A/N: I would like to thank Celeste Maugham, because I know she worked very, very hard to translate "Hide and Seek" that spanned over 16,000 words….You don't know how sorry I am that I turned the tiny PWP story into not so little…It was only suppose to be a oneshot, 3000 words! So lots of hugs and flowers to you~
A trusting child- still unexposed to the outside world- Yao closed his eyes without second thought. Ivan smiled. Such a little innocent child Yao was; it would be very easy to take advantage of him. However, he would take this slowly. He not only wanted Yao's first kiss, but his everything, including his love. After all, little Yao was starved for affection. It wouldn't take much effort to make him his. He'll bide his time to worm his way into the child's good grace.
"Yes, just like that," Ivan encouraged, leaving his hand by the youth's face, "Empty out all thoughts or imagine a black void. Are you doing it?"
"I'm imagining a black background…."
"Good. The next step is to concentrate on your surroundings," Ivan explained patiently, "Use your five senses to feel what is around you: the smell, the sounds, the taste; my hand upon on your cheek. Let those feelings seep out."
"What do you mean?"
"Think of it like water soaking into the ground. All of us, all of the nations – new and old- are connected by the land we reside on. We were all part of a bigger whole long, long ago, you know."
"And then?" Yao asked quietly, "What do I do next?"
"Then…you just search. Each person has their own way of searching. Some can see balls of light while others see different colors. From what I know, yours is-"
"Threads! I see threads!" Enthusiastically throwing himself against the other nation, Yao wrapped his arms around Ivan's neck. He joyfully bounced up and down on his feet at the simple accomplishment. So there were others like him! Ivan wasn't lying!
"Yes, yes, threads," Ivan conceded, laughing lightly. The boy's face was buried against the crook of his neck, tickling him with downy soft hair. "Little Yao, calm down for a moment."
"Hey, Yiwan," Yao completely ignored him, "how about you? What do you see when you search for other nations?"
"Me? It's not that I really 'see' anything. It's more of a sense of light or heaviness. Some nations feel more heavy and dark while others are light and bubbly. Yours is a mixture of the two."
Arms still around the other's shoulders, Yao pressed closer, intrigued, "But you said I felt like dirt. I can 'see' them, but how do I feel the difference?"
Ivan pinched the irresistible, dimpled cheeks. "If you just concentrate a bit more and reach out, you should be able to sense them. The closer a nation is, the stronger the connection. Once you sense their different attributes, you'll never forget it."
"Does that mean I'll be able to feel you more than other nations? Because you're closer?"
Ivan nodded.
"Okay, let me try."
Yao closed his eyes, taking in slow, deep breaths. Once again he imagined pitch darkness in his mind's eye. Gradually, the pinpoint smell of mint on the larger man's skin, the smooth fabric rubbing against his face, disappeared as he let them melt away from him and into the ground below.
One by one the threads of light emerged in his mind- one particularly brighter than the others. Instinctually, he reached out to it, certain that it was Ivan's.
"Did you find me?" Ivan's gentle voice broke his delicate meditation.
"Yes, I think so."
"So, what did you find?" Ivan asked, already knowing the answer.
"Greenery. Forest and trees. Lots and lots of it," Yao answered honestly and then looked away with a hesitant bite to his lips.
Ivan rubbed the small of his back in encouragement. "What else? You can tell me little one. I won't be mad."
Yao darted his eyes back before hanging his head down. Quietly, he whispered against Ivan's shoulder, "Cold. You feel like unending winter….Aren't you afraid?"
"Of the coldness?"
A nod.
Ivan laughed, "No. I'm not afraid of it. Overtime I got use to it and I have to admit, it saved me a couple of times."
Dark honey-colored eyes gazed up at him in concern. "Are you always this cold?"
At most time, Ivan hated to be pitied. He was not someone to be pitied. He was big and strong; the largest nation in the world. However, he had to admit there were benefits. From earlier until now, little Yao's small body was pressed against his side, the fragile arms still around his neck; Ivan could feel every curve and plane of Yao's tiny form. "Yes, I'm always cold…but there are ways to warm me up."
Yao tilt his head to the side, curious. "How?"
