), Nikolai is already thinking about the next heist. They all notice how much he’s been pushing himself, but he dismisses their concerns.

MC is up late painting, and when Remy comes home he points out how tired she looks. When she says Nikolai hasn’t left the bedroom yet, Remy points out that she could sleep in any other bedroom, but she doesn’t want the finality of moving out of Nikolai’s room. Remy doesn’t seem concerned, revealing that everyone else is betting how long it will take them to get back together. MC decides not to argue, when Zoe walks in with a letter.

It’s from Casimir.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 2

MC reads Casimir’s letter, which not only reveals that he now has a therapist, but that Nikolai has stopped mentioning MC in their correspondence. Casimir says his own relationship was only saved when he sought help, and offers to answer any question MC might have. She puts it away for the moment, only thinking that despite the compassionate tone of the letter, he still never apologized for his actions.

Nikolai finally emerges from the room, telling her she can have it and complimenting her on her painting. MC just wants to hold him close, noting the dark circles under his eyes, but he just makes his tea as usual. When he catches himself unconsciously making one for her too, he tells her they can have a cup together, if she’d like.

***Heart scene (27) - Share some tea and comfort with Nikolai.***

*MC agrees, but thinks to herself how rare it is that they have a quiet moment together - the rest of their relationship is constantly in motion. They both remark on how tired the other looks, but Nikolai insists that working reminds him he’s alive.*

*She asks when he started immunizing himself to poison with tea, and Nikolai replies that it was as soon as he could get ingredients in the Underbelly - he was 16. He admits that it was supposed to be coffee first, because he likes it better, but switched to tea when coffee ended up being too acidic.*

*He reveals that the tea he drinks contains the same poison that killed his family, and MC points out how insane that is and that she wishes he wouldn’t do it. They begin to argue about exactly how much input they should have in each other’s lives anymore, and MC insists that she’s not going to leave the Poppy just because they’re not together. He says he doesn’t like to see her overworked and she retorts that she doesn’t want that for him, either.*

MC lies awake in bed, unable to sleep, thinking about Nikolai and Casimir’s strange relationship and she begins to think about her own family. She goes to see Zoe and, with the promise of flan, asks her to look in on MC’s family. Zoe finds out that MC’s parents are being sued, and MC feels completely helpless. She can’t be in close contact with them and can’t use Poppy money to help, lest it be traced back to them. She asks Zoe not to tell anyone, worried that if Nikolai finds out he’ll just use it as a way to use her sentimentality against her. Zoe thinks she’s being too harsh but agrees to secrecy nonetheless.

Later, MC and Remy are posing as a married couple for a con, which obviously annoys Nikolai. Remy even admits to playing up the role just to needle him. After some good-natured ribbing, they succeed in their mission and head out. Nikolai helps MC into a car, and after a while they notice they’re still holding hands. MC has no idea how to feel.

### Episode 3

The group is having lunch together to celebrate another successful heist, but everyone is obviously burned out. Nikolai is the opposite, already planning the next heist yet again. Remy reveals some new intel: their old rival Pierre Gerard is in Barcelona. MC muses on this information as the group breaks off to do their own activities.

MC and Nikolai share an elevator back to the penthouse, their eyes burning for each other. She likes that he admits he still wants her. They’ve made it exciting because they’re supposed to deny each other - it’s forbidden.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai taste his forbidden fruit.***

*MC asks if he’s going up, he says no, the opposite. They’re on each other in an instant. Between furious kissing, MC asks why he wanted her all of a sudden. He says it’s the lull - the boring time between heists. It usually feels like wasted time, but not when he’s with her.*

*He tells her to push the emergency stop. She teases him for being impatient, but he tells her he’s just giving her what she wants: him on his knees for her. She hits the button and he’s back on her, kissing down her body and using his gloved fingers between her legs. He makes her tell him what she wants in excruciating detail, pointing out how much she loves the wrongness of it.*

*She admits to him how much she wants this, and he finally gets on his knees for her, putting her legs over his shoulders and commanding her to put her hands behind her back. They both need each other, and say so. MC realizes that even if they’re technically broken up, they still rely on each other. That’s why they can’t stay away.*

Later, everyone is in the common room, discussing their next possible heist. At one point Nikolai reels, lightheaded. He nearly passes out, but everyone is there to catch and care for him. They know he hasn’t been eating, and he probably views the last few heists as failures, because everything wasn’t perfect.

Nikolai asks what use is a mastermind if he can’t make everything perfect for his team. The others counter that he means more to them than any heist, and that no one wants to see him hurt himself. They want to call off any more heists until he feels better. Nikolai denies feeling poorly and storms off.

MC follows him, interrupting his fencing. Nikolai says it relaxes him, but MC points out that something that makes you feel good isn’t necessarily good for you, and insists he rest. She says that if he needs something physical to take his mind off things, she has a better idea, and pushes him backwards toward the desk. She wants to be in control, and he’s into it. She gets him into a chair and… handcuffs him. [CG]

She says that he’ll have to focus on himself for a while to get out of the cuffs. Nikolai is very clearly delighted with this prospect and looks at her with great respect. Then, she leaves.

### Episode 4

The next day Nikolai looks and acts more like his old self. He thanks everyone for their concern, and promises to take better care of himself for their sake. He tells them he’s come up with a “relaxing” heist. He wants them to steal Pierre Gerard’s personal collection of 58 Picasso paintings. Everyone enthusiastically agrees, wanting revenge on Gerard.

Nikolai explains that they’re going to steal a few paintings at a time, so MC will be making a lot of forgeries. Nikolai wants her to add a poppy into each painting. MC is excited about this project, and Nikolai says that he kept his word to the crew.

Later, MC paints in Remy’s room while they chat. He starts to ask her about what kind of relationship she wants next, and what type of person she wants to try, since she and Nikolai are broken up, so she’ll want to see someone else eventually. MC thinks to herself that she hadn’t for one moment thought about being with anyone other than Nikolai, even if she doesn’t want him at that moment. Remy smiles knowingly, and leaves.

MC is awake in the bedroom, and Nikolai enters, pointing out how late it is. He discovers she’s looking through law books, and she finally tells him everything about her family being sued. She tells him everything, about how guilty she’s feeling and questioning if she shouldn’t have done something different with her life so she’d be able to help them. Nikolai points out that she wouldn’t be the same person if she couldn’t make art, but agrees that one of the hardest parts about their life is not being involved with family anymore.

She thanks him for listening then admits that this isn’t how she thought their breakup would be. She tells him she was worried he might be a jerk about it, but he reminds her that they didn’t break up because he didn’t love her. MC wishes that he didn’t love her against his will. He leaves without responding, and MC is left alone to ponder loving - and being loved by - a man like Nikolai.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 5

A few days later the first leg of the heist has begun - Nikolai and MC sneak into Gerard’s place to start switching out the Picassos. Everything’s going according to plan, so they have a chance to chat while they work. Nikolai asks how she’s feeling, and she says she’s still worried about her parents, but having a heist is a good distraction. They playfully bicker with each other until they leave Gerard’s.

Back in the bedroom, MC and Nikolai practice fencing. MC has greatly improved but still isn’t a match for Nikolai. But she’s having fun anyway. He’s getting hit after hit but she refuses to give up, finally disarming him with a move she says she saw in a romance movie. When she goes to make her first-ever hit, he presses her against the wall, drinking her in and telling her he’s celebrating. [CG] He kisses her and she desperately wants to give into him, but she remembers that they still haven’t fixed any of their problems, and pulls away.

She sleeps in Remy’s room that night, and is awoken by Nikolai knocking on the door. He’s obviously had a nightmare, and MC comforts him despite everything. He seems embarrassed to ask for help, but that he doesn’t want to be alone tonight.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai stay with you.***

*MC agrees, and they sit in bed together. Nikolai admits that the nightmares have gotten worse since they broke up. As he speaks his fingers drift to the pulse point on her wrist. He says he always dreamed of the death of his family before, but now he only dreams of her. Instead of seeing himself as a boy as he usually does, he dreams of himself as he is now: strong, smart, impervious to poison - but he still watches her die when she drinks her wine.*

*MC reminds him that she’s alive and she’s there for him. He says he usually checks in on her after these dreams, but she wasn’t there tonight and he had to see her. Eventually he leans into her, holding her close. MC knows that’s not all he needs and suggests they go play chess. Nikolai is visibly more relaxed, and they smile at each other.*

They go to the common room to play chess and have some tea and Elizabeth playtime, and eventually Nikolai recovers. He still manages to win, but instead of gloating, he thanks her.

### Episode 6

The Poppy are all out to eat, bantering playfully and basking in their lives during their easiest heist ever. Zoe tells them of all the weird things Gerard does when she’s watching the security cameras, and he still hasn’t consciously noticed that any of his paintings are different. MC’s mind drifts to her parents, and when the group pulls it out of her, they reassure her that everything will work out in the end.

Later, MC’s mom calls to tell her the lawsuit has been dropped, just out of nowhere. She’s exuberant, rushing into Zoe’s room first to tell her the good news. Zoe reminds her that while it’s hard being away from family, the Poppy is the family they all chose, so she’s not truly alone. MC finds comfort in this.

MC runs into Nikolai in the common room, and after she tells him the news he remarks at how big her smile is, and smiles back at her. MC wonders if Remy is trying to set him up with anyone the way he tried with her. All she wants is for Nikolai to be happy, even if it’s not with her.

Later, Nikolai and MC are back in Gerard’s house, switching out more paintings. He compliments her, tweaking her ear and making her blush. While looking around, Nikolai finds Gerard’s massive turtleneck collection and they both have a good laugh about it together. They’re playful with each other, talking about pranking Remy and spy-rolling underneath the security cameras. He feigns being concerned about his rumpled clothes as he starts to undress, and MC realizes he’s trying to seduce her.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai seduce you.***

*MC wonders why she should be denying herself when she wants him so much. Before she can consider her actions, Nikolai pulls her into a voracious kiss. He commands her to undress, telling her Gerard won’t be back for some time, so he plans to take his time. She goes to undo his belt but he stops her, saying she didn’t ask permission. He wants her to tell her what she needs, and to ask nicely.*

*She finally begs for him, and Nikolai takes the lead. He brings her to a couch, pinning her arms above her head. She’s in ecstasy, and even thanks him when he checks in with her - he knew what she wanted before she did. When they’re done, as always, he reminds her that they’re not back together. She says she knows, but in her head she wants to live the fantasy of them being together again.*

They’re putting their clothes back on when suddenly Gerard enters.

### Episode 7

Gerard hasn’t seen them, and while they hide, he begins to listen to Spanish language lessons. MC and Nikolai almost blow their cover at his terrible accent. He suddenly kisses her to keep them both from laughing. They decide, silently, on an escape path, and leave as fast as they can.

They’re careful when they escape, but they do eventually. After breathing a sigh of relief, Nikolai offers to take her to lunch. They go to a tapas restaurant, MC happy to be the one to order for them for once. Nikolai gets excited to see they have Russian Salad on the menu, and MC thinks about how happy they are in this simple little moment.

Back in their bedroom, Nikolai has laid out a dress for MC. She gets nervous for a moment before she sees a note from him saying she can return it if she doesn’t like it. MC decides to keep it and like that the style is something that she would have picked for herself - it’s a small gesture that shows Nikolai has been listening to her.

She goes to see him in the courtyard, and he’s left speechless when he sees her wearing the dress. She tells him she likes it. They decide to work through their sexual tension by fencing, but they don’t get very far. They kiss furiously, and Nikolai admits that he loves seeing her in the dress. She asks if that’s the reason he got it for her but he insists that he only bought it because it reminded him of her. She says that’s not what people do when they’re not dating, and finally asks him point blank what he wants. He says she knows what he wants, and that he doesn’t have to tell her verbally.

***Heart scene (27) - Let Nikolai do the talking. And “talking.”***

*MC tries - and fails - to convince him that this is a bad idea. She knows what she wants but is hesitant to ask for it. She finally admits that she wants him to give her orders. He says nothing at first, then simply commands her to look at him and tells her to follow all of his directions (letting her know to tell him to stop at any point). MC agrees, knowing he’ll take care of her.*

*She follows his every command, keeping her eyes open so he can watch her react. He knows she’s excited about being out in the open, about the possibility of being watched. He praises her and makes her lie down in a secluded, grassy area. He remarks on how lovely she is as he bunches her skirt up around her waist and his hands delves between her legs. It’s over quickly, but it’s just what she needed.*

As they lie together, catching their breath, Nikolai reminds her that they’re not together. Only this time, it sounds like he’s trying to convince himself more than her.

