Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 9: The Conversation(s)

'I can't wait to get to know you again, Sunflower.'

-

As this thought crosses Ivan's mind, he's surprised at how fast he openly agreed with it.

He can't help it. He stares as Alfred seats himself, his gaze never leaving those lovely storm-blue eyes. The ahoge that seems to have a mind of it's own, twitching and bouncing all over the place. The way his wheat blonde hair shines almost gold in the café's lighting, framing his soft face.

And that smile.

Oh, that smile.

Ivan doesn't know how he's never noticed it before. How different it was to the one million watt smiles he gives at the meetings. This, was softer. Not as forced.

'Just as beautiful as the rest of him-'

His unruly thoughts are cut off as Alfred waves a hand infront of his face, concern evident in his eyes.

"Heyoo! Earth to.. Ivan? Everything alright?"

Ivan notices the slight hesitation on his human name. Despite this, he can't help but brighten when he hears it from Alfred.

'When did that start happening?'

"I am fine, Alfred. Thank you for your concern."

He smiles back, Alfred bouncing up and down as he retracts his hand with a pout.

"Good! I wouldn't have wanted to come all this way only to find you're sick or something, you know?"

He jokes, scratching the back of his head. Ivan rolls his eyes, but finds himself not as upset as he would've been.

They've always been like that, Alfred and Ivan. Easy to forgive, quick to click. It's almost like nothing happened. But something's changed, a certain stress in the air. Whether this is for the better, none of them can tell. For now, all they can do is try.

"So, tell me dude."

Ivan startles, not realising he got lost in his thoughts again. Leaning back against the cushioned chair, he raises an eyebrow as he waits for Alfreds question.

"What're you gonna eat?"

Alfred asks with a toothy grin. Ivan hums, looking down at the menu and what's available. Honestly, he had expected Alfred to ask something more serious, but he expects he'll do that once they've finished eating.

"I think I'll take the chocolate macarons."

Alfred search's the menu, before shrugging and throwing his hands up in exasperation.

"Yknow what? Same."

Ivan chuckles, watching as Alfred gets up to order their snacks before coming to sit back down.

If Ivan was admiring him from behind?
That's between you and me.

-

Alfred's pov:

Alfred honestly didn't know how it came to this.

Just barely a week ago, he and Ivan were at eachothers throats, spitting insults and trading punches.

And now?

Sitting at a café together, munching on chocolate macarons and actually enjoying the company.

He can't say he minds, really. In fact, this is probably the happiest he's been in a while.

As he continues to chuckle from a story Ivan told him from his childhood, a thought crosses his mind and he grimaces. Ivan instantly takes notice, and with a worried expression asks,

"Everything alright, Alfred?"

He just barely stops the shiver coming from hearing his human name, but sighs as he seems to physically droop.

"I've been thinking..'

"A first for you, I'd say."

Ivan chuckles worriedly, breaking the tense atmosphere hurriedly. Alfred cracks a small smile, but continues with a serious tone,

"In order for us to keep the peace, I say we separate our nations from our lives."

Silence.

Slowly, Ivan puts down the macaron he took a bite out of and folds his hands on the table.

"What, excatly, do you mean by that Alfred?"

He hesitantly asks, a wary look in his eyes.

"The whole time we've been talking, it's just been us. Alfred and Ivan, correct?"

Alfred watches Ivan with intent, then,

"Da?"

"But as soon as country names or politics and the past are brought up, we instantly become guarded and tense again?"

Alfred watches as the idea sinks in, a look of understanding passing over.

"I may not like Russia, but I sure am starting to like Ivan."

Ivan's face does something strange. A pink tint appears across his nose, spreading towards his ears. His shoulders start to shake. As Alfred sits there confused and slightly worried, Ivan suddenly bursts into laughter.

"HAHAH- you, Alfred, you-"

He watches as Ivan wipes tears of mirth from his eyes, staring at Alfred like he's hung the stars for him.

"That might be, the most idiotic, but best idea you've ever come up with."

Alfred beams, his whole being seeming to light up. He pumps his fist in the air, a small 'yes!' whispered under his breath.

As Ivan fights off the last of his chuckles, Alfred suddenly remembers something. Or rather, someone.

"Oh yeah, and I'd hate to alarm you, but it'd be best if you stay away from my brother for the remainder of the meetings."

As Ivan controls himself, he looks up confused, silvery hair falling infront of his eyes.

"Why?"

Alfred clears his throat, and mumbles out,

"He might just commit another war crime when he finds out we've made up.."

Ivan freezes.

"What do you mean another war crime??"

"Alfred?"

"Alfred answer me please don't just leave me on that-"

-

Heyooo! Damn, nearly missed that update, my bad y'all. Also, guess what ya girl managed to do at netball practice yesterday? Sprain her ankle, that's what. So I'm now off sport the rest of the week, and that'll hopefully give me more time to figure out this story line. Oo, almost forgot, TYSM FOR 300+ READS!! Honestly, never thought I'd get this far, you guys are the best. Anyways, hope you enjoyed. Goeie môre, middag, aand of nag!