"Ivan," Lithe arms wrapped around Russia's middle as soon as his name was called and he jumped at the contact, looking over his shoulder at a head of golden blonde hair. He smiled, turning in the embrace to laugh in a slightly childish way, he bend over, curling his own arms around the small form and easily lifting the boy up. Matthew giggled, "It feels like it's been forever- put me down!"

"No."

A white bear pulled at Ivan's coat. "I want up too."

Ivan finally released the blonde, bending down again to lift the polar bear up, keeping him at arms length, the Russian tilted his head, narrowing his eyes at the animal. "I would hug you, but you bit me last time, da?"

"You lied to be about fish outside, there were no fish."

The suspicious look disappeared as if Ivan suddenly remembered something. "Oh, da, I suppose I deserved that. I wanted to ravish Matvey on the couch."

Matthew blushed, humming in embarrassment.

"You owe me fish."

Russia rolled his eyes, though he did not seem annoyed at all. "You can barely remember Canada's name, yet you remember when I say I will give you food."

"Who?"

Canada laughed, shaking his head fondly. Russia smiled too, finally pulling the bear in to hug, he freed one arm to pull Matthew back in as well, holding his arm around the boy's waist. He kissed the Canadian chastly while in a room full of others, but could not help but breathe in the smell of sweet maple and wheat. "You ate pancakes this morning."

"Of course! They were on the plane though, not homemade, unfortunately, but I had my syrup with me so it wasn't too bad."

"How were you able to take maple syrup with you on a plane…?"

"I have express permission."

"To take maple with you."

"Oui, I wasn't going to let airline rules keep me from my maple! Every time I land in a new country I would have to go out and buy more, and half of my brothers and sisters don't have maple- do you know how crazy that makes me? I need to talk to them about this."

Ivan snorted, squeezing the two closer to him for a second in affection before releasing them, handing Kumajirou over to Canada to hold. "England tried to assign us seats."

"He's never done that before," Matthew frowned. "Except in attempts to keep France away, of course, which never works, so…"

"Da, I think it was to keep us from sitting together. I took care of it though, France was willing to trade places with me when I asked so very nicely."

"You threatened him?" Canada didn't know whether to be concerned or amused. Kumajirou huffed like he was happy, but his bear never liked the Frenchman too much.

"Only a little, Matvey, I promise! I only waved my pipe around and smiled; he moved out of the seat very quickly. It has been weeks since we saw each other, I wanted to sit by you… are you angry?"

"Non," Canada smiled, actually rather touched. "So long as you don't actually hurt papa, ok?"

"Da!"

"Also, Ivan… if we can talk more privately, I'd like to ask about-"

"Alright, everyone settle down, you know the drill; find your seats and we'll begin." England spoke, rough and commanding, causing the chattering of others to quieten. "Also, just to remind you all to be on your best behavior, we all have agreed to allow these meetings to be officially on record. We have cameras set up around the room with trusted news sources and are now live for everyone to see; everyone here is to go about your business as usual, but please remember those who will be watching and act accordingly. This meeting is about tax evasion and transparency, and then we'll speak briefly about updates or agreements you want to share. Please keep on topic, with limits on speech length, and do not interrupt. As host of the thirty-ninth G8 meeting, I hope you have a pleasant stay here at Lough Erne. I now give the floor to Japan."

Canada and Russia took their seats close to the podium, and although they sat close and smiled at each other a few times throughout the meetings, there was no real chance for them to speak. Kumajirou crawled out across both their laps in a kind of spread-eagle position to sleep, spoiledly getting petted from both. Canada and America had twin speeches and the topic of conversation began to revolve around Syria and pros and cons on any Nation getting involved. Wisely, nobody truly stated their opinions or determined their actions regarding the civil war within that Nation and the theories on if things grew more heated were merely speculated.

Hours later, the meeting began to wrap up and as Canada stood, bending his back to a series of pops. The atmosphere suddenly changed. It was strange, and Russia almost missed it- still didn't know what caused it when he looked up from the bear in his lap at the sound of Matthew clearing his throat, looking meek and shy. He started to put his papers away, shoulders stiff. "Um, so I think Kumakami and I are going to get some food."

"Did you want to eat out or-"

"I'll bring you back something. You texted me your room number, so I'll meet you there in a few hours- unless something pops up, of course, just let me know and I will understand."

"Why would something 'pop up?'"

"I don't know, I'm just guessing- anyway, we'll go now. Come on Kumashen!" The sleepy bear was scooped up, and the two made their way hurriedly out of the conference room. Ivan frowned, not understanding.

"Russia," A familiar voice called. Ivan turned to see China, standing not far away, arms folded and a determined look on his face. "We really need to talk, aru."

Stuffing the small packet of notes from the meeting into the inner folds of his coat, Ivan stood, distractedly nodding at the Chinese man and following him out into the hallway. "You were very expressive today, Yao-Yao, I usually do not hear you make such a big deal about things- it was funny!"

The shorter man sighed, walking further down the hall, away from the door and in the opposite direction of the hotel rooms in which all other Nations were leaving for. Looking around, somewhat casually, he opened a set of french-bay doors leading out to a terrace.

Overlooking the vast green scenery of a golf course, Lough Erne, a four-star lodge in Northern Ireland, had particularly wonderful weather at this time of year, and Ivan himself had a lake-view room. Perhaps he had Matthew in mind when he requested it specifically, complete with a balcony and large bathroom fitted with a tub. Of course, Matthew had his own room, but Ivan had hoped they would spend time together, and he wanted a more relaxing atmosphere to help make it more special.

He had never dated before, and he had absolutely no idea how to 'woo' someone, however, thankfully, his lovely older sister was happy to give him points, advice, and even a few romance novels (that were just a tad disgusting to read but he went so far as to take notes on some ideas he could see Matthew enjoying).

These notes included date-places and plans, romantic settings, topics of conversation (though, usually they never ran into the awkward pauses of uncomfortable silence- maybe because Matthew could ramble when nervous, or Kumajirou would do something to break the ice- like he knew). Ivan was the silent one most of the time; he wondered if his interests were too dangerous or violent; fighting, motorcycle racing, violent games and movies- he would feel embarrassed after noticing his dark humor in certain things, but Matthew never faltered.

In return, there were nights he sat through the Canadian's happy-sappy movies, and- something that has become his new favorite past-time- cook with the boy. Matthew knew his cuisine, but unlike France, he was willing to experiment and try new cultural recipes or spices. They could plan many a movie and dinner, but the calm, happy time they spend together making a mess of the kitchen and eating good (or bad) food was the best dates they've had.

"So I am not to judge you, it is not my place. I usually would not mind if it were England, or France, they have affairs all the time, but I must say I was very surprised to know of your new relationship with Canada." China spoke, bringing him slightly more to the present, though he was wondering why they had to do this now- Matthew was going to a restaurant to eat, and he couldn't help but feel bereft of the chance to tag along.

"Da, many people were," Ivan replied in a distracted way, looking down the hallway in the direction Matthew had gone; he was of course, no longer visible, but he wondered if he had time to run and catch up with the boy. It was strange that he had run off so suddenly and Russia had wondered if he was too clingy- he wanted to have dinner with the blonde, spend time with him, and it made him sad to be apart when they did not have to be. Did Canada just need space? Was he smothering him?

"It is not the fact that you have chosen Canada, specifically, however, I am concerned at your behavior the last few months- granted, the difference it makes that the world knows of us, I can understand slight alterations, aru… Are you listening to me at all?"

A snap of fingers in his face brought Ivan's attention to the short Chinese. "Da, I am listening. I do not see your point, Yao."

"That is exactly what I am talking about, aru!" The man's arms gestured in an uncharacteristic way, wide sleeves waving around him. "For years you have followed me, trying to get me to cook for you, give you shares- we have a good partnership, Ivan, and I am worried that with your interests elsewhere, our supports may not be as strong."

Ivan blinked, finally processing the conversation's implications. "You are… jealous?"

Yao spluttered, turning red in the face. "Why would you think- I just… You wanted me to marry you, Russia, and even while I maintain a 'no,' our alliances were strong and steady, based off this relationship. And- we were beneficial to each other in times of… stress, aru."

Oh, yes, stress was at many times relieved using each other, Russia had almost forgot. Yao was particularly good at it, very loud too. Ivan suddenly wondered at the differences between China and Canada; Matthew could be loud too, but more in incoherent whispered noises rather than words. The sounds Matthew made…

Their relationship was not so intimate yet; they've touched, kissed for so long- Ivan could probably remember every freckle that dotted the man's neck, shoulders, and back. It was so damn difficult to keep from just taking when they slept or took a shower together; Ivan could look, touch at times to bring each other to orgasm. Matthew stopped their escalating intimacy at times for various reasons- good ones, Ivan admits; the time never felt right to take things further- they went weeks without seeing one another at times, and they were stressed, or tired, or meeting for business. Their time together was special, and the need to wait didn't seem ridiculous or frustrating- it felt natural to allow themselves to slowly sink into deeper more meaningful settings. The kisses were sweeter, the touches were hotter; and Ivan knew the Canadian's body- how he blubbered in shock when Ivan played with his curly wayward hair, he was ticklish down his sides, he loved to to held back-to-chest, grinned so happily when given a compliment on his beauty or interests.

Yao crossed his arms again, tapping his foot impatiently at Ivan's silence. He wondered where the man was going with this- true they had fun, they helped each other out with many things; being neighbors and powerful Nations maintained a more strong need to assist and protect. Perhaps Yao was worried that this policy of theirs would go away. Then he had a fleeting wonder if Yao was propositioning him; he was certainly more concerned at the effects Ivan's new relationship had on theirs. For the sake of clarity, Ivan began to explain, draw lines- he wanted no confusion or misunderstandings, "Being with Canada does not change our partnership as neighbors and allies, but the type of arrangement you are speaking of is not good for me any-

Hands grasped at his coat, bringing him forcefully down into a rough kiss; the surprise was the only thing that allowed it to happen. Their sex had always been very rough and demanding- exciting; Ivan was never afraid to throw the man down and there were quite a few times China had him up against a wall. China himself was an almost spoiled lover; he needed to be held tightly, wanted to kiss like it was a fight- all this had worked for Ivan at a time, had gotten him aroused with the idea that he could be rough.

It was a shock to find that this kiss was something he was not used to anymore; the soft lips were smooth but moved with a mean kind of purpose; they forced themselves hard against his, prying open his mouth and diving a tongue in to take. China was experienced in a way that he knew what he wanted, confident that he could get it.

Russia didn't like this kiss- was repulsed actually, and he jerked away almost as soon as he felt the tongue against his. It was all wrong.

Matthew kissed with passion, not with resolution like there was a goal to be reached. His lips were more chapped, and he could feel the softness of them when they caressed seductively against his own, not prying but teasing Ivan's initiation to deepening the kiss. It was a game they played to see who would fall first into taking their intimacy to the next level and it drove Ivan crazy with the slow pace, but the exciting ideas of how to get Matthew to give in first kept him up all night.

This was wrong, and Ivan kept a strong grip on the man's shoulder, keeping him an arms length away- the rock in his stomach twisted and said it wasn't far enough, and that he needed to leave, now. He was in a relationship with Matthew; he cared about that Canadian- dare he say loves him- and for the past few months has been deathly afraid of screwing anything up. Now this- this cheating feeling; the concept is foreign to him as he never had need to practice monogamy before, but he knew that couples broke up over this. Read it in those stupid books, saw it in movies- for the other person in the relationship; it hurt like nothing else, it caused heartbreak. Heartbreak was a sickness, a depression, it meant breaking-up, the parting of lovers; he never wanted to hurt Matthew like that, and his blood turned to ice at the thought of how he could cry over this- hate Ivan over this.

Oh God, did this just cost him their relationship? Was Matthew going to throw it all away now that Ivan had cheated? He didn't mean to! Wasn't that what they all said in the movies though- how horrible of a person is he that he let this happen? What was he going to do?

"Don't ever do that again."

"Iva-"

"Hет! You come to talk- ask about my relationship, act concerned; but you are not. Do not touch me again or I will hurt you, China. I promise."

