Chapter 2

Yao trekked through the forested pathway. Besides it being more of a hike than he had anticipated, everything was fine. Kiku tried to stop him for going again but Yao was persistent. He slipped once on the unkempt cobblestone pathway but pushed on. Soon enough he began to see the house in the distance. It was enormous and more of a mansion than a simple house! But it looked abandoned; some of the windows had cracks in them and the foliage was badly overgrown.

Yao doubted anyone had lived here for years but he stepped up to the door and knocked. After 10 minutes without an answer, he looked down at the knob. He was hesitant at first, after all it was not polite to let yourself inside a place without being invited. But then he reminded himself that no one lived there and let himself inside.

It was simply magnificent inside. There were amazing paintings on the walls and aged designs decorating the entryway. An enormous staircase that branched out to the left and right was in front of Yao; a large Russian flag hung proudly at the top of the stairs.

Yao stepped inside, his eyes wide in awe. He stepped up the stairs and ran his hand along the railing. It wasn't dusty. Yao's brown furrowed. If this place was truly abandoned as it looked, there should be a thick layer of dust. He continued up the stairs till he came to the flag on the wall. He gingerly took it in his hands. It was old, the yellowing of the white fabric gave that away, but other than that it seemed to be well preserved.

Yao decided to explore more of the incredible mansion. He chose the right staircase and hurried up it. The hallway it led to had doors lining it and, after opening a few of them, Yao determined that they were all either bedrooms or studies. He hummed as he opened the door to another bedroom.

"It must have been a large family," he mused to himself as he stepped inside. There was a dark blue canopy bed with white trim and pillows, a vanity and a painting of a sunflower field. While most of the room showed signs of abandonment, the painting was pristine. Yao smiled as he approached the painting. It was quite beautiful.

"I thought I heard someone come in," said a voice with a thick Russian accent from behind Yao. Yao jumped in fright, a small scream of surprise escaping his throat as he spun around. In front of him was a young man, no more than 19, with very light hair, purple eyes and an unreadable expression. Yao blushed slightly at the entrancing eyes and quickly bowed.

"Duìbùqǐ! I thought this place was abandoned," he apologized. The Russian tilted his head.

"Is it that bad? I have been trying to keep it up, but is difficult," he said, looking a little upset. Yao shook his head, afraid he had just insulted the man.

"Oh, no. It is magnificent. I just did not get an answer when I knocked," he replied. The other gave a smile, though it was rather creepy.

"It is big house. I didn't hear you. I am not used to visitors," he said. Suddenly, his expression darkened. "Who are you? Why did you come here?"

Yao was slightly unnerved by the sudden change in expression and quickly bowed.

"I apologize. I am Yao. I had heard a story about this house at school and decided to come see it," he explained, keeping his eyes down. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea...

The Russian tugged at his scarf slightly.

"I do not know you…." he muttered. He smiled again and then leaned forward, planting a quick kiss on Yao's lips. "Privét! I am Ivan Braginsky."

Yao's eyes widened and his hand flew to his lips, a bright blush raging across his cheeks. He had never been kissed before. Let alone by a total stranger! It took a few minutes for Yao to regain his composure.

"...N-Nice to meet you, Ivan-"

Yao froze. Was this the same Ivan that Gil had talked about?

Ivan smiled cheerily.

"Is nice to have visitors. Is very lonely here. Do you want something to eat and drink?" he asked, voice bright and eyes sparkling. Yao blinked. This was supposed to be someone who had beat a classmate? There is no way this could be the same Ivan the others had spoken of. Yao smiled.

"If it doesn't cause you trouble, shì de, that would be nice."

Ivan beamed and grabbed Yao's hand.

"Is no trouble at all," he replied, leading Yao out of the room. Ivan led him back downstairs and into a kitchen. It was huge and mostly clean. The stove and a few of the counters were clean, anyway. Ivan brought Yao over to a large wooden table and pointed at the chairs.

"Sit. I will be quick," he told him, before turning to gather ingredients. Yao held back a small chuckle and sat in the chair, hands resting in his sleeves. He looked around the spacious kitchen, his eyes falling on a vase full of sunflowers.

"I see you favor sunflowers," he commented with a smile. Ivan glanced over at Yao and grinned.

"Da! Sunflowers are most beautiful flowers," he replied. "Is there a flower you prefer?"

Yao returned the smile.

"The plum blossom back home. It is the only flower to brave winter. A very lovely dark pink in a blanket of snow is breath-taking." he replied, fondly thinking back to his last winter in China.

Ivan's eyes widened.

"That is similar to why I love the sunflower. It reminds me of warmth during the winter," he said, sounding very pleased. "I have not seen a plum blossom, but now I would very much like to."

Ivan brought over a bowl and a glass of water.

"I made you borscht. I don't have much to drink other than water and vodka, but I thought you might prefer water," he explained. Yao smiled and placed his hands together in a small bow, his brunette bangs falling into his eyes.

"Xièxiè." Before picking up the spoon next to the bowl, he pulled out his wallet. He opened it and removed a picture of himself in front of a tree heavy with snow and small pink blossoms peeking through it. "This is from last winter."

Ivan peered down at the picture.

"Is very lovely. They are indeed a beautiful flower," he commented with a smile. Ivan sat across from Yao and rested his cheek in his hand. "Though, your presence outshines them."

Yao blushed heavily and returned the picture to his wallet. He wasn't quite sure how to respond. He didn't know if Ivan was just being nice or if he was flirting. So Yao quickly picked up the spoon and began to sip at the reddish soup. His brown eyes widened and he smiled.

"It is delicious."

Ivan smiled brightly.

"I am glad to be hearing that," he said. "You can have as much as you like, da?"

Yao returned the smile.

"That is very kind of you." he replied, beginning to take bigger spoonfuls. Yao looked Ivan over discretely and he frowned slightly. "Ivan? If you don't mind me asking, why are you not in the school down in town?"

There was no way Ivan could be older than 19. And even then, that was pushing it.

Ivan's smile dropped instantly.

"Because of reasons," he replied flatly, gripping the end of his scarf. Yao froze. He could tell he hit a nerve. He quickly bowed his head.

"I apologize. It was not my place to ask," he said, wishing he could take the question back. Ivan smiled again.

"Is okay, Yao," he said, patting Yao's hand. "I am not mad, da?"

Yao's cheeks pinkened slightly and he smiled.

"Ok. I am glad I did not upset you," he replied. Ivan was really sweet considering Yao had technically broken into his home.

Ivan laughed softly.

"Yao's hand is so tiny," he commented, lifting Yao's hand up. Yao's blush turned red from embarrassment but he let the Russian lift his hand. Ivan smiled at Yao.

"You will stay here, da? We are friends now?" he asked, though it sounded slightly more like a demand. Yao gave a small chuckle.

"Shì de, we are friends. I cannot stay all the time. But I will visit you every day if that is what you would like," he replied, his brown eyes locked tightly with Ivan's purple ones. They were so...enchanting.

Ivan squeezed Yao's hand, brows furrowing slightly.

"Every day? Promise?" he asked, a hint of slight panic edging his voice. Yao nodded, his eyes hinting sadness. Ivan seemed to be scared of losing people. How sad.

"Yes. I promise, Ivan."

Ivan smiled, though it wasn't as bright as before.

"Okay. Good," he said, hesitantly letting go of Yao's hand. "I will look forward to your visits."

Yao smiled back, very aware of the difference in the Russian's smile.

"I do too." he stood and gave another polite bow.

"I must get back to my house now. The borscht was wonderful," he complimented, hoping to get that brilliant smile back.

Ivan stood.

"Spasibo, Yao. I will walk you to door, da?" he offered, going to open the door to the kitchen. Yao smiled and followed Ivan.

"Thank you. I appreciate it."

Ivan led Yao to the front doors and held one open.

"Goodbye, Yao. I will see you tomorrow?" he said, looking hopeful. Despite the earlier promise, Ivan couldn't help but be unsure. Yao nodded, keeping his smile.

"Yes. I will come back to see you."

He bowed his head and stepped outside the door. Ivan smiled and waved as Yao left.

As Yao walked down the pathway, he looked back at the mansion. Ivan was very friendly and Yao liked him but there was something about the Russian that prevented Yao from completely relaxing. The way he dismissed the question as to why he didn't attend school and how he had changed expressions from that of a happy child to a hardcore interrogator within mere seconds was slightly unnerving.

Yao shook his head clear of the thoughts and hurried down the pathway. The sun was setting and it would take some time to get back home. He was bound to get an earful from his parents and Kiku.

Yao groaned at the thought but hurried along anyway. Yao walked up the small pathway to his house. With his hand on the knob, he took a breath, ready for a verbal bashing, and stepped inside.

"I'm home," he called, slipping his shoes off and shutting the door behind him.

"Yao, you are home late," Yao's mother scolded, walking out from the living room with her hands on her hips. Yao hung his head.

"Wǒ dàoqiàn. I did not mean to be out so late," he apologized. She hmphed and nodded.

"Go upstairs and do your homework. Dinner will be after," she said, going back into the living room. Yao nodded and walked up to his room, opening his bag on the way up. Since he spent so much time at Ivan's he had to get started on his homework as soon as he could.

The door connecting Yao's and Kiku's rooms opened and Kiku walked through.

"I see you're back. You were out looking for that manor, weren't you?" he asked. Yao turned and looked at his step brother, none too pleased with the attitude.

"Yes, I was. And I found it," he replied, placing his homework on the desk. Kiku frowned and shook his head.

"That was foolish," he stated. Yao turned to face Kiku.

"I thought so too at one point. But I made a friend so it doesn't matter now," he replied tersely. Kiku looked surprised.

"You made a friend? With who?" he asked. Yao blushed ever so slightly.

"His name is Ivan Braginsky. He lives in the mansion I went to see," he stated. Kiku sighed.

"And, what happened? Who is he?" he asked, sounding disappointed with his brother. Yao sat at his desk.

"After welcoming me, he made me something to eat and invited me back tomorrow. He was very...sweet."

Yao's blush intensified as he remembered the small kiss he had received with the welcome. He still did not know whether Ivan was simply being friendly and the kiss was a Russian custom, or if he was being flirted with. "He is Russian."

Kiku raised an eyebrow.

"And how old is he? How do you know he isn't a serial killer or something?" he inquired. Yao's eyes narrowed slightly at his brother.

"He is 19," he snapped. "It's rather rude of you to assume the worst of someone you have not even met, Kiku. Mother would be ashamed."

Kiku frowned.

"And father always taught me to be cautious. You can't trust everyone you meet, that's a good way to get killed. You are too trusting of everyone, you need to be more reserved," he snapped back. Yao's glare darkened and he turned to his homework.

"I shall take that under advisement," he replied, no real seriousness to his tone. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I have homework."

Kiku glared.

"You ought to. If you get hurt out there, don't say I didn't warn you," he remarked, slamming the door behind him as he left. Yao had to hold himself back from growling. He quickly distracted himself with his homework. Although he finished the assignments quickly, he found his thoughts drifting back to Ivan. Those purple eyes kept invading his thoughts and making him blush.

Kiku ignored Yao all through breakfast and all the way to school. He was not pleased with how completely foolish his step-brother was being. If Yao didn't shape up soon, he would tell their parents.

The tension between the two step-siblings was easily seen and everyone at the school could feel it when the two passed. Yao knew Kiku was upset with him but he did not care. His newly-founded friendship with Ivan was Yao's business and Yao's alone. He had packed an extra bento himself this morning for when he visited Ivan after school. Yao took a twisted delight in Kiku's clear dislike when he had prepared it that morning.

Once lunch rolled around, Yao passed by Kiku and walked outside, his head held in a high and dignified manner.

Gilbert was the one to spot Yao and he waved him over to the group.

"Hey," he said with a lazy grin. Yao looked up and smiled, walking over to the group of students.

"Nín hǎo, everyone," he greeted. Elizabeta smiled sweetly and waved a greeting while Roderich went over his music sheets intently.

"You and your brother don't seem to be getting along today," Gilbert pointed out. Ludwig frowned.

"Gil, that's none of your business," he said sternly. Yao had to agree there but it was pretty obvious so he nodded anyway.

"Shì de, Kiku is poking his nose where it does not belong," he replied. Elizabeta elbowed Gilbert in the ribs with a smirk.

"Sound like someone you know, Gil?" she teased. Feliciano giggled and turned to Yao.

"I hope everything gets patched up. A fratello is a gift."

Yao couldn't help but smile at that.

"Thank you, Feliciano."

Ludwig chuckled.

"Sometimes," he joked. Gilbert looked offended.

"Hey! I'm an awesome gift," he pouted. Ludwig merely smirked.

"So, Yao, how do you like the school so far?" he asked. Yao chuckled at the exchange.

"It is alright. I much rather prefer small schools such as this to big city ones," he said with a smile. "How long have you all been here?"

Elizabeta gave a sweet smile.

"I have been here for 5 years," Feliciano spoke up next. "Mio fratello and I moved here with my grandfather 6 years ago."

Ludwig shrugged.

"We've been here most of our lives," he said, gesturing to himself and Gilbert.

"So have I," Roderich finally spoke up, but kept his eyes on his sheet music. Yao smiled.

"So did you all know the student who lived in the house up there?" he inquired, careful in his choice of words. He did not want the students here to know that he had visited Ivan.

Gilbert shrugged.

"Depends on how you mean 'knew'. None of us interacted with him much, but we all go to a tiny school, it's hard not to know everyone here at least a little bit," he said. Elizabeta nodded in agreement.

"As we had said yesterday, he was a little creepy so people tended to avoid him."

Feliciano hummed his agreement.

"I think Arthur is creepier than he was though. Arthur is into all that black magic and curses and all that spooky stuff!" he added, clearly not one for scary things. Gilbert shook his head. Yao raised an eyebrow.

"There is someone here who dabbles in magic?" he was rather surprised. Ludwig shrugged.

"So he says. However, none of us actually believe he can do anything," he explained. Gilbert nodded.

"Yeah, he's just weird," he said. Yao hummed. Maybe Arthur was one of those blondes he overheard the other day.