### Episode 8

Everyone meets in the common room for their book club, where they discuss a romance novel that sounds way too much like Nikolai and MC’s relationship. MC discovers this is still about the bet they all have about when she and Nikolai will get back together. Jett and Remy’s bet is now up to sixty thousand euros.

Later, Nikolai reveals that Gerard is changing his security system, and wants to mess with it so Gerard can’t get into his own house. Zoe immediately agrees, and they discuss how to go about doing it.

MC and Nikolai go to Gerard’s house once again, and Nikolai realizes that some of the paintings aren’t being rotated on their normal schedule. He doesn’t seem worried, wondering what the point even is if Gerard doesn’t realize it’s them by the end. MC muses to herself that while Nikolai still seems a little tired, he seems much happier during this heist.

At the penthouse, both MC and Nikolai have letters from Casimir. She’s decided to write to him for advice about Nikolai. Casimir writes that he had to lose everything twice to realize what was important to him. When the letter devolves into classist statements and attempts to recruit Nikolai into his revenge scheme, she stops reading.

Remy enters the bedroom, saying he has something important to tell her - something he isn’t supposed to divulge. He doesn’t know how, but he knows Nikolai made the lawsuit against her parents go away. He insists that it was legal, whatever it was. She asks Remy why he would do such a thing, and Remy says that for once Nikolai didn’t do something for the infamy - he did it to make her happy. Remy says he told her because he wants to see MC and Nikolai together (and maybe only partially because of the bet).

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 9

Gerard has changed his security system again, so when MC and Nikolai go back to his house, Zoe warns them to be careful. They only have one painting left, and MC admits that this is the most fun she’s had on a heist yet - she finds the challenge exhilarating. Nikolai says he knew she would understand, and making the switches, they leave.

Nikolai says he has an idea for the last painting, and later they’re in the bedroom while MC paints a self-portrait. He asks her many questions and she thinks to herself how no one else cared about her art so much before, and how deeply in love with him she is.

She suddenly interrupts him, telling him she knows he helped her family. He doesn’t want to be thanked or receive recognition, and wants to tell her what happened in Hong Kong when they broke up. He tells her that he was relieved when they broke it off because he thought he would be able to be rational again without the romance to interfere. But he was miserable, only falling in love with her every day and trying to deny it. He wonders if everything he had before truly made him happy, or if it was just a distraction from unhappiness. He admits that he wasn’t happy for a long time before she came along. He admits that he loves her, and that he *wants* to love her.

She says she feels the same way. He finally understands - he even understands that she needed him to take control during sex because she felt foolish and guilty for giving into him while they were supposed to be split up. She admits that she wanted to have him whatever way she could. He says there’s no shame in letting someone else lead, and that she actually had control all along. She asks if he wants her to do that for him, and he says yes.

She takes the lead this time, commanding him to undress until they’re both in bed. He looks at her adoringly and they both realize that this is what they want - they’re finally on the same page and they want each other. [CG] She handcuffs him to the bed, which delights him, and they make love sweetly.

When they’re done, she asks if he’s going to sleep in the bed with her, but of course he won’t. She says that’s okay, telling him to find her if he needs her. He offers to stay up with her a while, though, in front of the fireplace.

***Heart scene (28) - Snuggle up to Nikolai!***

*She agrees, and they wrap their arms tightly around each other as they sit in front of the fireplace. She remarks on how perfect it feels, and jokes that no one would believe her if she told them the Thief Lord likes to snuggle. He admits that he was glad she still wants him after all this time. He knew that she had needed him, so he gave her sex even if he couldn’t give her the relationship she wanted.*

*She looks at the cuff marks on his wrists and thanks him for trusting her. She didn’t know he was into all of this, and he says that it’s more of an intellectual curiosity, but she should ask Jett or Vivienne for more info on BDSM. When she balks at talking to them about it, Nikolai says they have a bondage club to do just that. For Nikolai it’s more about watching his partner’s reactions than anything, and MC is the best he’s had. He doesn’t really understand it past the neurology and chemistry of it all, but MC takes it as a compliment.*

MC doesn’t think the evening can get any more perfect, and says that she wants to be official with him again. He tells her not to get the wrong idea - their relationship can’t be labelled or made public. Then he says the words she was dreading: they’re not back together.

### Episode 10

MC reels at his words, completely incredulous. She doesn’t see any reason they can’t be together, and he says he has every reason: someone will try to hurt her again if they’re together. MC says she accepted the risk when joining the Poppy, but he counters, saying that it’s not her involvement with the Poppy that has made her a target in the past, it’s her involvement with *him*. He knows that whoever killed his family is still out there, and could still want him and Casimir dead. He doesn’t want to risk any harm coming to her because of him.

MC wars with herself with how to react to this sentiment. She could try to talk him out of it, but if he doesn’t believe it in his heart then they’ll just end up at the same argument eventually. She tells him she understands why he feels the way he does. She wants to believe that their love will overcome his fears.

As they’re talking about how to approach their relationship, there’s suddenly a crash in the common room and Remy is shouting. Elizabeth has broken a vase Remy stole for himself. Once he regains composure, he notices Nikolai’s rumpled clothes and realizes what he and MC had been up to, thinking he’s won his bet. MC and Nikolai haven’t finished their conversation but they’re still not officially together. MC is too upset to keep talking, though, and they switch to discussing the last painting for the heist. Instead of a copy of the Picasso, Nikolai wants her to paint a poppy.

The next day, Vivienne and Leon take MC out to lunch and to talk about what happened the night before. They know how much MC and Nikolai love each other, and could see how miserable they were when they separated. They also acknowledge how complicated the situation is, and suggest MC and Nikolai just *be* for a while and not worry about the labels. MC guesses that the whole lunch is still about the bet, but they insist it’s not. She stomps off, going to finish the last painting.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 11

MC and Nikolai sneak into Gerard’s house one last time. They make the painting swap easily, though the awkward tension between the two of them is palpable. Nikolai seems distracted, which is unusual for him at this point in a heist. MC notices all the makings of a private party - a chance for them to celebrate together, and to mess up Gerard’s house a bit. Nikolai asks what she has in mind.

