Dropping Like Flies

by eyesocketsandsuits

"You broke your own rule." Tino chuckled, collapsing onto his stomach and resting his chin on the floor. "Well, if you put it like that, then yes. But he wasn't a very nice man." Berwald stared at Tino, calculating. "He was a politician." Tino looked embarrassed; it was as if Berwald had commented that his tie and shirt didn't match instead of the fact he had killed a senator.

2. Chapter 2

"If there's one thing the world needs more of…"

Alfred swiveled around in his computer chair. "I swear to God, if you say 'Communism,' you're not allowed in D.C. anymore."

Ivan shrugged, walking over and standing in front of Alfred's desk. "Well, the people voted me in, didn't they?"

Alfred scowled, crossing his arms. "I have no idea how you got voted in running on a platform ofCommunism," Alfred shook his head. "Only intheory, of course. Your radio show supporters jump through hoops to prove it isn't calledCommunism."

Ivan shrugged again. "Don't pout because I won the open seat."

Alfred snorted. "I'm not pouting. I cannot believe Stevenson was assassinated. I can't believe that they chose you to replace him! That's like taking ten steps backwards. Stevenson was so Republican he was almost a Leftist."

Ivan smiled and leaned closer to Alfred. "Sometimes, I try to figure out where this rivalry started." He gestured toward the space in between the two of them.

Alfred's eyes narrowed. "When you decided to screw America and head back for the USSR, probably."

Ivan waggled a finger. "No, that just gave you a legitimate reason. At first I thought it was back in college, when that girl asked me out instead of you. And then again when that boy did, but you never really cared much for those close to you."

Alfred rolled his eyes. "Please. They only liked you because you had the fanciest car. They thought you were loaded." He rubbed his index finger and thumb together.

Ivan leaned closer. "And then I thought maybe your were jealous because of showering together in high school." Ivan raised his eyebrows, flicking his eyes down. "Maybe, ah, inadequate?"

Alfred's mouth opened slightly, and he squinted at Ivan. Then, his mouth pulled in to a frown. "Dude, I can't tell if you're being serious."

Ivan tapped his nose. "But you know, I have recently figured it out. You do not like that I am like you."

Alfred snorted. "Oh, haha."

Ivan's eyes widened in a very good imitation of sincerity. "No, it's true. You don't like to think it, but we are very alike. All of our lovers have been used as stepping stones; your rich ex-wife funded your campaign. Your siblings used for a pity grab, then abandoned—all in secret, of course."

Alfred's jaw clenched.

Ivan smiled. "You are alone, so am I. Really, I am the only one who has ever been around. Ever since we were little, we knew. We are so different, and yet," he gestured to Alfred's office, "we are in the exact same position."

Alfred glared.

"But what would you do if I was assassinated, Alfred? Wouldn't that mean you should be, too?"