AN: What's this? An update? XD All joking aside, you can't believe the ammount of guilt that consumed me for taking so long with this chapter... But do not despair! All fics I post will be finished eventually. (Hopefully the wait won't be as long)

I would like to thank everyone who has taken the time to read this story and review, fav, etc. A gigantic thank you to all those who have also read/reviewed my oneshots. I totally love every single one of you. I wish I knew how to thank you guys, but I'm totally drawing a blank.

Thanks: Lochesh, My Precious Laith, Lll, Wang Yao, lady-ribbon, tabby-chan, Angelica Slovoski, Tallisa of Swallow's Crest, Doitsu, Kazemizu, yukidaru, kwaii-Chan-chan, , Kami011, Idiotichobo, Inner-Hinata, ruby, DeadDolls, and LolliDictator for reviewing chapter 3! Why are you guys so awesome? XD

The extended (it's over 9000!) thanks to: Lochesh, lady-ribbon, Idiotichobo, kwaiiChan-chan, and Doitsu for reviewing all 3 chapters~ . *is feeling all sappy*

To fans of FMA! If you're into RoyxEd, Doitsu has a new story called 'Dreams on Fire'. Check it out and review~!

Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia

Every Sigh Holds Thoughts of You

Chapter Four

How long had be been staring at the ceiling?

Ivan's eyes stared at nothing, looking up towards the ceiling, but not focusing on it. He allowed his vision to grow blurry as he continued to lean against the wall, sitting on the cold floor. His whole body was overwhelmed with numbness, slack with no motivation to move. A cold wind possessed his body and soul. Even the artificial warmth produced by vodka was unable to warm him. His being had not felt warm since before his argument with Yao, when he still hoped that there was some possibility it was all a misunderstanding.

Deep within, Ivan could feel a piece of himself urging himself urging him to talk to Yao, to change the situation, demand an explanation, but he could not find it in him to go beyond thinking, to act.

The nights were filled with dreamless sleep, more of a shutting down of the body than any actual rest, awaking with no intentions to fulfill. Only leaving his room to perform his duties as a nation, the rest of his time was consumed with sinking to his floor in a haze, never moving from that one spot.

Why? His eyes were dry, but his broken heat was crying out in pain. The weariness never lifted. It was like the whole world was laughing at him.

He felt so

Empty.

Hesitantly, Ivan reached toward his chest to feel if his heart was still beating. It was the only measurement of time he had nowadays. Thinking back several days, Ivan could still remember Yao's guarded eyes as he denied his accusations. Turmoil and apprehension under his amber eyes, Yao was still trying to talk when Alfred dragged him away.

What had he been trying to say?

Ivan hadn't heard a word from Yao since. He believed that if Yao truly cared, he would have visited or called by now. Instead, his house remained silent, no sign or evidence that the Chinese nation would ever be appearing. But he supposed that that was what love was, leaving yourself vulnerable, giving another your heart. You had to risk them crushing you. He wanted complete silence, to be left alone with his broken heartbeats. Ivan closed his eyes, blocking out his surroundings.

Ring!

The annoying sound of his telephone cut through the air, causing Ivan to flinch at the noise.

Ring!

The shrill sound was grating on Ivan's nerves, he willed it to stop.

Ring!

But- Ivan's eyes opened in realization.

Ring!

It could be—

Ring!

Yao!

Ivan rushed towards the phone, scrambling to pick up the phone's handle before the ringing ceased. His heart thrumming against his chest, beats echoing in his ears, Ivan's face was alight with anticipation. He quickly spoke into the phone, voice unable to contain his excitement.

"Yao! I knew you would call!"

He silently waited for a reply. A muffled cough could be heard from the other end of the phone. A slightly hesitant voice was obviously caught off guard for being mistaken for his brother.

"Ano, Russia-san. This is Japan."

Ivan's face visibly wilted; disappointed that it was not Yao's voice on the phone. He wondered why Japan would call his house. They weren't exactly on good terms, and hardly talked to one another.

"Ah…Japan…"

Ivan's voice trailed off, signaling to Kiku that he was not going to say anymore. Getting straight to the point, Kiku informed Ivan of the reason for his call.

"Yao is in the hospital."

Kiku sounded even more apathetic on the phone, voice neutral and precise. Inside, Ivan could feel dread welling up inside himself, but he couldn't betray any of his feeling over the phone, and maintained his usual cheerful voice. He needed to pretend like nothing was wrong. Cheerful, but still inquisitive.

"I've never heard of Yao getting sick."

Maybe this was all just a trick, Ivan mused.

"He's immortal, not immune to all disease. He simply collapsed due to fatigue. Are you going to visit him or not?"

Ivan blinked owlishly and he listened to Kiku's words. That was the most he'd ever heard the small Japanese man say in one go. A little dumbfounded by Kiku's sudden talkativeness, Ivan remained silent, still questioning why Yao suddenly fell ill.

"I've e-mailed you the address and room number of where Yao is staying, do as you wish."

Click.

Japan hung up the phone. Ivan, seeing that the conversation was over, slowly returned the phone to it's original position, and tried to sort through his confused thoughts.

He didn't want to look too worried, as he wandered the halls of the hospital. They were still fighting, were they not? Their meeting would be very awkward. What was he supposed to say to Yao? It was him that broke his heart, leaving without one word of explanation. But thinking back on Japan's words, Yao collapsed due to fatigue. What exactly had caused Yao to get so tired? What if he had tried to visit? To call? Ivan shook his head, trying to clear his thoughts. Too many conflicting thoughts would only give him a headache.

Finding the wing that Yao was residing, Ivan counted down the room numbers until he reached Yao's door. He was just about to enter when he heard a painfully familiar voice on the other side.

Cheerful and overconfident.

Alfred.

USxUK in the next chapter! Still fighting with myself on how far to take the smut... (USxUk and Rochu...)

Please R&R!