Hey there another chapter finally up! Thanks so much for the reviews on the last chapter. I'm working on chapter 26 or 27 in this case. I think I'm going to put in two performances and write them to the best of my ability. For that chapter especially I will have gifs and pictures on tumblr showing what movies I'm talking about. I'm glad those that saw what Alfred's outfit looked like agreed. xD I always get worried that there are going to be some people who hate my fashion sense.

Anyway, this is just a little bit of fluff before we go into the ice skating in the next chapter.

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia.

The rest of the week went by, school, tutoring with Arthur and perfecting routines was Alfred's main focus. No scoring cards just do your routine, do it again and do it again, do it till you could close your eyes and know exactly where you were in the rink. Coach actually told them to close their eyes and try, Ivan did and for the most part could keep his eyes closed and skate his routine without a fault. Alfred not so much, he didn't run into anything but he tripped more. He always bounced back up though and gave a little growl, Ivan would make a little snide comment and Alfred would smirk and state how he had everything under control.

He did, he had everything under control and that flame in his heart was always lit. It wasn't going out, and Ivan noticed it. He noticed that flame, that warmth that resided in Alfred and his little comments just made it burn brighter. There were so many times he wanted to just offer his hand for the other, but he knew that it would be denied and not because it was Ivan. Alfred had pride and he had to get up on his own. He was strong and willful, there was a part of Ivan that just wanted to grab Alfred and lock him away and then he just wanted the other to open up to him. He wanted to feel that flame close to him, not like when they're paired skating but when they're close.

These feelings needed to stop, they were pointless because not only were they not reciprocated but he had things to focus on. He had a goal he needed, had to achieve at all costs. He was climbing his way back up, steadily climbing and reaching the light the warmth he used to know when he was little. It was far away but he could see it and he was getting there little by little.

After their friday practice coach winter called them over to talk about when they'll be picked up. He then showed them their uniforms, and Alfred sighed.

"Problem?" Coach Winter asked.

"It's just...boring." Alfred stated.

"We win with skill not glitz." Winter stated which made Alfred give a bigger more dramatic sigh. Winter rolled his eyes, obviously not going to change his mind especially this late and turned away to go back to his office.

"Not like I want to be a fairy." Alfred mumbled with a pout

"A fairy?" Ivan asked and put his chin close to Alfred's shoulder.

Alfred jolted not expecting the other to be so close or hear him out loud. " I was just saying it's not like I wanted to dress as a fairy, because I don't! That's super uncool! I just think we could have some cooler outfits.

"You'd make a nice fairy." Ivan said with a chuckle and Alfred shoved him. It threw Ivan's shoulders back but it was more playful than harsh.

"Dude! I'm no fairy! I'd make a cool super hero though. Haha!" Alfred grinned and Ivan tilted his head.

"You sure like hero's, Da?"

"What's not to like? They're awesome and badass and they totally save the day no matter what." Alfred explained excitedly. He loved hero's and all the comic books and movies he could get his hands on.

"Not always." Ivan countered with a colder look. He didn't believe in heros, his mind told him that there was nothing anyone could do to save others. People had to climb up on their own and sometimes over other people, that was life.

"Oh come on! Have you seen Superman? Green Lantern? Batman? The Avengers! Oh man you have to see that! I mean...there's this badass Russian chick named Black Widow, oh! Her name is Natasha Romanoff, I bet you'd like her." Alfred yammered and Ivan did his best to listen and understand.

"Just because she is Russian doesn't mean I'll instantly like her." Ivan countered.

"Well she's a super spy." Alfred explained, knowing the other probably liked spies.

The two started walking to the front of the ice rink and Ivan titled his head, this was really confusing for him. "Super spy? What makes her that?" He asked, wondering if she too had some super power.

"She's a master assassin, she can basically do anything and get out of every situation." Geez, poor Ivan didn't know anything! That needed to be fixed.

"Shouldn't every spy know how to do that?"

"...Dude! But the way she does it...it's like...ugh! You have to see it for yourself, it's awesome." Alfred had no idea how to explain it but she was amazing and Ivan had to see it sometime so he understood. To Alfred this seemed extremely important.

"I will try, da." Ivan didn't really feel interested but since Alfred was excited he assumed he should learn a little about what he's talking about. Maybe he'd like it and they can talk about it together then Alfred would like him more.

"I have the dvd...maybe you can borrow it. I can bring it next week, but if you scratch it I will quit figure skating." Alfred looked completely serious, though he wouldn't go that far if the dvd was scratched, he would be extremely upset though.

"Why don't I just come over and watch it with you?" Ivan asked. "That way it doesn't get scratched, and if it does then it's your fault not mine." That all made sense, it wasn't like some creepy advance or anything like that, nope, they would just be watching as friends.

Alfred pondered this notion, the fact he would be in his own house gave him an advantage but he still didn't want the commie coming over. One his room was a mess and if Ivan saw it he'd be laughed, and two it was just odd, they've been getting along better but it was still weird to act like buddies. He wouldn't want to go to Ivan's house, he'd be freaked out.

Ivan lives alone and it's so cold in there. He wondered how Ivan lives like that, but he never had the heart to ask. Asking someone if they're lonely is a touchy subject and Alfred wouldn't know what to do if Ivan said yes. He'd feel bad for the other and want to help, but there's nothing a small teen like him could do.

Alfred shook his quickly. "Oh, man I can't! I'm grounded." He said, rejecting Ivan's proposal and unknown to Alfred's eyes, Ivan's whole body tensed.

"I see..." He muttered and seemed to avoid eye contact. He really wanted to go over to Alfred's house for some reason. He was glaring at the floor and Alfred with his genius brain took it as Ivan being disappointed he couldn't see the movie. Honestly, Alfred didn't want to lend him the dvd, not because he didn't like Ivan but it was his baby. He loved that movie.

"Well, after I'm done being grounded you could come over and watch it. I'm sure my mom wouldn't mind. She likes you for some reason...did you brain wash her or something?" Alfred's eyebrows furrowed as he looked the other over skeptically.

"Nyet, I'm insulted you would think such a thing. She just knows not to jump to outrageous conclusions." Ivan was smirking lightly and he bright the scarf tighter around his neck and up around his lips. He was glad, and he would hold the other to his promise.

"And what outrageous conclusions would those be?" Alfred asked with a quirked eyebrow.

"Well for one...that I brain wash people. I don't"

"Hey, maybe when you were in Russia you were brain washed to brain wash people and not even realize it." Alfred said and waved his finger around.

"Hehehe, no no Fredka, don't say such ridiculous things." It was so dumb and if it were anyone else Ivan may have punched them but it was Alfred and he was saying it not to be insulting but because he took it seriously. Alfred had this ability to build these notions and be a hundred percent behind them even when there was no common sense backing them. Usually people said these stupid things to just be insulting, but Alfred looked to be seriously contemplating the idea.

So adorable.

"Whatever! Maybe denying it was part of your brain washing too."

They two went outside the ice rink and Alfred looked around, his mom still wasn't there. Maybe he'd have to walk home, that's okay it wasn't that far he was just lazy. Maybe he should call and see where she was...no, he didn't feel like calling yet. Well he could just sit down, maybe he could call Toris and see if Felix was ever going to show up with the outfit.

Alfred knew it was a lot to ask for but Felix said he'd have it ready this week and Alfred was holding him to his word. He's talked to Toris before about it but the other had no clue how the outfit was coming along. Felix liked to work on these things in secret. The anticipation was really killing him though and for some reason Ivan hasn't left yet. He actually lived near the ice rink so why didn't he leave? Why was he staying next to Alfred?

"Dude, I can handle myself if anything happens...you can go." Alfred then tilted his head back in the direction of Ivan's house as if reminding Ivan where it was.

