"Nightmares aru?" Yao repeated.
"Da."
"Well...about what?"
Again, silence filled the cell. A silence that could kill, making you feel more alone in the world than anything else.
"Nothing, it is getting late, you should take your own advice and go to bed." Ivan turned, imitating what the Asian had done before.
Yao scoffed at the rudeness. "Fine aru, I really don't care!" Though deep down inside, he really did want to know. He bent back up and closed his eyes mumbling to himself. "Stupid jail..." But he was too tired from such a long day, he let sleep soon take him.
-^)^-
The next morning came quicker then Yao wanted it too. He always woke up at exactly 6:30 so he knew what time it was when he opened his eyes to pitch blackness. He groaned to himself, just wanting this jail thing to be a dream, unfortunately it was not to his dismay.
He sat up in his "bed" and flinched slightly as pain shot through him. "Aiya." He said softly to himself. "Why of all people in the world did I have to be cursed with the old man back aru." Carefully he climbed down the ladder, almost killing himself trying to reach the bottom floor. He shivered at the cold that surrounded his body as he left the comfort of his warm blankets.
Quickly he went to the bathroom, he thought how disgusting to have to share the same toilet in their room and splashed some water in his face from the dirty sink. He knew he was not going back to sleep, not now. The Asian undid the messy ponytail that he forgot to take out last night and let the long blackish locks fall past his slim shoulders. He shuddered again "Stupid cold aru." He tried ignoring it, running his small fingers through his hair, rubbing the scalp. It felt nice to finally let it down and have some time to himself.
Suddenly he heard a slight whimpering from behind him. The Chinese man looked back and with hardly any vision, though enough because his eyesight had become accustom to the dark, saw that the Russian man was tossing his head slightly back and forth. He could see the man shiver, his large hand clutched at the scarf around his neck, mumbling's low beneath his breath. "N-No..S-I'm sorry, no!" He groaned but would not wake up.
Yao felt his heart sink into his stomach. Maybe it was his motherly instincts that told him to do something for the other. Countless times he had seen and dealt with his stepbrothers and sisters nightmare problems. This was no different even if he was a inmate and an adult. Inside he was just a little kid.
He reached up onto his bed and grabbed both of the covers, knowing he wont need them anymore. He quietly sat on the edge of the bed and placed the covers on the bigger man. He still continued to shake and mumble lowly but it seemed to die down as the blankets gave him a little warmth. Yao turned his back on the Russian although still half-way seated on the mans bed and began to sing softly.
"rén shēng jì yī shì fāng xǐng chūn yǐ mù
sì shí gēng biàn huà, suì yuè yī hé sù
yì rú cháng hé xīng, sī rú míng yuè xuán
sù shŏu zhuó qīng sī , zhī chéng shuāng luó xuán
shéi néng wèi cĭ qū, zhuàn zhóu fù xiāng sī
bō xián shēng shēng màn, chóu chú yù yŭ chí
fāng huá zhĭ chà nà, cán xiāng kòng yú zhī
dī méi xìn shŏu tán, shuì jìn xīn zhōng shì"
He held back a chocking sob in his throat as he tried to continue with the lyrics but he just couldn't help himself. The hot salty water leaked from his golden eyes, falling silently onto his pants. Hiccuping softly he rubbed his eyes frantically with his sleeves.
"I liked that song...you have a beautiful voice."
"Ugh!" Yao shot a glance back at the Russian man who was staring at him. Yao jumped off the bed wiping away the rest of the tears. "Sorry aru..." He said softly. "I-I didn't mean to wake you up."
"No, its fine. I was having a nightmare again, but..." There was a pause as if the man was afraid to say it. "I heard your voice and it woke me out of it." Although some of that was true, he could not tell Yao the whole thing. He could not tell Yao that he pulled him out of his cold nightmare and brought him into a warm embrace. Shattering the dark illusions around him.
Ivan looked down at his body. "You gave me the blankets?"
"Oh yes, you looked cold and I didn't need them anymore aru." He said blushing slightly.
"Thank you." Ivan said softly but that thank you meant more than just for the blankets.
If only Yao knew.
They both decided to stay up and get ready for the rest of the day. Although, Yao wasn't really sure what you do in prison. It was now about seven o-clock, light shined through the huge windows of the prison, lighting the once darken halls, you could hear other inmates getting up and talking slightly. Guards began gathering their things for the day, walking past the gates to check on the prisoners.
As Yao sat on his bed he looked down at the Russian, who somehow, still seemed to look taller than him even why'll the Chinese man was on the top bunk. He shifted his gaze to the side. "So Ivan, What do we do for the day aru?"
The silver haired man yawned softly, stretching his limbs out. The beds were really small, it hardly kept the Russian's height. "Well...hmm..." Ivan thought for a moment. "First, we go to breakfast and since today is Wednesday, after breakfast we go down to the shower halls. After that they let us outside for a nice break! Then its lunch, free time and dinner."
"Hmm, sounds adventurous." Yao said sarcastically
"You will have good time Yao-Yao!" The Russian smiled. "I promise da~"
-^(^-
"Dude, this breakfast is the bomb! I love french toast!" Yelled the loud American as they all were seated at the table.
"Oui, because it is French non?"
Ah, shut up you Frenchy! Alfred dug his fork into the toast and stuffed a whole piece into his mouth. As he swallowed the food whole, he began hacking, trying to force the rest of the food down his throat. why'll some like Gilbert, Ivan and Miguel all started laughing at the capitalist.
"Ah! You bloody git!" The Englishman patted on Alfred's back. "Be careful and chew your food!"
(Cough)(Cough) "Ha, hahaa!" He gulped down the food hard. "Ahh~" He sighed happily. "Hero's don't need to chew!"
"They do if they want to live!"
"Aww, you don't want me to die? How sweet Artie~" He leaned over and kissed the man on the lips.
Arthur's faced turned bright red. He quickly pushed the younger man off him, wiping away the taste of syurp that lingered on his lips. "You idiot, I told you not in public!"
"Aw, You're so shy its adorable! Hahaa."
"Ugh?" Yao looked at the two with a sort of shocked and disgust expression. "Y-You two are...dating?"
"You bet!" Alfred yelled happily swinging his arm around the now, aggravated older blondes shoulders. "Artie and I have been together for almost a couple of months now, we met at a bar! He got in extra trouble for letting a 17 year old drink and drive."
"17?" The Asian said in surprise.
"Oh yeah, I been here for like umm, a year now, just moved up from juvenile detention recently. You move up here once you hit 18."
Yao looked around the table. He couldn't believe he didn't see it before. "So, are all of you guys dating someone aru?"
"Ve! Of course we are Yao~" Happily announced the Italian. "Me and Ludwig have been together way before we ended up in jail. I love him, Ti amo~" He attacked the German, snuggling his face into the crook of the blue eyed man's neck.
Ludwig blushed a deep shade of red, prying the amber haired Italian off him. "Ja, ich liebe dich. He smiled softly, patting the young man's head. Ludwig looked over to Yao. The same thing goes for Romano and Antonio."
"Don't announce my relationships you stupid potato lover!"
"Aw, Come now Romano~" Antonio said happily trying to sooth the hot-headed male. It was too late though, the older Italian brother stormed off somewhere, quickly followed by the Spaniard.
"Anyway dude, only a certain few don't have their brands. Like Frenchy here and Ludwig's brother."
"Brands? What does that mean aru?"
"Brands, mon cher, is what we inmates in prison call our lovers, or sex toys~ Sang Francis, hearts all around him. If someone is branded, like mon Arthur is, then he is legally off the radar for other guys like moi, who don't like being in a committed relationship. We may be seen to the public as criminals but we have our own set of rules here that we all follow."
Yao blushed and looked to Ivan who's smile only seemed to get wider. He turned his head back to the table. "S-So does that mean, I-I am on the radar aru?"
"Da." Said the Russian.
