Whispers of Sunlight

Chapter 8:Garden

Arthur was gesturing to buildings around them, speaking fondly and stealing swift glances to Russia to see his reaction. Ivan would nod his head and appear interested. This pleased the blonde man and he would flash a smile to the Russian and he would continue excitedly. Russia turned it into a small game. How many times could Ivan get that smile out of the man in this walk?

                Apparently the answer was 27, because they came to an abrupt halt in front of a smaller home of sorts. England placed his hands on his hips and gestured to the building with his head. His eyes glimmered with excitement. Ivan decided that he would invest in emeralds.

                "This is home. Welcome to London!" He waved his hand and gave a small bow; Ivan studying the building more closely. Stone masonry held the whole thing up, its windows shaped evenly into four quadrants. A large black metal fence surrounded the home, vegetation growing around it. The roof was tiled black, a small chimney jutting out of the top, giving it a sort of nostalgic feel to it. Ivan felt that tugging at his face, enjoying the modestly built home. For some reason he wasn't expecting something like this; the building however suited Arthur well.

                "Your home is very small," Ivan wanted to catch the words mid-air and eat them. Arthur puffed up like a cactus at the accusation, even if it hadn't meant to be one. Ivan panicked internally. This was very difficult. "I am meaning is unexpected!" He fumbled more words, trying to right the wrong. "Is a very small home, but is not bad thing, da? Is very good home, smells sweet like growing things and is very pleasing to the eye. I enjoy it." Russia sighed, his head drooping. He couldn't do this at all. Thinking before you speak is now on the top of his bucket list.

                Arthur deflated at the sight of Ivan struggling to put his thoughts into words. He snickered and Ivan's eyes shot to him, frowning greatly. Great, now the smaller nation was laughing at his foolishness. Why was he still here again?

                "Ah, thank you..." The Brit opened the gate and gestured for the large nation to enter the grassy area. Ivan clutched his flower close and walked through what seemed like a barrier. One second he was outside looking into something beautiful and the next he was walking through grass and trees and flowers. Dragonflies filled the air, dancing with butterflies and filling the air with the sounds of life. The stone house welcomed Ivan as if he were being embraced by a long lost grandmother of sorts and he felt contentment fill his being.

                Arthur seemed to sense this change in Ivan's mood and he let his smile soften, letting his home affect him in a similar way. Russia made note of how calm everything seemed in this light, enjoying the peace. He glanced around the home, taking in everything he could from the front door, Arthur disappearing behind one of the walls after removing his shoes. A shout was heard from the kitchen.

                "Ivan, are you hungry or thirsty at all?" Russia blinked, still getting used to being openly called Ivan and not his country's name. He supposed it was rather warm outside as his throat clenched together painfully. He still stood awkwardly by the door, shouting back to the other man.

                "Er... Da; is very hot outside. I am thinking a drink is preferred." He played with the leaves on his sunflower, sniffing at it once more. He really did enjoy the smell...

                Arthur's face came into view around the corner. His brows furrowed together and a concentrated frown on his face. Ivan stiffened under the gaze, had he done something wrong?

                "Unfortunately all I have at the moment is cold tea, milk, or water. Do any of those sound good to you?" Sound good? Oh, if one was better than the other. Ivan nodded, edging his face up and over the scarf.