Disclaimer: Hetalia isn't mine

Chapter 5

Secret

"Where is it we are going?" Russia's voice felt strained as he attempted to comprehend the being walking ahead of him. His eyes played tricks on him as they kept seeing sunshine dance off the man's hair as he walked; their leisurely pace not something he was used to. Rushing everywhere was the way Russia did things; there was always somewhere to be and someone to see.

Casting his green eyes back at the Russian, which was more of a side glance due to the scarfed man's height, Arthur spoke clearly and confidently, gesturing his hands as if he couldn't care who his companion was. Russia was very perplexed.

"I'm just off on a stroll really; I hadn't expected to run into someone of my stature at all. I was told by a certain blonde that I spend too much time indoors anyway." Russia glowered at the mention of the capitalist country.

"Is not like he is your boss; if you are wanting to stay inside then do this. He is not coming to enforce daylight activities, da?" A light chuckle came from the Englishman and Russia found himself trapped in his cat like orbs once more. The thought of America enforcing anything must have been funny to him. Russia just frowned; remembering the Cold War with a shiver.

The odd pair continued walking down the street, Russia slightly behind England and taking in the dreary scenery. The odd sunlight caught his attention once more; offering some sort of end to the awkward silence between them. Silently sighing, the Russian spoke as though it was natural.

"Is good day for walking, this weather is odd for your country is it not? The amount of sunlight today is… ah… is good fortune?" He gritted his teeth together tightly, making a pained face. Why was simple speaking so difficult?

A sigh escaped from the blonde and drew Ivan's attention. A slight smile had appeared on Arthur's face and the taller man felt his eyes widen as his frown deepened. He needed to figure out what this barrage of emotions was called and how to deal with them quickly.

"The weather is rather nice isn't it…?" The smaller man sounded almost wistful as he walked forward; his arms folding around himself as a wind brought the smell of roses to their beings. Arthur was letting the wind hit his face head on, seeming to enjoy the air. Ivan shoved his nose down into the scarf. "Not every day we get sun like this, it truly is a blessing."

The Russian watched the Englishman closely from his scarf; amethyst eyes trained on the back of his head. What was going on in that brain of his? Did he really mean that he wanted Ivan's company or was that just another bluff from the usually grumpy man? Perhaps he was simply a very good actor and put up with Russia's company as long as he had to before the man would leave.

Nodding lightly, agreeing with that revelation, the Russian began to pay more attention to the street around him; the buildings that seemed to bring the term "city living" to its full potential. Small shops lined the street, some for pies and others for jewelry. A record store sat in between a small bistro and a dance hall. The colors seemed to blend together, creating something that appeared very bland at a glance.

"So, how are you, Russia? I don't get to speak with you very often; Alfred always being too noisy to even pay attention to anyone else you know." Ah. How had he been? Worrying about the whereabouts of his weapon had been a near hellish experience, but people didn't say they felt anxious when asked this question. He simply decided to go with the normal response and remain neutral.

"I am fine."

The Brit cocked a prominent brow, but didn't press the issue. Instead he opted to ask small, hopefully conversation starting questions. Russia would have laughed, but the reality was that he wanted to hold a conversation with this man. He simply didn't know how.

"Do you get any sunny days up in the fortress of snow and ice?" Oh, this question was strange. Of course he got sunny days, but the weather always remained cold. The snow almost never melted, but nothing substantial could be grown before the frost began to seep back into the soil. So, Russia was cold, was that the right answer?

Shrugging softly, he felt his scarf tighten up slightly. "Is simply cold in homeland; nothing too different other than this. Snow storms this time of year always make it seem worse." There, truthfully answered question. He smiled to himself; conversing was easy!

"I see." Why did he sound upset? Russia peeked down at Arthur, curiosity blooming in his chest. The man was smiling, though. How could someone be smiling and yet look so sad? Suddenly, the Brit looked up at him and Russia felt his chest squeeze painfully.

"Is it hard for you…?"

Where had all that concern burst from?! Russia found himself babbling like a confused idiot in his mind, the gears whirring and clanking while they attempted a response to the emerald eyes nation's question. They had stopped walking and were simply staring at each other, Arthur's eyes glistening with worry while Ivan's were wide with confusion and shock.

"Sometimes…" Russia found his voice was betraying him as it cracked under the pressure. "Sometimes it gets lonely I am supposing. But I am such a busy person I hardly have time to feel it, da?" He couldn't lie to those eyes. Not when they held so much concern and worry. The words tumbled out of their own accord at this point and Ivan could feel his face heating as he continued.

"It is not as if I am feeling lonely," Shutting his eyes, Ivan could still feel a shamrock gaze burning into his flesh. "It is simply that the cold and the dark and the biting wind do not offer companionship, yes? They are like friends, but they are also like wolves and do not offer warmth of comrades…"

After the confession, Russia let his glowing eyes slip open a small fraction to glare at the offending person. Jeweled eyes were wide and out of focus as Arthur took in his demeanor and put on a soft smile. Slowly letting his heart rate settle, the silver haired giant crossed his arms over his chest protectively. He began walking quickly down the street, heat rising to his face. What was that heat? Russia hated it.

"Wait, are you just going to leave like that? I daresay I think not, sir!" Glancing back, the Russian allowed himself to be followed by a frantic British man, turning himself away when he fell into step beside him. If he really wanted to leave, he would have a long time ago.

"I am not leaving… I am simply allowing breathing room, da?" He felt a frown tug at his lips and forced them into his signature smile. Frowning was ugly and no one wanted to see it on his face anyway. He heard a small laugh and turned towards the giggling nation, eyes wide. "Chto?"

"I know a way to make you chipper again. Come, we'll go to a florist, I'll lead the way." Russia uncrossed his arms and followed the man curiously. Why were they going to a florist? Unless…

"England, why are we going to florist? You aren't having enough plants as it is with infamous rose garden?" He hadn't meant for it to sound like an insult, but both America and France had mentioned the sheer size of England's garden and it sounded greatly over thought. If it was as large as he had heard, why did Arthur need to add to it?

Those damn eyes sparkled mischievously before he responded. It was as if he knew a secret and Ivan dreaded what it was the Englishman knew. Perhaps it was such a secret that was in violation of Russia's code of conduct and he was planning on overthrowing the Russian man with it?

"I think I will buy more roses, but we're getting you some sunflowers, Ivan. I know how you love them so much."

Russia stopped breathing and tripped over his own feet. Why in the world did Arthur know that of all things? And furthermore, why did he care?

"When did you find this fact…? I was not aware you cared so much for my opinion…" Russia's voice was very small as heat pooled in his cheeks once again. He couldn't care less about the heat; he just wanted to know Arthur's answer. He couldn't imagine the British man's want to purchase him sunflowers at all. Though, the thought was far from unpleasant and left a rather warm feeling in his chest…

"Of course I care, we're friends aren't we?"

Russia blinked in response, pausing slightly before jogging up to the man's side once more.

"….D-Da…?"