[Thank you all so much again for all the positive feedback and such! ;u; here's another chapter, I hope y'all like it. Keep reviewing! by the by, I apologize for not adding accents, they're so frustrating to put in...lol...I hope you enjoy!]

[Also, this may be my final chapter. I think it is a good ending point, but...you tell me! If anyone sees another opening and has an idea, tell me in your review, or if you prefer it ended like this, tell me~! Remember, I can always write a new story. :) Happy reading!]

Warmth...

He felt...warm. Warmer than usual. As if he were floating.

Was he dead?

He couldn't remember a thing...

His lilac eyes flitted open and focused after a brief moment.

Clouds.

Sitting up slowly, he put his hands down to help him.

Grass.

The sweet scent of raw nature filled his nose, and he smiled- a genuine smile.

His mouth opened at the sight in front of him- he was completely intranced.

Sunflowers. Sweet sunflowers.

Fumbling to his feet with a start, he raced across the field to meet them. He stopped just before them, panting.

Were they real?

He could only know if he touched them.

Touch...

Feel...

He extended out a hand, desperate to know.

Touch...

He returned his hand to its original position. He had had dreams similar to this before.

But...

Was he dreaming?

He closed his eyes once more, and reached, swallowing hard.

Touch.

The object in his hand did not feel like a sunflower, let alone a petal.

And he realized, slowly, that he wasn't standing anymore. He felt the cushy, coolness of the bed beneath him with his free hand.

He had woke from his dream-state.

Feeling the object, he noticed it had...fingers-? Five of them, no doubt.

Ivan's eyes flickered open and adjusted to the gentle sunlight coming in the windows in the room. Blinking, he walked his eyes up the hand he held captive with his own, straight into the sky blue eyes of- wait- Germany?

Germany.

Germany's hand.

Not to mention Germany's face, which was the perfect painting of confusion; not to mention he was blinking as if he didn't recognize Ivan.

"Oh-" Russia said once he fully processed the scene, and sat up, releasing his hand, "Prosti menya- I mean forgive me-"

Germany cleared his throat and looked at him, his cheeks a bit flushed. "It's fine, it's fine, don't worry about it." He took a seat on the edge of the bed, and placed that same, warm hand on Ivan's forehead. "Are you alright? You passed out last night. I was worried-" then he stopped.

Ivan stared back at him, and swallowed.

Ludwig's hand was so warm...

Warmth...

"Da..I feel...fine..." He managed. "I passed out...?"

"That's good." Ludwig replied, and smiled, a hint of worry flashing in his eyes as he stood. "Ja, you fainted after...that heated arguement started with America. You ran outside."

There was a moment of silence as Russia remembered vaguely the events Ludwig was telling him. "Oh..."

"I'm making breakfast for us if you're hungry. The kitchen is this way." He pivoted and walked around the corner of his hotel room, and entered the neat little kitchen.

Ivan watched him disappear. Only when he was gone did he transfer his gaze to the bed sheets.

His mind began to race.

Was this Germany's room-? I passed out-? He took care of me-?

He cares for me-?

He cares...?

Ivan slipped his legs to the side, out of the covers, and walked to the corner. He glanced around the edge of the wall at the blond, who was cooking diligently.

He thought about Ludwig's warm hand, the feeling of his warmth and softness still lingering on his forehead. He thought about the brightness of his face, hair and eyes.

Ludwig reminded him of a sunflower.

Warm and Perfect.

Slowly, he made his way over and sat down on a bar stool at the counter at the opposite side of the kitchen, watching him cook from behind. Ludwig had obviously had a shower, but his hair wasn't cleanly slicked back into place like usual. It was untamed, but not a mess. Ludwig looked pretty good when he wasn't all business.

He put his elbow on the table and held his chin in his palm, gaze never wavering. A strange warmth filled his cheeks and chest as he watched. Germany glanced over his shoulder at him, and Ivan couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, Ivan's mouth started making words. "How did I end up in your bed-? Well in your room, anyway- you didn't carry me, did-"

Ludwig interrupted quickly, "Well of course I did. You're not that heavy. It was no problem."

There was a moment of silence before Ludwig continued, "And, well...I initially put you on the couch, but...I... felt like I needed to monitor you." He cleared his throat again.

Maybe he really did care...

"Oh..." Ivan thought aloud, a bit embarassed. "I'm sorry for putting you through so much trouble-"

Germany shook his head and looked at him with a smile as he set Ivan's plate of sausage, sunny side-up eggs, and buttered toast on the counter and slid it over. "I have never heard you apologize so much in your life, Ivan." He gave a quiet chuckle and walked around the counter, sitting with his own plate.

Ivan fell quiet and shut his gaping mouth, a wave of even worse embarassment passing through him. His face must have been cherry-red. No longer able to look at Germany, he turned and started playing with his food- like a child who had just been scolded by their parents at the dinner table.

Ludwig turned as well, but couldn't help but stop and shake his head with a smile when he caught Ivan playing with his food out of the corner of his eye.

Eventually, both Russia and Germany cleaned their plates.

After rinsing the plates and putting them in the dish washer Ludwig glanced down at his watch, "Ten o'clock," he gave a tsk, "I never usually start this late."

Late?

Ivan opened his mouth but shut it when Ludwig shot him a cocked eyebrow and half smiled look that only could have meant "If you say sorry again, you will be sorry."

"What are you doing today?" Ivan decided to say instead.

Ludwig sighed in thought and pulled a light jacket on over his tank top. "Nothing important for once."

Ivan smiled.

Maybe we could spend the day together-?

Alone...with him.

Suddenly the thought sounded a bit scary to him. Ivan hadn't spent lengthy personal time with another country for years and-

"I guess this means we can go tour Paris together. Come on." Ludwig slipped his room key into his pocket and opened the door.

The tall Russian did not hesitate to follow.

Once they were out on the sidewalk, Ludwig looked at him. "So, where to first?"

Ivan blinked and thought a moment. "Across the street." He pointed at the Seine river, flowing by easily, only momentarily interrupted by a passing boat.

Ludwig chuckled a bit. "Very well."

And so they walked, side by side, together, to the corner, steps perfectly in synch with one another.

Ivan smiled with his hands in his pockets, rocking on his heels as they made sure the street was clear of traffic. When safe, they crossed and made their way to the water's edge. They stood for about five minutes, watching the boats go by and the waves which followed. Once bored with the river, Ludwig asked what Ivan thought of it, only to get "Looks deep," in return.

Ludwig and Ivan crossed the bridge a little ways down and began walking aimlessly through the streets of Paris. They began to strike up conversation, and carried on constantly, sharing a story now and then. They talked about old times and good times, but never seemed to bring up anything bad. Whenever a bad subject came up, on the part of either side, Ludwig proceeded to a new, better topic.

And Ivan appreciated it.

The two stopped at a small restraunt around 2:30, and shared a late lunch, talking the whole of the time. This caused them to sit there until five o'clock, because they were so side tracked-

Once out of the restraunt Ludwig turned to Ivan and then looked past him up the street. "Ah," he nodded his head, "Let's head that way."

The two started off on their walk again, never tiring of walking or their company.

Ivan looked down and smiled, watching their synchronized steps, and gave a giggle.

Ludwig looked up at him, raising an eyebrow. He looked down as well. "What is it? Did I step in something?"

Russia shook his head, grinning away. "Nyet, I just remembered...They say that if you match steps with someone, you understand each other..."

Germany blinked at this new information, and looked at their steps with a faint blush coming into his cheeks. "Then I guess we understand one another..." He smiled a bit at the older nation.

They looked at each other a moment, walking together, smiling in a new found silence.

Then Ludwig almost walked into a tree on the sidewalk, and Ivan laughed.

Ludwig blushed with embarassment, and Ivan patted him on the back. "Maybe you should wear those glasses of yours all the time."

Ludwig retorted with "Those are for reading-!" only to be cut off by the loud honk of a car.

Both of them turned their heads to see a huge arch, surrounded by a circular avenue.

The Des Champs Elysees, with the outstandingly beautiful L'arc de Triomphe in the center.

Both nations opened their mouths at the size of the pale white arc, and stared for a second. "Oh. Wow."

They fought to make their way across the crazy traffic of the huge traffic circle, and eventually were rewarded by standing right underneath the arc. Walking underneath the immense structure, they admired the detail and embellishments, and found the guards walking around the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. After paying their respects and admiring two of France's amazing sights, they made their way back across the traffic circle, and walked down a new street, chattering away.

The sun sat on the rooftops of the many buildings surrounding them, watching them walk around the city until it could be seen no more.

Ivan noticed the sun was no longer in the sky, and guessed it was sunset. He stopped, remembering something, and gasped happily.

Ludwig stopped a few steps ahead of him and looked back at him. "What is it?"

Ivan grinned. "The Eiffel Tower! It should be starting to light up by now! Come on!" and with that, he started down the street, Ludwig following right behind.

By the time they reached the grand tower, it was indeed, lit up, from head to toe.

Ivan and Ludwig walked into the grass and stood, craning their heads back to take it all in. It was enormous up close, and far away.

"Woooow~" Ivan sighed, smiling at it. He looked at Germany, "Isn't it pretty?" He asked as they got a bit closer.

"Ja, it is..." He replied, looking at Ivan, who was slightly ahead of him. "You know we could go up there. Maybe the other countries haven't beat us yet."

Russia looked at him, eyes a bit wide. "Up...there...?"

Germany nodded, "Up there," he put his hand on the taller man's shoulder and began leading him over.

Ivan stopped when they got to the tower, and Germany turned and looked at him. "What's wrong? Afraid of heights?"

Russia looked at him and then looked down, and showed him one hand, with his index finger and thumb an inch apart. Ludwig only smiled.

"Its alright, I won't let anything bad happen to you. I promise."

Ivan raised his head, blinking his lavender eyes at the German nation, who had his hand out.

"You can... hold my hand if you'd like."

Ivan couldn't help but blush, and hesitated a moment before he took his hand and stepped onto the elevator. He didn't even notice they were halfway to the top. All Ivan was thinking about was the feeling of Germany's hand in his. All Ivan could hear were those words-

"It's alright, I won't let anything bad happen to you."

"I promise."

Ludwig had promised.

The doors opened up again, and Ivan's eyes were filled with dark pink-purple skies decorated with stars, and the silhouettes of tall buildings and Paris streets, dotted with dimly lit windows. Ludwig lead him off the elevator, and over to the railing. Then, Ivan couldn't help but look down, and caught his breath in his throat when he saw the ant-like people below, and realized how far up they were.

Immediately, Ivan squeezed Ludwig's hand and stepped back.

Ludwig smiled and looked the Russian in the eyes, not bothered much by the pressure. "I've got you, Ja? I promised. There's nothing to worry about."

Russia stared straight back at him, face flushing pink as he let Germany lead him back over to the railing, place Ivan's hand on it, and place his own on top of it. They were standing close together, and Ivan didn't feel as worried...

Ludwig promised...

Ludwig smiled back at him, returning his gaze.

"I promise."

"Ludwig..." Ivan breathed out.

"Hey! Ludwig-"

The warmth of Germany's hand had left Ivan as Ludwig turned to the person who was calling his name, and a cold chill spiraled up Ivan's spine. His eyes were unglued from Germany, and now faced-

Alfred.

Ivan released the railing, and held his hand in his own. Ludwig raised an eyebrow at the American, clearly a bit unsettled by his sudden appearance, "Erm...Ja?"

Ivan figured Alfred must have already been on the other side of the 360 degree viewpoint.

But why...?

Alfred sighed and rubbed the back of his head. "Look, Ludwig...I'm sorry. I couldn't leave things with us so...scrambled...It was my fault. You're not a Nazi- you've made a change for the better, and I really respect you...I apologize for bringing up such a tender topic. Things got really out of hand and..."

Ludwig nodded and replied calmly, "Ja, I understand. Apology accepted. I'm sorry too, Alfred- it wasn't completely your fault. Danke for talking to me."

Alfred grinned, loosening up a bit. "Cool..." he put his fist out to Germany.

Germany only hesitated, sighed, rolled his eyes, and returned the fist bump.

The now giddy American chuckled and finally,(indirectly), spoke to Ivan, "So, you guys wanna get lunch or something tomorrow-?"

Then the elevator bell went off, and Ivan turned his head.

If only to make matters worse.

Another, shorter, platinum blonde bounded off the elevator with a bounce in her step. "Alfie~!" She exclaimed, hurried up to him without another thought, and kissed him on the cheek.

It was Ukraine.

Alfred froze, staring at Ivan, and suddenly, Ukraine noticed he was there. Her brother. She had just kissed the one man he couldn't stand-

kissed him.

On the cheek.

Ivan stared them down, smile no where to be seen. However, he did not appear angry- or in any particular mood for that matter. He just stared...

And with one step, he turned, and walked onto the elevator.

Vanya, wait-!

Click.

The elevator doors were shut tight.

He couldn't hear a thing on the ride down, and barely noticed a thing on the trip. He stepped out quickly once the elevator hit bottom.

Vanya.

Suddenly, there was a tightness around his hand, and he broke free of his trance, and he turned around.

Ludwig.

"Ivan...please wait..." He was looking up at him with those beautiful blue orbs. He seemed to gaze right into Ivan, because once they locked eyes, Ivan felt okay again. He felt warm again. Ludwig was like his sun.

Russia slowly smiled at the thought, and giggled, tears brimming his eyes.

Ludwig blinked, standing up straight, a firm hold on Ivan's hand. "Ivan...? Are you okay?"

Ivan nodded and put his other hand on his forehead, glancing down a moment. He nodded, "D-Da...I just..." He swallowed, then shook his head.

Ludwig slowly nodded after a moment. "Let's take you back to the hotel."

