Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 16: The Canadians Interlude (2)

"Not like I can say much with a knife pressed against my throat, hmm?"

'...'

'IDIOT!'

-

Canada's bemused expression instantly hardens, his eyes becoming icy. His grip on the knife tightens, his frown deepening.

"Let's make something clear."

Canada's quiet voice seems loud in the silence.

"I know you Russia. And over the years, I've seen you do unspeakable things."

Ivans expression doesn't change, but he inwardly grimaces.

"But I've seen worse. Done worse. So you don't scare me."

Canada wrenches the knife away, then proceeds to grab Ivan by the collar of his pajamas, lifting him off the bed and slamming him into the wall. He may not be as strong as his brother, but his strength is not to be trifled with.

"But you want to know something? Seeing you with my brother? Didn't make me angry, like it should've. It scared me. Because I remember, Russia. I was there."

They both know exactly what he's referring to.

"So you better listen now, and listen well. Should I ever hear you threaten, hurt or make my brother cry again.. well."

Canada takes the knife out again and buries it into the wall next to Ivans head, cutting off a few strands of hair.

"Lets just say, my hockey stick will have found its new home. Preferably, through your ass and out your mouth."

With that last growled out sentence, Canada releases him and starts walking to the door. But, just as hes about to leave, he stops. Turns around, and punches Ivan square in the stomach. While he's keeled over, Canada decides to kick him where it hurts just for good measure.

With that, he strides out of the room, leaving Ivan on the floor gasping in pain.

Hell hath no fury like an enraged brother, they say.

-

Ivan groans lightly in pain as he stands, wincing at the now formed bruise near his pec.

'Hopefully, Alfred doesn't notice'

Ivan sighs as he starts to get dressed, noting his now clean clothes folded neatly on the cabinet.

Ivan smiles softly.

'He always has been so kind.'

He dresses, rewinding the bandages on his neck and covering it with his scarf. Once he's finished, he walks over and opens the bedroom door silently. He gets a whiff of pancakes coming from the kitchen, the scent filling the house.

The echoes of a conversation and laughter can be heard throughout the house, and Ivan can only sigh.

'When can it be just me and Fredka in his house?'

Ivan laments, but knows he can't control it. He strolls down the hall, keeping his footsteps light despite his heavy stature. Upon entering the kitchen, he spots Canada flipping pancakes by the stove while Alfred sits on the chairs by the island.

Alfred turns upon his entry, waving at him with a brilliant smile that lights up the room and motioning for Ivan to sit next to him. Canada takes note of this, and give a scathing glare when Alfred isn't looking.

When Alfred glances away, Ivan glares back. To be completely honest, he could have easily overpowered Canada. But, sadly, he's Alfred's brother, and harming him in his own home would not be a great way to say 'im your friend!'. So, he resorts to glares and nasty looks thrown over shoulders.

Once Ivan is seated, Alfred glances over from where he asked Canada something. With a bright smile, he says, "Morning Ivan! Good to see you up! Sleep well?"

With a quick, annoyed look at Canada, he gives a genuine but small smile. "I did, da. Thank you for letting me stay for the night."

With his response, Alfred seems to light up, smile widening. "That's great! It's no biggie, by the way. The hero always makes sure people stay warm!" He jokes, sending a wink Ivan's way. Ivan's face takes on a light blush, and Canadas expression can only twitch in the presence of his brother.

"Oh yeah! This is Matthew, Mattie for short! Hes Canada, I don't know if you remember him-"

Alfred says, but is cut off when Ivan waves his hand.

"No need, I remember him. Vividly."

This answer confuses Alfred, but he shrugs it off and starts collecting plates. His brother goes with him, not before sending a 'im watching you' look to Ivan.

Ivan scoffs, but stands up to help. He's quickly stopped by Alfred, who rushes him back to his seat.

"You stay there, you haven't even had breakfast yet! I'll make you something once Mattie leaves, whatcha think?"

Ivan nods in agreement, his elbow leaning on the table and chin in his hand as he watches Alfred scurry around the kitchen. He can feel his skin prickle, knowing that Canada is watching him. He doesn't particularly care, Canada can watch him all he wants. Right now, he's only got eyes for Alfred.

When that thought crosses his mind, it stumps him.

'Only for him? Makes me sound like some love-sick fool.'

Ivan grouses internally. Then, he processes that thought, and startles.

'Wait.'

He thinks back to his behaviour regarding Alfred this past week. Unconsciously staring at his smile, always noting how his hair shines in sunlight, how-

"Hellooo! Earth to Ivan?"

He's brought out of his thoughts by Alfred's waving hands in front of his face. Alfred chuckles upon seeing his disgruntled expression.

"Wow, with how often I've got to bring you back down here, I'dve thought you were an alien!"

Alfred pokes lightly at Ivan's cheeks, smirking. He's noticed Ivan has been slightly out of it today, and it's been concerning him.

Ivan gives a small giggle, and Alfred immediately zeros in on it.

"Awww, your laugh is adorable!"

He gushes, and Ivan's face turns ablaze. He pulls his scarf up to cover his bashful smile, to the disappointment of Alfred.

'God, I really am in love, aren't I?'

Ivan sighs and listens to Alfred chatting his ear off. He can deal with these thoughts later, when there isn't a murderous brother out for his blood.
Speaking of which, Ivan glances over to the kitchen doorway where Canada stands. On the outside, he looks nervous, even frail. But Ivan knows better.

His eyes are hard and there's a slight twitch to his smile. His fingers grasp at air like it's Ivans throat.

This deeply amuses and simultaneously scares the shit out of Ivan.

Thankfully, he's saved from being strangled by Alfred tackling his brother, Canada just able to continue standing with Alfred hanging off of him.

Alfred drags him to the door, arm around his shoulder. His brother has a soft smile on his face, and they continue to talk as the door closes. Ivan is left alone, with only his thoughts to comfort him.

He takes this alone time to think.

What excatly are his feelings for Alfred?

And what does this mean for them?

Ivan can only sigh.

-

Heyooo! Author here, little bit of a longer chapter to make up for my longer absence! Also, I just think Alfred's a gentleman kinda guy *cough* England *cough* so he always walks his guests to the door. I think next chapter, I'll do Alfreds Pov of this one, if that isn't too boring. Just seven school days left of exams, god I can't wait for this to be over. Anyways, hope you've enjoyed, Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag!