Of Books and Crime
Summary: Romania is an eccentric new student eager to make friends. Bulgaria is the school delinquent who hangs out with the wrong people. Against all odds they form a friendship which transforms into something more. Bulgaria x Romania
Chapter 16: Christmas
After the fiasco following Radko's expel nothing much happens, much to Alin's surprise. The school falls back into normalcy with the holidays fast approaching.
He and Nikolai however…he isn't certain he wants them to go back to normal. Prior to learning about the drugs and Elizaveta he would have loved to, he would have struck out the incident and moved on.
That's what he had been doing, never paying attention to the details, always focusing on the bigger picture and clinging onto the hope that the Bulgarian would change one day.
Now though…now he is tired, fed up with the drama, the hiding, the lies. Truth to be told Nikolai hasn't lied, he has just forgotten to tell the truth. Still, that observation doesn't wash away the bitter taste of betrayal and disappointment in Alin's mouth.
His phone rings once again, the familiar melody filling the air of his room. He hesitates, fingers lingering over the screen as a picture of the pale Bulgarian and him together, sticking their tongues out at the camera flashes before his dark brown eyes.
Alin's heart screams at him to pick up but his mind prevails and with one swift motion he hits ignore. Before he would be ecstatic for the other to call but now it feels as though something between them has been broken.
Not completely as his heart argues. No, there is a chance to fix things, except this time it won't be him that sticks the broken pieces back together. For once it has to be Nikolai to show him he cares.
He feels angry and betrayed, angry and at Ivanov for hiding about him and Elisaveta, someone whom he knows he can't stand. Angry and Ivan and Radko for dragging Niko down in their mess.
And maybe angry and himself because he still cares so much about the damn bastard and realizes the moment he does something nice, he'll be back in his arms.
The Romanian buries his head against the pillows of his bed, feeling like a teenage cliché. He can't help it though, can't order his heart to feel something else.
He just wants Nikolai to reassure him, show him he meant something with all the kisses and hugs and all the time spent together.
xxx
"Why is Allie so sad?" Sorina asks as she jumps on the sofa next to him.
Alin forces a smile over his lips, ignoring the stupid nickname she has come up with for him after they settled in the USA. He turns around to see her, taking in the concern over her tiny round face.
"No, I'm not, see I'm perfectly happy!" he tries to assure, flashing a grin which he prays can pass as plausible.
Sorina squints her hazel eyes, face contorting in doubt.
"Nu! Mummy says you just tell us that so we don't worry!" she declares, crossing her arms over her chest in childish certainty.
The older Romanian can't help but chuckle, shaking his head.
"Yeah, well mummy is very smart," he admits in the end, seeing as there's no point in arguing,
"Of course she is, that's why she can tell your big brother has another episode of his relationship drama," comes a third voice as their mother walks up into the room, carrying some last minute dishes and placing them on the table.
Sorina grins at her mother before a conspiring look settles over her face,
"Mummy, can I give Allie his present early to make him happy?"
Alin raises an eyebrow, warmth washing over him as he realizes his sister has made something for him. Truth to be told, he doesn't care about the gift at all, the fact she's made one is more than enough.
"Well…normally Santa wouldn't approve of this but I guess we could make an exception,"
"YAY!" the little girl cries out, then gets up from the sofa and dashes off in the direction of her room where she has no doubt hidden the gift. Alin muses, probably under the bed.
"Everything okay?" his mother questions, flashing him a concerned look.
"Course," he assures quickly but his mother isn't buying it and so he concedes, "I guess I should just…accept Nikolai doesn't care as much as I do."
"Oh, now you're just being melodramatic," his mum chuckles, shaking her head "He did call you, what more do you want him t do?"
The Romanian opens his mouth to argue but he's interrupted by Sorina tugging at his jeans, a small package in her hands.
"My art teacher helped me wrap it," she beams at him, pride written in her eyes,
"It looks good," Alin comments, taking in the small parcel and unwrapping the red decorative paper.
Once he opens it, it feels as though his heart melts. In his hands he finds a picture, one of his mother, Sorina and him. And Nikolai.
His eyes widen in surprise, she hasn't met the Bulgarian yet. As if reading his mind, his mother speaks up,
"She asked me to show her a picture of him," she admits, a sly look over her features, "I've got to admit judging from his Facebook, Niko's really cute."
"Mum!" Alin cries out, cheeks as red as a tomato as the two giggle at his embarrassment.
"It's lovely, Sorina," he admits, pulling his sister into his lap and placing a kiss over her dark blonde hair.
The girl flashes him a pearly grin,
"Glad you like it!" she responds, trying to sound all grown up before running up to the Christmas three and playing with all the decorations.
Alin leans against the sofa, his spirits lifted. His eyes trail over his sister and his mother, a new sudden appreciation for them washing over him. He closes his eyes and thanks God for his family as he realizes how important they are to him.
Once he peeks, his glance falls over the gift once more. Though Sorina is still young she too has a talent for drawing which already shows.
It's a pretty picture, one drawn in lively colours, lines a little sloppy but obviously done with much love.
The drawing is put in a simple golden frame with the words, Merry Christmas written on the bottom half in crimson.
And in the centre he sees him and Nikolai, smiling. The Bulgarian's eyes are a grass-like green, his hair a nice light chocolate brown. Sorina has drawn him in the same hoodie he's swearing in his profile picture though the blue is a little more on the purple side which makes him chuckle.
Before Alin can stop himself he pulls the picture to his chest, a wave of sentimentality coming over him. It looks like a family photo and he wishes with all his heart the Bulgarian would actually show up so he could present it to him.
Seeing the other make an effort would be a Christmas present as good as any other.
xxx
Alin can't help as his mood slips lower, despite the combined efforts of his mother and sister. He feels like the worst son and big brother in the world but at the same time, he can't help but wish Niko would at least try to make an effort, show he cares.
It's somewhere during the evening that the bell rings, the small sound piercing through the house air which smells of ginger bread cookies (American recipe this time as they're trying new things).
"I'll get it," he says quickly, opting for a quick escape so he can get the chance to pout on his own.
He opens the door and freezes at the sight before him.
Nikolai of all people is standing before him, red cheeks from the cold contrasting against his pale sides and his hair a mess from wearing a hat.
"Uh, a hello would be nice," the Bulgarian says, taking in his surprise.
Alin is speechless, making sure he pinches himself just so he knows he's not dreaming.
"Hi…it's just that I-uh-didn't expect to see you…" the Romanian rambles, still finding it hard to believe the other has come to his house all on his own, "I mean after everything that happened."
Nikolai gulps, a tiny bit of uncertainty flashing through green eyes.
"I just…wanted it to be a surprise," he admits and now Alin notices the parcel he's clinging onto his chest.
He opens his mouth in shock, could the other have bought an actual gift for him? And to think he hasn't got him anything! Guilt washes over the Romanian and he struggles to find a response.
"Alin…are we uh, broken up?" the Bulgarian asks, looking away.
Alin's eyebrows shoot up to his forehead – what is the other talking about? Sure, he is pissed off about the whole drug fiasco with Radko and Elisaveta and maybe a ton of other things but…this?
"Nu," he responds quickly, waving a hand, "Nu, nu, course we're not. I mean don't get me wrong you are an epic asshole but…you're my asshole."
Ivanov's cheeks are now a flaming red colour and his lips curl into the silliest smile. Still, green eyes sparkle with joy.
"Oh, thank God!" he exclaims and Alin is caught off guard by his sudden display of feelings, "I thought after you heard about me and Liz and uh…everything else you wouldn't want me anymore."
Alin squints his eyes,
"Oh, don't test me, I am at the end of my limits," he points out, making sure to make his tone light hearted but still carrying the message.
Niko's smile falters a little and the Romanian is quick to reassure him,
"Come on, get inside!" he says but the other seems to hesitate.
"You're…going to invite me in?"
"Well, yeah, unless you want us to have a Christmas party on the stairs." He responds, taking in his larger hand so he can wash away any remaining doubts.
xxx
The evening proves to be a dream come true, full of awkward first introductions and his mother's endless teasing of the two of them.
Alin is taken aback at how easily Nikolai gets along with Sorina to the point where he might be a little jealous. His little sister is currently perched up in his lap, presenting to him the latest of her drawings.
The Bulgarians oohs in awe and makes sure to point out the smallest of details which makes the girls grin.
"Allie, Niko is perfect!" she exclaims with childish conviction, "You should marry him!"
They both laugh at her words and Alin makes sure to take a mental screenshot of the embarrassed red over the Bulgarian's cheeks and tease him about it later when they're alone.
"Niko, I'm really glad you have you here but won't your family miss you?" his mother asks out of the opposite end of the table, a concerned look over her face.
The green eyed teen freezes, holding onto a ginger bread cookie midair.
"Uh…well, my family they uh- don't celebrate Christmas today." He explains in the end, looking away.
"How come?" Sorina exclaims, a confused look on her round face.
"Well…it's celebrated on the 7th of January *," Niko explains, "And us Bulgarians celebrate it today on the 25th."
Alin meets his eyes, taking notice of the sadness behind them. He realizes what it means, how much Nikolai must miss his parents, especially on Christmas.
His heart sinks in sympathy and suddenly he wants to wrap his hands around the Bulgarian, hug him until everything that is wrong in his life feels a tad bit better.
He knows his excuse is bogus, although coming to think of it Ivan does strike him as the kind of guy to be ultra-nationalistic, clinging onto Russian traditions even in the USA. He can only imagine he would pressure Nikolai and Radko and especially Katya and Natalya to follow his ideas.
"That's really interesting," he says, purely as to change the subject, "Mum, you should have seen all the Christmas decorations at school!"
"I decorated too!" Sorina grins, darting off the table to get her drawings of Santa.
Alin's mum has her eyes linger over Nikolai, a look of compassion written over her face.
xxx
Once dinner is over Sorina demands that Nikolai reads her a bedtime story and the green eyed teen is more than willing. One quick nod of approval from his mother and the Bulgarian scoops up the small girl, making her shriek in joy and carrying her towards her room.
Alin on the other hand opts to help his mother with the dishes and tidying up the apartment.
His mum leans in against the kitchen's cupboard, dark brown eyes falling over him.
"So?" the teen boy prompts, "Does he have your mum stamp of approval."
The older Romanian chuckles, her dark locks tossing from one side to the other in the process. She truly is a beautiful and intelligent woman and Alin is proud to call her his mother.
"Yeah, he does," she responds, "I like him, he acts great with you and he's so gentle and kind to Sorina. He's a good boy."
The last words catch Alin off guard and he has to struggle with the lump in his throat. His entire being is screaming at him that his mother should know Nikolai isn't really a good boy, that he's got himself into trouble and he's not sure if he can get out of it.
At the same time though…it's Christmas Eve and his mind is buzzing with joy, his heart is full of love. He can't bring himself to speak up, lips tightly pressed together.
"Something wrong?" his mother asks, a knowing look crossing familiar dark orbs.
Alin opens his mouth to respond but it's then that he hears footsteps.
Nikolai opens the kitchen door, a happy look on his face.
"Dude, you have the coolest little sister, she's so smart!"
"Yeah, Allie sure is lucky," the older woman teases, winking at him.
"Allie?" the Bulgarian asks, raising a devious eyebrow as mischief dances in his eyes, "Oh, I swear that's what I'm calling you from now on!"
"Good job mum!" Alin cries out in indignation which is followed by roaring laughter.
xxx
They lie in bed and Alin can't help the lazy smile tugging at his lips.
Nikolai has wrapped his hand around him and the Romanian effectively melts into the touch, shutting his eyes closed and soaking in the moment.
Still, there is something on his mind, something he needs to address.
"Niko…" he begins, catching the other's attention, as he turns his head to face him,
"Yeah, what is it?"
Alin takes a deep breath, there's no point in dancing around the subject.
"Do you still like Elizaveta?" he asks, voice small but still pressing for answers.
The Bulgarian shifts, rolling onto his side. The room is dark but he can still see his pale face which is illuminated by the street lights and make out his handsome features. He tries to read the expression over them but his mind is blank and he waits for the other to speak up.
"What do you think?"
Popescu sighs, exasperated. When it comes to this, he's not in the mood for games,
"I don't know what to think anymore. One day I find you work at this horrible bar, then it turns out Ivan sells drugs, Radko is a rapist in the making and then…then to top it off you've been with Elizaveta and so-"
Alin feels something warm over his face and looks up to lock his gaze with Nikolai's. Green eyes appear silvery in the dim lighting, his pupils two large dots against the light rings,
"Alin, listen, I might be a fuck up and my family is well…even worse, and yeah I might have been with Liz but…you've got to believe me when I say it's you I care about now."
The Romanian opens his mouth, taken aback by the sudden proclamation. His own insecurities threaten to take over, to drawn the other's voice but he silences them and focuses on Niko's words and actions, which serve as the best reassurance. Shock slowly slips away and is replaced by something warm which spreads through his chest.
"You believe me right?" Ivanov insists, green orbs dipped in insecurity.
Popescu looks at him, searching for lies but finds none. His mind tells him not to trust the Bulgarian, not after everything that's happened. It's not rational, it's not a good idea. But…his heart argues that it's what he really wants and it has the habit of being louder than his brain.
"Da," he says in the end and the small word manages to dissipate any tension between them.
Nikolai's lips stretch into a grin before he pulls him for a quick peck. He tastes of cookies and it's nice, it almost feels as if they're a normal couple celebrating the holidays together. Alin doesn't have the time to enjoy a legitimate kiss as the other pulls away in a flash, as if having just remembered something.
The Bulgarian moves from next to him and he peaks up to see what's going on. Ivanov is checking out his phone and Alin immediately worries that maybe Ivan is about to call, Christmas or not.
"Relax, I'm only looking for the time," Niko waves a hand, effectively reading his mind, "And it's past twelve, so technically you can see your present."
Alin stares for a few seconds, mind blank for a few short moments. He's forgotten all about the sloppily wrapped gift the other has brought. Truth to be told, it doesn't matter to him, the Bulgarian being showing up, making an effort for him the greatest present he could ask for.
Still, the act of kindness makes something in his heart melt and he jumps out of the bed, rushing towards the Christmas tree like a six-year-old. Niko laughs behind him, not too loudly as they might wake up his mum and sister.
xxx
Alin unwraps the gift in a few swift motions and holds onto the small toy that meets his eyes.
"You like it?" Nikolai asks, peeking from behind his shoulders.
Though his tone is light-hearted, he can still hear the small traces of uncertainty from the edges of the accented words.
"It's a vampire," Alin points out the obvious, squeezing the small plushie.
It's one of those cheesy stuffed toys with large red eyes, white, sharp teeth and a cape. Popescu can't help but laugh at the cape which is made of some shiny polyester like cloth.
"Reminded me of you," Niko admits with a shrug.
"Cause I'm Romanian?" Alin chuckles, shaking his head, "You Bulgarians really care about nationalities and whatnot, don't you?"
The taller teen shrugs,
"Well yeah, I thought it would be funny. Plus if we go by stereotypes, I should be asking you where my bottle of vodka is?"
Alin pales a little, looking away. He's not sure what exactly to say, somehow he should have seen this coming except he was so happy all evening being with the other, he hasn't thought it through.
"Um…uh, I didn't get you anything," he blurts out in the end, feeling his cheeks become as red as the cape of the plushie vampire.
