Chapter 10: Hello Again
Word Count: 7,426
Sorry this is so late.
Ivan woke up, staring up at the ceiling for a while as the memories came back, today was the world conference to decide the fate of their world as well as his and Alfred's. Now, however, Alfred was angry at him and wasn't going to talk to him at all when they should be trying to stick together and be working on getting out alive and well. Everything was a complete mess Ivan did not even want to get up and go, and what if Stalin was there at the meeting? Ivan did not want to think of that, but it was a very likely possibly, and if he was there then what was Ivan going to do? He didn't know and honestly was not all that interested in finding out. Ivan sat up, rubbing the back of his neck and standing up and looking outside. The sun had not yet come above the horizon but he could see the rays of it just coming up. He saw the back from here, or at least some of it and he saw Alfred and Jones, sitting and talking, drinking from some steaming cups. Ivan watched for a while, they seemed to be having a good time if Alfred's wide smiles and Jones occasional small one was anything to go off of. That was one of the only ways to tell them apart, the smiles and it seemed like Alfred had gotten his bomber jacket back and was wearing it, that would help. After a couple minutes Ivan went to take a shower and get dressed in some of the clothes that Soviet had lent him. After that he walked out of his room, heading for the kitchen when the sight of Soviet sitting in the living room stopped him for a moment. His copy was watching the Alfred's through the glass door, a disapproving look clear on his face and his lips in a hard frown. Ivan took a step forward and Soviet turned, the small smile coming back onto his features, "Ah, Russia, it is you." Soviet said.
"Good morning. Do you mind if I sit with you?" Ivan asked curiously.
"Nyet, of course not." Soviet said, shrugging and moving slightly so that Ivan could sit down as well, "What is it that you are wanting?" Ivan smiled, sitting down, of course Soviet would knew Ivan was not sitting next to him for nothing.
"I was actually wondering why you are so keen on keeping those two apart. I realize that Alfred can be an idiot, but he is not that bad."
"I will take your word for it." Soviet said, but he did not look like he meant it, tough Ivan could not really blame him, things were different, "I see that you and Alfred are fighting." Soviet said, smirking a bit.
"I do not wish to talk about that...how did you notice so soon?" Ivan asked, suddenly suspicious.
"It was easy enough." Soviet seemed amused for some reason.
"I hope you know it revolves around you."
"Da, that makes me feel happy."
"Forget it." Ivan sighed, "When is the meeting?"
"We are leaving in an hour." Soviet said after looking at his watch, there was a pause, "And no, my boss is not going to be there." He said, but before Ivan could ask about it, he stood up and walked to the door, putting his hand on it but then seemed to hesitate, as if thinking of something to say but opened the door, not voicing whatever he had been thinking. Both Jones and Alfred looked up, Alfred glared as Jones looked back into his cup, seeming content with tracing the edge of it, "Jones, come in, da?"
"Fuck you, he doesn't have to listen to you!" Alfred said, but Jones stood up, "No, don't just listen to him!" Alfred said upset.
"S-s-sorry Alfred." Jones muttered, shuffling uncomfortably before going inside. Soviet closed the door, waving pleasantly at Alfred who stood up and started screaming through the door, yelling curses. Soviet ignored him, leading Jones by the small of his back away from the living room. Alfred finally thought of opening the door. His eyes landed on Ivan and glowered.
"I m Russia." Ivan clarified.
"Don't I know it!" Alfred spat, storming off into his room and closing the door behind him. Ivan sighed heavily, this was not promising to be a good day. Why did Soviet not get Jones earlier? Was it because Ivan had appeared? Was Soviet trying to cause him problems or had the other been uncomfortable with him sitting there? Still, there were more pressing matters at the moment, like the upcoming meeting. An hour...that was not very long to think.
The car ride itself however proved to be two hours, making a total of three hours before they got there. Alfred sat on the other end with Jones, so Soviet and Ivan sat next to each other with only Jones being in between the two Ivan's, which Jones did not look comfortable with especially with Alfred throwing death glares every once and a while. Somehow they got to the meeting with everybody intact and they went in, Ivan noticed the heavy guards, "Why are there so many guards?" Ivan asked Soviet, "Will that not attract the humans attention?"