"Oui, you are a target for all~ Especially me non?" He leaned over the table and winked at Yao, grabbing his hand. Yao blushed and was just about to yell when all of the sudden Ivan leaned over and squeezed Francis face roughly, almost bruising the cheeks. He made the blonde turn his head and look at him. The Russian's face went dark, his eyes shined with anger.
"Don't...touch him da?~" A child-like smile was placed on.
"O-Oui!" Francis said muffled as his face was still squashed in the giants hands. He trembled violently under the Russian's glare.
"Good!" Ivan said happily, letting go of the other mans face. "Yao-Yao~" He sang looking down to the Asian at his side who's face was locked in confusion. "I shall take our trays up da~"
"Uh, Thanks...Ivan." He watched as the Russian walked off.
"Wow man, that was totally weird." Gilbert said in shock.
"Ja, I know."
Everyone at the table looked at Yao which caused the man's face to gain a slightly pinkish tint. "W-Why aru? Did he do something wrong? I mean he was only protecting me, that's good right?"
"Well, the thing is dude." Alfred said swallowing his food and pointing his fork at the Chinese man. "Ivan never acted that way towards anyone. Everyone of Ivan's cell mates that he has had, he always let the Frenchy hit on them, he thought it was entertaining"
"Not only that." Butted in the Britain. "But you're still not hurt at all, I don't see one scratch on you. The others would all be black and blue by now".
"So, what do you think this means aru?" Yao looked around the table in fear.
"Well... it might be unlikely, but... he might 'like' you."
"That's ridiculous Artie, the mans a crazy psychotic psycho! He's not the kind to like someone."
"Hmm...you could be right."
"I-Its not all impossible to fall in love." A very timid voice called.
"Huh?" All the people at the table looked around for the small voice they sworn they heard.
"O-Over here eh?"
All turned their gaze over too the American's twin brother. The Canadian blushed deeply as for once all eyes landed on him.
"Yo! Mattie!" Alfred yelled loudly. "When did you get in jail?"
Matthew sighed. "About the same time as you Alfred." He looked down in defeat.
"Hey, why don't chu all be quiet and let my Matthew speak." Spouted the Cuban.
Matthew looked over to Miguel and smiled sheepishly, nodding his head. "W-Well, like I was saying, it is not impossible to fall in love eh? I mean all you fell in love, right?"
That being true, they all nodded in agreement. Maybe. Matthew smiled happily to himself, people actually listened to him. Miguel leaned over and planted a small kiss on the young boys lips. "That was really brave Mattie." He whispered against the blondes lips. The Canadian blushed deeply, smiling into the kiss he replanted on the Cuban. "Thanks~"
"Either way Yao, it could still not be true. I would still watch out, he could be playing with you, waiting for the right moment to strike." Arthur said.
Yao nodded, gulping slightly. He was now more confused then ever before. He was just about to say something else when the bell for breakfast being over rang loudly.
"Wooo!" Alfred shouted in excitement. "Its shower day! Lets go!" He ran off, arms out like he was flying. "Alfred Jones, Get back here!" Yelled Arthur chasing him. Everyone soon started departing from the table but Yao decided to stay back and wait for Ivan. He was to terrified to walk the halls of the jail alone. What was taking him so long anyway?
Hidden from sight by the inmates, he didn't see that the Russian was watching him from a dark corner. Ivan clenched his fist tightly as he stood watching the petite man lean his chin on his palm. His heart began to race, he clenched his chest. "What is wrong with me." He growled to himself. He was so angry he punched part of the wall, cracking it. He saw one inmate walk up the Yao and sit down next to him. It was sort of a small man, he had light blonde hair and a white beret on his head. His anger only seemed to rise and decided to rejoin his friend.
"Oh, H-Hello aru." Yao said nervously at the younger looking boy.
"Moi moi~" He said happily. "Hiya, my name is Tino, you look lonely, are you ok? You don't want to be here too late, you'll get in trouble."
"Ah, I am just waiting for a friend aru."
"Oh, I will wait with you since I am waiting for a friend too moi moi~" He beamed a bright smile which made Yao want to smile.