***Heart scene (27) - Celebrate alone with Nikolai!***

*MC starts by playing music on the sound system. It’s classical music, and Nikolai asks her to dance. She can tell he’s already starting to feel better. As they waltz, she gets him to admit that he’d been distracted most of the morning. She tells him the thinking part is over, and he spins her in retaliation.*

*He speaks of the high-society education he’d received as a child, and how delighted he is that those skills are being used in his life now. MC resists the urge to kiss him, instead turning to raid Gerard’s liquor cabinet. Nikolai agrees and they each take a shot of vodka. They leave the bottle and glasses out on purpose, then decide to take one of Gerard’s turtlenecks, too.*

As they’re laughing and doing their best impression of Gerard’s sneer, they almost don’t hear him enter. He’s in a rage, holding a knife and shouting about knowing the Poppy was involved all along. Nikolai calmly says that was the whole idea, and shows him their last painting. Gerard seethes, promising to kill Nikolai slowly and painfully.

Nikolai says to let MC go so they can have their fight like they were always meant to. Gerard says he’ll consider it if Nikolai begs. Nikolai doesn’t even hesitate, pleading Gerard not to hurt MC each time he asks, and even makes him kneel. He tries to convince Gerard that he’s only being a good leader looking out for a member of his team, but Gerard isn’t convinced. He won’t let MC live just to avenge Nikolai later.

MC tries to talk Gerard down, noting that even if he’s angry and ranting, he’s not stabbing anyone yet. She tries (or at least pretends) to empathize with him when he talks about living in his father’s shadow. MC realizes he’s been trying to make a new life for himself in Barcelona - one that doesn’t involve the Parisian Underbelly - and he’s angry that Nikolai is there to open old wounds. He even compliments their heist, saying his temper never allowed him to plan anything so elaborate. He says that since MC joined the Poppy, Nikolai has grown more spontaneous. He admits that he would never be able to beat them, because MC and Nikolai are too strong together.

MC muses on the weirdness of two criminal masterminds talking shop, when she remembers the ink bombs in her pocket that Jett made for them. They throw them at Gerard, which gives them a chance to escape out the window. They know they’re out of danger but they’d rather not risk it. Nikolai decides they’re going to return to Paris.

The Poppy is back in Paris within a matter of hours, and Nikolai brings MC up to the roof, saying he needs to speak with her.

### Episode 12

Nikolai says MC was right, they need to be together. He saw firsthand how well keeping her at arm’s length kept her safe, admitting the foolishness of it. Everyone sees how much they care for each other, no matter the label they have. He never wants to see her hurt, and he doesn't want to be the one to hurt her, either. It’s exactly what she wants to hear, but she asks him if he’s absolutely sure. He is.

They sit down and talk. He tells her everything he was feeling after Venice, that he was overwhelmed when things started moving too quickly. MC gently reminds him that it’s always okay to take a step back, that he should tell her if he’s feeling that way. He says time has helped him think things through, and he knows he will never love anyone the way he loves her. He was trying to be perfect, but realized that he wasn’t ready for that kind of relationship yet.

He talks about control, and how he thought love was giving control of himself over to someone else, so he tried to take the control back, even trying to control her happiness. They both agree that even with how painful it was, breaking up actually helped them in the long run. MC admits that she didn’t do much to help him or give him what he needed, either. She apologizes to him, reiterating how much she loves him. He says he doesn’t want to be afraid of the way he feels about her, and wants to be brave with his feelings like her.

They hold each other close, and MC finally feels at peace. [CG] They know how much they love each other, and make one another better people. He says he doesn’t want to be perfect anymore because perfect is boring. She tells him that the amount of happiness she feels at that moment is more powerful than the gloating from the rest of the Poppy when they hear the news. Nikolai says he has a plan - an old game he used to play with Remy and Vivienne called “Let’s Get Married.”

Everyone goes out to dinner to celebrate their heist, but they quickly pick up on the tension between Nikolai and MC. Suddenly Nikolai jumps up, claiming he can’t take it anymore, and gets down on one knee. MC stands, too, pressing other Poppy members between the two of them, saying he can’t break her heart then propose to her. In all the confusion, everyone’s wallets are suddenly in MC’s and Nikolai’s hands. They’ve grifted the group.

MC and Nikolai lord their victory over everyone, admitting that they’re back together and that they were still sleeping with each other the whole time. Everyone cheers, throws confetti, and Remy cries tears of joy. In the midst of the celebration, Nikolai invites MC back to the penthouse so they can celebrate privately.

The next morning, MC wakes up in bed to find Nikolai still there. He hasn’t slept but he’s in bed with her. They kiss each other slowly, telling another of their love. He’s inching his hand up her thigh when he says they could stay in bed and he can show her how much he loves her.

***Heart scene (29) - Stay in bed for a morning with Nikolai.***

*She’s still a little incredulous that he stayed up all night in bed with her, but he says he had her in his arms, so how could he sleep? She jokes about him being a creep for watching her sleep. He feigns frustration at her teasing, saying there’s a different type of teasing he prefers. He kisses her neck, telling her to leave on the dress shirt of his that she’s wearing.*

*Then the teasing is over, and he asks if it could be any better. When she says no he makes her moan so loud she’s worried about being teased by the group. He says he doesn’t care. They make love without any control or showing off, and it’s slow and sweet. Afterwards, MC says she never wants to leave the bed, and Nikolai jokes that he’ll never get anything done for the rest of his life. MC muses on his phrasing, but doesn’t mention it.*

MC tells him to sleep for a few minutes and then takes the time to watch him rest - something she never gets to do. When he wakes they go to the common room and they find a package from Casimir. It’s a painting of their family’s homestead in Russia. Nikolai is annoyed because he doesn’t celebrate his birthday. MC reels and suddenly Nikolai realizes what he just admitted. He doesn’t want his birthday mentioned ever, and MC agrees.

Nikolai reads the letter that came with the painting, and finds a hidden compartment in the frame. It’s filled with old papers that show Nikolai’s father knew of some threat. MC asks him to explain what it all means, and he says it’s a lead on the people who murdered his family.

[Written by reddit user directormmn]

## Season 5

### Episode 1

Nikolai says he has to go see Casimir to find out what he knows. He’s tried running from the past but he wants to put it behind him for good and catch the people who murdered his family. MC understands, and they find Casimir’s Parisian flat. They are greeted by Benoit Dupont, Casimir’s boyfriend. Nikolai instantly recognizes him as one of France’s best neurosurgeons. He’s warm and inviting where Casimir is cold and calculating.