"Well," The hand he used to rub the youth's back dipped a little lower, "if someone were to share their body heat with me…that'll warm me up nicely…."
For a moment, Yao's rosy lips parted in surprise. Instead of jumping away or blushing as Ivan expected, he remained where he was- plastered against his body. "Do you mean someone to sleep with you?"
"Something like that." Ivan's voice became low. Eyes pointedly watching the boy, he lifted a strand of the silky hair to his lips. "Are you offering to 'warm' me up? I get terribly cold and lonely at night…."
Yao, unknowing of the pending danger or the predatory look in Ivan's eyes, asked the one thing he shouldn't have, "Do you want me to give you body warmth?"
"Yes," Ivan chuckled softly. He said he would take it slow…but why complain when Yao was practically presenting himself on a silver platter? He leaned in- barely more than a breath away now. It didn't matter. Yao was his, now and in the future. He'll just be working backwards- bodily pleasure first and then mutual affection.
He moved in for a kiss, but the second he did, Yao wiggled free from his grasp and ran for the exit. "Wait here! I'll be back."
Perplexed, Ivan called out after him. There was no response as the pitter-patter of the boy's running feet got further. Ivan would have been concerned that his aggression had scared him away, but the way Yao left- thrilled and overjoyed- eased his worries. The little guy did tell him to wait here in his personal yurt. If he was insulted, Ivan had no doubt Yao would have banished him without so much as a 'fare thee well'. He'll just wait and see what the Chinese had planned for him.
He didn't have to wait long to find out.
At the sound of the yurt's flap opening behind him, Ivan turned his head to welcome back the child, but it died on his lips. Instead of the small Chinese boy, a young woman walked inside.
"This is Yunxin," Yao introduced to Ivan.
As her name was called, Yunxin bowed her head in demure modesty. Ivan got up from where he laid and returned her bow. What was going on?
Satisfied his choice was to the other's liking, Yao directed his next comment to the girl, "This is my friend. For the remainder that he is here, you are all to call him Yiwan Dai Ren."
"Yes, Shangdi," She said quietly.
Nodding his head like an approving father- Ivan at a lost as to what was happening- Yao then commanded her to serve 'Yiwan Dai Ren' as she would serve him.
"Yes, Shangdi."
The moment Yunxin began untying her sash, Ivan finally understood why Yao brought her here.
"Stop!" Ivan yelled, holding one hand up to cover his eyes.
The girl paused in taking off her clothes, giving Yao and Ivan looks of uncertainty.
"Is something wrong?" Yao asked.
"You, come here." Ivan quickly grabbed onto Yao's wrist- making sure to keep his eyes turned away from the half-clothed woman- and dragged him to the furthest part of the yurt.
"What were you thinking, bringing her here?" Ivan whispered viciously, making sure to keep his voice low.
"What do you mean?" Yao couldn't understand why Ivan was mad. "You said you wanted body warmth so I brought you body warmth."
"Not like this!" Ivan hissed through his teeth.
Yao crossed his arms across his chest, giving the other a high and mighty look. "I do not know how it is done at your place, but this is how it is here. Yurts get freezing here during winter nights. It's common to share a bed with someone. I, myself, have slept with Yunxin for years now and I don't see why you make it seem like it's a heinous act."
Ivan's eyes widened as he digested the new fact. "Y-you've slept w-with Yunxin?"
Yao lifted his chin and answered without hesitation. "Yes. So?"
"T-then y-you're n-not a vir-vir," Ivan couldn't even finish the word. Does this mean he has to travel back even further? This was insane! He thought for sure little Yao was pure and innocent…but he was still the same old dirty…dirty pervert! A pedophile! But since he was a child now…then a gerontophile. Why was fate so unfair?!
He shot a glare at Yunxin, causing her to gasp in surprise. Was she his rival in love? Ivan had to admit her long braided hair could be worth a fortune on the market, but her hands were rough from chores and exposure to the wind. How could she even think to caress Yao's soft skin with those coarse hands? Her own skin wasn't even white! In China, white, pale skins were preferred weren't they? Well, she was no competition then. Ivan definitely had paler skin than hers. If she was Yao's first love, then he would definitely take her place right here and now!
