Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 31: A Night Out (4)

Ivan shivers, a trickle of fear crawling up his spine. Alfred rambles on, not noticing Ivan's tensed state.

'What was that?'

He feels as if they're being watched. No, not Alfred.

Just him.

-

Even after they had eaten, drunk their fill and enjoyed their time at the restaurant, Ivan couldn't shake the feeling of being watched.

He tries to ignore it, and frankly he thinks he's doing quite a good job at it. He managed to successfully keep the discomfort off of his face for the rest of the night, relaxing slightly in the presence of Alfred.

Somehow, someway, Ivan managed to get away with the amount of flirting he was doing. He was, in all honesty, very proud of himself. Had he said anything like that, even in the company of others, Ivan's sure he would have been given disgusted or even feared looks.

'Nothing I'm not used to.'

Ivan grumbles, only half-heartedly listening to Alfred's happy rambles. Despite that, he can't help the smile still present on his face. Alfred just has that effect on him, after all.

"Hey, Vanya, is everything okay?"

He's brought out of his thoughts by a gentle voice, a hand cupping his chin while deep blue eyes gaze into his.

"Apologies, I got distracted. Shall we head home, Fredka?"

The uneasy feeling intensifies, but it's overshadowed by the warm feeling that gathered in his chest when Alfred made no move to correct him. He had been starting to refer to his apartment as home, and it seems like Alfred agreed with him.

"Sure, it's getting late anyways."

Alfred says, grabbing Ivan's hand in his. Ivan brightens, his lips upturning. He stays in a happy mood, focusing on Alfred and Alfred only. He doesn't even notice when they pay, and make their way to the car.

Just as they're about to get in (and Ivan finally snapped out of his boyfriend admiring trance) Alfred stops. Ivan raises an eyebrow, and is about to question him when his breath is stolen by a deep kiss.

When he's finally released, his lungs are screaming for air and his face feels as if it's on fire.

"What was that, Sunflower?"

Ivan pants, pulling up his scarf to cover his baffled, love-sick expression. Even though he's the taller one, he can't help but feel quite small in this situation.

Alfred just smiles, and pulls him into a hug. Ivan accepts it, and they melt into each other.

-

"Man, I'm stuffed! That was a lot of fun, don't you think?"

Alfred stretches, Ivan watching with a keen eye. The white of his undershirt is tight enough to hug those muscles comfortably, and Ivan can't help but admire him appreciatively.

"Da, I would say so. Though, it is now time for bed. We have a long day tomorrow."

Alfred winces at the reminder while Ivan just chuckles. Ivan bids him goodnight, while heading off to bed.

"Wait!"

Ivan stops at the sound of Alfred's voice, turning around. Alfred stands there awkwardly, fiddling with his fingers and looking off to the side.

"Something wrong, Fredka?"

Alfred sighs, before seemingly gathering his courage.

"No no, it's just. Would you.. like to sleep with me tonight? In my bed I mean!"

Ivan's mind goes blank.

"...huh?"

Taking that response as a negative, Alfred quickly apologises and starts to rush past him.

He's stopped when a hand grabs his wrist. He looks up to Ivan with a red face, slightly misted eyes from embarrassment.

"Da."

Alfred startles. Then, his face breaks out into his signature smile, and it's like a switch has been flipped. It gives Ivan whiplash on just how quickly his emotions can change, and he's helpless to how Alfred drags them to bed.

They were too tired to get dressed in pajamas, and with pink faces decided to rather sleep in their underwear.

'I'm not sure if Alfred will be comfortable sleeping with me. I tend to hug things in my sleep.'

Ivan thought, deciding to rather not bring it up. After all, Alfred had been the one to offer that they sleep together.

"Come on, I'm tired."

Alfred's half asleep voice drifted from the blankets, and Ivan chuckled softly. Slowly, he shifts into the space with him, claiming one side for his own.

Alfred grumbles upon seeing this, and suddenly Ivan is yanked into his hold. Ivan, accepting his fate laughs again, and circles him in a hug.

Slowly, they drift off into sleep, the stress of the week finally catching up to them. They lay together, content in the others arms as soft snores echo through the room, happy mumbles of good dreams escaping.

What neither notice, however, is the multiple pairs of eyes peering through the window.

-

Heyooo. Guess what, the game thing was actually a lot of fun. Lmao, our rival school for the Dabi (sports event) got an absolute smack down by our first team rugby boys. 50-7!! I'm pretty sure my voice is gonna be fine tomorrow from all the cheering and screaming I did. Anyways, hope you enjoyed. Goeiemorê, middag, aand of nag.