They sit down to discuss the information they have. Casimir is passionate about finding the killers, Nikolai reiterates that he probably wouldn’t be doing this if it weren’t for his concern for MC’s safety. She says she’ll support Nikolai in this, but on the condition that she be included in everything, and that he tell the rest of the Poppy. He protests, but MC reminds him that they will all support him and he has to trust them. Nikolai promises to tell them when they have more concrete information.

MC suggests she and Nikolai get coffee later, so she can check in with him. He says he’s wary but almost exhilarated, having prepared for this his whole life. He’s hopeful that he can finally put his family tragedy behind him. He wants a future with her, and she blushes at that. He calls her “solnishko” but doesn’t explain what it means, saying they need to get back so he can tell everyone about their next heist.

Nikolai explains that they will be finding and stealing a set of jewels that once sat in a Russian prince’s crown. The jewels have a romantic history and were apparently lost for a long time, but are currently owned by a wealthy old Parisian woman - a “Grande Dame”. They will have only one small chance to steal the jewels - while at a fancy ball in a few short weeks.

While everyone else is talking, MC asks Nikolai if he wants the jewels because of their Russian history. He says he doesn’t want to speak about it now, but promises to tell her everything when he finds the right words. MC agrees, and while he leaves the room she wonders to herself if this heist is a good idea after all.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 2

They’re back at Casimir’s apartment, when Casimir remarks on how devoted MC is to their family. Nikolai counters that she would have fit it very poorly with their family because of everything good about her. Casimir seethes but Nikolai changes the subject, and they go over the information in the papers they have, discussing their shared childhood, their conversation eventually turning Russian.

While they talk, MC chats with Benoit. She’s curious what he sees in Casimir, and he replied that he could ask her the same about Nikolai. They joke with each other about all of the similarities between the two, and how Casimir told him how much Nikolai had changed after saving her life from him. That was the catalyst for Casimir to change, to seek help and repair his relationship with Benoit.

It’s late by the time they return to the penthouse, and even after making love MC can see Nikolai is still tense about something. Nikolai just tells her to sleep, then leaves the room. The next morning, she wakes up to see him watching her, and he calls her “solnishko” again. He’s brought her a cup of tea, and says he wants to talk about last night. He expresses his fear that delving into his family tragedy might be harder than he thought. She reassures him, reminding him that they’re stronger together.

She thanks him for being vulnerable with her, and he begs her to change the subject. She asks him what “solnishko” means. He tells her it means “little sun,” and it’s how he sees her: warm and inviting, enough to chase the nightmares away. [CG] He admits that it was nice to speak Russian again, that it brought up some happy childhood memories. He doesn’t want to talk her ear off but says that he could reminisce all day if she let him.

***Heart scene (26) - Encourage Nikolai to share some good memories!***

*She says she wants to know more about his life before the Poppy, and asks him to tell her some happy memories from Russia. He talks about the horses he helped train with, and how his favorite horse was always very affectionate with him. He continues, speaking of all the fencing he and Casimir did together and the sword tricks they would attempt (and fail).*

*As he continues, MC thinks to herself how much he’s opening up at that moment and actually allowing himself to laugh and relive happy memories. He talks about their family land and the berries that grew in the forest. She asks him about being a kid and he romanticizes (his words) about playing in real Russian snow.*

When he’s finally done talking, MC hugs him and thanks him for sharing that with her. He says that surprisingly, he feels good about sharing. She’s glad he’s having (mostly) fun so far, and not losing himself in a revenge spiral. He agrees.

Later they’re out to breakfast, Nikolai explaining that their mark goes to the same cafe every day. They observe and eavesdrop on her, and discover that the ball will be a masquerade. MC is excited, and they both hope that this masquerade will have a better ending than the last one. Suddenly Nikolai’s phone buzzes with a message from Casimir. He’s found a lead.

### Episode 3

The lead is someone mentioned in the mysterious correspondence. MC decides to meet the person as she’s the least likely to be recognized. She tells the man, Volkov, that she bought the painting and found the message in the frame. Feigning general curiosity, she probes him for information. He gives her a story about Nikolai’s father being involved in an affair that his mother discovered, and they agree that he probably isn’t the killer. Nikolai later explains that an affair would not have been enough to murder an entire family over - as nobility he was taught that marriage was to further the family line, so an extramarital affair was quite common. He seems bitter about it, MC acknowledging to herself that Nikolai is some degree of asexual so thinking about a loveless marriage as a child was painful for him.

He changes the subject and they all agree that their lead falling through is frustrating, but not the end of the world - they’ll keep investigating. Nikolai promises that he’ll tell the rest of the Poppy when they find their next clue. Casimir doesn’t understand why Nikolai is loyal to a group of people who came from nothing - people who wouldn’t understand their history. Nikolai snaps at him, telling him that they are the family he chose, and they call him the name he earned. He and MC leave immediately.

They spend the entire next day together, relaxing, making love, and most importantly, not working. While they’re reading in the evening, Nikolai points out all the hickeys she gave him earlier in the day. She’s mortified at first, but he says he liked earning them. He brings up his name again, and how much he likes that his new name feels more like home than the old one. He tells her that he likes it when she claims him for her own, because he feels wanted. He then asks if he can mark her for his own so they can match.

***Heart scene (28) - Let Nikolai leave his mark on you.***

*She agrees, and he presses into her instantly, kissing her slowly at first. His lips move to her neck, and he sucks there gently before using his teeth. He then moves to the hem of her skirt, and she teases him that he has a voracious appetite. He tells her he was never like that with anyone before. Other people were interesting in the past, but it was always a distraction from whatever he was working on at the time.*

*He tells her how much he wants her all the time as he begins to kiss up the inside of her thigh. He marks her there, and she reminds him that she’s his and he’s hers. He moves his head between her legs and they continue until she nearly loses her balance, but he catches her.*

After he sets her upright, they notice a book that fell off a shelf. It’s in Cyrillic, and when Nikolai looks at it he announces he’s had a thought. Maybe his mother was the target.

### Episode 4

Nikolai, MC, Casimir and Benoit are looking into their new lead, but aren’t getting far. Many theories are thrown around, from the possibility of Nikolai’s mother being a spy and the Russian police being involved, but nothing concrete pans out.

They finally all agree to take a break, and Nikolai and Casimir decide to relax by fencing each other. With MC refereeing, the match ultimately ends in a draw. While getting ready to leave, MC is pulled aside by Casimir, who offers to give her secret fencing lessons so she can beat Nikolai. MC agrees, though she reminds him he still actually hasn’t apologized.

On the way home, Nikolai and MC stop for hot chocolate, and the conversation falls back onto Nikolai’s mother. He talks about missing the concept of her, but explains that she was never a very motherly woman. He says his parents didn’t really even want him, but wanted a legacy more than anything. He then admits to her that he doesn’t want children. MC is a little taken aback but ultimately agrees - any future she envisioned for herself always involves Nikolai, no matter what.

Later, they’re both in bed, with MC’s hands handcuffed above her. He’s been teasing her for a long time, never quite letting her finish. They have a safeword but she has no desire to use it, content to let him continue his sweet torture. After some time she can’t take it anymore, and begs him to stop teasing her.

***Heart scene (28) - Make Nikolai give you what you need.***

*Nikolai says she can, in fact, have too much of a good thing, but MC counters that it will be just enough. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. He first wraps her wrists with silk handkerchiefs, saying she was pulling too hard on the handcuffs. She begs him to distract her, and he begins to undress. He finally allows her to finish, and she compliments him.*

*He says he’s not done with her, giving her everything he had denied her that evening. She comes apart over and over, and when she finally can’t take any more, he gathers her in his arms, holding her tight and praising her. He tells her she always looks beautiful when he’s finished with her.*

He goes to make them tea, and MC thinks that he does actually know what she needs before she knows it. He soothes her wrists with a cold washcloth as well, and MC leans into him. They both agree that they got what they wanted, and Nikolai says his favorite part is after, when he gets to take care of her. He promises to stay with her until she falls asleep, but he’s still not sleeping himself.

### Episode 5

They’re back at Casimir’s looking through their evidence, but everything is leading to dead ends. Nikolai admits to having more evidence in a warehouse outside of town, but when MC notices the painful look on his face, she shuts down any argument of going there. Casimir is angry - he’s passionate about finding the murderers and killing them. Nikolai says outright that he’s not killing anyone, but Casimir just suggests that he use Leon to do the dirty work. Nikolai reminds him that Leon is their *driver* and nothing else. On the subject of Leon, she asks about the rest of the Poppy, and Nikolai promises to tell them the next day, but he and MC have heist business that night.

He takes her to a fancy restaurant that their mark frequents. Their goal is to make a copy of the key she keeps with her that will open the box where she’ll put the jewels during the masquerade. MC follows her into the bathroom and swipes the key from her purse, while also noting that there’s something familiar about the woman. While MC makes the copy in her compact mold, the Grande Dame mentions how in love MC and Nikolai look, and that her late husband used to look at her like that.

As they make their way back to the penthouse, it starts to rain. They both remember the last time they got caught up in the rain, and he says he loved her even then. She says she knows, and they kiss each other fiercely, desperately. [CG] She offers to get him back for the other night, and he muses that this is the second time a rainstorm has gotten her wet for him.

When they arrive at the penthouse, everyone is waiting up for them, and Remy asks if they’ve had another good meeting with Casimir. He’s noticed the strange patterns of behavior and put his Parisian spies to work. He’s furious with Nikolai for not telling him what was going on. The rest of them dig in on him then, too.

Nikolai doesn’t deny it, but says he was going to tell them but it was a family matter. Remy counters that they are his family. Nikolai falters, saying that this wasn’t how it was supposed to go, and looks to MC for support.

***Heart scene (28) - Stick up for Nikolai!***

*Nikolai seems visibly relieved when MC steps in, telling everyone he did keep his promise. Their meetings with Casimir were more like test runs, she says. They seem skeptical, but she does tell them that she made Nikolai promise to tell the rest of them if it ended up going farther.*

*They get angry again when she says she agreed to that plan. Nikolai steps in, saying he didn’t want to burden anyone, but Remy snaps that that’s what he promised last time. Nikolai says he promised not to hurt any of them again, and MC reiterates that they both agreed not to tell the rest of the crew until they knew they would be in it for the long haul. They both know how much the Poppy hate Casimir, and they didn’t want to cause any undue stress on anyone. MC says she and Nikolai were planning on telling everyone in literally twelve hours.*

*She goes on to say that they all must have noticed Nikolai’s weird behavior recently, saying that the investigation has been really hard on him. He wants to be someone that they can all rely on, not the other way around, but she tells them how hard he’s been trying to keep it together. After a moment of silence, the crew all mention how passionate she was in defending Nikolai. Nikolai thanks her quietly, and the rest of the group seem mollified.*

To Nikolai’s surprise, they all agree to help him with tracking down the murderers. Remy seems particularly passionate, having known Nikolai since right after the tragedy occurred - he feels personally invested. They all say they have a problem with Casimir’s involvement, and Nikolai understands, telling them that it’s beyond complicated. They’re still skeptical, but reiterate how much they want to help, despite Casimir. MC agrees to set up a meeting between all of them.

### Episode 6

MC invites Casimir to the penthouse. The tension in the room is palpable, and everyone seems to be on the defensive. They group ask how they can trust Casimir, and he counters, asking why he should let them help. He insults them, saying they all came from nothing and abandoned their names like cowards. Remy reminds Casimir that he wouldn’t have any family at all if it weren’t for him. Nikolai springs up, demanding that Casimir leave for speaking to them like that. Casimir is incredulous, saying he’s the only one who understands, then he storms out of the penthouse.

Nikolai is visibly upset, which greatly concerns MC. She lets him be for a while, then invites him out for a walk, eventually convincing him he’ll feel better if he talks about what happened. He says he feels awful - he was too hopeful that his love for everyone would be enough to make it work. He knows Casimir doesn’t understand why everyone in the Poppy chose the lives they have because his name is all he has left. She reminds him that everyone still loves him and they’ll come around eventually, and he thanks her for being by his side.

MC then receives a text from Benoit, asking her to bring everyone to a fancy patisserie. When they arrive, it’s clear that Benoit didn’t give everyone the full picture - Casimir is there too. There’s an uproar at first until Benoit says he’ll be insulted if everyone leaves without eating anything he bought. After some hesitance, they all sit and make introductions with each other. Benoit makes a point to use the name Nikolai, instead of “Kostya,” which is what Casimir has been calling him. He even scolds Casimir for talking down to everyone, saying he wants everyone to see Casimir the way he does.