Nikolai's eyes widen for a fraction of a second and disappointment flickers through the sea of green but it dies out just as quickly as it came. Instead he plasters on a wide smile,
"No worries, presents are lame any way," he says in a haste, "Plus I mean I only bought yours as a joke and it's nothing special or expensive so-"
"Niko," Alin interrupts him, quickly shortening the distance between them, "No need to make excuses, I'm the one who screwed up. I didn't think we would celebrate Christmas and-"
"Because you were mad at me," the Bulgarian interjects, looking at his feet,
"Yes but…you proved me wrong and you showed me you do care and-" Popescu pauses, unsure how to continue, "And that's one of the most amazing things anyone has done for me."
"Proving you wrong?" Niko chuckles, raising an eyebrow, "Man, I love doing that to others,"
Alin shakes his head with a smile,
"I didn't mean that but rather…you showed me you care and-"
He hesitates about what to say, wondering how far he can go with what he wants to express. In the end the Bulgarian beats him to it and leans in, joining their lips together.
Popescu takes him in, wraps his hands around his neck as the other deepens the kiss. They haven't been close for days and now the contact feels all the better, almost electrifying in its intensity.
Nikolai lifts him up from the floor and Alin can't help the small (definitely very manly) squeal which flies past his lips.
They continue the make out session on the bed, quick and messy touches, deep kisses. The Bulgarian is on top, taking charge as he kisses him lower, going for his neck and then his clavicle.
Alin shuts his eyes close, he can feel himself harden by the minute. He realizes where this is going but he honestly can't do it. Not yet. And not because he doesn't want to but because he's still not ready.
Niko senses his hesitation and stops, pulling away a little. His hair is a little longer, soft brown locks falling around his pale face. Popescu raises a hand and runs his fingers through them.
They keep silent for a few brief moments, eyes locked together, green falling over dark brown.
It's just the two of them and the silence of his room and honestly Alin feels like he can't even describe what it is between them. There are no words, neither in English, nor Romanian. It's that feeling he doesn't have a name for, the feeling where you want to cling onto a moment, snatch at it and put it in a box so you can get to look at it every time you want.
Maybe those moments are all about what life should be like.
"You wanna go to sleep?" Ivanov asks in the end, effectively making sure there aren't any small traces of awkwardness between them.
Alin is eternally grateful that they don't have to talk this through, that he doesn't have to explain he isn't ready, not yet.
"Yeah," he says simply and Ivanov nods, turning to his side and wraps strong arms around him.
The Romanian shifts until they face each other, the ridiculous vampire plushie between them. He buries his face into the crook of his neck, inhaling in the taller boy. He doesn't smell of alcohol this time, not it's rather a minty shampoo and maybe something else which is mixed in with a trace of smoke. Maybe…maybe the Bulgarian has decided on a new perfume and Alin can't help but smirk at the idea Niko is making an effort to impress him.
They keep quiet for a long time and he can feel himself almost drift off. But he still remains awake, clinging onto the magical moment, wanting to seal every little detail of it in his mind.
He wonders if Niko is asleep until he hears him talk,
"Today was the first time it felt like Christmas since dad died," he admits, voice quiet but sincere, "Thank you,"
Author's Note: Soo what did you think of the Christmas fluff? I'm sorry if this chapter was a little on the cheesy side but…Let me tell you – enjoy it while it lasts! Because in the next chapters shit will go down!
* Christmas really is celebrated on the 7th of January in Russia, Ukraine and Belarus.
Elizaveta Hedervary - Hungary Haha Alin wasn't as angry about Elizaveta as this is an AU and not the country version per se but let me tell you it won't be all sunshine for the two :D Thanks for commenting!
maryranstadler1 Totally! It's a good thing he has Alin now though ^^
GarGoyl How can Niko have feeling for Liz when Alin is around xD Haha, but seriously he really needs to appreciate his Romanian ^^
Thoughts on Alin and Niko's relationship progressing and cheesy gifts xD?
Please review!