He turned away then, not quite running, but fast enough to stomp back inside and down the corridor, panicking as he found an empty room far enough away and locked the door behind him. Pacing along the tables decorated in fancy tableware and crystal glasses, he tried to breathe, wondering if he was having a panic attack or something.

What was he going to do? Does he tell Canada? Would Canada know already, just by looking at him? Would he be able to lie to him in the first place? He didn't know- he didn't want to fuck this up; why was this happening?

He whimpered in distress, sitting heavily in one of the computer chairs to put his head in his hands. What does he do? He hadn't the faintest clue- he needed help.

He needed advice…

With shaking hands he pulled out his phone, taking large breathes to keep control, he forced himself to make the call, although every bone in his body tried to stop him. He couldn't do this- had no way of knowing what to do in a situation like this; he had no dating experience- he would do anything to keep Matthew by his side.

As for who to talk to, Ivan didn't have many friends, and his sisters couldn't give reliable advice on this, frankly he was too afraid to talk to them about it, too horrified and ashamed- but he needed someone who knew Matthew...

"Yo, this is 'merica!"

"Alfred…"

...oOo…

"What are you doing here, Matvey," Canada jumped, heart leaping up his throat as he spun around, eyes wildly landing on a familiar pair of breasts before anything.

"I-what-" Embarrassingly, it took him a few seconds to realize what he was staring at (though, really they were right there, and he swears they get bigger every time he sees them no matter the fact that he pointedly tries to not look). His eyes hurriedly travel up to look at the soft face of Ukraine, seeing her genuine kind face start to fall to concern at his unsettled state.

Before he can really convince himself to pretend everything is fine, he huffs out a stressful breath. "I don't know," He glances around him, vaguely recalling stepping into the small restaurant, though he didn't know what kind it was, only that it was the first he came across. "I was going to get some dinner, but I'm suddenly not really hungry."

Ukraine frowned, her bottom lip trembling slightly. "That's not good- are you sick, oh please don't be sick!"

"I'm not! Really, I just…"

She let him fumble, watching him with wide, wet eyes as he tucked his chin under a silent polar bear in his arms. "Perhaps, we should get a table, da? And we can talk, no worries!"

"O-ok. That sounds… ok."

Matthew followed her as she spoke to the waitress and led them somewhere secluded in the back tables. It was a large booth, with a dusk orange table cloth and dark wood seats, the pendant light above gave ample lighting but it was more ambient, and easy on the eyes.

A menu was placed in front of him and he looked at the first two laminated pages with disinterest. Kumajirou used his paw to point at something suspicious sounding and Matthew shook his head.

"You and my brother had a meeting today, yes?"

He nodded. "Why are you here?"

"Oh, I am visiting Belgium and she needed to speak with England today, so I planned to spend some time in the shops here. It is nice to take a break- my back has been killing me; I go to Lithuania sometimes to get this message, but it always comes back. It's these breasts you know, they're so heavy!"

"O-oh oui, I'm sorry you're having problems."

"Da," She said in a melodic way, waving away his apology. "I've lived with them all my life, they are manageable… But what has you so sad, Matvey? Are you and Ivan doing ok?"

"We are, Ivan is amazing. Well… I don't know, I guess." He stared morosely at the table. "I expected backlash from the public about our relationship- countries too. I thought it would be over us- as a couple, like they would fight over the fact that we're both males, or what it could do to our people and land. I never thought about- there are those who go straight for our personalities or the way I'm not deserving or experienced-"

Ukraine scoffed lightly, "Who is saying these things, what right do they have to-"

"China." Canada ducked his head again. "Look, I'm not trying to- to tattle, or complain; I can handle a little bullying- I wouldn't be much of a country if I couldn't. But, at the same time, all he said makes sense, in every phone call he's spammed me with and all the letters. I'm so young compared to him- to any of the European Nations, and Ivan- well, they were together in many different ways, I can see how my involvement can mess things up."

"You do not mess anything up, Canada. You make my brother very happy. China and Russia are neighbors; they have a relationship like you and America, da?"

"But they were lovers… I mean, it's different, now that I'm in the way-"

"Now look, Matvey," Katyusha interrupted before he could go on. "They manipulate each other; I've seen how Yao acts around Ivan- he despises him on most occasions. Ironically, he will do a, how you say, one-eighty, and be enamoured with Ivan the next- purely for reasons that would benefit his Nation. Ivan has done this also- we all have for our own selfish reasons, many times in the past. However, their relationship, whether sexual or otherwise was never out of care or love. It is all mutually beneficial; that is why you are different- my brother loves you-"

"What stops them from becoming Mutually Beneficial to each other now?" Matthew whispers harshly. "Yes, they are neighbors, and were lovers, and so what if it's out of actual love or not, just because I'm with Ivan now doesn't really mean- it can't actually change anything, as much as I may want it to." He closes the menu, pushes it away, and leans back in the booth, arms crossed defensively.

"I mean, we're Nations, I know sometimes it could be necessary to do these kinds of things to better the Country- right now, I know Yao is propositioning just that and… could I really be mad at Ivan if it's something he has to do? Or maybe even wants, I don't know- it hurts, Kat, to know he could or may have to be with Yao- but the worst part is, if it's something he has to do, I just have to grin and bear it; him laying with someone else. I can't… I wouldn't have the right to be angry- I couldn't be selfish like that."

Katyusha reaches over to unfold his arms and take hold of his trembling hand, squeezing softly. "Matvey- there are always other options, and my brother may be cruel at times, but he would not do anything to hurt you like this- not without speaking to you first. Have faith in him and his care for you. Trust him."

Matthew jerked his gaze up to meet her eyes, looking surprised, mouth opening and closing a few times before a dry chuckle escaped his chapped lips. "Trust him, eh?" He smiled softly down at his bear, watching him as he stuck his tongue in the cup of water, trying to dig out an ice cube. "Worked out well for me last time."

...oOo...

"Woah, woah. Hold up, China kissed you?"

"Yes! That's the problem!"

"Damn right it's a problem, why did you let that happen?"

"I didn't! I didn't know, he was talking about something- I was thinking about Matvey, and suddenly he was there, and I jumped away but it was too late, and I don't know what to do. You were the only one to call, because you know Matvey, and I don't know what to say- how to tell him I didn't mean it. There was nothing I-"

"You are rambling, dude, slow down." Alfred sat on top of a desk, setting his McDonald's drink aside to look seriously down at the Russian. He seemed outraged at first, when he first learned of the situation, but at the moment he just stared at Ivan with a calm, if almost amused look. "I don't think I've ever heard you ramble; you're really freaking out, huh?"

Russia gaped at the blonde. "Da, Alfred! I'm really 'freaking out,' are you making fun of me or will you actually tell me something worth-while that could possibly help me keep Matvey?"

"Oi, don't get that attitude, commie, I'll help ya, but I think you're kinda blowing this out of proportion. Mattie's been getting these letters and warnings from Yao for the past few weeks, dude. He's known that China doesn't approve, he wanted to talk to you about it but you haven't seen each other lately. I'm sure he didn't know Yao would make a move on ya, but… Mattie has good intuition- I wouldn't be surprised if he suspected."

"B-but he ran off as soon as the meeting ended, like he wanted to be away from me," He paused, slowly starting to understand a bigger picture. "Like he knew China would talk to me! I don't know why though- China was the one who kissed me; I didn't like it, I pulled away- would that still matter? Would he still hate me for that?"

America's eyes narrowed, "I don't know… I wouldn't think so, if you really had no control over it, and if you had no interest in it, but weren't you two, like, fuck buddies?" Russia grunted, neither in agreement or not, rubbing a hand across his eyes tiredly. "Canada knows the rumors of that too, you know, and I'm not one to tell on my brother's love-life, but it's obvious that he's not that experienced- he likes the fairy-tale romance and he has insecurities about being wanted."

"I know; I tell him often."

"Yeah, well, it's all good to just say it but when the technical ex-lover gets involved and basically calls you out for an affair, it may be best to show a little more proof."

