Chapter 14
The week after Thanksgiving passed in a blur for the students of World Academy. Alfred, especially, seemed to be caught up in his own little world of torment. During a phone call with his mother, he learned she would be visiting him in England for the winter break, so she would have a chance to speak to his professors and meet his friends. The last thing Alfred wanted her to hear about was failing grades and ruined friendships, so he threw himself into studying for the upcoming exams with enthusiasm that Arthur had never seen before.
Arthur had tried to talk to him about the strange Thanksgiving dinner, but Alfred was remaining frustratingly silent and dismissive about it.
"I just had a stomach bug, that's all," he said. "Must have been from my bad cooking. Hey, Arthur, how do I do this problem here?" Alfred asked, flipping his worksheet over to show Arthur where he was stuck. Arthur frowned.
"But Matthew said you fought. He's been fighting with Francis, too. Something has happened, and I'd very much like to know—" Alfred cut him off.
"Oh! I square that, huh? Yeah, that's the step I was missing. Nevermind." And he ducked his blond head back over his textbook and pretended he had selective hearing.
"Well, if you can't hear me when I talk about that, perhaps you'll be able to hear this. My parents have said I can invite a friend to the house for the break…" Arthur said suggestively. Alfred, however, didn't respond.
"Can we sort out stuff about the break after I've passed these exams? You don't understand, Arthur. If my mom gets here and finds out I failed them, she's gonna embarrass me so bad."
Arthur huffed in annoyance, but he couldn't be too upset with his roommate. After all, Alfred's parents had to be terrors if they'd crippled their son's confidence so badly. It was natural that Alfred was consumed with anxiety.
"Fine. Do you need help with your essay?" he asked. Alfred nodded desperately.
"Here, I already typed it, but I'm about 500 words short," he said, rummaging in his bag and then tossing a flash drive to Arthur. It was in this way that the topic of Thanksgiving, and the fight between Matthew and Alfred, was entirely avoided. With his own exams to prepare for, not to mention his growing responsibilities in the student council (they were planning a holiday ball), Arthur was a bit distracted, too.
USUK
"Let me speak more slowly, so that my accent doesn't confuse you. I do not care about the stupid school dance. I do not care about the holidays. I especially do not care about anything having to do with either Matthew or Alfred. Try conversing with me again and let us see if you can keep those points in mind," Francis said scathingly. Arthur blinked a bit in surprise. He'd found Francis in the library, after the taller boy had skipped yet another student council meeting, and all his attempts to get some sort of reaction from the other boy had been met with failure.
"Alright, frog-face, something is wrong with you. You've been like this ever since Matthew and Alfred fought at Thanksgiving. What the hell is going on with everyone?" Arthur demanded.
"That attempt didn't contain mention of the dance, so you're improving, but you still spoke of Alfred, Matthew, and the holidays. Try again," Francis retorted. He turned a page so harshly in his French history text that the paper nearly ripped. Arthur scowled.
"So now you're not talking about it either. Brilliant. Alright, well, we can just here in silence then. I dislike talking to you anyway," Arthur said, dropping his book bag heavily on the table. Instead of beginning to work, he stared at Francis with an impressive eyebrow raised. Francis finally started to look a bit guilty, and his expression of annoyance morphed into one of sadness.
"Things are a bit strained with Matthew at the moment. I do not know if we will still be a couple after the holidays are over," Francis admitted softly. Arthur was surprised, but terrible at offering comfort and didn't know what he was supposed to say. Thankfully, Francis continued speaking without seeming to need any input from Arthur.
"What's worse, I've spent all year chasing after him and dating him, and now I do not have any other friends to hang out with—only girls that just want one thing from me. I do not want to go home for the holidays, and I can no longer bear to spend them with Matthew at the school, like we planned."
Arthur had never seen his old friend look so heartbroken and lonely. He was nearly one hundred percent confident that Francis's troubles with Matthew had been his own fault, but something softened in him at the other boy's confession. Arthur considered the situation. Alfred's mother would be in town for the holidays, or at least for the start of them, so he likely wouldn't be able to visit him anyway.
"Francis…I can't believe I'm saying this…but you're welcome to come to my house for the holidays if you want. You know my mum would love to have you," he offered. Francis looked up at him in surprise.