The whole walk back was a blur to Ivan, and they didn't talk as much as before. The only thing Ivan remembered was that Ludwig held his hand the whole way. Finally, they ended up in front of Ivan's room. Ivan pulled out his hotel room key and walked inside with him. Ludwig sat him down on the bed and told him to "rest up."

So Ivan did.

But when he woke up, it was even darker than before. Ivan blinked and rubbed an eye, feeling a light breeze soaking through his thin, long sleeved, black shirt. He narrowed his eyes, focusing on the clock next to him on the night stand.

Midnight.

The last night he would spend in Paris.

Alone...?

He sat up, and followed the light of the moon which shined through the glass doors that lead to the balcony, and glanced outside.

There he sat.

Germany.

He was sitting in the corner of the balcony in a chair, reading a book with his boots propped up on the railing.

"I promise..."

He watched him for a moment, then stood. After making his way over to the widely cracked glass doors, he slid one door open, and took a step outside. Ludwig looked up from his book, and smiled at Ivan. He stood, laying his book down, then hanging his glasses on the collar of his tank top. "You're awake. Feeling better?" He asked, running a hand through his blond locks.

Ivan met his eyes, "Da...aren't you tierd?"

Ludwig thought a moment and then shook his head in response. "Nein..." He leaned on the railing with his arms crossed, and looked out to the tower, which seemed to watch over the sleeping city.

Russia watched him, and couldn't help but smile. Leaning on the railing next to him, Ivan placed his chin in his hand. He then moved his eyes to the tower as well, and looked up to the pale moon, which sitting in a pond of stars in the sky. "Ludwig...you...you're the only one who doesn't act...terrified of me- who doesn't treat me wrong," he sighed, "You're not the nation everyone thinks you are- or still are. You're different...from..them."

Germany stood up straight, and gripped the railing gently, his mouth opening a bit as he processed what Ivan was saying to him.

"You treat me so kind-" Ivan smiled and shook his head with a subtle giggle to himself as he continued, "I never want to stop feeling like this...so- so warm. Its like...you're the only person who can thaw me out... and it feels so good- I don't want to go back home tomorrow and sit in that big house all by myself." He furrowed his brow, and looked at Germany, straightening up to look him in the eyes. Those endless pools which relfected Ivan.

Except...

Ivan liked this reflection.

Ivan slowly worked up an ounce of Russian willpower and placed his hand on the German's. "You're...my very own sunflower field."

Ludwig's mouth was agape as he stared at Ivan, his eyes seemed to be brimmed with small, crystalized tears. "Ivan...I'm sorry..." was all he could manage.

...I'm sorry?

What did he mean?

Ivan felt his heart stop. Had he just embarassed himself? Ludwig didn't want to be his sunflower, afterall-

It was understandable. Who would want to be?

Ivan looked down, and Ludwig must have noticed his lack of the ability to speak had hurt his friend.

Germany stepped closer and slowly placed his free hand on Ivan's cheek, and traced his jaw down to his chin, lifting so they could meet eyes once more.

"Ludwig...?" Ivan whispered as his cheeks turned rosey, unable to look away from Ludwig's smiling face. His heart fluttered at Germany's simple touch. He felt calm, but at the same time he felt like he could sprint straight through every street of Paris. He let out a deep sigh, and let the soft sounds of the night life below fill his ears. Ivan reached out and placed his hand on Ludwig's cheek, and felt the warmth of his cheek.

After a moment, Ludwig began to close the gap between them, their lips inches apart. He lifted both his hands to Ivan's flushed cheeks and held his face gently, looking back at him. Their lips brushed, and Ludwig could wait no longer. Closing his eyes, he pressed his lips against Ivan's tenderly, and he felt Ivan's arms wrap around his shoulders in response. Germany pulled back a moment, sighing, "Oh Ivan..." The Russian looked more red than ever, and tears were brimming his eyes as well.

Ivan had never been kissed before.

His lips tingled with anticipation. He couldn't keep his eyes off Ludwig. He was beautiful...

Russia moved his hand up and felt Germany's silky blonde locks in his hand as he closed his eyes again, and continued kissing him. He didn't just feel thawed- he felt like he had melted into Ludwig. A tear couldn't help but escape at the new sensation. True love. His heart clenched in his chest- no longer from fear of rejection, but from the overflowing joy of the moment. Acceptance. All Ivan had ever wanted. They held each other tight, locked in a moment of passion and love they had never felt before. Ludwig's heart beat quickly as he deepened the kiss. Neither of them retreated until one ran out of breath. Their noses touched as they gazed lovingly into each other's eyes.

"I'll never leave you, Ivan...I...I......I love you."

A promise.

Ludwig had promised.

A genuine, unbreakable bond.

"I promise..."

I promise, too.