Short Author's note: I had gotten a comment that had corrected me on the information on how gays are treated in Russia, and I'm sorry if I made it seem something was true when it was not since it was not my intention. I've made it a little more clear in this chapter, I'm not well versed in other nations' cultures but I'm doing all I can to learn! So, if I'm mistaken on something don't be afraid to let me know. I'm more then happy to accept criticism! Well, I've rambled here long enough. Enjoy this next part of the story, my darlings.

Chapter 10.

The way home was enjoyable. Instead of riding in silence, Matthew turned on the radio. It blears pop tunes with fast rhythmic beats. The Canadian sings along the best he could and every few songs Ivan joined him. Most of the time they purposely missed notes and cause their voices to crack; if they didn't then where the fun be? Matthew took his time getting back to the house so that this moment could last as long as possible. After several fast upbeat songs, a slow love duet arises on the waves.

Ivan titles his, "I know this. It comes on alterative stations in St. Petersburg."

"I know it too." Matthew mutters blushing. He couldn't remember the title or even who sings it, but without a shadow of doubt Matthew could sing every lyric.

It was the guy's part first and before the Canadian could open his mouth to sing, Ivan's voice seems to fill the entire car. The bass tone was rich and almost heavenly, making Matthew realize what Beatrice had meant when she said that Ivan's voice had vibrated her to the core. Hearing Ivan sing about a beautiful love and the prospect of a future family sounds as though every word came from his own heart. Sooner than he wanted it was Matthew's turn, but he picks up where Ivan leaves off. He never really sings the lady's part but at this moment it seemed right. Matthew was a surprisingly good alto singer, even if he's a natural baritone. Making every note count, Matthew feels Ivan's eyes linger on him. Could his voice be shaking Ivan to his core? Would that even be possible? Then, Ivan's voice returns and their two tones match harmoniously, practically seamlessly. It brought a tear to Matthew's eye as he could feel everything vibrating in his chest. Those vibrations rolls down his spine and Matthew seemed to be soaring. The emotion, the harmony, the overall sensation was enthralling. It was a shame when it died down to only interments and then fades into commercials.

"I did not know you could sing in such a way." Ivan proclaims, "An angel, you are!"

Matthew's face flushes, "Non, non. Don't lie to me. You're much better! I've never heard a bass like that before!"

"You flatter others to much! Take my complements, I don't give them often."

"Okay…"

"You're beautiful, Matvey. Everything about you is beautiful."

Matthew began to feel even more flustered, "This is moving so fast…"

"I'm not trying to push you." Ivan turns his head, blushing from embarrassment, "We can take this a slow as you wish. I just wanted to let you know what I think of you…"

An awkwardness sits in the air. Time and distance seems to drag on longer and longer. Ivan breaks the silence with a question Matthew never thought he would hear.

"Have you ever wanted a child? A family of your own?" Ivan asks with a bit too much seriously.

"Yes." The answer came from Matthew's lips more bluntly then intended but he continues, "But we both know it would be impossible. I'm sure we've both tried…"

"We've all tried, Matvey." Ivan's voice seemed sadder than before.

It seemed almost instinct at this point for Matthew to offer a hand of comfort to Ivan. Ivan takes it with a little more ease each time. Another wave of silence washes into the vehicle as they get closer to Matthew's home. Where did the question of children come from? Sure, he's thought about a family as Matthew grew older but Arthur had drilled into him that it wasn't worth even trying whenever he asked his father. When Matthew would ask Francis, his papa would just turn away and say that Matthew already had a family and it's all he needed. Now here with Ivan…the discussion of a family seemed to pain him a little more.

"Ivan…I'm sorry." Matthew says.

"You're fine, Matvey." Ivan squeezes Matthew's hand, "I shouldn't have asked…it's a touchy subject for all of us."

The Canadian puts on a smile, "I could imagine you with a dozen strong sons. You could have your very own hockey team with that will have its own back up players! The Braginsky hockey team."

Ivan titles his head in thought of that and a small smile comes to light, "Da. I want at least one girl, however. I want a little princess."

"Yeah…She would beautiful, I'm sure of it."

"Most surely, if she were to take after you." Ivan turns his smile towards Matthew.

Matthew did his best to nudge Ivan without going off the road, "Easy there, Big Bear. We're taking this slow remember."

"Da, da." Ivan leans over and kisses Matthew's check that was glowing brightly. That seemed to remove the uncomfortable feelings and replaces it with one that seems of hope. Perhaps…one day there could be a new nation for them to take in and care for.

The rest of the drive turned back into an obnoxious karaoke session. Matthew felt good that the two of them could talk and not leave things awkward for long. Alfred loves to drag things out for as long as possible just to see when Matthew would break, which he very rarely did. As they approach Matthew's home, he notices another vehicle parked in the driveway. A large military green truck sits there and its own seemed to be peering into the front window and banging on the door beside it.

"Oh no." Matthew grumbles.

"Why is America at your door?" Ivan asks.

"I was supposed to take a call with his boss today." Matthew sighs as they got out of the car.

Alfred perks up and rushes to his brother, "Mattie! There you are, my boss has been calling all…"

The American stops and stares at the two others, a little dumbstruck. Ivan smiles and says, "Hello, America. I was expecting you to show up sooner or later."

"Russia." The American half growls, "What are you doing here? Mattie what's going on? Are you two…?"

"Alfred." Matthew sighs, "I can explain."

"No, no. I think I can figure this out! I'm not a complete moron." Matthew and Ivan do a quick side glance to each other with that statement. Alfred continues none the wiser, "I mean, I've heard Francis talking about you liking someone. Honestly, I wouldn't have expected him."

Ivan's eye twitches, "What does that mean? Do you think I'm not good enough for your brother?"

Alfred laughs nervously, "No, not that. I just wouldn't expect the personification of Russia to be…ya know. I know that it's like a big no-no…and…"

"Homosexuality is not illegal in my home. Not widely accepted, but my people are not as horrible as you may think." Ivan defends himself quite bluntly, "I'm sure your people are the same way, America."

Matthew blinks at Ivan. If that is so, then why is Ivan so paranoid? Was he scared of being harassed from past experiences? What had happened to him…? The three of them stood with the sound of birds chirping. Alfred awkwardly taps his foot and looks back-n-forth at Matthew and Ivan as if he we're just scolded by his parents.

"Um." Matthew says, "How about we head inside. Al, you can head up to my office. We can discuss are business there."

"Alright." Alfred says with a bit more cheer, "It shouldn't take long, I promise."

They head inside, Kuma was not pleased when they walked in. All the noise America had upset his mate how was trying to rest. Alfred bounds up the stairs as fast as he could to escape the glare of Ivan and Kuma snipping at his heels. Matthew was going to follow him but stops.

Turning to Ivan, Matthew couldn't help but to ask, "Ivan, if being gay is alright in your home, why were you so scared of being seen with me?"

Ivan shuffles his feet, "Matvey, you know the term 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks'? Well, I guess I'm sort of like that. I've had too many bad experiences in the past. I'm glad for my people who can express themselves freely and that my people are becoming more accepting. Me, however, I can't just reverse hundreds of years and move on…It's not you, so don't even think that."

"So…the lady at the ice rink?"

"Probably just following some laws my government put in place…one saying not to discuss homosexuality to minors. It's not very enforceable but something to keep the highly religious people happy I suppose. She could also be religious too, much like Orlov. He's not too keen with the relations I have; often calling it my 'deprived habit' to shame me…it does have some effect on me but I've been trying to ignore it more and more. My boss doesn't mind seeing how we have numerous gay people who work within our government, and that's the only opinion a really care about. Us being kept apart isn't about us being queer, it's about keeping me focused on my duties."

Matthew nods slowly, processing the information, "I can understand that. But I have to go talk to Alfred…he might be getting suspicious since I haven't been up yet. We can talk more about this later if you wish."

"I think I've said what I needed to say, Matvey." Ivan smiles shyly, "Thank you…for being here."

Matthew didn't want to leave Ivan, but he has work to care to. As he reaches the stairs he hears Ivan chuckle a bit.

"What am I to do?" Ivan asks, "Anything you need done?"

"Feeding the bears would be nice." Matthew says as climes the stairs. The last image he had before Matthew reached the top was of Kuma grabbing a hold of Ivan's arm and dragging him towards the kitchen.

Opening the door to the office, Matthew finds Alfred sitting in his chair behind the desk. The American was spinning in it with a dorky smile. Of course Alfred would sit in was like the head chair of Canada. He would sit on the throne of England if Arthur let his guard down. Alfred grabs the desk to stop mid spin and gave a nervous smile.

"So…" Alfred starts, "You and the Russie, eh?"

"Please don't mock my accent." Matthew rolls his eyes, "And me and Ivan are not exactly a thing yet."

"Good! I don't like the look of him. I'm scared he might hurt you and…"

"He's not that bad, Al. Ivan's been good to me."

"You don't know if he's just using you! One day you're happy and stuff talking of a good future together, next thing you know he's having you smuggle information across a boarder then bada-bing bada-boom, you're in a ditch somewhere with a bullet in your head."

"It's not the mafia, Al. We have business to talk…"

"Dude, we should have our own mafia! Remember the days we were cowboys? It could be like that! Arthur could play along as a secret agent like double-O 6! That could be sick!"

"Alfred."

"What, dude? You don't like that idea?"

"No. We have work, the trade deals."

"Oh! Yes, my bad…what is the deal about?"

Matthew face palms and sighs. Before he could re-inform Alfred about their trade of oil, Ivan pokes his head in.

"Um…Matvey." He says, his pale face looks even whiter than normal, "We have an emergency down stairs."

"What?" The North Americans say together.

Then Kuma's head pops in and exclaims, "Cubs!"