"You would really do that for me?" he asked. Arthur crossed his arms, trying to appear prickly and sullen.
"It's not like it's a big deal or anything," he said. But it was a big deal, and Francis knew that as well as Arthur did. Somehow, over the course of the year, the two of them had rekindled their childhood friendship, and overcome the jealousy and misunderstandings that had turned them into rivals.
"I gratefully accept your invitation," Francis said with the first smile he'd shown in days. Arthur gave him a small grin in return.
"But we're not spending all the hols in overpriced stores," Arthur added quickly. Francis sneered at the implication that he shopped too much.
"Fine. As long as you do not insist upon sitting by the fire every evening doing your needlework," Francis goaded.
"Fine," Arthur snapped in response, the two of them staring frostily at each other for a few moments before they both realized how silly they sounded. They shared a hesitant laugh.
"This will most certainly be an interesting holiday," Francis said. Arthur felt a pang of regret that he would not be spending it with Alfred, but he nodded. Francis needed a friend, and god-knows nobody else would want to do it. He was stuck with the burden. Hopefully, Alfred would understand.
USUK
Matthew finally caught up with Alfred after a shared class, just two days before exams, the holiday ball, and the start of the winter holidays. He'd actually had to grab Alfred's sleeve, such was his haste to flee the classroom.
"Alfred, wait! Please!" Matthew begged, already feeling the threat of tears. Behind them, Gilbert snickered and made sure everyone noticed them in such an awkward scene. Alfred blushed, but could not ignore Matthew when he sounded so pitiful.
"Come on. If we're gonna talk about our feelings and cry like little girls, let's at least go somewhere private. We can go talk in the courtyard," Alfred said. Matthew nodded gratefully, sheepishly releasing Alfred's arm.
The two of them walked in silence to the frozen courtyard, which was beautiful under a thick layer of soft snow. The two friends sat on a bench after Alfred wiped the snow off with a gloved hand.
"Are you mad at me?" Matthew asked. He looked like an emotional wreck, and Alfred felt consumed with guilt. He'd been avoiding his friend out of embarrassment, without considering Matthew's feelings. He'd heard Matthew and Francis were fighting, possibly on the verge of breaking up, and he felt responsible for that, too.
"No, it's not…that's not it at all, Mattie. I'm just…I'm just so confused, and now my mom's coming now, of all times, and I'm pretty sure I'm about to flunk out of school so none of it even matters anyway," Alfred said in a rush.
"I can't stop thinking about it," Matthew confessed quietly. Alfred let out a pathetic bark of laughter, as if he was starting to lose his mind.
"Tell me about it. My dreams have been so messed up this week. Damn it, Mattie, I don't want to feel like this. I'm so…urgh! I'm just so fucking mad at myself for asking for all this! I was so freaking dumb! I thought a simple kiss would fix everything, and I could go back to before, when I didn't care or even think about this crap…and now…"
Matthew knew it was probably only making an awkward situation worse, but he couldn't help it. He flung himself sideways, his arms wrapping around Alfred's shoulders, and buried his cold face in the other boy's neck.
Much to his surprise, it was only a second before Alfred wrapped him up in his arms, clinging to him almost just as tightly.
"Do I have to be gay? Because of how the kiss made me feel? Can't I…can't I be something else?" Alfred asked him brokenly. Matthew sniffled, tears pouring out of his eyes, and hugged his friend even tighter.
"You can be whatever you want to be, Alfred. Everyone told me I was gay before I even had a chance to figure it out for myself, and I've always resented that. It was just kissing. Who's to say there's not a girl out there that would make you feel the same way?" Matthew asked, finally releasing Alfred's shoulders. The other boy looked pathetically grateful for his words. He rubbed at some of his own tears, and nodded.
"Thanks, Mattie. I really needed to hear that," Alfred said. Matthew smiled sadly. He hadn't said what Alfred needed to hear at all, but sometimes forcing an unwanted truth on someone was just as hurtful and damaging as a lie. Alfred would have to come to terms with his sexuality on his own, and Matthew wasn't about to hurt Alfred's fragile self-confidence with a label that was sometimes too hard for even him to bear, and he'd had years worth of practice.
"So…your mom is coming, eh?" Mattie asked, rubbing at his cheeks. Alfred winced at the reminder and burrowed the toe of his boot into the snow.