The group eventually agrees, and they all start planning how they’re going to help with research. They all agree that the heist is still on, much to MC’s relief. Then Casimir makes a declaration: he still doesn’t understand Nikolai’s chosen family, but he knows that Nikolai loves them. He won’t allow those Nikolai cares about to be hurt, so he plans to return to Russia alone.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 7

Several weeks later, the Poppy has invited Benoit out to the same patisserie - they may hate Casimir, but they all agree that Benoit is pretty great. Benoit arrives with a surprise: the nude painting MC did of Nikolai back in Venice. Everyone enjoys the time with each other until MC uses a word for Nikolai that Casimir taught her: *katik*. Nikolai abruptly leaves the room, and MC reveals that the word means “kitten.” Everyone explodes into laughter.

Later, Nikolai leads MC through the Underbelly, telling her it’s so everyone can see that the Poppy is back in Paris. He holds her close so that everyone can see them together. She tells him it’s hot that everyone sees him so powerful, and he wonders aloud if she still finds him attractive even though she called him a kitten in front of everyone. He blushes furiously, and MC realizes that he likes the nickname. Nikolai then announces that he doesn’t like Casimir doing all the work, so he’s going to finally go look in his warehouse. But first, they have heist business.

Nikolai and MC break into the Louvre to help Zoe practice with her security training. They wander the hallways, waxing nostalgic about the first time they broke in. Nikolai offers to steal her any painting she wants. She directs him to the one she wants, when she suddenly sees her Van Gogh forgery on display. She thanks Nikolai for finding her, for always believing in her when they hear a guard’s footsteps. Despite the danger, they’re both exhilarated.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 8

Zoe directs MC and Nikolai to the roof to escape the guard. They leap across the rooftops of Paris until they get to the penthouse. MC is having a great time, then Nikolai calls her *koroleva*. When she asks what it means, he says it means "queen", because she is his queen of thieves.

They arrive to see everyone else eating breakfast, and they all immediately lay into Nikolai’s new nickname, calling him “kitten” at every available opportunity. Nikolai is obviously annoyed, but before he can go off on everyone, they all get a text from Benoit saying Casimir got into some trouble and is returning to Paris.

The next day, Nikolai and MC go to the warehouse where he keeps his family’s things. There’s a huge cache of things, and Nikolai becomes more and more uncomfortable as they look through everything. She urges him to not bottle up his feelings, especially when dealing with anything to do with his family tragedy.

He eventually admits how much he misses his family, but also wonders if what happened wasn’t for the best. He no longer believes that his lineage is any more special than anyone else’s, and perhaps the idea of nobility needed to die. He worries that he’s not mourning his family correctly. She says there’s no such thing, and reiterates that she loves him unconditionally, even when he thinks he’s being weak. It’s then that MC finds some property deeds that look promising, and they take them back to the penthouse to restore.

Nikolai has been researching for hours with no breaks. MC notices this and begs him to go to bed with her so he can sleep. He hesitates, worried about waking her up or scaring her, but she reassures him that she wants to help. He finally agrees, and she reminds him that there’s more to do in bed than just sleep.

***Heart scene (27) - Show Nikolai the perks of going to bed.***

*Nikolai agrees that it might be easier for him to sleep dreamlessly if she wears him out. She asks if that’s really true and he admits that it’s not, but likes trying anyway. She leads him to the bed, telling him she’s going to focus on him. She drops to her knees, musing to herself that she doesn’t mind kneeling to a lord like him.*

*She calls him incredible, and then there’s no speech between them as she tends to him. She encourages him to let go of his control, wanting to see him undone. He grabs her hair and urges her to go slower. She acquiesces, and just before he finishes he says that nothing is perfect except for her.*

*When it’s over she asks if he’s worn out yet. He’s utterly spent, he says, and didn’t know how much he needed that. He offers to reciprocate, but she shushes him, saying they should get some sleep, urging him to think of only her.*

In the middle of the night, MC is worrying about Nikolai when he suddenly begins to have a nightmare.

### Episode 9

MC wraps her arms around Nikolai and he slowly wakes, checking to make sure she’s okay - he’d been dreaming about her. Once he’s calmed down, she asks him how she feels, and he says it’s better not waking up alone. He wants to make sure he’s not a burden to her, and she reassures that she wants to help him, and that he’d do the same for her. They tell each other “I love you” before drifting off. [CG] Then suddenly Nikolai’s awake again, saying the dream reminded him of something - something to do with the deeds they found.

The Poppy arrives at Casimir and Benoit’s apartment. Casimir explains that he found the officer who was in charge of the murder investigation, who said that the police were paid off to write everything off as an accident, and there were no autopsies. When Casimir went back later to ask the officer some follow-up questions, he found him dead - murdered by a professional. Nikolai agrees that someone knows they’re looking into the murders, and might come looking for them. Despite Casimir’s protests, Nikolai informs them that the heist is still on.

A few days later, Remy is helping MC restore the old deeds. Nikolai comes in later, asking if she wants to take a break and go get pastries with him. He promises to tell her stories if she joins him.

***Heart scene (26) - Share a sweet moment and story with Nikolai.***

*Nikolai takes MC to his favorite baker, Marguerite, where he and Remy used to get free bread when they were homeless. But when they arrive, Marguerite is nowhere to be found. Nikolai says that Marguerite never knew who he and Remy became, but they like to check in with her every time they’re back in Paris. He likens the pastries to MC, because they are both better than expected and they constantly surpass his expectations.*

*After Nikolai feeds her some of his raspberry tart, she asks him about when Remy bought him Russian tea cakes. Nikolai says that when he and Remy were eighteen they finally got their own apartment, but Nikolai didn’t weep with relief like Remy did. So to make their new place feel more like home, Remy made him some tea cakes. Nikolai admits that he “wept in calm and perfect silence” because he was so moved by the gesture. Apparently Remy believed that he was crying because the baking was so terrible, and Nikolai lets him keep believing that because he still teases Nikolai about crying. MC admits that she never thought Nikolai would have such a sweet tooth, and they carry on their afternoon happily.*

Later, MC has finished some work on the deeds, and Nikolai says that there are deeds for the same property but signed by different people. He reels when he reads a familiar name in the paperwork: Volkov.

### Episode 10

Everyone meets at the patisserie, and Nikolai explains that there was a piece of land that his family and the Volkovs fought over for generations. He feels like his family died for nothing, just something would have made his family either slightly more or slightly less rich. Casimir doesn’t want to accept it, but Nikolai presses on, talking about the corruption of the nobility and everything that greed does to people. Eventually they all agree that whatever the story is, they don’t have all of it yet. MC suggests they break into the Volkov’s house to look for more information.

