Ivan blinked, staring at Alfred incredulously. That was all he could do. Did he...did he really...Alfred loved him? Really? His feelings were returned? It wasn't unrequited? That was...excellent! That was great! Alfred loved him back! And yet, he continued to stare at the blonde, unsure of what to say.

Alfred stared Ivan, waiting for a response but as he gazed up at him his heart started sinking and he wondered if what he had said was in vain. It was then that he debated calling Arthur back and having him come and switch places with Ivan. If the Russian didn't love him...there was no point in staying.

Is this how Kiku felt? Alfred hoped to God it hadn't hurt the island nation nearly as much as it was hurting him now.

Ivan, seeing the dismay in Alfred's eyes, wrapped his arms around the blonde nation, pressing him close. "Я тоже тебя люблю." He said gently, before realizing that Alfred didn't speak Russian. "I love you too, Alfred." He translated.

Alfred gasped slightly and quickly recovered, resting against Ivan's chest with her eyes closed. He felt all of his worries flood away from his chest and he wrapped his arms around Ivan's body. It wasn't a moment where one should talk. He closed his eyes tightly, not moving again.

Ivan sat there for who knew how long, eyes closed and simply holding Alfred in a tight embrace, not thinking of anything except the man in his strong arms. He didn't even realize that they were both still shirtless and that Alfred's jeans were still half undone. Finally, he kissed the blonde's hair, then his forehead, then his nose, and then his mouth, lingering on the latter, his eyes still closed.

Alfred let Ivan kiss him all over before smiling up at him as he kissed his lips. He rested his forehead against Ivan's, not sure what to say now as he looked at his jeans, still undone. He blushed and turned his eyes to the Russian's chest. So strong...

Ivan smiled at Alfred's blush, not thinking as he accidentally said, "So cute..." out loud.

Alfred looked up at Ivan, blushing even more at the thought of being called cute. "Y-Y-You think so?"

Ivan merely kissed Alfred in response.

***

Arthur frowned. He felt that, even through his worried fatherly (more like motherly, but damnit he had his pride) instincts suggested otherwise, he could trust Ivan with Alfred. He had a feeling that he didn't have anything to worry about, and that Ivan would actually take care of his baby boy.

Still, he had his doubts. He would never, ever fully trust the larger nation, no matter what happened. Ivan was insane, unstable, his history splattered with blood and chaos, and he was alone with Alfred. Arthur knew perfectly well that Alfred wanted Ivan to stay with him, but the younger nation was ill and naïve and couldn't always think for himself and what if Ivan-

Oh, bollocks. He needed to stop this. He'd told Ivan that he would trust him this once, and he wasn't one to go back on his word, no matter how unhappy he was with the situation.

The phone at Arthur's house rang and on the other line sat an anxious Matthew, biting on his lip as he tried to deal with political issues on his own.

"Hello?" Arthur asked, picking up the phone and putting it to his ear, half wanting it to be Alfred.

"Arthur, have you heard from Alfred?" Matthew asked, knowing he'd probably be mistaken for his brother as he always was. He should've called Francis.

Arthur blinked, almost not knowing to whom he was speaking before it hit him. "Oh, hello Matthew. I've talked to him, yes."

Matthew let out a sigh, maybe Arthur was being influenced by Francis and was starting to realize there was another country in North America other than, well America. "Is he alright?" He asked softly.

Arthur considered his answer carefully. "Why don't you come over? I haven't seen you in a while, and it would be more comfortable than speaking over the telephone." He realized that this may concern Matthew further, so he added, "Alfred is...alright. But I want to see you."

Matthew nodded and looked at the ground. "I'll be right over, I'm visiting Francis already." He said and hung up the phone, leaving the French house.

Arthur sighed and put the phone down. It had been a while since he'd seen the practically invisible blonde. Well, he knew that Matthew must have attended their meetings, but it wasn't as if anyone ever noticed the poor bloke. The Brit wondered if Matthew ever got lonely, not ever being noticed or cared about. Not even by his own brother. A shame, really. He felt sorry for the unfortunate teen.

Matthew reached Arthur's house quickly, knocking on the door carefully.

Arthur opened it calmly, having been expecting him, and stood aside to let him in. "Welcome, Matthew." He said amiably. "I'm glad you could come."

"Why did you want to see me?" Matthew asked, looking worried.

Arthur sat down on his couch, indicating that the younger blonde could do the same, if he so wished. "I just haven't seen you in a while. And, in any case, it's easier than talking on the phone." He answered truthfully.

Matthew sat down on the couch next to Arthur, "I'm worried about Alfred..." He muttered softly, "I know he's been getting sick..."

Arthur nodded. "He's alright...I think. Ivan is with him."

"Ivan?" Matthew asked, looking in Arthur's direction.