"Yeah. She'll be here tomorrow. She's only staying for a week of the holiday, though. I'll be on my own for Christmas this year," Alfred said. Matthew didn't really think about it as he leaned against his friend's side, seeking the warmth of his jacket.
"I'll be on my own, too. What with paying tuition, it's too expensive for my parents to fly me home. Francis was going to stay here with me, but now…"
Alfred wrapped an arm around his friend's slender shoulders and squeezed comfortingly.
"Now you'll have me to hang out with all break! It'll be great! We'll…we'll build snow forts, and have snowball fights, and we can do crazy stuff inside the empty school—like rollerblade down the hallways!"
Matthew laughed despite himself. "You're such a big kid, Alfie," he said fondly. Alfred smiled and looked up at the sky, filling once more with flurries of snow.
"Hey, you wanna go into town and do some Christmas shopping? I haven't bought anything yet. I really need to study, but if I look at one more text book I'm gonna puke."
"Ha, alright. Shopping sounds fun," Matthew replied. He was surprised when Alfred removed his arm from around his shoulders and extended his pinky, puffier than usual because of his glove.
"I want to make a new pinky swear. Promise me we'll always be friends, no matter what," Alfred requested. Matthew smiled, feeling warm despite the cold, and linked their pinkies together.
"That's a promise!" he replied. From inside the warmth of the cafeteria, Francis watched them with bitter blue eyes before stalking off, his heart breaking into what felt like a million pieces.
'So he wants Alfred, after all. Well, two can play at that game, mon cher,' Francis thought to himself darkly. He might not be willing to challenge Alfred to a fight, but his mind flashed to Arthur and he knew there was more than one way to hurt someone. As for Matthew, Francis had the perfect revenge already in mind.
USUK
Alfred had dragged Matthew over the entire department store, and if Matthew hadn't built up his shopping tolerance so high by dating Francis, he would have surely passed out around the third floor.
"I want it to be perfect, ya know?" Alfred said, looking ridiculous as he held a big stuffed unicorn under one arm that he'd found in the little girl's toy section.
"I have a hard time picturing Arthur wanting that pink monstrosity," Mattie said doubtfully. Alfred held up the unicorn that was nearly as big as his torso and considered her critically.
"Naw, he acts all mature, but Arthur loves all this kiddy fantasy stuff. He'd probably spaz out if he saw this in a store, but he wouldn't let himself buy it."
Matthew giggled, lacing his hands behind his back. "Well, that sounds like the definition of a good Christmas present to me, then. Besides, your only other idea is books, and I'm pretty sure everyone gets him books."
"Very true. Okay, Pinky, you've found a new home!" Alfred said brightly, giving the ridiculously huge unicorn a big squeeze. The unicorn made a neighing noise and a gay sounding little song played as its sound box was compressed. Matthew snickered again, and then took a moment to admire all the beautiful holiday decorations in the store. As he was looking around, his eyes landed on another couple shopping, two men, playfully smiling at each other and holding hands as they examined the store's wares. Matthew swallowed thickly, his heart clenching painfully in his chest. Over the store's sound system, a sappy Christmas song began to play and Mattie felt his eyes tear up. Finally noticing Matthew was getting depressed again, Alfred did the first thing he could think of to break Mattie out of his sadness.
"ONWARD, PINKY! WE RIDE TO FIGHT MORGADU! SHOW NO FEAR, AND NO MERCY!" Alfred bellowed. Pinky neighed and the song played again. Matthew's eyes widened in embarrassment, as he turned to see Alfred taking off down the aisle. He was pretending to ride the unicorn, his arm pumping valiantly in the air with a plastic battle axe. A little boy in the toy section was frightened away from the Transformers, and ran for his mother nearby.
Matthew couldn't help it. He burst out laughing.
"Alfred, you weirdo! Everyone's staring!" Matthew said, though he really didn't seem to mind. Grinning infectiously, Alfred "galloped" back to Matthew and tossed his hair in a silly fashion.
"Ah, good Sir, might I trouble you for directions to—"
"Sir, I'm going to have to ask you to dismount from the unicorn," a store employee said crossly, appearing as if he had radar for troublemaking teenagers. Matthew tried to keep a straight face, but he couldn't help it. His laughter only grew louder and he doubled over, clutching his stomach.
"I'm buying it! I swear! Well, not the battle axe. Here. You can…err…take that back. I just, ya know, always…mount my unicorns before I buy them," At that point, even Alfred lost the battle to keep a straight face, and he cracked up at the look on the employee's face.
"Oh god, come on, Alfred. Let's go buy the thing before they kick us out of here," Matthew said. The store employee huffed and went power-walking off in the opposite direction, after snatching the toy axe, of course. Alfred lowered his voice to a stage whisper, and with a mischievous look, "mounted" the unicorn again.
"This time, Pinky, Morgadu has triumphed, but we shall recapture our glorious axe and we shall claim victory!" Apparently, Alfred squeezed a new part of the unicorn with his thighs, because Pinky replied.
"You and I will be best friends forever!"
Pretending to be choked up, and sending Matthew into peals of laughter all over again, Alfred squeezed the unicorn in a massive bear hug, wiping at fake tears.
"Yes, Pinky, yes we shall! Forever and ever and ever!" Alfred caught Matthew's eyes and smiled, as if trying to tell him, 'See? You haven't forgotten how to laugh. Everything will be okay.'
Matthew appreciated the reminder more than he could say.
USUK
Despite all the craziness, Alfred still insisted that the Hero Club meet one last time before the holidays. Matthew was surprised and a little hurt that Francis showed up, too, acting as if nothing was wrong but ignoring him quite pointedly.
"So what are you doing for the holidays, Ivan?" Alfred asked. They were meeting in the gym again, and Alfred had found a basketball somewhere. He dribbled it now, occasionally passing it to Ivan for him to shoot. The tall boy played remarkably well, sinking nearly every shot he made.
"I am travelling with Yao to conclude the business matter between our fathers," he said. Next to Francis, Yao smiled serenely. Francis wanted to make a snide, jaded comment about their obvious new relationship, and how it was impossible for it to succeed, but he held his tongue just barely.
"China, huh? That's super cool! Man, Mattie, our holiday is starting to sound kinda lame," Alfred joked. "But hey! We can go visit Arthur, right?" Alfred said, smiling expectantly at his friend. Arthur glanced at Francis and shifted awkwardly.
"I'm afraid not. I've invited Francis. My parents like to keep the holidays small, you see, and he's really like family, almost," Arthur said. He felt a little guilty. He hadn't managed to mention the change of plans to Alfred yet, and the other boy looked a little hurt to only be finding out now.
"Oh…well…yeah, that makes sense. Plus with my mom coming and all…" Alfred trailed off. Arthur nodded.
"Right. Yeah, I mean, I didn't know, but I just assumed you'd be making plans with her," he said.
"Totally. Plus, Mattie will keep me company, right Mattie?" Alfred asked brightly, obviously injecting false cheer into his voice. Matthew glanced at Francis and frowned, hugging himself a bit pathetically.
"Sure, Alfred," he answered quietly. Francis sneered.
Thankfully, before the tension snapped, the doors to the gym opened. Berwald entered in his work-out clothes, and headed straight for Alfred.
"Hey, Captain! What's up? Come to shoot some hoops with us?" Alfred asked. The tall boy frowned, and put his gym bag down nearby.
"Yo'r club helps play m'tchm'ker, r'ght?" Francis snorted bitterly.
"Oui. We are all about the love here," Francis jibed.
"We help with manly stuff, too!" Alfred protested, perhaps because Berwald was one of his rugby mates. "You know…lifting things, fixing stuff," he added vaguely, trying not to sound like a loser and failing rather spectacularly. Arthur grinned at the way Alfred puffed up his skinny chest around Berwald, who literally towered over him. Berwald just stared at Alfred blankly.
"But yeah, mostly we matchmake," Alfred finally admitted, seeming to deflate like a sad little balloon. Arthur rolled his eyes and smiled.
"I need you to t'ke what's in th't bag, and tie it up, all o'er the school," he ordered, as if giving Alfred coaching on the field. Accustomed to that role, Alfred nodded with determination.
"Sure thing, Captain!"
"Hold on a second. We have no idea what's in that bag. It could be blown up condoms for all we know," Arthur said. Yao nodded, and Alfred blushed.
"Hey! Berwald isn't perverted like that! I'm sure whatever he needs help with is really important! It's probably motivational posters for the team, or fliers about try-outs, or—"
"It's mistletoe," Berwald said, with a perfectly straight face.
"Or it's something super sappy, like mistletoe," Alfred blurted out, not realizing what he had said. His eyes widened in alarm, and he glanced up at Berwald almost fearfully. The big rugby player merely arched a thin, blond brow, clearly accustomed to Alfred's antics.
"Ivan got to pass on the last one, so I'm passing on this," Francis said. Alfred, however, wasn't letting that happen.
"Nu-uh, Francis! Berwald really needs our help, and we're all gonna pitch in. In fact, this would be a really good time for you and Mattie to talk a bit," Alfred insisted. Arthur winced, Matthew looked horrified, and Francis scowled. Before anything else could be said, Alfred had removed a big armful of mistletoe from the bag, and pushed it into Francis's resisting arms.
"No arguing, you two. Presidential order!"
"Alfred, I really don't think…" Arthur started to protest, but Francis merely relaxed, his expression returning to one of neutrality.
"Well, we certainly can't ignore a presidential order. Come along, mon cher," he said rather bitingly. Matthew cast a betrayed look at Alfred before nervously following Francis out of the gym. Berwald seemed nonplussed by the whole spectacle.
"So, Captain, who's the lucky girl?" Alfred asked, as he distributed some mistletoe to Yao and Ivan, who thankfully had heard of the tradition in their classes that year and didn't question why they were being given greenery.
"My future w'fe," the rugby Captain said simply. Arthur was a little impressed. Berwald spoke with absolute conviction, as if there wasn't a doubt in his mind that he and this girl, whoever she might be, were soul mates. It was a surprisingly romantic gesture from such a typically stoic guy. Arthur considered the innocent little plant in his hand. His eyes trailed upwards to Alfred, who was now busy assuring his team leader that he would take care of the job, and they'd put mistletoe in all the romantic spots, no matter what.
Maybe he needed a little of Berwald's confidence? What if he just boldly said, 'Alfred, I think I might fancy you,' Could his reaction really be so bad? Matthew had practically told him the same thing, and it hadn't ended their friendship. The mistletoe suddenly felt heavy in his hand.
'It's just not that simple, and it's not that easy,' Arthur thought. 'Besides, why rush it? We'll have three and half more years together. I don't have to make my move right this very second.' Arthur consoled himself, mostly so he would feel less like a coward.
While he'd been so lost in thought, he hadn't realized everyone leaving the gym with the exception of himself and Arthur, who held the rest of the mistletoe in the gym bag over his shoulder.
"That just leaves you and me—Team A! Woohoo! Let's hang some mistletoe!" Alfred said exuberantly, practically racing out of the gym. Arthur chuckled at him and followed after, knowing he'd definitely have to help Alfred out with this one.
Sure enough, Alfred led them to the science classroom.
"Let's hang one here! You know, because the people who kiss will have good chemistry." Alfred waggled his eyebrows, clearly pleased with his pun. Arthur snorted, and snatched away the mistletoe.
"You're ridiculous. It smells like preserved frogs in here. This is most definitely not a good spot for a first kiss," Arthur explained. Alfred took a hesitant whiff of the air.
"Really? I always thought this classroom smelled a bit like my gym locker," he said.
"That's because your jock strap smells like rotting amphibians," Arthur teased. Alfred, in a rare moment of wit, however, quickly turned the tables.
"Why are you sniffing my jock strap?" he asked, clearly delighted with the comeback. Arthur had to laugh (and blush a little, too).
"I most certainly do not sniff your underthings." Alfred cackled as he tied a clump of mistletoe to the doorway of the science lab anyway.
"Ha! Only you would call a jock strap 'underthings.' You're such a dork!" Alfred teased. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"Oh, that's rich, coming from you. You probably wank to fantasies about Spock and Wonder Woman." Alfred grinned, and stuck out his tongue.
"That was one time. Geez, you're never going to let me live that down."
"You were the idiot that told me what sort of weird dreams you have," Arthur replied. The two of them left the science classroom and headed towards the art room, bickering playfully the entire way.