Later, MC, Nikolai and Remy break into Volkov’s Parisian home. Suddenly Nikolai has a violent reaction when MC shows him a photograph she found of the Volkovs with Nikolai’s parents. Remy rushes over to comfort him while MC puts everything back, and they escape back out the window.

When they’re far enough away, MC and Remy check in with Nikolai. Nikolai explains that he hadn’t seen any pictures of his parents since the tragedy, and seeing one again made him relive it, watching their faces as they died. He’s worried that he ruined their mission, but MC isn’t 100% sure she put everything back correctly.

Remy changes the subject by suggesting they break into a house to make some food. As Remy cooks, Nikolai and MC talk. He says that any reactions like the one he had were always about the wine, but this time it was seeing his parents’ faces. He holds her close while Remy tells MC stories of his and Nikolai’s youth. When the food is done, MC realizes Remy only made two servings, then he leaves them to eat together. Nikolai asks if she’d like to take advantage of the offer.

***Heart scene (28) - Give Nikolai the gift of this romantic dinner.***

*MC agrees, and they hold each other for another minute before settling in to eat. They talk about how Remy wanted them together from the beginning, even accusing Nikolai of his feelings for MC before he knew them himself. He saw the way Nikolai watched MC, and even when they were broken up, he saw the romance between them.*

*MC admits that Remy spoke to her a few times too, and had reminded her to be patient with Nikolai. Nikolai wonders why MC would trust Remy and wait so long for him, and MC reminds him that Remy loves him. She says it was because of this love that she always saw the real Nikolai, and not just the Thief Lord.*

*MC says she’s grateful for all of them, but especially Remy. Nikolai says she has a lot more to be thankful to Remy about than she knows. She jokes that they must have practiced kissing together, and he replies, “Among the other things we figured out together.” They laugh about Remy’s meddling and the way he pranked MC into Nikolai’s bed. MC reminds him that it’s her bed now, and they laugh and hold each other again as they finish their dinner.*

A few days later, Jace shows up at the penthouse, asking to cash in a favor from the Van Gogh heist. They say the Underbelly is in an uproar, then ask if they know a family called the Volkovs.

### Episode 11

Jace says they need a lead on a potential bodyguard and that the Volkovs have been causing problems in the Underbelly. They go on to say that half of the Volkov family moved to Paris thirteen years ago, and they apparently want a bodyguard. Their house was recently broken into and now they’re nervous. MC knows she may not have put everything back correctly, but guesses that the Volkovs are scared about something else entirely. Leon agrees to pose as the Volkov’s muscle, but Jace warns them all to tread carefully - the Underbelly is tense.

After Jace leaves, the Poppy work on their next course of action. The Volkovs obviously don’t know the Poppy is involved, which is good, but whoever their enemy is, they’re closing in fast. Vivienne expresses her worry, but Leon reassures that he’ll keep them safe and find out as much information as he can.

They all head to the Underbelly, where the tension is indeed palpable. Everyone goes off in different directions as Jace gives Nikolai some schematics for their heist. Suddenly MC gets dragged over to two arguing men, who can’t decide if their forged painting is passable, and ask for her advice. She gives it, and they thank her and look at her like she’s a celebrity. She goes to tell Nikolai, who is thoroughly unsurprised, saying she’s an expert in her field. MC beams, feeling like she’s finally made it as an infamous Poppy member, and by her own skills rather than her relationship with Nikolai.

A few weeks later, everyone is missing Leon. They’re watching a rom-com in his room when suddenly Leon walks in, to everyone's delight. He tells them the job is pretty easy, but he hasn’t been able to get much information. The only thing he knows is that the Volkovs are worried about someone trying to get revenge, but Leon doesn’t know who that “someone” is. They’re so worried that they plan to go back to Russia for a while...and Leon is going with them. Nikolai agrees, but reiterates to everyone else that the heist is still on. And when they’re done, they’re all going to Russia.

[No heart scene available]

### Episode 12

It’s the night of the masquerade, and MC should be excited, but she’s just worried. She mentions this to Nikolai and he says he’s worried too, but his life has always been dangerous. He then changes the subject, urging MC to focus on the heist. They help dress each other, teasing one another at every opportunity.

The Grande Dame’s masquerade is in full swing, and MC is having the time of her life, dazzled by the sheer elegance of it all. She gets compliments from many of the guests, and is thrilled when it makes Nikolai grip her waist a little tighter. He invites her to dance, and they smile and laugh together as they waltz across the ballroom. [CG] She thinks about how the romantic history of the jewels they’re stealing mirrors her relationship with Nikolai, but she quickly becomes wrapped up in Nikolai’s attention again as they dance. They both admit to thinking back on how they were interrupted on the balcony in Venice, and Nikolai promises not to let anything like that come between them again. He asks if she’d like to sneak away with him.

***Heart scene (29) - Reclaim your moment of passion with Nikolai.***

*She kisses him in reply, then directs him out to the hallway. They pull each other into the first dark alcove they can find, already kissing again. She tells him to hurry, not wanting to be interrupted again, and he groans, his hands already halfway up her skirt. He asks her if he makes her happy, and she says of course he does.*

*She thinks about how well she and Nikolai complement each other so well - she’s the dreamer but he’s the planner. She asks if she makes him happy too, and he says, “Completely. Perfectly.” Then they make love, desperate for each other, each begging the other for more. When they finish, Nikolai quips that he always keeps his promises. She calls him cute and he protests, but all the while is fixing her up gently, lovingly. When they’re put back together, they head back to the party.*

While the rest of the Poppy are showing off their best party tricks, Nikolai notices the Grande Dame finally arrive, and tells MC that this is the time to break into her room. They make it in, and MC talks about the history of the jewels and how she feels connected to the story. When she uses her key copy to open the jewelry box, however, there is nothing inside except a single diamond ring.

MC realizes Nikolai made the whole story up, creating an entire story - and heist - just for this moment. He tells her he’s been waiting for the right moment to say the words. She thinks back on the heist planning, where each task was something she truly enjoyed. The heist was supposed to be for something Nikolai *truly* wanted: her.

Nikolai then sinks to both knees, prostrating in front of her. He says he wants her to know how deeply he loves her.

[Written by reddit user directormmn]