The Smell of Vodka
Chapter XI: A Brief Flashback
FallingBreathless
Hey guys! I cannot say how much joy it brings me to finally be able to upload another chapter. Those of you who are still reading...I mean just 'wow' It makes my day. I have been super busy since the last chapter: School, tests, finals, projects, social stress...etc. Well, yup. Sorry if you were expecting a steamy bed scene...that has been pushed back a bit. PROMISE THOUGH that it will indeed happen (it's actually tied to the plotline...) so yea. Apparently, according to one of my close friends, I write like Dickens. Turns out, AKA, it takes me forever to move on with the plot. Blah! I don't know what you guys think though. ENOUGH of me and my weirdness, you guys are here to read the story...not a biography of my life :D
My response: -heat tilt- What?
"You know, I was in my second year when I met you," Yao started, not knowing where he was going with the topic. "I was busy with homework, busy with Kiku and with Yong Soo at home, busy keeping the world from swallowing me. I wasn't ready for the trouble that you brought along with you."
Yao could still remember the exact moment that their lives had been intertwined. He had been chatting with Kiku in the commons, working hard through an assignment and running on caffeine. Kiku had been twirling a strand of Yao's hair, and he had been about to tell him to stop that when there had been a sharp crash followed by clattering of hard surface upon hard surface that had swept through the quiet atmosphere. Everyone had immediately turned to see what had happened.
The initial 'ground zero' had a ring of spectators standing around, eyes bulging. A hiss of whispers spread like frost from the epicenter. In the center stood three key figures. Yao had turned too to watch the spectacle.
Alfred Jones was spouting 'American' cusses as he helped his brother up. Everyone knew the Jones one way or another. The blonde was famous on the football team; tall, blonde, and always in a good mood…well usually.
"What the fuck was that!" Alfred demanded. "Watch where you're going bastard."
The other who Yao did not recognize was another tall and blonde with a nose that even from a distance, Yao could tell was large.
"I will not apologize, da. I see no reason to do so. He was in my way, so he gets what he deserves, and he will kindly get out of my way" the other responded with a Russian accent, smiling merrily.
Everyone who had been secretly observing was shocked. What a cold sort of logic.
"Fuck, you're messed up," was Alfred's response, before shaking his head like a disappointed father figure. "Anyways, I'll let it pass this time. It's not a big deal anyways. Come on Matthew, let's go and get you another tray."
It was during this period, after Alfred spoke, before the other snapped, and before Yao had been dragged into the situation, that everyone finally noticed the cafeteria tray on the ground with food smashed, an apple on it's side, shards of glass littered in a pool of juice…between the two talking men –the evidence for conflict.
"Come on, Yao. Let's go to the library."
Yao had turned away from the scene, losing interest, about to agree with Kiku, when a voice echoed through the room.
"I, Ivan Braginski, declare war with Alfred Jones, and I will win da. You will serve as witnesses."
In front of Yao, Kiku's right eye had visibly twitched in annoyance. Grabbing his books, Yao got up and started dragging Kiku off to the library. He'd need Kiku to stay focused if the other was going to help him file papers.
However, before Yao could do so, a large hand settling on his shoulder had stopped him in his tracks. Looking up, it was the proclaimed Ivan, staring down at him.
"Hello," Ivan said, towering over Yao. "Nice to meet you. I am Ivan Braginski. You caught my attention just then. I could not help noticing you as you stood up; you will go out with me, da."
Yao felt his jaw drop with shock, indignation, anger… Glancing over at Kiku, Yao saw his emotions reflected on the other's face. Kiku looked as if he'd walked into class unprepared for a surprise test. Look back at the still smiling Russian, Yao struggled to regain control over his brain and tongue.
"I- you want me to be your WHAT aru?"
"You did not hear me da?" the other asked. "I want you to be my girlfriend."
Yao shook his head in pure disbelief at the guy's audacity and ignorance. He was so going to go off on this guy.
"I am sorry, but I am going to have to reject your offer... I-I'm a guy! Are you blind? Why in the world would –how did you –what the heck are you…ARGH!"
Another hand came to rest on the shoulder unoccupied by Ivan; it was Alfred.
"Calm down Yao! Geez…(you even forgot to say 'aru')," soothed the American. Meanwhile the Russian stared daggers with his, what-Yao-was-astonished-to-see violet eyes. "Back off Ivan," Alfred continued. "Yao's a guy. Yeah, I wondered at first to, but apparently it's true. Also, this wasn't what I was talking about when I brought up 'American' competition."
Ivan blinked, processing the information. He was obviously skeptical to the American's statements.
"Neyt, I do not care about what you mean by 'American' competition. But you do need your glasses checked. She is obviously a girl da." Ivan replied, giving Yao a winning smile. "I'm so sorry about our ignorant friend over there. Rest assured, you are very attractive da. The most beautiful girl I have seen in this entire school, anywhere, so I want you to be my girlfriend."
And with that Yao had been lifted into the air and onto the Russian's shoulder.