"Send her away," Ivan demanded the Chinese nation.
Yao shook his head, "No."
Ivan felt his anger and jealousy rise with Yao's swift reply. "Why not?"
"Because if I do, right after I asked for her, the villagers will think she wasn't good enough; that she's unwanted and cursed. She'll be an outcast, Yiwan."
"But I don't want her," The Russian growled through clenched teeth.
"Fine," Yao turned away to walk back to where Yunxin stood, "If you don't want her, then I will."
"What?" Ivan grabbed onto the slim wrist, yanking Yao back towards him.
Yao tried to tug his hand out of the iron grip. "You're hurting me."
Ivan loosened his hold, but not enough where the child could break free. "What did you say? You'll take her if I won't?"
Grudgingly accepting the difference in their strength, Yao snapped at the larger man, "Yes! I already told you, if we turn her away, they'll think she's unclean."
"Well she is, if she's willing to sleep with a random stranger simply bec-"
"If you finish that sentence," Yao gave him a chilling glare, "I'll remove you from my presence."
Ivan's jaws tightened, but he did not remove his hold on the boy's wrist. He knew he crossed the line. Modern standards cannot be used in ancient times, especially from a different culture. "I'm sorry…."
Yao blinked a few times, surprised to find a sincere apology from the other man. "Ah…apology accepted." He pulled on his hand. "Now remove your hand. We have to prepare the bedding to sleep."
"Is Yunxin going to share your bed then?"
For some reason, the sharp, accusing look of the other's eyes made Yao fidget. "Y-yes?"
"I won't allow it."
The brief moment of guilt creeping up on him disappeared in a flash, replaced by indignation. "What right do you have to-"
"You brought her here for me did you not?" Ivan interrupted him, "It's only right, as a guest, that I accept your gracious offer."
Ivan's smile didn't betray his inner thoughts. No way in hell, am I letting you get cozy with someone else while I'm here.
Yao gave him a suspicious look, but agreed nonetheless. After all, he did bring Yunxin for him. Usually he wouldn't call for her, unless the cold was completely unbearable; then he would send for her to only later regret it as she would laugh at him in a tone that said, "I told you so." If it wasn't because she was Shun's daughter, she wouldn't even be allowed near him. But because of her position as the clan leader's daughter, she has seen and been with him since her birth. She was one of the few that treated him like a normal human being. However, due to her gender, once she was of age, their interaction lessened to the point of being nonexistent. Either way…she has become rather cheeky.
She practically treated him like her little brother even though he was older despite his looks. Her speech was beyond polite, yes, but her manners needed improving. When she shared his yurt, she would hold him close, saying she'll protect him from the scary monsters as if he needed protection from a mere girl. Worse yet, sometimes she'll tell him not to wet the bed, in which, Yao would argue that it was just that one time. He'll be glad when she finally marries off to a distant village.
Walking back to Yunxin, Yao glanced between the two people in his personal tent. He didn't think of it at first, but these two definitely deserved each other.
"Xin, you'll be sharing a bed roll with Yiwan," Yao said calmly to her.
Once again, Yunxin curtsied in a graceful fashion and Ivan seethed with burning jealousy. He sized up his rival, tallying off every flaw and imperfection. She may be a woman, but she was nothing compared to Yao as an adult. There were very few humans who could. It wasn't his outer appearance that made the difference- though that in of itself was delectable- but the air around him. When he simply sat in deep thought, it's almost like a painting soothing the onlooker; time alone, stood still for him and whoever gazed upon that peaceful face.
Ivan wouldn't admit it, but sometimes he would simply admire at him from afar, like he did centuries ago, before interrupting him with a teasing remark. As much as he liked the tranquil Yao, he much preferred the fiery one he provoked. That annoyed expression was something only he and Yao's siblings have seen.
His thoughts, before he knew it, shifted from criticizing everything about the girl in front of him, to the fond memories he and the older Yao shared. The sound of clothes being removed snapped him back to attention.
"Stop!" Ivan held his hands up again.
"Now what?" Yao sighed in exasperation, "It's either a yes or no."