" Huhu~ I just need to make sure you're safe, especially before a big tournament like this." Ivan said with a light smile.

"I'm not some little girl!" Alfred punched him in the arm. Not like it was full force but he wanted to show that he had some strength.

Ivan let the punch happen and looked un-phased by it. It hurt a little but he wouldn't say so and just smiled at the other. "Not bad, but I still need to watch you. I'll need you to be in perfect shape for the upcoming two days."

"I don't- wait, did you say two days?" Alfred asked, his eyes wide.

Ivan seemed confused as well, he thought Alfred knew, it was in the packet they were given. Didn't he read it?

Ivan took a moment not to laugh. "Heh, I really do need to watch out for you. It's two days. Singles on Saturday and doubles on Sunday. Singles has a lot of people and will take most of the day, there are about six doubles teams, including us so that will just take up the morning." Ivan clarified.

Alfred looked like Ivan grew another head and said other head was breathing fire. So that's why Arthur didn't want to come Sunday for tutoring and the list looked odd. He thought Arthur was just being nice, and the groups were just split to keep track of things easier. He hadn't read it all the way and just assumed it would take up all of Saturday. Coach Winter never said anything, nothing he heard anyways, but a lot has been going on so he may have missed something.

Everyone else besides him understood, wow, he felt like the biggest loser.

Ivan began to chuckle when he saw those bright blue eyes widen with realization, oh how they sparkled. His chuckling continued for a while, he couldn't help it, his idiot partner was just to funny sometimes.

"Da, so remember to bring a toothbrush. I will not be sharing mine." Ivan stated with a smirk.

Alfred blushed, a combination of embarrassment over his predicament, and Ivan's comment. "I will not forget! And we better have separate beds! I don't need you breathing icy cold air on me."

Ivan pulled his scarf up a bit to hide his smile. "Da, lets hope." This was great, seeing this made up for not being able to go to Alfred's house to watch the movie, which he was still planning to do once Alfred didn't have an excuse of being grounded in the way. He was sure that Alfred would try to find another excuse but he would hold it to him to keep his word and watch the movie together.

The hotel will probably have two small separate beds, so there was nothing to get excited or in Alfred's case, worry about. Alfred didn't wish to speak to the other anymore after his little embarrassing mishap, he really needed to learn to read everything he's given. It would be better if things were just bullet pointed instead of hidden in paragraphs of superb boringness.

Alfred let out an over dramatic groan, it wasn't that bad but he just wanted to act like it was. It was good they'd get some rest before the pair skating went down. Ivan and Alfred would need to pull out their best stuff and really nail every move. Yes, Alfred had to and he could. He could show his spunk and make an awesome show, he was kind of excited to hear the crowds clapping for him.

The rush of being in the spotlight and showing off his hard work then to see and hear people cheering for him. That made his heart swell with pride. He wanted more, he wanted to work hard and get even more cheers, he wanted to see their happy faces. He wanted to be sweating from doing his best with a big smile on his face when he's finished his performance and see the others he made happy.

Suddenly, broken out of his thoughts he looked at his phone as it buzzed and then sighed. It was his mom leaving a text, he had an idea of what she was going to say. He looked at the text and nodded. Ivan leaned over his shoulder to look at the text.

"So sorry! Still working, be careful on your way home. Text me when you get in."

Alfred sighed then noticed Ivan was looking over his shoulder and stared at him.

"I'm not a girl and I can make it fine on my own." Alfred clarified quickly before Ivan could make a comment.

"But I'm worried." Ivan said with a chuckle.

"I'm strong and can handle anyone that comes my way!" Alfred said and tried to step away, but Ivan held onto his arm.

"But what if it's a gang?" Ivan countered.

"There are no gangs around here! Unless it's one of your crazy Russian mob gangs!" Alfred said and tried to pull away, he struggled and flailed his free arm trying to wiggle free.