Face going red, Yao had become center stage for curious eyes. Girls were either jealous oor felt pity for Yao, which didn't really bug him. What was insulting was the light of interest in his situation from his male peers. He'd somehow replaced Matthew and his tray as the object of conflict. He'd also received the most insulting compliments(?) in all his life.
"Let me go damn it aru! I am not a girl!" he shouted, twisting in Ivan's iron grasp. He aimed an elbow jab into the other's back. Nothing happened except for a non-convincing 2-second belated "ouch" from the still smiling Ivan. "Damn it, let me down you bastard!"
Alfred chuckled. "See what I mean?"
When Ivan made no response, Alfred tried again.
"So I take it that you go for feisty ones."
"Alfred?" Yao hissed, still struggling.
Ivan was freaking strong. Yao felt like a bird in a cage. "You're not helping aru! I swear when I get down from here I will- damn it! I will never lend you anything ever again, Alfred!"
"Sorry, Yao!" Alfred laughed putting up his hands in surrender. "I'll get serious if you promise to lend me a twenty for tonight."
"Wha- fine!" Yao sputtered. Of course, Alfred needed money –again. Football night. "Now, help me now aru!"
Alfred laughed again, laying a hand on the Russian's shoulder, the one unoccupied by Yao, as if everything was a great big joke.
"Hahaha…this is really a funny situation. Hah!"
"If you want to believe it is such, but I do not care for your opinion though" Ivan replied. "I am a busy person, so I will be leaving with Yao now."
"Wait!"
Yao's head spun to see Kiku, who had finally spoken up. He looked flustered, that was unusual. "You can not just go and abduct people as you wish. And I do not think Yao is happy at the moment."
Without even blinking, Ivan deadpanned. "I will fix that later. Now please leave us be, da."
By then, Yao's back muscles were beginning to wear out from constantly fighting gravity. He'd have to do something quick...
"Ivan?" Yao asked tentatively.
The addressed glanced back at his captive. "What is it dear Yao?"
"Um…I'm feeling a bit uncomfortable up here," Yao replied, putting on his best acting skills. Think innocent and cute. "Could you maybe put me down for a second…uh…Ivan?"
Yao had finished off his short monologue with large eyes and a pout. He hoped he hadn't over done it. However, as seconds passed without a single response, Yao knew he'd been too obvious. Argh! Now not only had he embarrassed himself to the rest of the world, he'd gotten nothing in return for it… Alfred's mouth was agape and Kiku just stared at him, still flustered looking. Ivan had… "Woah!"
Ivan had set him back down.
"See, you are now back on the ground da."
"Uh…yeah…" Yao managed as he felt an arm snake around his waist.
"Okay, fun time is over. It's time to stop."
In front of Yao, Alfred had finally stepped up to the plate. Alfred had his serious face on now. Gone was the smile and gone was the joking. He was taking action and the reflection of the fluorescent lighting on his glasses, made his eyes appear especially sharp. "Let go of Yao, Ivan."
"Nyet," was the other's reply –simple and chilly in its simplicity and strength. "You cannot make me."
Either Alfred had already been planning to do so, or Ivan's words had just egged him on. Alfred blurred. Hand moving forward, grabbing Yao's hand, and Yao felt air pass by him as the contact on his waist disappeared. He found himself standing behind Alfred left hand encompassed by Alfred's.
Ivan's eyes narrowed. And his hand reached for something hidden under the long trench coat that he wore. The entire room tensed; Yao's hands started getting clammy. Alfred seemed indifferent, glancing back to wink at Yao.
"How about we talk about that twenty later over at my room, 'kay? It looks like Kiku wants you to go with him."
Yao had no idea what had happened afterwards. All he remembers is Kiku ushering him off to the safety of the library…and later that night he couldn't find Alfred.
Sometimes it is just astounding what the mind can accomplish. Almost instantly Yao's mind changed gears, and Yao found himself back in the present. Ivan was lying down next to him, purple eyes staring into his.
"Ivan?"
"What is it, Yao?"
"I was just thinking back to college. Remember the first time we met?"
Ivan smiled.
"Of course. It was fate, beautiful, and eventful, no?"
Yao couldn't help but return his smile.
"Of course aru. But I was wondering, whatever happened that night? I mean, between you and Alfred."
Ivan frowned, embracing Yao with renewed strength.
"What does it matter, about that American bastard, da. Why do you bring him up at a time like this?"
Yao absentmindedly let his fingers trail figure eights on the solid, smoothness of Russian skin.
"I was just curious. I never found out after all aru."
A low rumble of a laugh issued out from the owner of the skin, making Yao's skin buzz from the vibrations. The sound abated, absorbed into the sheets, skin, and mood.
"Well, I suppose it won't hurt to tell you. Since I won anyways da."
I've already started on the next chapter with much difficulty. I had to make sure it was a good 'fight' but it couldn't be too good or else it would take away from the Ivan vs. Alfred that is needed in the climax of the plot. Erm. Do I even make sense? [don't answer that]
So yup. Hope everyone had a great Christmas and hopefully we'll all have a great time welcoming in a new decade in a few days!