Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 29: A Night Out (2)

Ivan sighs fondly, and follows him through the door.

-

Night had fallen by the time they'd gotten dressed. As they make their way down the road in Alfred's car, Alfred ponders what he'll eat when he gets there.

The dark city lights cast a shadow over the road, yet it doesn't matter much. Alfred gives a sly glance over to his boyfriend (and who'd've thought! Russia, his boyfriend!) winking when Ivan catches his eye.

He giggles childishly at the pink blush, keeping his eyes on the road. He taps his fingers on the steering wheel, humming a tune under his breath.

Traffic wasn't as bad as Alfred thought it would be, managing to get to the place within 20 minutes or so. He perks the car near the entrance, watching for any passing vehicles. Once they finally stop, he clicks the unlock button and gesture for Ivan to wait. Ivan glances at him, confused, but does as he says.

Alfred steps out, quickly running around to Ivans side of the car, like an overeager child. He opens the door dramatically, adding a little bow to the end.

"My Good Sir."

Ivan chuckles as he exits the car, taking the offered hand to stand.

"What a lovely welcoming gift from staff. Do give them my compliments."

Ivan decides to play along, Alfred's grin brightening as he does so. But, alas, as Alfred tries to stand from his half bow, he somehow manages to bang his head on the door.

"SHIT!-"

Ivan bursts out laughing as Alfred sits on the curb, rubbing his aching helm. He's on the point of wheezing when Alfred finally looks at him with an embarrassed smile, an annoyed twitch in his playful glare.

"Let's just.. choose to ignore this, please?"

Alfred mumbles, still pressing a hand against his forehead. Ivan scoffs, but agrees with a smile. He pulls Alfred up by the arm, dusting off his suit. And if that hand just so happened to brush a bit too close to Alfred's lower back, well.. that's between you and me.

Alfred gives a kiss to Ivans cheek in thanks, turning around and starting to walk towards the restaurant. Ivan stares, before shaking his head and catching up with him.

They walk inside, arm in arm, quite the sight to the other restaurant goers. It isn't everyday you see two young men over six foot holding hands, after all.

Alfred doesn't particularly care, though he can tell Ivan is slightly uncomfortable by the attention.

'Thankfully, we'll be sitting secluded from everyone else.'

Alfred thought, and tugs Ivan away from the entrance. Ivan grips his hand tightly, the only sign he's nervous. Alfred smiles softly at him, lowering his guard. He can see it in the way his mouth tilts upwards, the hold loosening.

Alfred leads him to their table, a quaint spot near the balcony overlooking a shining blue lake. A willow tree sways directly over them, the warm light from the restaurant casting small shadows around them.

As they seat themselves and order, Ivan decides to break the comfortable silence.

"So, tell me Fredka, what is your favourite colour?"

Quiet.

"That's one way to start a conversation!"

Alfred laughs, startled by the sudden question. Ivan grumbles halfheartedly, a smile growing on his face. He goes to answer him when Alfred speaks up,

"Blue. But, more sky blue than any other. Mostly 'cus I just like flying and the freedom it gives me, yknow?"

Ivan sighs fondly at his response. Somehow, he expected that. Alfred then looks over to Ivan, raising an eyebrow. Ivan gets the hint, a childish giggle erupting.

"I would say mine is gold."

He makes no further elaboration.

"Cool. Say, do you still have your old Empire uniform?"

Alfred questions, out of the blue. While Ivan thinks back, he calls over a waiter and politely asks for some wine. The waiter nods, speeding off into the restaurant.

"...I think I do, Da. Why are you asking?"

Ivan asks with a furrowed brow and a sceptical look. Alfred just waves offhandedly.

"Nah, I was just thinking back to the old times. Y'know, when we first met? God, it's been awhile."

Alfred smiles, teeth blindingly white and so full of happiness. Alfred can see Ivan grinning along with him on instinct, and isn't surprised to find himself letting it happen. It'd been far too long since Ivan had been happy, after all.

"Da, how many years have we known each other now, Fredka? 300?"

Ivan says, a soft smile gracing his pale features. There's a slight pink tint to both of their faces, yet they're nowhere near drunk. It's just the effect they have on the other.

Alfred nods, sipping his drink which had finally arrived.

"Bit longer than that, it feels sometimes."

Their food finally arrives, and Alfred falls into silence, Ivan following. They both engage in idle chat from then on, talking about everything and anything that comes to mind. Alfred talks about his brother, how he wishes people would notice him more. Ivan speaks about his sisters, how despite missing them, he's glad to have a break from them.

After a certain amount of time, their topic falls onto the next meeting on Sunday, a day away.

"Do you think we should tell them?"

Ivan seems to ponder this, deep in thought. In all honesty, it'd been plaguing Alfred the whole day and what they should do. Deny it, and threaten their relationship with how they have to act, or tell the truth, then deal with the downfall of all the nations questions and judgement.

"Da."

Alfred startles at his blunt statement.

"Really? Just like that?"

"Mhm."

"Why?"

"If telling the nations let's me keep my boyfriend closer to me at meetings, I shall tell them hundreds of times each meeting."

Ivan has a sly grin on his face, and although Alfred can hear the seriousness in his tone, it doesn't stop his face from exploding in red.

"I- uh, I mean. Yeah, that makes sense-"

Alfred stutters, looking anywhere but Ivan. Ivan chuckles, leaning over the table and whispering,

"It'll let me show everyone there that you belong to me. I'm sure they won't mind if I devour you on that meeting table, hm?"

His sultry tone activates a part of Alfred's brain that he'd prefer to ignore. He doesn't even grace Ivan with a response, instead hiding his bright red face in his hands. If you concentrate, I'm sure you could see steam coming from his ears.

'that was hot that was hot that was so fucking hot what is wrong with me-'

Alfred continues to regret his existence, trying desperately to not listen to Ivans increasingly more dirty flirts.

'What am I gonna do with him?'

Alfred can only groan.

-

Heyooo. Yes, I'm back. I'll try to stick to every second day again, but we'll see how this goes. Last week was rough, holy hell. Thank you all for being so understanding of my break, god was it needed. I apologise for the wait, and hope you've enjoyed. Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag!