Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia, just the story idea.

"My name's Gilbert," the Joker of Hearts reiterates as he smiles at Matthew. His red eyes glance up at Ivan for a moment before darting back down. "If you didn't remember from the meeting."

"Oh, I remember." Matthew chuckles with a polite smile. "I'm Matthew," he says while offering a hand. "The two behind me are Ivan and Kumajiro."

The shape shifter waves with two fingers, looking off at the wall next to him with disinterest. Ivan smiles that eerie smile – or so everyone tells him it's eerie when in all actuality he's just smiling as politely as he can. Then again, he can make his smiles eerie without too much force, but right now is not a moment to scare someone. Gilbert shakes Matthew's hand and nods to the other two.

"So, I, uhm," Gilbert laughs nervously as he scratches the back of his head. "I hope I'm not interrupting you from something?"

"Oh, no! You're not. Don't worry."

Ivan thinks about how Matthew is too sweet. Gilbert definitely is interrupting their time together, even if Kumajiro is chaperoning them. The Russian hums and Matthew frowns at him. Ivan shrugs with a kinder smile since he knows Matthew can read his mind. That's not one of his super powers, but they've been around each other long enough to where the Canadian can understand him – surprisingly since they haven't known each other that long.

"Nah, we were just walking around doing nothing," Kumajiro states as he grins at Ivan.

"Oh, cool." Gilbert looks at Ivan curiously, as if searching for the same answer. He doesn't receive it but doesn't worry over it. "Do you mind if I tag along with you?"

Matthew glances at Ivan for permission this time. The King of Clubs closes his eyes as he sighs through his nose. He might as well let the man at least try to be friends with them all. "I do not see problem with that," Ivan states as he opens his eyes. "The more the merrier, da?"

The Canadian smiles wide as he turns back to Gilbert. "Was there something specific you wanted to ask us?"

"No, not really. I just wanted to get to know you guys a little more."

The four begin walking down the corridor. Matthew originally posed the option of visiting the garden since he has yet to see it. Ivan has walked through it plenty of times during their stay in Joker so he knows where to lead them. Kumajiro tagged along because he's always at Mattie's side. The Russian also believes the former polar bear doesn't trust him yet. Which is understandable. Kumajiro didn't like him one bit when he first met in the tunnel.

As they walk toward the garden, Ivan thinks about the new discoveries he's found recently. It wasn't long ago when he found his tattoo that marked him as King of Clubs. The legend of the Royal Flushes having soul-mates is something he doesn't entirely believe in. Seeing his mark half-filled in the beginning made him uneasy since he's had a hard time befriending just one person in his life. With his scary visage, no one wants to be around him. That was until he found Matthew.

The only person the Russian could think that represents the olive green half of his mark is the kind Canadian. The idea of being fated for Matthew didn't bother him so much yet he still has much uncertainty. If anything, they are merely good friends right now. He hovers around Matthew only because he feels a sense of protection. Matthew can take of himself very well, and with Kumajiro as his personal guard, Ivan shouldn't need to worry about him. He knows this but he still does in a way. The Ace of Clubs can be too kind at times, which makes him an easy target for anyone with malicious intentions.

With his mark only being half-filled, though, Ivan guessed that either it was playing with him or something else was missing. It wasn't until the day of the meeting when he realized why his mark was like that. After the meeting, when he was changing into his nightclothes, he saw the lower half of his mark had changed. Instead of being his clear skin, it was filled in with maroon. This surprised the Russian since it hints at him having two fated people. Is that even a possibility?

He wishes to find whom the maroon filling could represent. No one would willingly show their marks to confirm suspicions. So Ivan can only guess. From what he's seen, nearly two thirds of the Flushes have their destined partner at their side. Narrowing that down brings eight or nine others who have no known soul-mates. To him, he feels it doesn't necessarily matter since a person has a right to love anyone they wish, be it their soul-mate or not. Still, he can't help wondering who his second partner should be.

"Is there a specific reason you guys are visiting the garden today?"

"I haven't seen it yet but Ivan has. You probably wouldn't be me when I say he likes looking at flowers."

"Specifically sunflowers," Ivan adds. "Flowers are nice. Sunflowers are warming."

Gilbert nods with a hum. "Cool. I don't do flowers much but they are gorgeous. Landscaping must be fun for those guys."

"Unless they have a picky boss." Matthew chuckles. "Will you be doing something like that at the farm?"

"Hm?" Gilbert looks at Matt in question before remembering. "Oh! Maybe? Paula said she'd let me take care of the animals more than gardening. I could if I wanted but heavy lifting and animal care are more up my alley." He smiles as he looks straight. "Newborn animals can be so adorable."

