Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 13: The Shovel Talk

"So."

Ivan gulps.

"You gonna explain your intentions with my Pa?"

And shivers.

"Or do I have to carve it out of ya?"

Ivan is so fucked.

-

A tense silence overtook the cosy kitchen, a staring competition erupting between them. Texas was unrelenting and unyeilding, and the longer it went on the more nervous Ivan got.

He tried not to let it show, his expression becoming a blank slate, but it was obvious with how his hand twitched to tug his scarf up and cover his face.

Texas's scowl deepens, his grip on the doorframe tightening, to the point Ivan worried he would crack it.

"Answer my question, Fuck face."

Ivan startles at his blunt statement, and he ponders it for a few seconds. He hurries to answer, noting the ever deeping look of 'im gonna beat your ass' on Texas's face.

'Hopefully, this satisfies him..'

"I want to.. rebuild our friendship-"

"BULL-SHIT."

Ivan steps back as Texas shouts out, his chest heaving. He watches nervously as he stalked forward, yanking Ivans scarf (and him) down to eye level.

"What makes ya think I'd believe you of all people? I might've not been the earliest state to come around, but I sure as hell was there when you decided to break it off."

He snarls, hurt and murder evident in his eyes. The hold on his scarf increases in pressure dangerously, on the verge of choking Ivan.

"What makes ya think ya have the right to hurt him again?"

They stand there, eye to eye. Face to face.
Ivan sighs, then admits,

"I don't. The only reason I proposed this new friendship of ours, was to protect you and your siblings. Never, have I ever thought of using it to hurt him."

Texas scoffs as he releases Ivan, stepping back as he folds his arms over his chest. Ivan rubs at the scars on his neck, hidden by his scarf. The skin feels slightly irritated, likely from the near choking.

"Yeah well, that's what we thought the first time until Pa came home crying."

Ivan winces in guilt, the day flashing through his memory quickly. He sighs, glancing at Texas and his furious glare that strikes the fear of god into him.

"Listen, Texas."

He stares at Ivan, an eyebrow raised in a 'go on?' statement so similar to his father Ivan almost stumbles.

"I promise to you, on my authority as a nation, I will not betray this friendship. It may not seem like much, but like your father, I've been.. lonely."

He whispers into the silence, eyes glazed and looking away. He continues when Texas doesn't speak,

"I just want my friend back."

They stand there for a while. Eventually, Texas sighs, and Ivan glances back up.

"I have noticed how happy Pa's been over calls and texts."

Texas admits, and a ghost of a smile appears over Ivan's face. Texas quickly goes back to scowling at him,

"That doesn't mean you can go and ruin this again, you hear me?!"

Texas shouts, grabbing Ivan by the ear this time and bringing him back down a head. Ivan yelps, going to protest at the pain, but then Texas whispers into Ivan's ear, looking at him straight in the eyes,

"And if you want to keep those pretty little violet eyes of yours, you'll treat him well, yes? I haven't added purple to my collection yet, so mark my words I will not hesitate."

He further solidifies the idea by brandishing a black hunters knife from god knows where, holding it up to Ivans neck. Ivan subtly shakes, yet his face seems unchanged. On the inside is completely different.

'What is wrong with this child?? If this is just one of 50, how are the others going to react to me??'

Ivan gulps.

'Now I see why Alfred was so hesitant..'

Ivan is finally released after Texas seems to think he's held him hostage long enough. Ivan quickly straightens, backs up a few steps and sighs in relief.

Texas takes note of that.

"I promise."

Ivan states with conviction, trying to convey his emotions through his voice. Texas watches him for a moment, then sighs as he puts away the knife.

"If you say so, pal. Doesn't mean I won't be waiting for you to fuck up."

Ivan nods, accepting that. Some things don't just happen on their own, needing work and trust to be out in.

"Just be glad I got to you first, California would've burnt you to a crisp."

Ivan opens his mouth hesitantly to ask, but is cut off,

"No, not metaphorically. She likes to commit arson on the daily, and you would've been her new target. Still will be once she finds out"

Texas mumbles that last sentence under his breath, but Ivan hears it loud as day. He backs into the counter, further away from Texas. His thoughts run rampant.

'Alfred, I mean this in the nicest way possible, what the fuck is wrong with these children??'

Texas glares at Ivan, but a cruel smirk erupts on his face,

"Or we can just give you up to Florida."

Ivan waits for any further information, but Texas doesn't speak any further.

Somehow, that makes Ivan pale faster than anything that's been said about the other states.

'Dear god, what have I gotten myself into?'

-

Heyoo! This was so fun to write lmao, I was literally smiling the whole way through. Anyways, just a heads up, I'm going to update on Sunday again, but after that I'm gonna have to only update every four days. Sucky, I know, but I need to study/practice for exams sadly. Anyways, hope you've enjoyed, Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag!