Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 36: An End to Something..

As the tension in the room begins to rise, they're all startled by a knock on the door.

Everyone tenses.

Belarus looks up from the table.

The door opens.

-

Alfred huffs, slightly out of breath as he drags his boyfriend behind him. God, he knew Ivan was a smidge taller than him, but that doesn't mean he can't keep his pace.

"C'mon, Ivan! We gotta go!"

He tugs him nearer, the thudding of their feet matching that of their hearts. They fly up the stairs, not having the patience for the elevator.

"Slow down Fredkaaaa-!"

Ivan yelps as he's dragged even further down the hallway, scarf flagging in the wind left behind them. They don't pass by anyone else, country or otherwise. Alfred notes this as suspicious, but quickly brushes it off. They've got bigger fish to fry.

Eventually, they make it to the third floor, stopping to catch their breath. Once they do, they turn to the hallway. Alfred stills, freezing in place. He can feel Ivans eyes on him, burning into the back of his head.

"You ready?"

Alfred says, meeting Ivan's intense gaze.

"Da."

Alfred breathes in deeply, not even noticing when they make it to the meeting room doors. He reaches out to the handle, hesitant. Maybe.. this wasn't such a good idea after all.

'No. You are the mother fucking US of A. You do not back down in the face of fear!'

Alfred flinches as he hears Ivan chuckle behind him.

"I can hear your thoughts from here, Fredka. Worry not, all will be well."

Alfred sighs, clenching Ivan's hand tighter.

'But why, then, do I feel so uneasy?'

He takes one last, long look at Ivan. He looks back. They share a moment if silence, love and trust passing between them. Alfred nods, a small smile gracing his lips. Ivan half-smiles back, and they both place a hand on the door handle.

The door creaks open.

-

And so, at last, they face what was foretold.

It's almost haunting, how similar it is to their death match they shared years earlier.

However, this time?

Who knows who'll make it out alive..

-

They step inside quietly, every sound echoing through the room. Alfred can feel all eyes on them, and he shifts uncomfortably. The only thing keeping him from running was Ivan's hand on his back.

"Nice of you to finally arrive, America."

England's voice cuts through the silence, emerald gaze observing their every step. Though, Alfred notes a hint of fear in his eyes, as if hes.. afraid.

'Why is he so scared? Surely entering a room isn't that bad?'

Alfred ponders, glancing over to Ivan, confused. He's startled by Ivan's paler-than-normal face. He tugs on his jacket, not receiving any movement nor response. He just stands, frozen.

"Ivan?"

He whispers, concerned. Again, he receives no answer. He can hear the subtle chatter of the other nations in the room, but it all fades to the back of his head when he follows Ivan's gaze.