Matthew listens intently, obviously interested in learning more about the Joker. "I love animals, myself. They were more friends for me than people." He grasps his hands behind him as he looks at the ceiling. "It helps that I can understand them and keep conversation, too."

"No way!" Gilbert's mouth drops. "You can talk to animals?"

"Mhm. It's one of my abilities. I don't like bragging about them like my brother does, though."

"That's Alfred, right? He has powers, too?"

"Yes. I heard his queen and even a few other Flushes have magical powers as well."

"That's so not fair." Gilbert pouts.

"You have magical portals," Ivan pipes up. "You are part of those with magical powers."

"Oh yeah…" Gilbert trails off, realizing he forgot. Matthew giggles and he blushes. "I guess I forgot. I mean, I didn't originally have these powers, you know? I was normal back home. Then I come here and woosh! I can cut through space and time just to get somewhere else."

"I wish I could do that," Kumajiro mumbles. "I'd go to the artic and eat fish all day."

Matthew frowns at his long time friend. "You're not a polar bear right now."

"Fish are still my favorite food." The shape shifter shrugs and stuffs his hands in his pants pockets.

Gilbert raises an eyebrow. "I'm confused."

"This man can transform into other beings." Ivan makes sure they all take a left down some stairs that go right into the garden. "Mostly living beings. Nothing like furniture."

"I don't use that power often, though. And I only like going into the polar bear cub form."

"That's so awesome." Gilbert smirks. "I'd like to hear more about your world. It sounds interesting."

"Only if you share about your world."

"Eh, it's got no super heroes, but I guess if you want to know…" he trails off with a grin.

The two walk through the garden, continuing their conversation easily. Ivan stands back with Kumajiro. He's not happy that Matthew is paying attention to Gilbert but doesn't say anything. Instead, he looks around himself and admires the flowers. He lightly touches a white rose before going over to some irises. The many kinds of flowers are beautiful. Sunflowers may be his favorite but every flowers has a warmth in them that fills his void of loneliness.

They separate into pairs. Matthew and Gilbert walk down the circling path and Ivan slowly makes way for the gazebo. Kumajiro follows behind the other two, always there at the Canadian's side if needed. Ivan hums as he watches the three go around the garden. He sits on a bench in the gazebo, eyes on their figures for a while longer. When he tires of watching them, he looks out to the side.

His eyes land on Elizabeta and Roderich strolling through the other side of the garden. He observes them for a bit, then wonders where they're heading as they disappear between some hedges. Slightly worried, he stands again and goes to where they were. When he gets there, he realizes they entered a hedge maze. He grins as he thinks, of course a hedge maze would be near the garden.

"Ivan?" Matthew catches his attention as he comes up with the other two. He glances in front of the King of Clubs and grins. "Oh. Is that a hedge maze?"

"Really?" Gilbert peers in and sees the many paths they could take inside. "Wow. I haven't seen a real hedge maze before. A maze in a corn field, yeah, but never a hedge maze."

"Do you wish to play a game?" Ivan asks. He smirks at the other three, Gilbert frowning slightly while the other two grin more. "Whoever finds the exit is the winner, da?"

"And what's the prize?"

"For you, Kumajiro, a plate of fish." Ivan chuckles at the happy sparkle in the man's eyes. "Matvey, is there anything you would wish for as a prize?"

The pale blond thinks about the question before nodding. "I'd like to spend at least a few days over in Spades with my brother. If that's no problem."

Ivan nods. "I will grant you a week if you win." Matthew smiles as Ivan turns his attention to the only one left to ask. "Gilbert?"

The platinum blond German hums in thought. "Not sure if there's anything you could give me. I mean, yeah, there's stuff I wish for, but what could you give me?"

"Ah. I see what you mean." The Russian ponders over what he could give the Joker of Hearts. "Full authorization for visitations?"

"Huh?" Gil raises his eyebrows. "Wait, you'd allow me to visit whenever I want?"

"Da. If you win." Ivan grins.

"What about you, Ivan?" Matt asks. "What would you like as a prize?"

A sincere smile is cast on the three. "My prize is a secret." Matthew and Gilbert furrow their brows as Kumajiro shrugs. "Now, shall we start?"

"Heck yeah!"

"Of course."

"I'm game."

The four stand ready at the entrance and wait for the signal to go. Matthew summons a floating counter that will sound off. Ivan warns them about some others being in the maze and to be careful. As soon as the timer hits zero, Kumajiro transforms into a cheetah while running, his clothes dropping to the ground as he jets off.

"Kumakichi!" Matthew scolds as he gathers up the strewn clothes. He huffs, chasing after the shapeshifter.

Gilbert stands there in awe for a moment before shaking himself and hurrying inside the maze. Ivan chuckles as he merely walks into the maze, not in a hurry. His secret prize is the joy of being with others and being able to play a silly game. He doesn't need anything else but that.

Ivan detests being alone since after his parents passed, he always seemed to be on his own. His sisters always disappeared off to somewhere else. Granted, he was old enough to care for himself but he hated it. It was like he was abandoned. No matter how many times his sisters visited, they were there for a short while then gone so sooner. It's not like he didn't try making friends but no one in his world tried to get to know him. They labeled him the terrifying freak that could bash their heads in when angered. He would always smile when mad, too. No one knows the true Ivan.

Here in this moment, he is physically alone but he knows that he hasn't been abandoned. He's playing a game with the others. Dare he thinks he actually has friends in this world. True, Alfred doesn't seem to trust him which means others will feel the same, too. That doesn't really matter, not when he has the few beside him already.

Ivan keeps going through the maze, noticing from time to time the other three going down different paths. He finds it amusing how Kumajiro is this energetic and Matthew is trying to get him. Gilbert always seems to pause and enter a new section only to return and try the other opening. Then for himself, he keeps wandering wherever he wishes to go. Several times he's had to turn around but he's not annoyed with that fact.

Down one route he finds his queen and jack together. They're standing at the dead end, close. Ivan immediately turns around so they have their privacy. It's rude to interrupt lovers in their own world. As he returns from the dead end, Gilbert rushes in front of him and nearly topples him over.

"Sorry!" The German smiles apologetically. "This maze really is something, huh?" He tries going the way Ivan just came from but the Russian stops him. He knits his brows together as he gazes up at Ivan. "What?"

"That is a dead end," Ivan states. "No need to go that way."

Gilbert analyzes him, wondering if that's true. He studies the route Ivan seems to be coming from and decides it must be true. He nods. "Thanks." He then looks the other ways, even back the way he came. "Where is that stupid exit? This is why I hate mazes."

Ivan chuckles. "It is fun to get lost in them at times." He goes straight from where he is down a path he has yet to travel. "When finally reaching the exit, one feels great accomplishment."

The Joker of Hearts stares after Ivan before following him. "Maybe, but when you're trying to be the first one out, it's annoying." He glances up at the other. "It doesn't seem like you're in a hurry, though."

Ivan shakes his head. "I do not need a prize. Matvey and Kuma deserve more than I do. Possibly even you."

The German blinks, focusing forward. "You really care about him, huh?"

"He is the very first person to not cower away from me." He nods. "Matvey has done many of my requests. He deserves his own rewards."

Gilbert smiles at that. "You know, you look scary, but you're really kind."

An overwhelming feeling of joy fills the King of Clubs. He smiles. "I hope others can see the same."

"One day, maybe." They make a right turn then a quick left. "So, why'd you offer me full privileges to visit?"

"Matvey seems to like your company. If you become a friend of his, I wish for you to visit often."

"It's all for Mattie," Gilbert mumbles with a frown. "You know, I understand he's been a great friend and all, but you should think of yourself first. Your happiness is important, too."

Ivan blinks. He looks at the German in surprise. "If he is smiling, it warms me. I like feeling warm and bringing joy to others."

"That's cool, but is that what truly makes you happy?" Gilbert glances at him. "What do you really want, Ivan? Besides everyone else to be happy."

The question stumps Ivan for a moment. He stops walking and Gilbert takes a few steps ahead before doing the same. They stare at each other in silence as Ivan searches for an answer. No one has ever asked him what he truly wanted. He's never spoken about it before with anyone. He knows a few things that he wishes for that so far has been granted but is there anything else?

"To never be alone," he says quietly. "That is one thing I hope will stay. With Matvey, Elizabeta, Roderich, and Kumajiro, I'm not alone. I am happy for that."

"Okay. Anything else?"

He goes quiet again. As an answer comes to mind, he opens his mouth to respond. He's unable to say anything as a cheetah barrels around them with a huffing Matthew behind it yelling Kumajiro's name. Gilbert and Ivan look at the two as they go down the path they will soon walk. They look at each other again and laugh.

"If there's anything else, I can always help. Or, you know, lend an ear." Gilbert begins walking again, Ivan trailing behind him. "I know what it's like to be alone for a long time. I don't know your story, but there was a part in my life where I felt so alone. Not even my brother or Toni could fill that void until I got myself out of what I was in."

Ivan cocks his head to the side. "What were you in?"

The Joker of Hearts strides silently. "I got myself into a bad group of people. They got me out of a bind, gave me a job, and I was stupid not to realize what they were really doing. I tried to leave many times but they always dragged me back." He kicks a pebble. "I came home a lot with wounds. Some nights I didn't even go back home. I didn't like thinking of Luddy seeing me beaten up. He was still a kid then. He doesn't need to know what his big brother was up to during his high school years."

"Did you really need their help?"

"I wouldn't have gone to them if I didn't." Gilbert sighs. "Our dad was deathly ill and couldn't work. Toni and I tried our best looking for jobs so we could take care of everyone. A lot of good that did us." He frowns. "Dad passed away and it was up to me to care for Ludwig. It wasn't easy to do. I wasn't ready to be some parental figure."

Ivan scowled. "Did you run?"

Gilbert shuts his mouth. A long minutes passes before he opens it again. "I wasn't home a lot. Toni took care of Luddy, which I know isn't fair since he's not even blood family. It was hard."

"You do not abandon family."

"Don't judge when you don't know the shit I went through to support my family!" Gilbert glares at him. "I hated being in that group but they paid well. I could send money home for Toni and Ludwig. They could get by. They're more important than I am." His face softens as he stares at the ground. "I did eventually come back. Luddy was able to drive when I came back and I took the chance I had. We left the place we grew up in and traveled around the states. It wasn't a great life but at least the three of us were together."

The Russian calms down. He processes the story shared with him. He doesn't agree with what Gilbert did but in a way, he respects the man. Doing whatever you could for the family you have live to keep going, even if it means getting yourself into trouble. Ivan goes up to Gilbert and lays a hand on his shoulder. He doesn't say anything as they lock eyes but Gilbert relaxes.

"Sorry."

"Do not worry. I should apologize. I do not know what you went through, as you do not know what I went through." Ivan motions for them to keep walking through the maze. "I have been left behind before by family. It is not something I favor."

Gilbert's eyes widen. He gazes down, keeping up with Ivan so they don't separate. "It seems the lot of us didn't all have happy lives in our worlds."

Ivan hums in agreement, thinking about Matthew and Alfred's life. Their lives were not fantastic either since the public deemed super heroes a nuisance. If the other people from worlds also shared the same experiences, then they all got a second chance at a happier life. One that none of them seem to mind.

The two stay silent for most of the walk through the maze. Here and there, Gilbert will ask questions about the Russian. Ivan will either give the answers freely or make him sound mysterious. Gilbert dislikes that but finds it amusing at the same time. It takes a while for them to find the exit at their rate but neither are disappointed. Matthew and Kumajiro wait for them at the end and Ivan can't help smiling.

Kumajiro is back as a human in his clothes. "I better get that dish of fish when we go back in."

"Don't be rude, Kumajiro," Matthew chastises.

"Of course you're the winner, cheater." Gilbert pouts.

"There were no restrictions about using powers. You could've won using your portals."

"I would have needed to know what the exit looks like in order to do that. Anyway, that wasn't the point of this game!"

"That's an unfortunate flaw to have for an ability."

"Tell me about it."

Smiling, Ivan lets the three talk amongst themselves as he stands in their presence. He doesn't mind being left out of conversation since he doesn't usually know what to say. Being around them is enough for him. He does wish to say one thing before they all disperse.

"Matvey?"

"Yes?" The Canadian looks at him.

"You may still visit your brother if you wish. For a week." Waves of warmth ripple through Ivan as Matthew smiles brightly. "If we need you, I can whistle."

"Of course!" Matt giggles happily. "Thank you, Ivan. Really."

"And Gilbert," he turns to the German still at his side. "You may visit us whenever you wish. If we are busy, do not take offense."

Gilbert balks. "No way. You serious?" When Ivan nods, he grins wide. "That's so awesome! And of course! I know we all have busy schedules and big responsibilities. If it's a bad time, I can always try another day." He nudges the other playfully. "Thanks, man."

Ivan nods, glad they're both happy at his decisions. "Shall we head in?"

"Please. I want fish."

The three chuckle as Kumajiro complains of being hungry after all that running around. So they make their way back into the castle. None of them split off. They stay together right up until after dinner. Ivan wouldn't ask for more as the day comes to an end.

Note: This was a fun chapter to write just so these three (technically four with Kumajiro) could bond a little. Especially Ivan and Gilbert. They will be fun to write together in future chapters.

This is not beta-ed so there might be mistakes.

Ciao: I hope you all enjoyed the update, dearies! Thanks for reading! R&R.