"It is to keep the humans away." Soviet said, "Did I not explain that humans know of us? And they would happily try kidnapping us or killing us as if that would help anything." Had he been told that? Ivan could not remember, if he had he probably would have found the information useless since at the time he thought they had a chance of leaving very soon. They walked into the building in silence, and walked through the empty hallways. The silence was pretty scary and Ivan say that Alfred was also on edge because of it, so it was not just him. Soviet was leading this time, and Alfred was near him again, but he did not make any move to say anything to the blond. He would not know what to say anyway.
Soviet opened the doors to a room that Ivan had assumed was empty, however when Ivan stepped in, he saw that there were countries in there, most of them sitting, but there were a few standing around. It was silent and everybody was looking in their direction. Ivan felt very unsettled, and Alfred shuffled uncomfortable before Soviet, who didn't seem to notice anything amiss, walked over to where there were four open seats. Ivan sat down hesitantly, watching as Soviet stood at the head seat, Jones sitting next to the seat on the opposite side that Ivan sat on. Alfred sat next to Jones, diagonally from Ivan. He took a look around the room. On his other side was Finland, then Lithuania, who was looking at him and then Soviet curiously, but nobody looked shocked, so they must have been told about them at least a little. Next to Lithuania was Belarus and Ukraine who both looked well thankfully, they were talking between themselves so quietly that Ivan could not even hear them in the quiet. They both looked better and less in poverty, one of the only good things Ivan had seen so face. There was Greece, he looked taller and he wasn't sleeping at the moment. Next was Turkey...why were they sitting together? Well, he looked the same at least. Sweden was next, looked the same. Poland was next, his hair was shorter and he did not have the happy-bubbly valley girl attitude about him, and he looked away when Ivan looked at him. Switzerland was sitting next, but no Lichtenstein near him, maybe she was at home, he never liked bringing her to meetings. Austria was next, his clothes where weren't his usual trademark one that Ivan knew and he looked tired. Hungary looked the same, though her smile a little strained. Denmark wasn't smiling at all, which was scary really. Germany was next and he...looked the same, but there was something different about him, the way he held himself or a look in his eyes, Ivan couldn't place his finger on it.
On the opposite side of the table was Prussia, who had a nasty burn on most of what Ivan could see on his skin. Usually the only things that scared countries were things that would kill normal humans, but Prussia was not exactly a country, so Ivan was a little surprised he would have lived. Prussia was the only one so far that met Ivan's eyes, and he held them as if Ivan was issuing some sort of challenge, good to see some things never changed. Italy was next and he looked almost like Romano with his facial expression, but there was no doubt in Ivan's mind that that was Italy. England and France seemed more somber then most the others. Spain was also more somber then Ivan had ever thought possible. The Asians looked alright, but not very happy either. Then Canada, who sat next to Alfred on the other end, and they were examining each other curiously. "It is good to see that you all could make it." Soviet said in Russian, "Now, as you are aware, these two," a gesture towards Alfred and Ivan, "are copies from another world much like our own. They have been brought here to defend their world. At the end we shall vote whether or not we will invade their planet, any questions?" Not a single hand went up, "Very well, I will now turn the floor over to the newcomer." Soviet said, about to sit down when Alfred's hand shot up and he waved it about before going ahead and talking.
"Wait, can you repeat that in English?" Alfred asked. Soviet, Jones and Ivan looked at him in shock, "What? I don't know Russian!" Soviet chuckled.
"I am sorry, all meetings are to be spoken in the international language, Russian."
"Bastard! Did you just insult me? You probably did! Fuck, Ivan, what did he say?" Alfred demanded.
"Um...only Russian is used at the meetings." Alfred let his head fall to the table loudly. Everybody was staring at Alfred now like he was some sort of strange creature, which in some ways that was correct.
"You've got to be fucking kidding me." Alfred muttered, not moving at all. Jones shifted uncomfortably, seeming unsure whether he should comfort Alfred or not.
"Now, without further interruption we shall get on with this meeting." Soviet said, sitting down and looking at Ivan expectantly. Ivan sighed, standing up.
"Well, I am sure that this comes as quite a shock to most of you, the idea of other worlds is usually...shocking to say the least, and I am sure it is no different here as it is in other worlds-" Ivan started.
"Excuse me Russia for interrupting you." Soviet said, not sounding very sorry, "But you are saying that as though you know from personal experience." Almost a question. Ivan shuffled a bit.
