Chapter 13: Moving On

After rules were set and bedrooms redecorated, Alfred, Ivan, and Marla managed to live like a real family. They went out to eat occasionally, went on shopping trips to get Marla new clothes since she seemed to be growing like a weed. They went to movie theaters, spent hours at the parks around the city, and even home schooled Marla until she was ready for kindergarten. They even celebrated Alfred's 31st birthday with a homemade cake, decorated by Marla. The event was just between the three of them, and Alfred thoroughly enjoyed it.

Alfred added his own style to Ivan's house making the place even homier—adding posters and pictures, and flooding the front room with his game consoles and movies. Both of their families visited every now and then, and were surprised by how well they were doing. Their friends even stopped by and occasionally babysat for them when they had to be out for work or appointments. Naturally, their friends took it upon themselves to call them Mr. and Mr. Braginsky-Jones, though Gilbert coined Mr. B-J for his own hilarious needs.

The teasing brought back many memories for the gang of friends and Ivan found himself wondering if it might come true. He couldn't help but indulge himself in those thoughts, though he did try to stop. Ivan wasn't going to give in to his wants, and thus took to hanging out at bars. He managed to make one steady fuck buddy after a while and he managed to keep himself in check with Alfred around thanks to that. Alfred on the other hand still couldn't help but be a bit clingy towards Ivan. He didn't bother going out to bars or clubs. He tried to once, but it just didn't do it for him, it didn't feel right, so he left.

Soon Marla turned six, and she became eager for kindergarten to end so she could move up to first grade. She had taken an interest in learning, which lead to Alfred and Ivan getting her more flashcards and workbooks to work on whenever she pleased.

Then when June 1st rolled around it seemed all too soon. Alfred had to double check to make sure he hadn't been deceived by time, because it seemed unreal that Monika had died just a year ago.

The first thing Alfred did was call Monika's parents and see how they were doing. They caught up easily and Alfred asked if they would be visiting Monika. Mary said they would once Claus was off work and with that they bid each other goodbye. Alfred then got dressed in a suit and made himself as presentable as possible. He was in the middle of combing his hair when Ivan knocked on his open door.

"Yeah?" Alfred asked not looking up from the mirror on his wall.

"You're going to see her?" Ivan asked as he took note of Alfred's black attire.

Alfred let out a sigh as he gave up on his hair and nodded his head.

"Yeah. I need to get flowers before we go though."

Ivan nodded in understanding as Alfred walked over to his closet to get his shoes.

"Alright, I'll go get Marla so you two can head out."

Alfred paused right then and Ivan looked at him with interest.

"Uh, if it isn't much trouble… could you come with me—I mean, us?" Alfred asked a bit nervously. He thought he had made it clear that the "we" he used before included Ivan, but apparently it wasn't.

"Are you sure? I mean you two could use some alone time…"

"No, it's okay. I—I want you there."

Ivan eyed Alfred critically for a moment then stepped forward to close the gap between them. Alfred felt his heart race a bit at the sudden closeness and at seeing Ivan raise his hand to his hair. The man merely moved the stray hairs Alfred had tried to comb back into place then took his hand back.

"Okay. I'll get Marla then get dressed."

Alfred smiled at hearing it and nodded before Ivan left the room.

Once Marla was dressed and Ivan as well, they headed out in Ivan's car to the nearest flower shop. They picked out a bouquet of white lilies and one violet per request of Marla, then headed out to the cemetery. Monika's headstone was a polished dark slab sticking up in the ground. Alfred bent down to brush away the cut grass and Marla assisted in his efforts. Once done Alfred set down the bouquet and Marla rested the violet on top.

"It's been a year already Monika," Alfred started, emotion easily coming into his voice. "I… I've had a rough time without you, but… I made it. Thanks to Ivan and Marla…" Ivan put a hand on Alfred's back and Alfred leaned into his side. "Uh, things have changed since you've passed. I live with Ivan for the time being and I even have my job from California up here now. Marla started school, and she's so smart—just like you."

"Yup! I got all my math problems right," Marla said happily.

A warm summer breeze came over the group and Alfred felt himself smile from it.

"I miss you," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm doing what I promised you."

"I miss you too, Mommy," Marla said softly.

Alfred bit his bottom lip, almost hard enough to draw blood, but stopped when he felt Ivan rubbing gentle circles into his back. Alfred looked up at him as another breeze rolled over them, and smiled. He felt an odd sense of relief wash over him as he stood there with Ivan, and in that moment, he knew life could improve for him and Marla. In that moment, he felt like he was really moving on.

**This one's a bit short, but eh! I got 4 chapters left to write! Probably would have been done by now, but I've been watching Home Improvement for the past 3 days :T