"Okay, what about here? Art is romantic, right? All those naked statues and chicks takin' their clothes off…man…why didn't I sign up for art again?" Alfred teased. Arthur shoved past him and entered the classroom.
"Because you're afraid to pursue your true talents?" Arthur asked with mock innocence. Alfred scowled.
"Arthur," he said in a warning tone of voice. The British boy had questioned Alfred and his complicated relationship with his judgmental parents one-too-many times. Any hint of it now, and Alfred immediately went on the defensive.
"Fine, fine, I'm shutting up about it," Arthur replied airily. "All the same, I don't think this is a particularly romantic spot either. There's not anything really special about it," he said. Alfred shrugged.
"Oh well. I'm sure Francis and Matthew will go to all the good spots anyway. I really hope they work things out before the holidays come," Alfred said. Arthur fell silent. Francis hadn't told him the main reason for their fighting, but he'd hinted that it was bad, and not something that could easily be forgotten. Surprisingly, it seemed it was Matthew who had done something.
"I don't know, Alfred. Francis is very hurt by whatever happened. I've never seen him so…so…well, I guess heartbroken is the only word for it." Luckily, Arthur missed Alfred's guilty look.
"It's just a dumb misunderstanding. They just need to talk it out," Alfred insisted. Arthur just shrugged, watching his taller roommate secure the mistletoe to the ceiling over a random desk.
"Enough with the classrooms. Let's put it somewhere Berwald might actually spot it," Arthur said, suddenly wanting to change the subject. At first, he'd almost desperately wanted to know what happened between Matthew and Francis, but now he wasn't so sure he did. He didn't know what had changed his mind, but he thought it had something to do with the accusing looks Francis sometimes shot at Alfred. He just no longer wanted to know.
"Alright, Mr. Romance, where do you suggest?" Alfred asked, smiling down at him. Arthur found himself staring almost longingly at Alfred's soft, thin lips. "Arthur? Earth to Arthur?" Alfred asked. Blinking rapidly, Arthur blushed a bit, wondering if Alfred had noticed. Probably not.
"I've always thought the library is a romantic sort of place, what with all those beautiful love stories, and the way—hey! Don't laugh!" But it was too late. Alfred was already chuckling like a loon, a joke ready on the tip of his tongue.
"How can you make fun of me for Spock and Wonder Woman when you hold your sausage hostage for Shakespeare?"
"Excuse me?" Arthur retorted, his whole face flushing. "I cannot believe you just used that phrase. Never say that in my presence ever again. My...my…s-sausage? Good grief, Alfred!"
"Ha! I totally won't have to. Now it's the only thing you'll be able to think of whenever you see Ludwig in student council meetings," Alfred teased. Arthur screwed his eyes shut, as if trying to undo the mental damage, but realized it was impossible.
"Have I cursed you yet today?" he asked instead. Alfred just laughed louder.
"Only twice since breakfast. You're either losing your touch or you think I'm funny," Alfred said. Arthur rolled his eyes.
"I must be losing my touch then. Come on, you idiot. We're going to the library."
USUK
Ivan eyed the tall archway in the music room with doubt. He was tall, but he wasn't that tall.
"It has to be here, milaya moyna?" Ivan asked. Yao blushed at the soft Russian words, which anyone else wouldn't believe Ivan even capable of saying.
"Yes. In the center, please. The mistletoe will go nicely with the other decorations in the room," Yao commented, with a designer's eye. Ivan looked around a bit helplessly for a few moments, before noticing the piano bench. With disturbing strength, he hefted the bulky piece of furniture into his arms and carried it to the archway, letting it fall to the ground none-too-gently. Yao bit his lip a bit at the show of strength.
Once up on the bench, Ivan easily secured the mistletoe in the center, as requested, and then stepped down. He returned the heavy piano bench just as effortlessly as he'd fetched it.
"I find most western traditions very stupid, but this one…this one, I like," Ivan said, eyeing Yao hungrily as he returned to him, forcing him to retreat until he stood beneath the suggestive plant. The Chinese boy felt nervous and excited all at the same time, as he always did when Ivan gave him that look. They'd been playing this game for weeks now, negotiating with each other on behalf of their fathers, and finding themselves in some compromising positions in between negotiations.