"How do I prove that though?" Ivan looked back up, searching Alfred's face. "I'd give him whatever he wants, I'm so careful with him, I'm so… I try to show him that- I read fucking books on sappy pathetic romances for ideas on dates- so I can take him out to do things, normal things- I try not to be so distant in public, to show him I care. It's all so hard though, because one slip up- just one and he could be gone."

"Hm, it would take more than one, Ivan. My brother is so easy to win over when you do something bad-"

"I don't want him to have to keep forgiving me! I know I make mistakes, but he shouldn't have to… I don't want him to just roll over and forgive me."

"Dude, just because he forgives you doesn't mean he rolls over- trust me, he'll get you back, make you feel like shit for a few days, but he forgives because that's who he is. It's not like it pains him." Jumping to the ground, Alfred puts a hand on Ivan's shoulder squeezing slightly. "Look, Mattie is probably somewhere thinking you're off boning Yao- call him up, talk to him, tell him about the kiss that you expressly didn't want, and tell him he's the only one you're ever gonna kiss unless otherwise stated-" the hand tightened threateningly. "Which should be never, right? Right- and this whole thing will be over; after you tell China to take a hike, of course."

"That's it- just tell him, and he won't… hate me?"

"You couldn't control Yao; couldn't stop him from that advance even if you should have seen it coming a mile away, Mattie will understand that. Sure, he might be angry at first-" Ivan sighed frustratedly, but Alfred went on louder, "But that's to be expected, dude come on, what would you do if that happened to him?"

"Break every bone in-"

"Ok, yeah, stupid question, moving on- you wouldn't blame Matt for it though, if he didn't even know it was going to happen, much less stop it, would you?"

"I wouldn't," Ivan mumbled truthfully.

"Then relax. It's my brother who needs comfort- he's probably thinking you're giving Yao a good time right now."

"Da, I'll call him." Standing from his chair with America following behind, he walked to the door, thumbing at his contacts on his phone with one hand. Pausing slightly, he turned a quarter just to look at Alfred once more. "... thank you."

Alfred shrugged nonchalantly, but the color on his cheeks said he took the uncharacteristic gratitude for what it was. "Uh, yeah, it's my baby bro. But listen, I remember what it was like for me when we had our thing too, back when. You have this bad-boy image going on; and romantically, girls want to fix you. That kind of thing that happens in fairy-tales- he believes it. So, don't hurt him, or I will fuck your shit up, got it?"

Ivan blinked, trying hard not to giggle in the face of that threat- he knew America was serious, and he was honestly frightened of Matthew's family at times, coupled with his own fears of losing something so good…

"I'm trying so very hard not to," He stated, his tone suggesting every ounce of sincerity.

"I know, I see that," Alfred replied, nodding to himself. "You don't have to always freak out over every little thing, ya know? But it's nice. It means you really are trying, I'll give you props for that."

Russia didn't ask what 'props' meant in the context Alfred spoke of, but he nodded appreciatively all the same. Bringing his phone up to his ear, he made his way out of the computer room they had holed up in, splitting ways with America in the hallway.

The ringtone went on for what seemed like forever before it was answered by a small voice- Canada's unmistakably, but it seemed more subdued than usual, and Ivan's heart lurched in his chest. "Bonjour, this i-is Matthew."

"Matvey, where are you? Did you eat yet?"

"Well, I just ordered some things to go, I wasn't hungry yet- mine and yours, if you still want to meet up."

"Da, come to the hotel, I'll meet you at the door."

He practically ran to the entrance, stopping along the way to go to the bathroom in the lobby, washing his mouth with water repeatedly and wishing for a pull of vodka. His alcohol was in his room though, and he didn't want to be anywhere but at the door- just in case he missed Matthew. Leaning against the bright stucco wall, humming in a lighthearted manner to sooth his own nerves and keep him from pacing, caused the nearby residents to give him a wide berth, which was fine with Ivan.

Perhaps he was too hasty, or impatient, but it seemed to take hours before Matthew arrived, Kumajirou trotting alongside him as he carried twin paper bags of food.

He almost yelped when Ivan suddenly showed up in front of him just beyond the electric doors, but smiled hesitantly when Ivan relieved him of some of the weight (it was nothing bothersome to a Nation with super-human strength, but polite all the same). "Merci."

