Catty: You all are fantastic and thank you many for your various reviews and favourites and follows and such! There is more Rusame in this one because I sort of feel like I've been neglecting those two, so here you are.
FaucetPipeKitten - I know! I somewhat am questioning how I wrote Canada in this but that's how he worked out in the story. I'm thrilled to see more Rusame advocates! You never know what'll happen, but it's kinda fun to see who is voting for which pairing.
Realmoftheabsurd - Ah thank you! I hope you wont hate me too much for the ending I have in mind, then.
The Amazing Fiesta Queen - Ah geez. You continue to flatter me! I'm not sure I can accept all this praise. My poor heart cannot handle it. n.n~
"Fratello!" Feliciano whined, practically draped over his big brother, "Why didn't you tell me you were seeing someone?"
"Because I'm not!" Lovino hissed, not even doing anything to shove the other off because he'd be far too persistent.
"You are so! Toris told me!"
"You trust the fucking Russians?"
"Fratello hates me!"
"Stop being an idiot, idiota!"
"Do you love him?"
"Of course not!"
"Ve? You shouldn't lead him on like that!"
"I'm not leading him on because we're not fucking together!"
"On the contrary, fucking together may be the only thing you are," Ludwig piped up and Lovino spun around to glare daggers at him.
"Shut the hell up, Potato Bastard! It's not like that!"
"Really?" Ludwig glanced up, "So you're seeing him for more than that?"
"No! It's...! It's complicated!" Lovino defended, his face turning red when he realized he'd been backed into a corner, "I command you to stop opening your stupid potato-eating trap!"
"Aw, it's so cute that you're embarrassed!" Feliciano cooed. Lovino simply stormed off, his middle finger waving them farewell.
Ivan watched the golden haired boy across from him as he shoveled food into his mouth. He had his own plate, but it went mostly untouched. Dinner had been Toris' idea and it seemed his faithful subordinate was as well researched as ever. He'd managed to somehow find bits of personal information on Alfred. The fact that the blonde was avoiding an active relationship at the moment due to his recent issue with his deceased girlfriend. Ivan gloated, internally. That job had gone so well, it was almost ridiculous to think of how easy he'd gotten away with it. Usually, there was at least chatter and whispered accusations after a dealing like that, but Claire's mysterious case had barely even found its way to the evening news. It was almost as if someone in the police force had purposefully hushed it up for a reason.
Though, the likelihood of that seemed to be more accurate than he realized. As it turned out, Alfred had family in high places. Both of his parents were notable figures in the community - One being the chief of police and the other owning at least a fair share of every other business in town. Young and attractive and charismatic Alfred was easily as powerful as him, and yet he was still no naive.
"This is really good," Alfred paused a moment to breath, smiling at Ivan, "I honesty didn't even know this place was here! Not that I would have come if you hadn't brought me, 'cuz none of the waiting staff speak English, but still! Really good!" Ivan chuckled, assuring him it was no big deal. He was just thrilled to have Alfred's company. If it made him happy, Ivan would certainly comply. Though, it wasn't about winning the boy over simply with charm, any longer. Alfred wouldn't have been a hard target to acquire, before. He was easily impressed and eternally optimistic. It had been simple before.
Now… Now things were different.
That accursed Italian had to ruin everything, it seems. Just as always, Vargas was sticking his nose where it didn't belong. Poisoning his precious lover who's beauty was comparable to the most perfect sunflowers. The idea of Lovino touching him, the idea of Alfred calling his name infuriated the Russian man. And if that wasn't enough, he'd asked to talk - Had tempted Ivan to try something by inviting him to conference, knowing full well one wrong move would mean war. Ivan was furious, but he wasn't stupid. They would loose too many in a war, now. The time for that would come.
"He is an idiot," the Italian leader had a dark look on his face when Ivan approached, flicking his cigarette into the water they overlooked as the sky turned shades of orange and pink. Somehow, Ivan couldn't disagree.
"It is in our best interest to keep him in the dark," Lovino continued, "Our appeal, though he is certainly blessed with other traits, is primarily his lack of fear of us. The first rule is neither of us can tell him."
Rule?" Ivan repeated.
"We are both playing a very dangerous game, Ivan," Lovino elaborated, "It would do us little good to pretend otherwise. If you wish to shoot yourself in the foot, be my guest, but I am going to win."
"Hmm," Ivan replied. As much as he hated to admit it, Vargas had a point. They would not get over this like civilized gentlemen. It was not really the way things worked in their circles. Both sides wanted few casualties and a game would be more profitable than a war, "Da. Alright. What is objective of game?"
"Winner takes all," Lovino said, "Whoever Alfred chooses as his official boyfriend or lover or whatever fucking phrase he decides to use, they get him alone. The other backs off."
"Sounds fair," Ivan smirked, liking very much the idea of showing up the Italian and getting Alfred to himself, "And loser will make himself disappear from Sunflower's life for good - Even as friend." Lovino ground his teeth, not exactly thrilled with the prospect of loosing Alfred completely, but he planned to win, anyways.
"Fine."
"I have rule, also."
"Great. Let's hear it."
Ivan ran his tongue across his lower lip, thinking, "Fredka bedroom life is open, to us but other lovers or… girlfriends are free game." They both cringed at the memory of Claire. They couldn't bring themselves to disagree with her finale, even if they could rarely agree on much.
"He's gonna find out if you kill off all your competition, you psycho," Lovino growled.
"Nyet. He will not. I am very careful."
"Tch. Whatever. Kill them for all I care. Just try to have a little sophistication, will you?"
"Da. You also," Ivan forced on of his childish smiles onto his face, "Good luck." Lovino just scoffed.
Ivan was pulled out of his little flashback by Alfred's voice in his ear.
"Hey, you in there, buddy? Aren't you hungry?"
The Russian looked to see Alfred had slid his chair over to sit beside him, their knees briefly brushing against each other. His look was full of concern and all the sudden, Ivan wanted to leave, "Da. I am fine, Fredka. I think we should leave, however."
"What? Why?" Alfred questioned, confused.
"We have… other plans for this evening as well."
"Oh," Alfred smirked a little, setting his fork down on his plate, "We wouldn't want to forget about those."
"Nyet. That'd be… most unfortunate."
