Chapter 53
Ivan sent Francis a text, informing him that he couldn't drop out anymore. It wouldn't do him any good if both parties didn't agree, but he pleaded with the man to drop out if the challenge really was too much, to which he got a quick reply.
"Of course. Just calm down. Everything will be fine."
After half an hour of pacing and asking Mattie if he thought the kids would be angry with him, Mattie calmed him down the only way he knew would work with the Russian. He shoved him onto the bed, and when Ivan tried to sit back up, surprised at the sudden change in the other, Mattie straddled his chest and turned, looking down over his back at the face that looked up with surprise and wonder as Mattie sighed. "Best way to calm you down I've found." That was the only hint before Mattie turned back and Ivan felt fingers work to undo his belt and pants before Mattie's head lowered and Ivan groaned at the feeling of Mattie's wet tongue licking before sliding him into his mouth.
Ivan realized with the position Mattie had put himself into, trying to keep him from escaping, he'd accidentally set himself up for instant payback and a smirk came to Ivan's face as he gripped Mattie's hips, lifting him to his knees to work off his pants as well.
The thought passed through Mattie's mind quickly as Ivan started nearly tearing at his clothes, but he didn't think Ivan would actually do it. He was just feeling touchy, he'd thought til Ivan swallowed him whole, a moan leaving his throat, causing Ivan to moan as well. Mattie almost wanted to argue, state he was trying to calm his lover down, but he had a feeling this was giving him something else to stick his mind to for now, and decided to just let him have his fun. Mattie couldn't help a chuckle that made it's way past the throbbing mass in his mouth, earning him another moan from the man beneath him.
It surprised him when only minutes later, the strong suction and swirling tongue forced him to submission first, Mattie's arms losing their strength beneath him as Ivan let out a fairly dark chuckle as he grasped the Canadian and flipped him onto the bed. Mattie gasped out, still trembling from release when Ivan quickly slid off the rest of their clothes, looking at the blushing, panting man beneath him with soft eyes. Mattie heard the click and couldn't help but smile. He'd felt Ivan working softly on him, using the suction and pressure to keep the pain down, but the sting remained, for a bit. Mattie sighed, realizing that was probably the reason he'd gone first, Ivan preparing him. He felt the other align and was half expecting him to push harshly, thrusting with the passion he normally had in this situation, but instead felt lips brush against his. Mattie looked up, wrapping his arms around the other as one of Ivan's arms shifted behind his neck, keeping Ivan's weight off of him, as well as cushioning his head. Mattie felt the care, the gentle push as Ivan pushed himself into him. Instead of the typical wince Mattie couldn't avoid, he found himself grasping to thick biceps, pulling Ivan down for another kiss.
Something was different. This wasn't what Mattie was expecting. Instead of fun, instead of sex, Ivan was being almost too careful with him. Ivan's hand caressed Mattie's cheek as his movements steadied, achingly slow thrusts causing the Canadian to gasp, looking up in wonder as he noticed the gazing beauty of the man above him. Ivan's soft eyes watched each gasp, each tremor and moan. Mattie couldn't help but smile, kissing Ivan's hand on his cheek as another soft gasp was forced from his mouth. "You're being so delicate..." Ivan didn't know whether it was a compliment or not, but he'd heard that the slower you start out, the better it is at the end.
That's what he wanted, Mattie to be honestly happy, thoroughly fulfilled and content. "You're worth taking my time and waiting for." Ivan spoke softly, feeling as Mattie's hips rolled, pushing a little harder over his nearly painful hardness. Ivan started feeling his resolve to go slow crack as Mattie's hips shifted and rolled, pressing deliciously over him and Ivan's lips crashed against his as his speed picked up. Not a lot, just enough to force the feeling of want harder over the two. Soft pants turned into moans, but Ivan kept his lips active, kissing and biting, licking and sucking on every part of the man beneath him he could reach. Mattie wrapped himself in the attention, returning as much as he could. Soft caresses, kisses and fingers slipping through the hair at the back of his neck spurred Ivan on.
Ivan didn't know when his moans and sighs became louder than Mattie's. Mattie didn't even realize when he'd started to yell, the growing sensations nearly becoming too much as kisses trailed up his neck between shuttered gasps. Fingers entwined as the two realized they wouldn't be able to withstand much more, Ivan's release finally kicked Mathew into another round as a mutual yell echoed off the walls, and unknown to them, the hallway and first three floors of the stairs, causing quite a few blushes on the lower floors.
Mattie reached up, sliding his arms around Ivan's neck as Ivan leaned down to kiss him. Softly lips met lips and Ivan had to fight with every fiber of his being to keep from grasping the velvet box from his nightstand and proposing right then and there. "I love you." He settled for, watching as the beautiful eyes, almost indigo, looked up into his own.
"I love you." Mattie smiled, knowing that proposing when this was all over was the best idea he'd ever come up with.
They both ended out jumping into the shower, chatting quite happily as they made plans for the rest of the day.
First, they would have to ask Yao if they had any more challenges that day, and if they didn't, Ivan knew there was a really good clothing shop down the street that they would be able to get the kids a few cute outfits at. They jumped out, got themselves dressed, but just before they left the room, the phone rang. Mattie grasped it quickly and lifted the piece to his ear as the woman on the other end spoke. "Hello?"
"Hello. Can I help you?"
"All challengers are needed in the restaurant. Have a nice day!" She spoke with a light tone as Mattie turned to Ivan with a sigh.
"You're needed in the restaurant. If it's too dangerous, you'll just quit, right? We have all these kids, and the adoption isn't finalized, I would lose them if something too bad happened to you." Mattie nibbled his lip nervously as they strolled into the hallway. Ivan glanced down and frowned.
"I set a goal for myself too, if I win, and I really can't wait til I do win. I won't lose this, Matvey. It's just too important for me." He smiled with guarded worry as his hand lifted and caressed Mattie's cheek as Mattie hit the elevator button.
"I don't care if you win. Whatever your goal is, your well-being is more important." Mattie glanced up as Ivan sighed.
When they made their way down to the restaurant, Mattie was worried when the children were all sitting around, eating with the staff as China looked around the room. He noticed Mattie and Ivan hand in hand and blushed, turning away as Mattie stared, surprised by the action. He glanced over, seeing Arthur and Alfred both watching him with blushes while Francis laughed joyously. When they went to sit with the kids and the others walked up to join, Mattie leaned over, his lips coming close to Arthur's ear. "Why is everyone looking at us and blushing?"
"I was on the twelfth floor, Matthew. I could still tell it was you yelling." His eyes shifted over to the Russian who was looking over the menu. "And Ivan wasn't much quieter. I do believe the staff brought them down for a second lunch, worried about their minds being corrupted by the sound."
"Wait, what?!" Mattie stared in shock as Arthur nodded.
"You guys were so loud I could hear you in the tenth floor's stairway." Mattie heard from the other side, between him and Ivan and turned to see Alfred laugh at the duo's horror.
"Oh mon Dieu! Ceci est tellement embarrassant! Je suis vraiment désolé!" Mattie burst out, turning bright red at the statement and heard another few countries in the vicinity chuckle at the fluster.
"As long as you didn't wear him out too much for the challenge, it's all good." Alfred patted Mattie's back, a laugh breaking free from the American.
"May I have your attention please!" Yao called from the doorway, deciding if someone wasn't already present, they didn't hurry fast enough. The thirty teams who are still in the running, this challenge is where it get's hard, Aru!" Yao yelled out, making sure everyone present could hear. "The next challenge is on the roof of the building! Will the challengers, as well as the viewers please proceed, Aru. Also, children shouldn't view the next event, Aru." He turned to Mattie and Ivan. Mattie glanced over to Ivan with worry, standing while Illyana and Kira laughed, stating watching the kids wouldn't be a problem.
While Mattie was busy telling the kids to be good, and kissing them on their foreheads, Ivan was glancing around the room, hoping that Gavriil and Aria weren't present, since they hadn't been with Arthur and Francis. "They're with the micronations." Arthur stated, seeing the worry and Ivan nodded, letting out a depressed sigh as he saw the group in the corner of the room. Seborga was flirting quite badly with Aria, and Gavriil didn't look too happy about it, while the girl was giggling and smiling, nearly flirting back. Ivan crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow at the situation.
"Aria has made a new friend, I see." Ivan stated in a low growl, getting the attention of the others at the table, and Mattie looked up, seeing Seborga ask for a kiss for luck, putting his cheek out before her. When she kissed him softly, a smile on her face, Ivan lost his composure, taking long strides to the table.
"Aria, you're a little young for him, Da?" His eyebrow raised, watching as Seborga stood and smiled, taking Ivan's hand with a grin.
"Nothing in this world is promised, even tomorrow. Let's enjoy today, Si?" He grinned and Ivan looked down at the nation with a glare that informed him of where he screwed up. "Your daughter is a very good person. You're doing well in raising her." Seborga let the flirty tone drop, letting Ivan know he wasn't planning anything to disrespect her. "It's just a little fun, though I'll admit, I wouldn't mind seeing her at some of the meetings. Come, il mio piccolo fiore! The next challenge awaits!" He grinned at the girl, holding out his hand and she giggled as she took it and looked up at Ivan with a smile.
"Don't worry, Papa. I'll be a good girl, Da?" She grinned as they took off running, hoping to get to the elevator quickly.
"Gavriil, watch her if I can't." Ivan grumbled and the boy nodded.
"Already being done. I don't like him." Gavriil turned his face to the other and an understanding between men was set. They nodded in unison as everyone made their way to the roof.
Yao met everyone from a small dais, looking at the group as the door finally closed, no more coming through. "You'll notice around the roof that there are small rings. To the back, we have packs. We're having a repelling challenge." Yao stated. "The groups will both propel down at the same time. The winners will be the first twenty groups to make it to the bottom with no broken bones." He stated and Ivan realized where the danger lay here.
"What are the rules for cheating?" He called out, making sure he was heard, and making sure how dangerous this challenge really was.
"There are to be no weapons used. You are not to use other's ropes or hooks." He watched as Ivan realized the problem. That meant if you tore someone else's rope, it was legal. While the drop wouldn't kill any of the other nations, it would his children. Also, the rings will be decided through a random draw. The packs were all professionally set up, but you can't open them til the clock has started." Yao called out as a few men started leaving a pack at each ring around the roof. A man walked up to Yao with a large fish bowl as people started noticing the numbered plaques around the building. "Ring one will be..." Yao reached in, pulling out a slip of paper and looked at the name with a smile. "Ludwig, Aru." He stated and Ludwig made his way over. "The second ring will belong to... Aria Braginsky, Aru." He stated, a worried look on his face as he looked at the human girl with a frown. "Next will be... Peter Kirkland, Aru." Sealand cheered as he walked over, knowing at least Aria would fight fair, but worried about the look on Ludwig's face. He didn't look like he'd let her survive this battle.
Ivan was near the end, with Seborga and Cameroon on his sides. He knew he was safe, though he worried for Seborga's safety when Romano was placed next to him and he grinned at his brother with a bloodlust Ivan wasn't aware any of the Italians had.
Mattie made his way to Aria first, frowning as she looked around, wondering if she should even bother. Not that she was afraid, but she had never repelled from such a height before and worried about her chances with the German beside her giving her occasional glances that struck her as worried. "Aria, are you sure you're alright with this?" Mattie asked, laying a hand on her shoulder.
"As long as I can figure out how to set this stuff up, I should be fine. Right, Uncle Ludwig?" She asked, remembering the man from the stay at the house in Russia and he smiled back, uncharacteristically worried.
"Ah, Ja. Just make sure not to press too hard on the windows and you should be fine." He stated. Mattie could see something, some sort of plan brewing in the man's mind and frowned.
"Ludwig, please, don't do anything rash." Mattie asked softly, trying not to straight out accuse him of anything, but at the same time, trying to warn him as best he could.
"I promise nothing." Ludwig stated with an honest grin, one that struck fear into both of the people before him.
Mattie glanced back at Aria, who was suddenly worried. "The rules didn't say he couldn't kill you. Please, Aria, use caution if you really... want to do this." Mattie spoke and Aria nodded. With the feeling no further words would be exchanged, Mattie sighed and took one last look to the German, pleading with his eyes, and receiving an odd grin in exchange.
Next was Gavriil, who was between Gil and Alfred. "At least it looks like you're safe." Mattie stated before looking over to Gil. "You'll remember he's human, right?"
"I don't need to cheat, Birdie!" Gil grinned, throwing an arm over Mattie's shoulder and winking over at Alfred with a chuckle. "I'm awesome enough I won't need to!" He grinned and Mattie, for once, was happy about Gil's cockiness.
"Thank you." Mattie glanced up, showing a bit of relief, and Gil wondered before looking over at Aria, who glanced down over the side of the building with a frown, Ludwig giving the girl a very dark glare.
"Ah, so that's it. Don't worry. He's been warned, if he hurts them, I'll absorb his ass. I love mein bruder, but my little nephews won't be hurt by him, or he'll pay the consequences." Gil spoke softly and Mattie glanced up, surprised.
"Did you tell him that?"
"Not in those exact words, something more like "I'll fucking kill you if you touch them." That sounds good, Ja?" Gil grinned, honestly feeling happy that he was able to get such a grin in reply.
"Thank you so much!" Mattie sighed, feeling a bit more relaxed. "I think he still has something up his sleeve, though." Mattie frowned and Gil laughed, a bird landing on his head.
"Undoubtedly! As long as they don't get hurt, I'm alright with it! West isn't stupid, there are plenty of other ways to get someone else out of the competition, Ja?"
"Yeah." Mattie sighed, looking up. "Thanks, Gil. I owe you one."
"You can give me a kiss when I win this." Gil winked at Mattie this time and got a smack on the arm in reply as Mattie walked over to Gavriil and looked at him with worry.
"Do you know how to repel?" Mattie asked softly, watching as the kid fumbled with his hands and shook his head.
"I'll get a late start. I'll have to see how everyone else does this before I can start." He sighed, turning to Alfred who patted Mattie on the shoulder.
"I'll make sure he's safe. Don't worry, Mama Birdie." He grinned, getting a smack as well before Mattie made his way over to Ivan.
"Please be careful." Mattie watched as Ivan turned to him, having been chatting with Seborga about his 'relationship' with Aria.
"Of course." Ivan smiled as he leaned forward and wrapped his arms around Mattie, dragging him in for a kiss. "Keep an eye on the kids, alright?"
"I'll do what I can." Mattie spoke as Yao yelled for non-competitors to come behind the rope he had up. "If anyone interferes, the person you interfered with will be disqualified, Aru!" He called out and Mattie stepped back, taking a deep breath.
"三,二,一,走!"
Translations!
(I finally remembered!)
Oh mon Dieu! Ceci est tellement embarrassant! Je suis vraiment désolé!-Oh my God! This is so embarrassing! I am really sorry!
Il mio piccolo fiore- My little flower
三,二,一,走!- Three, two, one, Go!