"Yes, that is true, this is not the first world we have been to. I will explain further if you wish, but I do not find it of much reverence to the current topic."
"No, please, enlighten us." Soviet said, waving at Ivan to go on. Good, Ivan was hoping on intriguing Soviet's curiosity and interest. Ivan hesitated a moment before taking a deep breath.
"Very well. I will try to explain as best as I can." Ivan paused to think of where to begin, "I think it started many years back, on one Christmas where a parallel universe came to our world, it was quite confusing at first but we helped them after a while and they went back to their own world, but it gave us the idea of traveling to other worlds. To learn about them some and use the new knowledge in our own world." Ivan paused again, "We usually try to ovoid our other selves...it causes problems usually. There have been a few times, we are usually drawn to our other selves. I will admit that this is the first time I have attended a meeting."
"Are you saying that you have not met any hostilities in your...travels?" Soviet asked, Ivan could not help but notice that Soviet was the only one asking questions.
"No, not at all, but there was no meeting to discuss it." Which was believable and made Soviet think himself better than others, roundabout flattery was always nice. Soviet seemed to be thinking about something, Ivan waited.
"Tell please, what happened then?" Ivan didn't answer, trying to think of something else to say, but gave up when Soviet seemed to get impatient.
"...Well, the circumstances are different from this time. But they tried invading our world and we well bombed them until they could not fight anymore." There was a quiet mutter and Ivan winced slightly at it. Alfred looked up for the first time, curious.
"And how do we know that is the truth?" Soviet said after a while.
"You do not. But do you think that I would not do such a thing?" Ivan asked, looking at Soviet. They stared at each other and there was a silence over the room again. After several minutes Soviet nodded.
"No, I do not doubt it." He said truthfully, "Is that why we should not invade your world?" Ivan once again hesitated.
"Yes, though I was not going to come about it in such a manner. I was mostly going to concentrate on how we learned that you have at least some atom bombs and perhaps some nuclear weapons and that we have higher technology then you." Which was true actually. Soviet smiled a bit, and Ivan was not sure what it meant.
"Very well, is that all?" Ivan looked at Alfred then back at Soviet, nodding and sitting. That was all he could think of. He rubbed his temple a bit in stress, hopefully he had been a good enough actor that Soviet believed him, "Good, now we shall take a fifteen minute break and come back to vote." After a moment people moved and dispersed in groups to talk, there was chatter and it was much more relaxed, Alfred stood and walked to Ivan.
"So what was all that about?" Alfred asked.
"I told them about the parallel people who came that one Christmas." Ivan said.
"Oh yeah, you know I never got to met mine."
"Nyet, I did not. But I also told them that we have been too many other worlds." Alfred's eyes widened.
"You told them? What the hell!"
"Well what else am I suppose to do? This was a unique situation and I am sure any other country would have done it." There was a moment of silence, "I also might have mentioned that we destroyed one of the more hostel worlds..."
"Great, so not only do you tell them all about our world being able to jump through worlds at will, you also threatened them with complete destruction?" Alfred demanded.
"...well when you say it like that-" Ivan started.
"Fucking hell Russia! Seriously? God, this is why you are not allowed to toy in other world affairs without somebody else with you!"
"Well it is not my fault you do not know Russian." Ivan said darkly, "And I do not see much choose in this matter either." Alfred glared at him awhile longer before turning and walking away, muttering a quick 'Whatever'. "Thank goodness Alfred played along." So they had somewhat planned this right, but it really had come down to small moments like that. Ivan looked at Soviet who was watching him, Ivan held his gaze for a moment but looked away before it became some sort of challenge. He saw that Alfred was talking to this worlds Matthew, who seemed nervous and confused with talking with a copy of his twin. Ivan did not really know who to talk to, it did not seem like a good idea at all considering that they were all used to Soviet. Still, he did want to learn more about this world. He hesitated before looking around and hesitantly walking towards Lithuania. Would he be different in this world? Probably, but how different. Thankfully Lithuania had his back turned so he did not see him coming towards him, maybe he would have tried avoiding him or something. Ivan stood behind Lithuania and paused before talking.
"Hello Toris." Ivan said, watching as the other whipped his face around, looking surprised but then smiled nervously and faced him.
"O-oh, you are the other Soviet, correct?" Ivan nodded, "Well i-it is a pleasure to meet you. B-but I do not know if we should be talking...I mean we are-." Ivan waved at him, making him fall silent.
"I am not going to be influencing your voting or talking of the meeting. I am just a little more curious about this world...and it is best not to talk too much to ones copy." Which was probably true. Although, while he did want to influence the vote in his favor, that probably was not the best idea.
"O-oh, then ask away by all means sir." Ivan smiled, Toris was still so polite, that was nice.
"Well, this is a world meeting, right?" Toris gave a small 'yes', "Well where are Estonia, Latvia and um...who else...ah, Hong Kong and Romano." Ivan asked curiously. Toris looked confused and shuffled a bit.
"Estonia and Latvia do not exist. Honk Kong is part of China, why would he be here? And as for..." Toris looked around for a moment before continuing in a quieter voice, "Romano, do not mention him near Italy, it upsets him. Romano passed away some time ago."
"Oh...I see, thank you." Passed away? Romano? But wasn't he death himself? What had happened? Estonia and Latvia didn't exist for some reason, Hong Kong never became independent. These were major differences in themselves. But what sort of world did death itself die in? There was still Italy, of course, but still. Ivan looked at Italy, who was by himself, not really looking at anybody, leaning against a wall. Ivan had thought he looked a cross between somber and angry, but he had not guessed his brother was dead. Ivan nodded at Toris in thanks and goodbye before going off. He needed to think about these pieces of information, they were very troubling after all.
Several minutes passed until the voting was called to take place. Of course Ivan knew it came down to whether the others feared Soviet or total inhalation from a different Russia, it was going to be very close, Ivan knew that the others might just vote for Soviet's side. And honestly, he couldn't blame them all that much, "Alright, all in favor of declaring war on this other world raise their hand." Quite a few raised their hands, Ivan counted silently in his head, and felt relief as there was less than half. Soviet nodded, "Very well, you are dismissed for the meeting. You are to stay close to Stalingrad until further orders are given. I hope that you all have a nice stay." Soviet said pleasantly, Ivan could tell that many of them were worried about whether they had voted correctly, but it was too late now, as Soviet stepped away from the table. A lot of the others did too, Alfred looked around.
"So wait, what just happened?" He asked, not knowing whether they had won or not.
"It was voted that we would not go to war with you guys." Jones said quietly, Alfred grinned.
"Yes! That's awesome!" Alfred said enthusiastically, sending Ivan a look of gratitude that the taller didn't miss. Ivan had seen the other talking to Canada awhile ago, and was still curious about that, but he would ask later. Soviet ignored the conversation, instead looking at Ivan, an undecipherable expression on his face.
"Russia, we are going to have a talk when we get to our room." Soviet said, filling Ivan with this sort of worry and dread, "Let us go." Soviet headed for the door, Jones tailing close behind him, Ivan started following as well, but then noticed Alfred hesitating. The blond scratched the top of his head rapidly, as if he had a really bad itch that was really bugging him before he sighed, stopping his little nervous habit and following Ivan as the older started walking again. It was silent the whole way back.
Another hour in the car ride back was obviously making Alfred very restless, he would move back and forth a lot between the door and Jones, and played with any small object near his person that came of interest, like a small string coming off the bottom of his shirt, or obsessively cleaning his glasses. Ivan was surprised that when the car did stop and Alfred got out that he had not yet stooped low enough to praise the earth and kiss the ground. Alfred looked at Ivan, seeming a little worried for the other, but knew better then to stick around for whatever the outcome of the situation was going to be. Jones also seemed to share this rare wisdom, and they both went outside right after they reached the inside, "So," Soviet said, not seeming to notice the rapid departure of both Americas, or so it seemed, but he glanced at the door as though making sure they weren't in hearing distance and the door was closed before turning back to Ivan, "care to explain a few things?"
"Which things do you mean?" Ivan asked pleasantly. Soviet stared at Ivan for a moment before smiling slightly.
"I hope you do not think I believed everything you told us. In fact, I am wondering if not all of it is a lie." That did not surprise Ivan much at all, after all he was paranoid and well, himself. If anybody could catch him in a lie, it was Soviet.
"Perhaps. I do not expect you to believe me. That does not change things." Ivan said, not about to blow his cover just because Soviet was suspicious.
"Da, that is very true." There was a long pause, "I hope you do not think you are out of the clear yet. It is still very much in question whether or not your world will be invaded."
"Are you saying the vote is invalid?" Ivan frowned slightly, "Then what was the point of it?"
"I never said it was invalid. The vote will be taken into consideration." Soviet said, smiling pleasantly. Ivan narrowed his eyes what was that suppose to mean exactly? Taken into consideration, that did not sound reassuring in the least and by whom? It clicked almost immediately.
"Oh...I see, taken into consideration by your boss?" Soviet remained quiet, not even batting an eyelash, but it was all the confirmation Ivan needed. It made sense, that Stalin would not be at the meeting, though he was the supreme dictator or whatever he was calling himself, "There must be someday to ovoid war, it really is a trouble to destroy a world. I am sure you can imagine the paperwork involved with that." Soviet nodded in understanding. He took a couple steps forward.
"I have been curious over something for a little." Soviet said, standing only about a foot away from Ivan, who had become suspicious. Soviet slowly reached out his hand, uncommonly cautious. Ivan froze, staring warningly at Soviet, not liking where this was going. What was the other up to? And it was so left field and unrelated to what they were just speaking of that Ivan suspected that the other was more different then he had originally suspected or there was some other meaning to the action. Which Ivan could not think of any need to do such a thing. Soviet ignored the look he was receiving and continued to move his hand towards Ivan until it came to rest at the most precious place. His scarf, "I wonder if you would have the same scars I do...do you have scars even? I assume so because you wear this scarf. I am still curious though." Soviet said calmly, as though nothing out of the ordinary was wrong. Ivan did not answer, he had not moved yet. Why would Soviet be so curious? Of course they would have similar scars, perhaps not all of them, but he just said he knew that that Ivan had scars. And before when he asked about the heart falling out, he had not asked for proof, just asked and left it at that. How was this any different? Soviet took another step forward, effectively invading Ivan's personal space, but he did not retreat, one was because the other had a hold of his scarf and he did not make a habit of backing down from somebody else. At this close of a space, Ivan noticed that Soviet was taller, something that he had previously missed before now.
Soviet moved his hand down to where Ivan's scarf was held together, moving his other hand up to start untying the scarf around Ivan's neck. Ivan brought his hand up, catching and gripping Soviet's wrist, finally showing some form of resistance. Soviet smiled innocently up at Ivan, "Do do go against me Russia, that would be a sorry mistake." Ivan narrowed his own eyes, there was something off here, other than Soviet border-lining seduction and that was saying something. Soviet did stop in his actions for a couple seconds, but continued his previous task until Ivan's scarf was undone. Soviet kept his eyes on Ivan's neck, making Ivan self-conscious. Soviet moved the hand that Ivan was still gripping and put the still gripped scarf to his face, as though he might smell something from it. Weird. Soviet didn't move his eyes from Ivan's neck and spoke so softly Ivan wouldn't have believed the other had spoken if not for the fact Soviet's lips moved to the words against the material of Ivan's scarf, "You are a good actor Ivan. I will drag out the meeting for a week if I can." Soviet moved his eyes to the side briefly, and Ivan followed the motion. He saw in the corner a small glint of metal, but quickly looked back to Soviet. Was it a camera? Was what this was all about? Well at this distance Soviet could speak quietly enough probably to be unheard, and with the scarf effectively hiding his mouth...it was still kind of weird. Soviet smirked a bit, "Get out quickly." Soviet said before his other hand brushed Ivan's neck. Ivan slapped the hand away, growling warningly. Soviet instantly letting go of the scarf and pulling away, Ivan let go of Soviet and watched the other walk down the hall towards the back bedrooms. Ivan stood there a moment to try and process what just happened while he rubbed his neck uncomfortably. He tied his scarf back where it belonged. A week? Ivan didn't look back at the metal glint, instead he hesitated before going into the kitchen and sitting at the table there, not really interested in interacting with anybody at the moment. Especially Soviet, the talk had just been way to weird.
Jones and Alfred both sat up, withdrawing their eyes from the small peep holes they had been sharing and stared at each other in shock, "What was that?" Alfred asked shocked. Jones shook his head numbly, looking worried as well as bewildered. Alfred assumed he looked the same.
"I-I don't know..." Jones said, shifting slightly, "W-what do...we do?" Alfred shook his head.
"Well I mean we don't even know...what happened?" Alfred said, it was really strange really. Jones played with peeling paint on the house next to them.
"Ivan's neck...is his erogenous zone." Jones muttered quietly. Alfred stared at Jones in disbelief.
"But he...and...but...how do you...what the fuck?" Alfred finally said, "That's just creepy. And wrong...and just weird! I don't understand!" Alfred said, shaking his head side to side rapidly, "That's it, I'm walking in there and punching that perverted commie in the face!" Alfred said, walking towards the door.
"N-no wait!" Jones said, pulling Alfred back, "You'll get hurt and he'll be really angry and-"
"Not Soviet! I'm going to go talk to Russia and see if he has anything to do with it then punch him!" Alfred said, Jones let go shocked, was Alfred jealous? Alfred looked at the other curiously at the sudden release to see the other smiling happily.
"So we do have that in common!"
"I have no idea what you're talking about, but okay." Alfred said, walking away. Maybe Jones slapped Soviet around every once in awhile. Alfred only hoped. Alfred closed the door behind him, wait how was he to act? Demand of Ivan what the hell was happening? Ivan usually got very defensive with that. When all else failed, act ignorant. Alfred walked slowly the kitchen, peeking in to see Ivan's back, "Russia?" Alfred asked uncertainly, it had been Russia to walk into the kitchen not Soviet, right? Ivan turned, looking at Alfred. Alfred noticed how unsettled Ivan looked.
"Da, it is me Alfred." Russia said.
"Well you look cheerful, what's up?" Alfred asked, going over and half sitting, half leaning on the table, "You are still breathing so I'll take that as a good sign." Ivan shook his head.
"It seems that voting was useless. It is...Stalin who makes the decisions." Ivan said, leaning his head against his hand and looking grim.
"Fucking bastard, he always was a...never mind." Alfred said, he knew Ivan didn't need to hear how bad Stalin was, "I really hope he doesn't declare battle or anything, I hate those kinds of wars. Not much of a battle anyway."
"Da, we need to get out of here and seal the entrance to this place. As soon as we can."
"Did Soviet say something else? You do not look to well." Alfred said, trying to hear it from Ivan's mouth that Soviet had been an evil perverted bastard.
"Nyet, nothing." Ivan said, "I am fine Alfred, just worried about how to get out of this mess."
"Well we need to get back to America first, how do you suppose we do that?" Ivan shrugged, how where they suppose to get out? It seemed Soviet wanted them out just as badly as they did, but he couldn't help, he was under Stalin's control. They could not simply fight their way several thousand miles, especially with all the countries in the area. They would be caught and put under heavier guard which would not help them to escape in the least. If they could somehow make it so Soviet was out of the picture for a while. They couldn't really kill him, he was a country after all and a powerful one at that. Still things would be much simpler if Soviet was taken care of. As strange as that thought sounded to Ivan. Still, with the thought of cameras he couldn't tell Alfred any ideas that he did come up with. He could try hinting like they had previously done since it was so soon after they were talking about such things. It would be a dead giveaway. Ivan sighed, leaning back and shaking his head.
"I do not know." Ivan sighed, "But we have to think of something soon. The destruction of a world is never pleasant for anyone and I do believe that is what this will come to."
"Great, okay. So get to our world and close off the portal to save this world? Interesting, but we did come here to save it from destruction."
"Da, I do not think that we are the cause of whatever destruction is supposed to befall the world." Alfred nodded in agreement, Stalin was the real problem. If they were the ones to have caused the said destruction they were suppose to prevent...now Alfred was confused, it was like time travel, always so complicated. If they were to blame though then there was no point in their coming, was there?
"Great, still confused." Alfred said cheerfully. He was still angry at Ivan for getting along with Soviet, but maybe in light of recent events he wouldn't be so friendly to the villainous fiend! "I still can't believe they're no hamburgers here!" Alfred sighed heavily, "I do want one right about now." Ivan rolled his eyes.
"You and your one track mind, is all you think of about food?"
"No! Not everything." Alfred said, slightly insulted, "I also worry about saving the world!"
"Of course, how can I forget you sticking your noise into others business."
"You're the one with a big nose, not me!" Ivan smirked at Alfred, not saying anything, "You're planning my death aren't you?"