"Da," Ivan opened his mouth to continue but his tongue tied and his voice halted- ten different ways of starting this conversation went through his mind and he struggled with formulating a coherent set of words that would make sense. Balefully, he stewed in silence as they made their way to his room, passing only Italy and Japan on the way who Matthew squeaked in surprise at when Italy waved and greeted him directly. It made Ivan chuckle just a bit. "You still not used to people remembering your name?"

Matthew shuffled beside him, taking more steps to keep up with Ivan's long strides- the Russian slowed down slightly, looking at the blond with a small smile, hoping it was ok to make light conversation. Surely he didn't have to blurt out horrible news of his actions with Yao just yet- at least not in the hallway. "Um, not really- At home, everyone always saw me, and especially do now, but anywhere else- eh, it still only happens whenever I'm with you."

Ivan's smile faded, "Ah, is that a good thing?"

"Oui, I suppose," He laughs a bit. "They see you and then me- and then they know, eh? Although, some of them run away from me actually…"

"They are scared of you," Russia states. "Because they are scared of me. It is good- they will think twice before doing stupid things, da? You are protected. Though you do not need it!" He hurried to add, just in case Canada got offended.

Matthew shook his head, smiling still. "It's not something I truly mind. It's just different is all. I can't help but think they have so many things twisted, it's sad to know they all don't see you like I do."

Huffing slightly, without any real heat behind it, he gathers his key and unlocks his door. "If it were up to you, everyone would know I am nothing but a soft marshmallow inside, da? I would get no respect."

That causes Matthew to laugh, head thrown back and eyes closed. "Marshmallow! Oui!" He stepped inside, Kumajirou on his heels, and Ivan closed the door behind him, reflexively locking it. "Actually, non," Matthew continues, still giggling between words as he sets his one bag on a table, joined by Ivan's. He puts his briefcase on the floor underneath the desk and bends to unlace his black dress shoes, toeing them off and setting them to the side. "I don't think I would want anyone to see that side of you. It's just for me- and your sisters."

He straightens up to dig within the food bags to set up their to-go dinner and Ivan's chest aches at the words- special and heartwarming. He watches for a few seconds as he putters around the table, and he can't stop himself from touching the man anymore; he steps behind the blond, curling his arms around his waist and pushing his face into curls. "Da, that plan is better."

Matthew shivers in his hold, tilting his ear away from Ivan's breath but ultimately leaving his long neck open to the Russian's mouth. He settles into the hold, resting his head back on Ivan's shoulder and sighing. Ivan chastely kisses up the column of pale skin, playing with the sweater Matthew's wearing and snaking his hand underneath to trail across his belly, it's done casually and comfortably, a simple gesture of affection and Matthew melts further into him, hands pressing against Ivan's to hold them there, loose but protecting.

They stood there in silence for a bit, Ivan taking the time to breathe in familiar maple and wheat, the warmth from another's body calming him. His thumb caressed the Canadian's stomach, marvelling at how smooth the skin was and how much trust Matthew had in him. However, there was something keeping both of them from truly enjoying the embrace, and it burned in his gut- because he knew what Matthew was waiting for.

"You were nervous today," Ivan whispered, trying to approach the subject in the forefront of both their minds, while attempting to keep the atmosphere as relaxing as possible. "You ran off so quickly, like you were angry with me. I did not know why until I spoke with Yao."

Muscles tensed, Matthew's spine more rigid, his form no longer compliant in his hands. "So," His voice was soft, a whisper- it would be amusing in any other situation, how their body language completely contradicted the tone and setting of their conversation. "What did he say?"

"I believe you already knew what he was going to offer." Ivan chided, tightening his hold just in case the Canadian wanted to break free, but he tried to keep it loose, his voice calm to give the impression that he was not angry or threatening Matthew with his position. "You did not tell me he was harassing you, Matvey."

"That does not matter," He replied, voice strengthening. "Why are you stalling this- are you lecturing me on-"

"He kissed me," Ivan stated, leaning back only enough to catch Matthew's gaze as the boy's head turned, bright violets narrowed on him in rising anger, and now escalating hurt.