Ivan's hand landed possessively on Yao's hip, trailing up his side, his violet eyes lit with desire.
"I want you for Christmas. Can I unwrap you now?" Ivan asked huskily, his fingers easily circling around Yao's delicate hip and pulling him in close. Ivan loved how petite Yao was, from his small hands that were so unlike his own, to his slender arms and graceful neck. Though he had never done so intentionally (which was a new thing for him) Ivan sometimes bruised Yao's porcelain skin just by touching him, or embracing him too firmly. Yao didn't seem to mind his roughness, and understood that Ivan was as gentle as he could possibly be with him, and that somehow, he had become the exception.
Even Toris, Ivan's soft-spoken ex, had approached him in the hallway and expressed some worry for his safety. Perhaps a little haughtily, Yao had informed him that Ivan was nothing but respectful, and had never hurt him. Toris had seemed relieved for him, and even said something about being happy that Ivan had finally found someone that could handle him.
And it was true. Yao might have been petite, and even initially a little frightened of Ivan, but familiarity bred confidence. Now Yao treated him like he would anyone else—that is to say, he bossed him around in his crisp, straight-forward way and expected compliance. When Ivan gave him attitude, or tried to intimidate him, Yao glared right back, and reminded him that he didn't need him, and could do just fine on his own if Ivan continued to behave poorly.
Truthfully, Yao wasn't sure what the big fuss was about. He'd quickly discovered that Ivan was a fairly large pushover when it came to small, bossy, high-strung types. He'd caught a glimpse of Ivan being bullied by his sisters back home in a video chat, and it all clicked into place. His fear and mistrust of Ivan lessened more and more every day, and he came to see Ivan for what he was—frequently misunderstood, dangerous, but tame and soft as a kitten under the right circumstances.
Ivan finally claimed his lips, demanding entry in his forceful, dominating way. Yao nipped his lip in warning and Ivan cooled the kiss, loosening his hold on Yao to a more tolerable grip. In reward, Yao clung gently to the front of the bigger boy's scarf, tangling his small hands against his chest, knowing it was a sensation that Ivan adored. When the kiss ended, Yao favored Ivan with an approving smile.
"I am glad you will come to meet my family this holiday. My father, especially, is very happy about meeting you," Yao said. Ivan grinned, and Yao could see him for a moment as others did—frightening in a brutal, terrible way.
"I will protect you and your family with my blood. I will keep you in my sight always, and no one will dare touch what is mine," Ivan promised. Though protection from the Russian mafia was what their fathers had negotiated, Yao felt it ran much deeper for Ivan. It was personal between them, now. Though none of his father's enemies lurked in the hallways of the school, Yao felt that even if they did, as long as Ivan was with him, he'd have nothing to fear.
USUK
A/N: So there ya go, some IvanxYao lovin' for ya. I'm really looking forward to writing some about their visit to China, and the adventures they have there. Side note, what Ivan says is supposed to translate to "my sweet." I hope I've done a good job explaining why Yao is different to Ivan, because for once he is protecting someone instead of wishing them harm.
Axxi offered to help me out with any British stuff I have questions about – huge thanks for that, as the next few chapters will have some heavy focus on Arthur, I will likely need your help! InsertWittyNameHere seemed a little concerned about the inclusion of the OCs in the Thanksgiving dinner. I really didn't want to use them, but I wanted it to be a fairly large group and I haven't been as good about working nations into the story as I should have. Patty is probably still going to be mentioned from time to time, but Emily will be graduating (and leaving a vacancy for the presidency next year *hint hint :P*) Helena – loved your review! Thank you so much for the suggestion. I definitely see your point. I think I tend to focus on developing Alfred because I'm more comfortable writing him, and poor Arthur tends to get a little neglected. However, I do have a very Aurthur-centric development part coming up over the holidays. You'll definitely see a more emotional side, and you'll see him let down his walls some. Lol, and I'm sorry Alfred is such a cry-baby! He will man up, but right now it kinda goes with his awkward loser persona. Just wait till summer…* evil laughter *
As always, thank you a ton for any and all reviews. These past two chapters were hard to finish, but I think I'm over my slump now. I literally only kept typing because of your encouragement, so it is much appreciated. However, I'm very excited to write the next parts! (That means there's lots of drama, lol.)