"Da, only a little." Ivan said, but really he was happy that Alfred seemed to be talking to him again. It had not taken very long for him to get over it, then again when it came to America he would either forget about something in the span of five seconds or he would hold a grudge over the most ridiculous things ever in existence for hundreds of years if need be. Ivan blamed Mexico's influence sometimes. Though Ivan wasn't about to say sorry for whatever Alfred had inferred from previous interactions with Soviet that made him so angry in the first place. Russia was just glad that Alfred hadn't seen what just happened in the living room. That would have been difficult to explain.
Jones opened the door quietly, looking inside. While Alfred was talking to his Ivan, Jones had some questions of his own. Soviet was standing and staring out of the window again, back towards he door. Jones knew that Soviet noticed him coming in, even if the other didn't say anything to show it. Jones closed the door, walking towards the other, "What do you want?" Soviet demanded. Jones swallowed and looked down silently.
"W-what..." Jones hesitated, trying to process, "What did you tell Russia?" there was a pause.
"What do you mean?" Soviet asked.
"I-I saw you two in the living room!" Jones said, looking up to look at Ivan's back, "P-please don't tell me that it...it was what it looked like." Soviet sighed, walking over to Jones and patting him on the head.
"Believe what you want Alfred." Soviet said, before moving his hand and making to step away. Jones grabbed his hand, a mistake judging from how Soviets eyes narrowed at the blonds' gesture. There was a pause.
"Please, tell me that it wasn't what it looked like. Tell me that you aren't a-attracted to R-Russia." Soviet gave a long hard look at Jones before pulling his hand away from the blonds loose grip.
"I cannot say that." Soviet said, "Now was there anything else you wanted?" Jones stared at Soviet for a moment. How could this be happening?
"B-But...it's not right!" Soviet smirked at Jones protest.
"I do not recall a time when I had any such regard about anything and I do not plan on starting now. If I wish for something I see no reason not to have it." That was actually one of the most honest things he had said in a long while. Well as long as he didn't make a habit out of being honest it was alright, "I do not see the reason why you are acting so upset."
"Of course I'm upset! You-your saying that you are...attracted to Russia! He's you, and..." Jones faltered, doubted very much that Soviet loved him like he loved Soviet, so why would he care that he had been basically molesting another man? Jones dropped his head again, this time in painful defeat "...this can't be happening." Soviet didn't say anything, wondering if Jones was quite done with his pointless rant or not, really the fool had just repeated the same points over and over after Soviet had dismissed them. When it became apparent that Jones was not going to say anything he spoke.
"You can go now." Soviet said impatiently. Jones turned slowly and walked out of the door feeling a bit sluggish, but he was out in no time though he left the door open. Soviet ignored it, looking back out the window and sighing silently. Hopefully this wasn't going to blow up in his face. The chances of it going well were just as evenly matched and really he was killing two birds with one stone if this worked and it would double the chances for Russia and Alfred to get away.
Ivan was glad that Alfred had agreed to go outside, there was less chance there would be any out there, he had gone past the garden and fence into the field of weeds beyond. Alfred complained sometimes, but he seemed to more or less understand that it had something to do with the camera's. Once Ivan was sure they were far enough away from the house he stopped and looked at Alfred, "So, what is it that you need to talk about if you need to drag me out here?"
"Mostly to escape." Ivan said, "You were hurt right?" Alfred looked a bit confused and hesitated for a moment.
"Yes...why?"
"How did you treat them?"
"Oh, Jones showed me some medical supplies here, they were in the bathroom. Why?" Alfred asked, his curiosity growing.
"Well, it would be easier if Soviet was unconscious. I thought drugs would be best, but if we took some from a hospital or something they would know, so the easiest way is to try and use any available here." Alfred nodded in understanding, "With him out of the way for a little it would be easier to try escaping."
"Sounds good to me, but how are we going to get to America? I mean either of us can fly a plane, but how do we get to the airport here and land in America?"
"Well, we could go to the one we landed in coming here. There would probably be some people in America, but no countries, so we do not have to worry about them too much. They are just humans, considering that they are technically your people, I will refrain from killing them as much as I can."