"Surprising," The blonde replied, voice full of sarcasm- it was an attempt to hide the pain Ivan could see easily behind his eyes.

"That was all he managed before I pushed him away- I told him to never do so again. You may call me naive for being caught unaware, I was not expecting his advance; I had panicked after the fact, worried this would hurt our relationship. But just as I expected, you already knew- from China's threats towards you. Why did you ignore this, Matvey? That is what I do not understand."

Matthew's eyes watered slightly, and he turned his face away a much as possible in his position, his fingers picked at Ivan's sleeve absently. "You- its how you two helped each other, right? I mean, even if you didn't care about Yao like you do for me, I figured- how mad could I be if it's something that bettered your Nation?" He reached up, and Ivan couldn't properly see his face from this angle, but he knew that tears were being wiped away and the knowledge that he had caused that- it was a twisting knife of self-hatred right through his chest.

"But I didn't say anything because I- didn't even want to think about it; I don't think I ever want to know who you've been with, or why- even if it overlaps with our relationship; I'm probably never going to be able to compete with that, you know?" Ivan's chest tightened in outrage, and he opened his mouth to viciously deny any such thing- how could Matthew even suggest- "It hurt, and I was ready to accept it, if you went with Yao, but… I realize now, and after running into Ukraine today, that I really should have trusted."

He smiled then, lips wavering as he turned slightly more towards the Russian, just enough to see the expression of hesitant relief, wet cheeks, and fragile emotions behind glassy eyes. "Remember when we told each other that? Well, the rest of our talk and the way here, I trusted. I should have done it sooner and not been so worried but… I'm sorry I freaked out; I'm sorry I didn't tell you, or thought that you would- with Yao."

Ivan spun him around softly, releasing his waist to frame the boy's face, his thumbs brushed away twin tears underneath the light framed glasses. "If that ever happens, we will discuss it extensively; there are other ways to trade and better our Nations than sex, Matvey. There is no necessity to it, and I would not carelessly fall into that temptation when I have you, right here." He smiled sincerely. "Honestly, I've been so afraid of losing you- I freaked out myself, da? I called America- I can't believe I did that, it was pathetic really."

Matthew laughed, eyes drying after a quick wipe, "Really? I'm sure he wasn't too harsh on you. He can give some good advice- Katyusha can too. We would be lost without our siblings, eh?"

Bringing him closer, he kissed the Canadian softly, it was slightly wet and tasting of salt, but it was one of the best kisses they ever shared. "How many times," Ivan mumbled as he delved back for more, still slowly caressing with lips and tongue, keeping it light and loving. "Do I have to tell you that there is no competition? I've never loved anyone before, Matvey. Nobody except for my sisters and you- everyone that I've ever been with, that means nothing to me, and I wish you could see that. I'm sorry you feel like its something you have to live up to, or be worthy for- you have no idea- it's not like that at all. You are the first and last I will be with in which this means everything to me. You are the top- there is nobody that would ever come close."

Pulling away from the kiss, Matthew smiled, laughed a little, and a few more tears escaped his eyes. "I can't believe you just said that," Wrapping his arms around Ivan's shoulders, he buried his face into the pale scarf, nuzzling up into the Russian's jaw. "Thank you. So much. I love you."

"You're still crying," Ivan whispered, listening to the small sniffles, hand gathering a fistful of the Canadian's sweater at the small of his back to pull him closer and tighter against him.

"Yeah, but I'm not sad." Looking up at Ivan, he chuckled lightheartedly, pushing onto his toes to kiss him. "You make me really happy."

The constricting pain in Ivan's chest was swept away, and a warm relief remained; because that's all he'd wanted was to make Matthew happy, to try and return the bundles of new and amazing feelings the Canadian bestowed upon him. Sometimes things between them seemed one-sided; Matthew brought so much cheer, and Ivan struggled to keep him happy in return- he went to almost uncharacteristic lengths to do so- it was so worth it though, to see Matthew smile at him, just for him.

"Da, that's all that matters to me." Neither of them spoke after that; they remained close, tight in each other's arms.

…Thank You…