"I don't have a gang, and if I did I wouldn't let it hurt you." Ivan stated with a small smile.

"Why, cause you want to finish me yourself?" Alfred asked when he turned to the other.

Nyet, you're my partner. I would not want you hurt in the slightest. That's why I worry." Ivan said and seemed a bit serious about it.

"Uhhh...well, I promise I won't get hurt. Now, leeeet goooooooo~" This conversation turned too serious too fast and needed to go back to struggling and trying to pull away from the other.

"Promise..." Ivan whispered and simply held on tighter, he liked the idea of promises between them.

"Let goo! Let! Goooooooooo!" Alfred whined as his face scrunched up in discomfort.

"Ahem! So sorry you two, but like I need your attention!" Ivan who has been watching Alfred looked up and Alfred who was spazzing looked over when Ivan did. There was Felix, skirt and all.

"Yo! Wassup dude?" Alfred asked then looked to Ivan. "Kay man, let go, seriously." Alfred said and Ivan actually did as he was told.

"Okay, like, so sorry I was late...but I totally finished the most amazing outfit for you! It's like my best work, I swear!" Felix then held out a black bag to Alfred who took it and was about to look inside. It was covered with light pink tissue paper.

"Oh thanks! It's like a present, can I open it?" Alfred asked and seemed ready to tear at the tissue paper.

"Like no way! Wait till the moment before you need to get on the ice. It'll be like...your transformation outfit. Now once you wear it you'll become a you like no other!" Felix exclaimed loudly and slapped the others hand away.

"Okay okay! Not till the last moment! Got it." Alfred said and felt his curiosity grow even more. He'd have to take a peak or something when he got home.

"Listen, this is going to be like your grand unveiling. When you put on this outfit and step onto the ice you wont just be Alfred you'll be..." Felix smirked and his big green eyes went to the bag then to Alfred's bright sky blue. "Well...you'll see." He added.

"Ohhhh." Alfred's eyes got wide as he thought about what the other met. That sounded awesome, like a superhero who puts on his suit and becomes a different person. That moment Bruise Wayne becomes Batman or Peter Parker becomes Spider man. That sounded awesome.

"That's like, a great idea!" Alfred said, again picking up the valley girl speech. "I can totally hold off on it now, like, this will be awesome."

Felix's smile brightened. "Oh my god! Right?" He chirped happily and gave a little bounce.

"Yeah, I'll be just like a superhero!" Alfred stated with a grand smile then turned when he heard Ivan give a muffled giggle.

Alfred blushed a little, and realized he just said something pretty childish. He then went over and shoved the other.

"Don't." Alfred warned.

"I didn't say anything." Ivan explained but his grinning said otherwise.

"Shhhhh!" Alfred hissed and then turned to Felix.

"Hehehe~ Okay, so like, wait till last minute to put it on, and don't look!" Felix said with a finger pressed to his lips.

Now I'll try to clear some things up. Alfred in the beginning of the story is chubby. He's got a bit over his stomach, in his arms, chin, butt, and hips. He's been losing some of the fat, but his diet isn't as strict as it seems. He has had ice cream and went out to mcDonalds once or twice. I just don't write about that because it doesn't play that big a role in the story. He is still a little chubby. His face has thinned out, his gut and hip area is pretty smoothed over. It's not washboard abs but they're getting there. He still has a bit of a butt though. His arms are more muscular than flabby.

What may or may not make it into later chapters is his fear of weight, his insecurity. When he gets weighed he has to remind himself that muscle weighs more than fat, because he does weigh more now.

Thank you all so much for the reviews! They mean a lot to me! Uhmm...I'm excited to get out the next chapter because Spain is going to be in it, maybe Gilbert or Ivan.

Any questions or little facts you wish to know you can ask on my tumblr Lebunnylub. Sometimes I post pictures of characters I'm going to be using and write about what kind of form or technique they use in ice skating. I wrote a little thing about HongKong and Iceland and how they work as a pair.