Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 24: A Confession

"...what?"

Ivan chokes out, sounding on the verge of tears.

'Oh shit.'

Oh shit indeed, Alfred.

-

"I-i mean-"

Alfred stutters, making eye contact with everything and anything but Ivan. He tries to draw himself away from Ivan, but his grip tightens, almost to the point where it's painful.

Alfred is panicking internally, on the verge of bursting into tears. But he stops, and takes a deep breath. Tugging his arms away from Ivan with a bit of force, he gets off the couch and stands, facing him.

Slowly, hesitantly, he takes Ivan's hands in his. It's not hard, with how still Ivan has gone, violet eyes wide, so very wide, in shock. He gulps, but there's no time for backing down. Not when there's a hopefulness in the air, fragile and thin.

Alfred let's out a sigh, before looking Ivan in the eyes. His sight is slightly blocked, golden locks framing the edges of his vision. Ocean blue and amethyst purple clash, a warring of emotions between two nations.

"Ivan."

Alfred starts, voice strong and loud. Ivan gives a shuddering breath, before giving a slow nod. An invitation, an asking of, 'please go on?'

"I have known you for decades. Centuries, even. And you've dealt with me longer than any nation has bothered to."

Ivan gives a light chuckle at that, and the tension in the room lessens. Yet the edge sharpens, like a cat waiting in anticipation.

"And these past few days, you've given me hope. That I could have a friend again. That I wouldn't be alone. But eventually, that hope turned into something else."

'This is it. No turning back now, Alfred. Come on, you're the US of A!"

"I love you, Ivan."

Silence rings through the house, and Alfred closes his eyes. Waiting for a response has never hurt this much before, yet he must be patient.

Slowly, the hands in his start to shake. Alfred startles, and he whips his head up while his eyes snap open to look at Ivan. Tears silently stream down his face, yet the largest smile he's ever seen stretches across his pale skin.

"You silly, silly man."

Ivan gives a watery chuckle, intertwining their fingers with one another. Alfred marvels at the soft skin, the pale versus tan.

"We are kindred spirits, you and I. And throughout the years, you have never shown me fear. To me, Alfred, that is more than anyone has ever bothered doing."

Slowly, ever so slowly, Ivan stands. He pulls Alfred up with him, and they embrace, chest to chest.

"No one has stolen my heart like you, Alfred."

Their breaths start to mingle.

"I love you too."

And their lips connect.

Alfred brings a hand up to cup Ivan's cheek, sighing into the kiss. Ivan pulls him close, closer than he thought they could ever be.

Ivan's lips are rough, slightly cracked. Alfred runs his tongue over it, and he can feel Ivan shiver. In return, Ivan grabs Alfred ahoge, which makes Alfred gasp. This gives the opportunity for Ivan too kiss him deeper, taking his breath away.

Alfred's heart feels as if it's about to burst out of his chest as they disconnect, heaving for breath. Alfred looks at Ivan, love-sick eyes boring into his violet ones. Ivan's gaze soften, and they both lean their foreheads against the other as they calm.

Alfred's ocean blue eyes seem to shine, the smile gracing his face never leaving. Ivan, similarly, has a small grin that hasn't left, yet the rosey blush adorning his cheeks makes up for it.

"Well, what now, my darling?"

Alfred purrs, with a joking, but soft tone. Ivan stutters, but can only sigh in fond exasperation at the pet name.

"Whatever comes next, Sunflower."

Ivan whispers softly, and 'oh' Alfred loves this man so much it hurts. Alfred smiles, then buries his head in Ivan's neck, careful of the hidden bandages. Ivan's eyes soften, and his hands rest on the small of Alfred's back. Alfred's arms hang over his shoulders, clutching at the soft fabric of his scarf.

They breathe in the other, content to stay in the others arms. Now that the confession was out in the air, it feels as if something has changed. Their relationship will never be the same, yes, but a certain wariness has completely vanished. Now, it feels as if a breath of fresh air has entered their lungs, and breathing around the other had become ten times easier.

Now, it doesn't matter what problems arise. As long as they're together, loved by the other, nothing will phase them.

For Russia and America might hate eachother, but Alfred and Ivan will love until the world burns anew.

-

Heyooo. Wow, first time writing a love confession. Any good? I hope so. It was short, my apologies, I just didn't want to drag it on. God knows how much I hate doing that lmao. Anyways, I hope you've enjoyed. Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag!