Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia: Axis Powers. All rights go to its creators.

Part 2: Chapter 2: Secret Lovers

Ludwig was already in the interrogation room when Alfred brought Ivan inside. Ivan's eyes were underlined with a couple of bags. He looked worse for wear, and wasn't smiling. Ivan usually smiled, and Ludwig had seen that when the Russian was growing up. Even though Ivan was an adult the same actions could apply now as well.

Ludwig shifted his eyes to Alfred, who'd had his jaw clenched tight upon stepping into the room with Ivan. Alfred's gaze did not leave the Russian, even as he sat down in front of Ludwig.

Ivan looked Ludwig in the eyes, "Does he have to be here?" His eyes briefly shifted to Alfred before returning to Ludwig. Ludwig did not see Alfred clench his fists, and purse his lips tightly together.

Ludwig did not take his eyes off of Ivan, "He does not."

"But Dectective-!"Alfred started, almost yelling.

"Jones, you're making Mister Braginski uncomfortable."

"Who cares if this criminal is uncomfortable?"

"Would you like me to file a report to Chief Nguyen?"

Alfred let a heavy breath out of his nose before stalking towards the door. "I'll be right outside." He gripped the door handle, eyes narrowed, "just in case he tries anything." And with that, Alfred shut the door with a slam.

Ludwig introduced himself to Ivan and set up his recorder.

Ludwig saw Ivan visibly exhale, his shoulders slumped a little.

"I didn't think I'd have the energy to talk with him around. I don't know how I pulled through the other night." Ivan let out a chuckle, "I would've preferred Janssens but they always stick him behind a desk."

"Your sister said the same thing." At the mention of his sister, Ivan's expression was sullen.

"My sister, have you all charged her yet?"

Ludwig briefly glanced at the manilla folder, before he met Ivan's eyes again.

"No. I have a suspicion that this goes beyond Mathiew and that your sister might have been framed."

"She told you that? I can't see how you would believe it." Ivan said in a condescending tone, as he let out another chuckle. Ivan held up his fingers, tapping each one as he listed off Natalia's traits, "Natalia carries knives, is quick tempered, is apathetic about death, oh and did you know she killed my cat? She killed little Boris when she was nine years old. What little nine year old does that?"

"I did not know those things about Miss Braginski, other than the supposed cat murder. She carries knives?"

Ivan raised his eyebrows, "Da she does! Keeps one strapped to her thigh, and another inside of her boot if she wears ones tall enough."

"Do you believe she has a reason to hurt Mathiew?"

"I don't think she needs one. She almost strangled her boyfriend in his sleep when we were visiting my sister Kat. There is something not right with her." Ivan tapped the top of his head, "Up here." Ivan held his gaze a moment before crossing his arms, "Tolys didn't believe me, but you do...don't you Detective Beilschimidt?"

Ivan's expression held an innocence to that of a small child, eyes wide and expectant.

Ludwig pursed his lips before letting out a breath, gaze downward at the notepad in his hand before it became stoic again. His baby blue eyes met the violet eyes of Ivan.

"I do believe you, Mister Braginski. You mentioned that your sister has a significant other? She did not mention him. Is there anything noteworthy about him?"

Ivan shrugged,"I don't know." he folded his hands together, "I only met him once. He might know more about Natalia if you need more evidence against her."

Ludwig asked Ivan for the man's name but Ivan said he couldn't remember his last name, only his first, to which he jotted down anyway.

"I would like to change our topic. Why was Mathiew dressed up in feminine attire and at your home Mister Braginski?" Ludwig made eye contact with Ivan again. Ivan's mouth was agape before he snapped it shut. Ivan furrowed his eyebrows.

Ludwig glanced at the tape spinning on his recorder before settling his gaze on Ivan again.

Seconds ticked by as the question was left hanging in the air. Silence between the two men stretched into minutes.

Ludwig watched Ivan's expression, matched in stoicism with his own, no cracks of emotion shown on the surface.

Ivan swallowed, "That has nothing to do with this case. You have the suspect, the evidence and the witness testimony." Ivan said, his tone cold.

"We don't have the murder weapon and Miss Braginski's knives that were strapped to her person that are in inventory did not match Mathiew's wounds."

"You said you didn't know about her knives."

"Mister Braginski, I want to know more about what kind of person Mathiew Williams was. I could tell you were trying to lead me away from that."

"Ask his brother. He is standing outside of the door." Ivan gestured to the door, "Mathiew meant nothing to me. It was just as surprising to find him that way as it was to anyone else."

"I do not believe that Mister Braginski."

"Well that is the truth." Ivan rose from his chair and walked past Ludwig. Ludwig did not try to stop him from leaving the station.

Alfred reappeared inside of the room.

"You think he killed my bro, Mathiew?"

Ludwig glanced at the young officer, "I don't think so. I think Mister Braginski was involved in Mathiew's life more than either of us know. If anyone would know who might have wanted him dead, it's him."

Alfred punched the adjacent wall, "No fucking way was my bro involved with that communist creep. You don't know what you're talking about, detective."

"It is just a theory. I could always talk to Mathiew's boss, Mister Laurinaitis." Ludwig said before getting up and putting a hand on Alfred's shoulder. He gripped it tight.

"You might find out some things you might not like about your brother while working on this case. I want you to calm yourself otherwise you will be putting us both in jeopardy."

Alfred sighed, before his expression became determined again, "I'll do whatever it takes!"

0000000

"Braginski you have a visitor!" Alfred yelled, banging on her cell bars with his nightstick.

Natalia grimaced, before sitting up and looking over towards the cell bars. She walked over to see a petite blonde haired woman.

"Natalia, how are you?" Elise asked, worry etched onto the woman's face.

"Elise?" Natalia raised an eyebrow before gripping the bars. She pressed herself up against them and looked around on either side of the other woman.

"If you're looking for Mister Kirkland, he isn't here."

Natalia pulled away before dropping her gaze to her feet. She frowned.

Elise approached the bars, gripping them. "Even if he doesn't believe that you're innocent. I'm going to find out who killed Mister Williams and clear your name!"

"What is the point if no one is waiting for me on the outside?" Natalia retreated back, further away from the bars.

"Don't say that! There are other people who believe in your innocence!" Elise raised her voice as the other woman retreated back even further and curled up onto her jail cell's bed. Elise gripped the bars so tightly that her knuckles were turning white.

Natalia took the thin sheet that acted as a blanket and pulled it over her face. Elise stared at the other woman's form, her breathing coming out a bit more sporadically than normal. Elise's face was red, and her mouth was pursed tightly.

The sounds of heavy breathing broke through the silence, and Elise turned to see a young brunette leaning against the entry-way door. He was catching his breath after having run all the way here from the guest parking lot which was about a block away.

"I-I came as fast as I could." He said through pants.

"Mister Laurinaitis! You're just in time! Please talk to Natalia." Elise said to him before turning back to the woman who was pulling the sheets even tighter over her face.

Tolys Laurinaitis made his way over to where Elise was standing and peered into the cell at the lump on top of the tiny twin sized bed.

"Natalia?"

"Go away Tolys!" The other woman screamed at him. Natalia sniffled, the onset of tears moistening her eyes. The other two could not see Natalia's expression under the blanket, but they could hear her sniffles.

Tolys turned to Elise, "Why is she upset...besides you know, her current situation?"

"Mister Kirkland doesn't believe that Natalia didn't kill Mister Williams. He didn't want to come see her."

"Hey now, you don't need him Natalia. We're here. We believe you!" He said a little louder and towards the direction of her cell.

"Shut up!" Natalia yelled at him, but it had less malice in it. Natalia sounded more sad than angry. Tears streamed down her cheeks and wet the sheet she had pulled over her head.

"Mister Laurinaitis, I'm going to find out who killed Mister Williams. Would I be able to count on you to help me?"

Tolys nodded, "Yes for sure."

Just then Ludwig stepped into the entryway.

"Mister Laurinaitis, since you are already here, would I be able to ask you a few questions as it pertains to the case of Mathiew Williams?"

"Yes, if it will help clear Natalia's name." Tolys glanced at Natalia, who was now huddled into a ball, and said woman in a ball was trembling.

00000000

Ludwig was across from Tolys and he had his hands folded. Ludwig introduced himself to Tolys and turned on the recorder. Tolys's expression was serious as he waited for Ludwig to ask him his questions.

"Mathiew Williams worked for you, correct?"

Tolys gave him a nod, "Mathiew was interning at my bookshop during his time at Hetalia International University. He would commute to school during the weekdays. Sometimes he would pick up a few hours during the day but most of his time was in the evening."

Ludwig nodded.

"Did Mathiew ever talk to you about his personal life? Maybe his school life? Or home life?"

"Well, Mathiew, Alfred, the Braginski's and I all lived in the same neighborhood growing up-" Tolys blinked, "Do you need context?"

"If you think it would help."

Tolys nodded. "My family and Mathiew's family were really close. When I started high school sometimes I would even babysit him and Alfred. So, I haven't noticed anything weird in Mathiew's family and he never mentioned anything. The same goes for school. He also wasn't really there alot because he commuted."

"Was he interested in anyone romantically? Maybe a jealous ex-girlfriend or girlfriend's jealous ex-boyfriend he would talk about?"

Tolys let out a chuckle before shaking his head, "Nothing like that. But Alfred and Mathiew's family stayed away from the Braginski's when they were growing up, so of course Mathiew was curious about them when he got older. He'd had this crush on Natalia and Ivan's older sister, Kat. But she always treated him more like she was a mother figure. He never told her about it but would always ask Natalia and I about her when she'd moved out past Cliffdover to the countryside."

"What about Ivan?"

Tolys furrowed his eyebrows, "I don't really remember seeing them interact growing up. I suppose they were on friendly terms recently because Mathiew was just polite to everyone."

Tolys paused for a moment, eyes downcast before he looked back up at Ludwig. He lightly tapped the top of the table. "I do remember that Ivan stopped by the bookstore a few times recently and Mathiew looked happy to see him. Maybe they'd become friends when Mathiew was in highschool or when he started college."

Ludwig tapped his pencil against the table, eyes downcast at his notepad. "Hmm…"

"Did he tell you about someone he didn't like or someone who would want to harm him?"

"Does Alfred count?" Tolys asked in all seriousness.

I'm afraid not, unless you believe one of Alfred's enemies would target Mathiew to get to him."

Tolys tapped his chin, eyebrows furrowed. "I can't think of anyone who would want to hurt Mathiew. I can't think of someone else he disliked either...although…" Tolys looked at Ludwig then.

"He said he was having a hard time reading Mister Kirkland's book, which I understood because I couldn't get through it either. But when the man came around a few times to check up on how the books were selling he seemed rather skittish. But I just thought it was because he didn't know him and Mathiew was introverted and shy around new people."

"Do you happen to have a copy of the book?"

"Yes, I have plenty. They aren't selling. I've had a few people buy them, but not as much as they should. You can come around to the shop and check one out yourself. You could even look at Mathiew's old workspace if you would like. I don't know if that would help."

"Yes, I will do so. Thank you Mister Laurinaitis for your help." Ludwig held out his hand for the other man to shake. Tolys shook his hand firmly and in a professional manner. Tolys gave him a nod and excused himself to leave out of the door.

0000000

Three weeks after the events in "Chapter 7: Downhill Progression"

Ivan and Mathiew were on Ivan's couch enjoying their rare alone-time together one evening. This meant sharing kisses. Mathiew was wearing a blonde wig, and a grey pencil skirt complete with black stockings. He moved over to sit on top of Ivan's lap, their lips still interlocked, just as the doorbell rang. They didn't move but soon there was a knock at the door.

Knock

Knock

Knock

Ivan pulled away. "Were you expecting someone?" Mathiew asked, voice just above a whisper.

Ivan shook his head. "Well then don't answer it." Mathiew said.

"But the lights are on. What if they suspect something is going on because I didn't answer?" Ivan's eyes glanced over to the door briefly before looking back into Mathiew's eyes.

Mathiew cupped Ivan's cheeks, a small smile on his face, "Alright, go see who's at the door then."

"Ok, go hide in the bathroom. It should be quick." Ivan said as Mathiew moved off of him. Ivan got up just as Mathiew did. He went into the bathroom just as Ivan reached the door to look through the peephole.

Ivan grimaced before plastering on a smile as he opened up the door.

"Uhh...Arthur, privet. What brings you here?" Ivan's eyes quickly scanned the man in front of him.

Arthur's disheveled appearance, red cheeks and dark circles under his eyes showed that he was not well. Antonio's bar was not too far from Ivan's house. Arthur had never been over to Ivan's home before but Ivan knew that Arthur was Natalia's boyfriend. He was obligated to help him because as far as he knew they were still together.

"Hello Ivan, could I use your bathroom?" Ivan could make that out of his slurred speech.

"Ah! No!" Ivan said, gripping the door knob, eyes widened.

"It's either that or I piss on your porch." The man's eyes were glossed over and his tone quickly lost its pleasantries.

"O-oh um, come in then." Ivan said before he stepped back to let the man inside. He led him to the bathroom, "Mathiew come out please!" Ivan said.

The door opened, "Are they-" Mathiew stopped as his eyes landed on Arthur. He quickly stepped aside, Arthur rushed in past him and shut the door.

Mathiew's eyes were wide when they landed on Ivan again. "What are we going to do?" He whispered.

"He might not even question it. He looks drunk." Ivan whispered back.

"But what if he does?"

"We could make something up. Y-you dressed up for a costume party."

"That isn't believable!"

"It does not have to be. He probably won't remember it tomorrow."

Just then the bathroom door opened again, Ivan and Mathiew's eyes shifted to Arthur.

"Costume party! He's dressed up for a costume party!" Ivan blurted out.

Arthur's eyes shifted between the two blonds.

"I don't have the energy to care what you two were doing before I asked to take a piss. But Ivan, your sister, why won't she call me?"

Ivan blinked and furrowed his eyebrows, "Um...I don't know." Ivan kept his eyes on the shorter man.

"She's set on keeping her distance from me. Did she say anything to you?" Ivan noticed that Arthur stepped closer to him, his green eyes wide with worry.

Ivan shook his head rapidly.

Arthur gripped his collar, "I thought she loved me! Why doesn't she want to be near me?"

Ivan smiled, eyes squinted, as he looked into the other man's distraught green eyes.

"I don't know Arthur. Maybe you should call her."

I have! But she isn't returning my calls!" Ivan gripped the other man's wrists and tried to pry him off, but he just gripped Ivan's collar even harder. His eyes became wet with tears.

Mathiew gripped Arthur's shoulders. Ivan's smile was tight-lipped and was twitching.

Arthur looked back at him, "What do you bloody want?"

"I think you should give Ivan some space. He's uncomfortable." Mathiew said, managing to separate the two men from each other. Ivan let out a sigh of relief.

"Why the bloody hell are you dressed up like a woman anyway? Are you trying to mock me?"

"No, of course not." Mathiew shook his head.

"All women are the same. They fucking trample on your heart like it's nothing!" Mathiew stepped back at the rage in his eyes. Arthur looked down for a moment, sending them into a temporary silence.

Ivan and Mathiew watched the man curiously, with bated breath, unsure of what his next outburst would be.

He stalked past them and towards the door. Mathiew hurriedly gripped Arthur's arm, stopping him in his tracks.

"You won't tell anyone about us, will you?" Mathiew asked as Arthur looked back at him. Mathiew's unease was etched onto his face.

Arthur looked between Ivan and Mathiew, his face pulled into a frown as he furrowed his eyebrows. "No. I won't." Mathiew let go of Arthur's arm, giving him a nod. Ivan did the same.

"And if the opportunity arises, you owe me."

Mathiew and Ivan shared a glance before Mathiew gave him a nod, "Sure." he said. Arthur gave them a smirk before leaving out the front door, the way he came.

Ivan went towards the door, closed it behind Arthur and locked it.

And the two stood in momentary silence.

"I'm going to put on some tea, you want some, da?"

To which Mathiew nodded.

A/N: Thank you for reading! Criticism welcome.