"Thanks, though I'd mostly just do it so Jones didn't get hurt. I feel really bad for him. I kind of wish we could take him with us." Alfred said. Really, Jones for whatever reason loved Soviet, who obviously abuses him and doesn't love him. Alfred really did feel bad for his parallel self. He couldn't help wondering if, god help him, he ever loved Ivan if Ivan would act the same towards him. Though he didn't really have to worry about such things, he still wondered at whether it would happen or not.
"I do not think that would be a good idea. Countries should stay in their own countries. You should remember that next time you decide to make a deal with death."
"Shut up, you know what-"
"Oh, that reminds me. Romano died." Alfred stopped with what he was saying.
"...died?" Countries did not die easily, it was always sad when one did, "But wait, isn't he death?"
"Da, he is." Ivan said.
"What about Italy...is he...gone too?"
"Nyet, he isn't."
"Wait, why don't we just go and ask Italy for help?" Alfred asked, "Like open another portal here? I mean, we already have two portals, then when we get to our world we could phone Mattie and tell him to close off the portal in his house and we'll close the portal off when we get to Russia."
"Well, death usually asks for a price. This is what got us in this mess, remember? We can use that as a back-up plan, but only as such."
"Fine fine, be all logical." Alfred pouted, "Still...Romano..."
"Da I know. I do wonder what happened or when." They stood in silence for a long while.
"A world where even death dies huh? As cool as that sounds, it kind of creeps me out." Alfred said, rubbing his arms that lay beneath his bomber jacket.
"It should...I think it would be best if we try leaving tonight, are you ready for that?"
"Of course, you're talkin to the U.S of A dude, I'm ready for anything!" Alfred said, pride flaring up. Ivan smiled, nodding. He was glad the other was acting more enthusiastic. He seemed to really be bi-polar these last few days, maybe he would be better, "And I'm glad you finally came around and stopped siding with that murderer."
"He is me you know, but I will choose not be insulted by that." Ivan sighed.
"Nah, he's worst then you remember? So, when the other two are asleep?"
"Da, that sounds about right. I will look through the medical supplies to see what to use. I am sure that we will be able to sneak it into Soviet's drink. Jones usually makes it, I am sure that I can catch his attention long enough for you to put the drugs into."
"Well how do I know which drink is his?"
"It will be vodka. Grab my drink before then."
"Cool, I'll walk up, and ask which one's yours. I doubt he'd find it too suspicious. You distract him with conversation as I pour the stuff into Soviet's drink then later he's out like a light and we get the hell out of here! Just make sure you get me the stuff to knock him out before then."
"I will, do not worry. And once both are asleep I am sure they will not mind us hot-wiring their car."
"I like this plan! Let's get to it then! If things get to out of hand we have a plan B!" neither of them usually did have a plan A let alone a plan B, they were better at improvising then actually planning. Although considering the make or break nature of the situation, they had little choose about the matter.
Sorry about all the underlined words. Won't happen again, I promise!
But look, Alfred stopped acting like a depressed teenage girl...a little...Have some comments.
Alfred: ...so many things happened.
Soviet: Hello x3
Alfred: WHAT THE FUC-
Me: Ah yes, we have a guest this chapter~
Alfred: Get him out, now -_-
Me: That's not very nice *pouts* and with all the trouble I went through to get him here.
Ivan: You are the writer, you had no trouble.
Alfred: Good point.
Soviet: ...what do we usually do here?
Alfred: We play Kill The Commie, what to play?
Ivan: Would that include me? If so, I'm staying out of it.
Me: Mostly just rant on my story and see the next chapter
Soviet: Oh yes, I want to see if they leave my ruling.
Ivan: Why do you want us leaving?
Alfred: And how in the world did Death die? Seriously, can somebody please explain that to me?
Me: Calm children, all will be explained in time.
Soviet: Yeah, I am not answering any questions anyway. I have my reasons, be satisfied with that
Alfred: You cocky bastard...
Ivan: Can we just see the script for next chapter?
Me: Yeah, this is going on long enough. *hands*
*reading happenin, cause readin makes people smartikens*
Alfred: o.o
Ivan: o.o
Soviet: ... *starts slipping away*
Alfred: COME BACK HERE YOU BASTARD! I AM GOING TO KILL YOU SO MUCH THAT YOUR STATES WILL FEEL IT!
Me: *mumbles* Russia doesn't have states...
Ivan: ...I am killing you again.
Me: Ep *flees for life*