"Yes. Russia." He clarified. "Russia is taking care of him..." He muttered a soft "I hope" under his breath.

Matthew relaxed at this news, until Arthur muttered under his breath. "W-W-What do you mean you hope?"

Arthur shook his head. "I just don't trust Ivan, that's all. He promised me that he would take care of Alfred, but I have my doubts. He is Russia, you know." He sighed.

Matthew didn't relax, "Why wouldn't you trust him...he seems nice enough..." He said slowly.

"Because Russia is insane. He's unstable, and...and...unpredictable, and...I don't know. I'm just really worried about Alfred being there alone with him...Russia could do anything he wanted to, and no one would get there in time to help..." Arthur said, not intending to make Matthew worry more but realizing that he most probably had. "But I also have a feeling that Alfred will be fine," he added quickly, "it's just me worrying, that's all. You know how I am sometimes." He offered a reassuring, slightly sheepish smile.

Matthew didn't seem to cheer up and he stared at Arthur, "Wh-What if something happens!?" He gasped.

Arthur put a comforting hand on Matthew's shoulder. "For once, I trust Russia. He's been true to his word thus far, and Alfred wants him to stay anyway. I'm sure it'll be fine." He assured.

Matthew looked at the ground, "It doesn't mean I'm not worried..."

Arthur sighed. "I know. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make matters worse. I know you're dealing with your own problems as well..."

Matthew smiled at Arthur, "No, it's alright." He said slowly, "I'm really worried about him is all..."

Arthur smiled, putting his arm around Matthew's shoulders in a sudden urge to comfort the boy. "Don't worry, I'm sure Alfred will be fine. He always is." He continued speaking thoughtfully, half-aware that he was thinking aloud. "I remember when his government was so pathetic it wasn't even a government...and he still beat me so thoroughly it's sad." He chuckled.

Matthew smiled at Arthur, "You're right..." He turned his eyes towards the wall. "And he only fought you cause you were acting like his mum."

Arthur sighed. "Yeah...I suppose I still act like it sometimes. I can't help myself, really. Old habits die hard." His British accented voice was wistful as he thought of when Alfred was only a little boy.

Matthew smiled at Arthur, "I understand how you must feel..." He said softly.

"Well, at least you still like me...right?" Arthur suddenly looked unsure. /Did/ Matthew still enjoy his company? He did have that uncanny habit of pushing away everyone he cared about...Could the same be said for Matthew? Or did he still have one friend in his lonely little world?

Matthew smiled a bit, "I like being around you when you remember who I am."

Arthur smiled. "I try. But, my dear boy, your invisibility act is second to no one's." He said, a poor attempt at humor but, hey, he could try.

"Well..." Matthew grinned back at Arthur, "It is hard having such an admirable big brother and besides, I was taught by you and Francis." He teased.

Arthur chuckled.

***

Ivan lay on the bed, one arm behind his head, the other wrapped around Alfred, whom was lying on his bare chest comfortably. He felt lighter, now that they had both confessed their feelings. Like the weight of his unspoken emotions had suddenly lifted (which, in a way, they had,) leaving him with the sensation that he was almost weightless.

He liked it.

Alfred yawned softly, keeping his head against Ivan's chest. He felt comfortable, not as weak as he had before, smiling softly as he hid his face against the Russian's warm skin.

Ivan looked down at Alfred, tilting his head and staring at him almost curiously. "You are tired, da?"

Alfred shook his head slightly before giving a timid nod. "Just a little bit." He spoke slowly, smiling into Ivan's eyes.

Ivan gave a small, soft smile. "Then perhaps you should...sleep? Unless you do not vant to." Ivan idly noticed that he was always telling Alfred to sleep. With all of this sleep, he must be feeling somewhat better, right?

Alfred shook his head again, grinning. "I don't want to sleep. I'm starting to feel a bit better, so I don't have to sleep as much, right?"

Ivan merely shrugged. "Nyet, I suppose not." He smiled again and kissed Alfred's forehead sweetly. He wanted more, yes. Oh he wanted so much more. But he would not rush, especially not after Alfred's coughing fit earlier.

Alfred grinned and reached upward, running his fingers through Ivan's light blonde hair carefully, playing with the strands that were long enough to linger in his fingertips.

Ivan's smile widened slightly and he closed his eyes, nuzzling into Alfred's hand with a contented sigh. Opening his eyes again, he lifted his head, catching Alfred's lips with his own, intending it to be sweet and short.

Alfred smiled softly, kissing back deeply.

Ivan raised his eyebrows, not at all displeased and yet hesitant. "Are you sure you vant to do this? You are still ill." He said, pulling back just enough to whisper against Alfred's lips.

Alfred looked at Ivan with shinning eyes. He didn't speak, simply nodding in response to Ivan's question, waiting, longing.

Ivan moved his hand to the back of Alfred's head, pulling him into a deep, open-mouthed kiss that made his chest twinge happily.

Alfred closed his eyes, kissing back with passion and at the same time keeping his movements delicate and cautious.

Ivan brought his other arm out from under his head, making him have to lean back slightly as he pulled Alfred closer to him, making it easier to access his mouth. He ran his fingers up and down the other blonde's skin, feeling the smaller nation shiver against him at his touch.

Alfred closed his eyes, biting back all intention, not sure what actions to take as he grazed his fingers softly along Ivan's pale skin.

Ivan, in a sudden, strong urge to continue what they'd been doing before, finished undoing Alfred's jeans, pulling them down. He moved his mouth down to Alfred's neck, nipping and sucking at the skin gently and yet demandingly.

Alfred didn't make any protest as his jeans were pulled down and he closed his eyes tightly, moaning softly at the attention Ivan gave to his neck.

Ivan's mouth continued downward, licking and kissing and sucking the warm skin under him, his hand removing Alfred's boxers as well.

Alfred moved his hands downward, slowly working on Ivan's pants carefully, shakily.

"Do not be nervous," Ivan whispered against Alfred's skin, "just go vith it."

Alfred looked at Ivan for a moment taking a deep breath and nodding as he pulled Ivan's pants down, steadying his breath.
Ivan chuckled, lifting his head up and whispering, "Good boy," into Alfred's ear before moving to his mouth once more, shoving his tongue inside while his other hand was occupied with...certain other things.

Alfred's face flushed heavily as he looked at Ivan, slowly moving the other man's boxers off. His face drained of all normal skin color, redder than the colors on his flag, as he looked down at Ivan.

Ivan couldn't help but chuckle again at Alfred's expression. "You like vat you see, da?" He whispered huskily.

Alfred's gaze didn't move for a long moment and suddenly his eyes light up and he looked at Ivan, smirking. "Yes! I love what I see!" He said grinning, clearing his voice as he rolled on top of Ivan.

Ivan's eyebrows raised at the sudden change in positions and he turned slightly, looking at Alfred incredulously, whom was now on top of him instead of under him. "Mmm?"

"You know..." Alfred continued, "I haven't preformed and heroic actions lately. I'm feeling very lacking in the manly area."

Ivan chuckled again, amethyst eyes gleaming. "Vell, by all means," he said with a smirk, "do vat you must." Do me, while you're at it, his mind suggested, but he said nothing else.

Alfred smiled softly reaching downwards, closing his fingers around Ivan, who was harder than the American would've originally thought.

Ivan let out a soft gasp, surprised but by no means displeased at the turn of events, and his eyes fluttered closed. His hands groped for support, clamping down on Alfred's shoulders and gripping them tightly.

Alfred grinned and started jerking his hands up and down, looking at Ivan in the stunning turn of events. He was by no means looking to satisfy himself, looking more to fulfill his partner.

Ivan exhaled shakily, squeezing his eyes shut. He Alfred down onto his mouth demandingly, pressing his lips against the blonde's in a deep kiss, moaning slightly as he did so.

Alfred grinned in enjoyment at the sounds the Russian made, kissing him as he continued in the movements of his hands.

Ivan moaned and panted heatedly into the kiss, his grip tightening on Alfred's shoulders as he thrust his hips up into the other blonde's, desperate for more.

Alfred smiled, happy, kissing Ivan deeply, quickening his movements with a smirk.

Ivan kissed back with passionate persistence, making small, gasping noises in between heavy breaths. He bucked his hips again, wanting more.

Alfred moved faster, his breathing quickening from the sudden workout his arms were receiving, his body still weak. He moved his mouth down to Ivan's neck, sucking softly.

Ivan moaned softly at the contact, inhaling deeply and letting out sharp exhales in time with Alfred's hand.

Alfred's motions continued at a quick and steady pace, slowing after a time with the tiring of his arms. He rested his forehead against Ivan's chest, the both of them sweaty.

Ivan came with a shudder, squeezing Alfred's shoulders with a bruising force before he relaxed, panting. "Alfred..." He whispered.

Alfred let go slowly, resting his hands on Ivan's stomach, his body shaking, still not well enough to have put out that much effort. "Mmm?" He asked quietly.

Ivan pulled Alfred into a kiss, murmuring, "I love you," against his lips.

*blush*

THERE. THERE'S YOUR LEMON. THEEERE.
And if you thought Ivan would top...

PFFFT.
YEAH RIGHT.
ALFRED'S, LIKE, TOTALLY SEME.
AND YOU ALL KNOW IT.
ALL HEROS ARE SEMES. :D

Ivan luffs his wittle Hero, yes he does. ^-^