"By the way, my name is Wang Yao."
"Yao~ Its nice to meet you!"
"Kolkolkol~" Both men jumped in their seats as a evil sound appeared behind them. Ivan placed a hand on the small blondes shoulder. "Excuse me but me and Yao-Yao have to leave now da? I would advice you to go away~" Tino shook under the touch.
"Hey." Came an emotionless voice from behind Ivan. The silver haired man look over his shoulder and there, standing at his height was a tall man with again, light blonde hair and glasses. The Russian growled under his breath and slipped his hand off of the boys shoulder.
"Berwald!" Tino screamed running over too the man clutching his clothes tightly.
Berwald, as he was named, patted the young boys head. "I's ok, m, wife."
"I told you I am not your wife!"
The tall glasses wearing man looked back over to Ivan. "I w'uld suggest, y' take y' own advice, 'n' leave m, wife alone."
The Russian snarled. He looked down to Yao who was shaking his head. "He didn't do anything wrong Ivan. He was nice and was keeping me company until you came back aru." The sentence was said so strictly, that Ivan had to back off. He sighed heavily looking back up to the other two.
"Sorry." Ivan mumbled softly pouting.
"I really am sorry for his actions aru." Yao apologized properly for the childish man. "Thank you Tino."
The blonde smiled and waved. "You're most welcome Yao, moi~"
They walked away and Yao looked sternly up at Ivan. "Listen, I know you're just trying to help and it may be none of my business but you'll never make friends by being mean to them and scaring them off aru."
The Russian looked like he was about to cry. Pouting his lips even more. Small tears fled but not a lot. He tried wiping them away. Yao watched with concern as the man started silently weeping. His heart sank yet again. "Why does he have to be so childish aru!" Yao yelled into his head. "That's like my only weakness."
Yao sighed heavily and stretched his arm up to pat the Russian's shoulder in comfort. "There, there..." Yao said softly. "Please don't cry aru."
All the sudden Ivan leaned down and wrapped his arms around Yao's small body, bringing him in close and leaning his forehead on the Asian's small shoulder. The grip tighten as Yao tried to pull away.
"I-Ivan aru!" Yao's face puffed into redness. "This is inappropriate!" But he quickly stopped yelling when he felt water seep onto his shirt, soaking through." Aiya..." Yao said softly, patting the mans head. "I guess even crazy psychos need hugs once in awhile."
After a while of standing in complete awkwardness, Ivan let go of the smaller man, wiping away the rest of the tears on his face.
"I'm sorry." He said softly.
Sigh. "Its ok aru." He said lifting up the fabric were a huge wet stain on his shoulder was. "Now I could really use that shower."
"Ah, That's right! We are late, lets go." He grabbed the man's hand and quickly led him to the shower hall.
"Ivan, not so fast aru!" Yao tried desperately too keep up with the larger man's pace. The Russian just giggled walking even faster. When they reached the shower hall lockers, everyone immediately started taking off their clothes. Yao followed along, blushing he didnt like taking off his clothes in front of anybody. He quickly wrapped his towel along his waist and made sure it stayed in place before anyone could see his forbidden garden. He looked up to Ivan who was smiling down at him in a...very creepy manner.
"So what shower do I go in aru?"
"Silly little Yao~ We all share the same shower room da!" He pointed to a huge white room down the ways that was holding current inmates, all in there with each other, showering together.
"W-Wait...W-We have to take a shower in there aru?"
Ok, first. The song Yao sang was called "Tsumugi Uta." I got the Chinese version. Its beautiful, go look it up.
Maa, sorry to leave you at such a good moment! Lol. I did start writing the next chapter right away because I want to get at least the second part of this done before I leave for vacation. So this is only Part 1 of chapter 3 because this was going to be one long chapter if I didn't stop it. And I like to make you guys wait~ I will post the 2nd one as soon as I can.
Please keep reading!~ And thank you!~
Oh! And sorry I didn't tell you about Ivan's Nightmares, it will come into play later, I promise~ I can't give you guys everything all ready.