Turning to stare down at the child nation by his side, Ivan asked, "Does she really have to take her clothes off?"
"It's the most efficient way to share body heat," Yao replied in a matter of fact tone, "You even suggested it, yourself."
"Because I was thinking about your body heat," Ivan thought, but was wise enough not to say aloud. He cleared his throat. "I'm not use to sharing a bed with strangers so I think I'll have to decline the offer after all."
"Then I'll-"
"And you," Ivan jabbed a finger into the middle of the boy's forehead, "won't be sharing a bed with her either."
Yao took a deep, deep breath to calm his rising temper. "I told you already, we can't send her away!"
"That doesn't mean we have to share the same bed roll. We'll each have a separate one, laid side by side."
"Why should we do that? That defeats the whole entire purpose of warming each other up."
"Then what about you?" Ivan pointed out, "If you give Yunxin to me, won't you be cold?"
"I-I-I," Yao stuttered, "I can take care of myself! I don't need someone to warm me up like you."
"Why don't you and I-"
"Um…," Yunxin interrupted the heated argument and raised her hand, "Mind if I suggest something then?"
Eyes of violet and gold glared at her. Undaunted, she delicately coughed into her hand before starting. "Yiwan Dai Ren, I take it you do not want me to undress?"
At Ivan's tight nod, she then turned towards Yao, "But Shangdi, you want to keep him warm as is the duty of the host to make sure his guests are comfortable." Yao nodded.
Yunxin clapped her hands, exclaiming, "Then problem solved! I'll wear my clothes and we'll all sleep in one bed. If three people are sharing a bed, even with clothes on, they won't get cold. How does that sound?"
Both Ivan and Yao were skeptical at the outrageous suggestion. Ivan simply did not want to sleep with Yunxin while Yao did not like unorthodox method. The girl argued this was the most logical choice since this was the only way all three of them could keep warm. This was how family members did it in the smaller yurts.
Yao was still not convinced, but Ivan noticed him starting to sway. Before the other could announce his agreement, Ivan offered to sleep in the middle of their threesome. Yao was astonished at the sudden change in attitude, however, now that it was two against one, he relented in his decision.
That night, they sleep in one big woolen bed. It did not take long for the two Chinese to fall asleep just as the night fell silent. Ivan, on the other hand, was restless. He couldn't tell if he was in heaven or hell. Here he was, cuddled up with the most adorable child with the most opportune chance and he could do nothing. He held little Yao tighter in his arms, burying his face in satin strands. At least he could hold onto him like this. Yao was so cute~ He was glad he finally got to see his child form. It wasn't fair that Yao got to know him as a child while he never had the chance. Now was the-
Ivan stiffened as he felt Yunxin curl up closer behind him; something soft and…bouncy like Ukraine's press up against his back.
Hell. He was definitely in hell.
A/N:
And this concludes Ivan's first night. I had lots of trouble with Yunxin. At first there were 3 girls, then 2...before finally just Yunxin XD.
Let me clear this up. When Yao said "slept with Yunxin" he literally meant sleep and not what Ivan thought. As much as I wanted to clear that up in the fic, it simply wasn't possible without messing up the flow. The little portion of how Yunxin teased Yao was my way of clearing up that mix-up.
Image of Ivan and Yao I'm semi-basing it on: pics(dot)livejournal(dot)com/xblkdragonx/pic/00019bzb/ Credit goes to the artist, ぱーま
If each chapter is going to break 3000 words…this is going to take me a LONG time to finish….Due to the long length of just ONE night Ivan spends, I shall speed things up (Yes, I know the story is moving slowly. It's suppose to).
Tidbits…again.
Yao's Clothes: The type of clothes Yao is wearing is typically called "Hanfu" – Han Chinese Clothing. Apparently the most solid evidence of a rudimentary Hanfu can be found in the Shang Dynasty. Since it's found that early, heck, I'll just say the Xia used it too~
Yurts: The whooooole reason I made them use yurts typical of nomadic tribes rather than live in stationary homes built of clay or wood is because yurts gets cold at night so you'll have to sleep with somebody 8D. Got this idea from a manga based in the 1900 Central China.
