Surviving Winter

Chapter 10

Reliance

Ivan swallowed the blood he tasted in his mouth. Why was he here? What did he want? Confusion wasn't the only thing that clouded his thoughts, and he fought to stay conscious. Passing out was the worst. It gave him satisfaction.

"You've grown rather resilient over the years."

Yeah keep talking... "Yes, Grandfather."

"I must say I am so proud of that fact. Even if you have outgrown me I'm sure you'll find someone who appreciates you."

"...Yes, Grandfather."

"You hesitated, Ivan."

Shit. Pain blinded him again as a flash of hurt ran through his temples. He refused to wince, he bit back the groan and grunts, he kept his face plastered to a gentle smile that he had grown familiar with. He was being tested again. If the smile faltered than so would his composure, he knew. The problem was, the other guy knew it too.

"Oh Ivan. What am I to do with you?"

"Whatever you wish, Grandfather."

"Good." Fingers ruffled his hair, though he could barely register it.

An odd chiming resounded in the air. It caused his headache to worsen, but he was confused because it sounded like his house chime but at the same time not the same thing.

"What on earth...?" The older man frowned. "You have a receiver in this room?"

"Of course." He pointed to a phone next to a small screen on the side wall.

"Ah, here we are. Smart boy." The man strolled over, picking up the phone and squinting into the screen that flickered on. "Braginsky house hold."

"Ivan? Um...is that you?"

Ivan froze at the voice. The receiver was loud, so even staticy it was understandable. Was that...Columbia?

"This is Braginsky senior." The man clarified. "I'm afraid I do not know you."

"Oh! Sorry sir. I didn't know he would have company..."

What the hell?

"He was supposed to come out and survey my land like, an hour ago. What the hell happened?"

The old man shot a dark glare at Ivan, who had to force himself to retain his composure. Don't falter do NOT falter -

"Ivan Braginsky is in the middle of a vital meeting - "

"Um...any idea how long he's gonna be? I mean I GET that he's an important guy and everything but we've already rescheduled like, three times, and if he doesn't want this deal that's fine with me, I have other interested investors - "

"What deal?"

"Tell you what! Let me in and I can chat with you about it while I wait for Ivan. Talking over the phone is dull."

It was only because of his great practice that Ivan didn't let his face fall. On the inside, he was shocked and confused, frozen in it, really. Had she seen? It was easy to get lost in that little maze. What was she expecting to accomplish? Surely there wasn't anything she could actually do. ...Columbia what are you DOING?!

"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I can't let you in without knowing your business."

She groaned loudly. "Oh fine. I've got a pretty sweet setup about ten minutes out of Nation, it's wide farmland, lots of it. There's tons of unused plots around it too, I'm betting a single harvest could rack in a few thousand, at least."

"Farmland? You're a farmer. Is this a joke?"

"Oh, no joke. I'm dead serious. With the right crops - "

"What is your name?"

"Man, you're really twisting my arm here - "

"Name."

There was a short pause. "Columbia Marsh of Marsh Foods and General Stores."

Ivan felt a twinge of fear that he suppressed when his Grandfather turned to stare at him. "...I'll open the gate." The older man said slowly.

"Hey thanks man!"

He hung up.

"Get up. Get dressed." He spat, throwing Ivan a shirt that he didn't care to look at. "I'm going to go meet our guest. Come up with something, and when you're presentable come to the main living room."

Ivan nodded, his expression never once flinching the tiniest bit.

"Very good." And he left.

When the door clicked closed, Ivan fell forward on his palms, shaking. Everything hurt. He wasn't sure why he still listened to his abusive Grandfather, he was almost certain that he didn't have to put up with this anymore, but at the same time whenever he saw or even thought of the man his entire body froze, trapped in place, and he couldn't think straight and all the raging thoughts of rebelling fled his mind. Columbia...what was she thinking? What had she heard?

Columbia forced her cheeriest smile as she was welcomed inside the mansion. "Oh! Hello!" She greeted as the old man opened the door and welcomed her. This was not going to be easy. For some reason the anger she was feeling was blinding. That oddly made it easier to plaster the stupid grin to her face and fake her way through whatever it idea she would have to come up with.

"Good day." He responded, taken back on her appearance. "Columbia, is it?" Sharp, blue eyes, a weathered, stern face, and nearly pure white hair practically glowered at her. He was intimidating to look at, something about his presence was commanding, demanding. She was reminded of the first time she saw Ivan, that just strangely large presence.

"Yup! Oh, don't mind the bruising." She said, indicating her face. "I got in a fight with a guy over some labor issues. So...is it just us for now?" Sweat covered her palms so she stuffed her hands into her pockets, trying to force herself to be calm.

"Yes, Ivan will be with us shortly. Can I interest you in a drink?" He had started to lead her away from the foyer, giving short, curt looks and narrowed glares.

Columbia checked her watch. "Well it is a little early, but it's five o' clock somewhere, right? Whiskey, if you've got it."

The displeasure was clear on the elder's face. "I'll see what I can find. In the meantime, please wait here..." He gestured towards a large living room.

"Whoa! Fancy." Columbia grinned, half-skipping to the living room and plopping ungracefully into the plush red couch. This act had to work.

After a moment he returned. "I do not believe Ivan keeps whiskey around, but I did find some Rum. Although it looks like someone found it before me..." He glanced at the thick glass bottle, and Columbia recognized as the one she had drank from not two hours ago.

"Rums good, as long as it's strong."

The man poured silently, and Columbia took two large gulps eagerly. "Man that's good."

"Are you always so energetic?"

"Hm? Oh yeah, weird quirk I guess." She said, smiling. That's right jackass, buy the scam. She hoped she could keep up the act once Ivan joined them.

"So tell me about your land."

"Oh well it's wide. That's for sure. There's probably potential for several thousand acres out there, which is good, I just need an investor to help with the farm equipment to get started. It will be incredibly profit in five years."

"Isn't your family the one to do that?"

She twitched. Dammit, he knew too much. "Oh no, I'm starting my own branch. I grow the crops with my families secrets and experience, we ship the produce to their storehouses and we get a big fat check in the mail afterwards. The produce goes directly to one of my parents stores, which of course -"

"Is a multi-million dollar chain, I am very aware of Marsh General Stores. Tell me. How do simple farmers turn into one of the most successful chains this side of the United States?"

Columbia took another deep drink. "Simple. My grandfather was five with it all got started, and he had quite a few aunts and uncles. Big families, right? Anyway, my great aunt was a craftswoman, I had an uncle who was a miller and my grandfather was a farmer. Instead of just trying to find jobs or go their separate ways, they combined together, did all the work themselves, and sold their wares at the same place. As the family grew larger, more talents popped up, more things got added to the store. I have an aunt who makes the BEST candies. The recipe alone is enough to sell on it's own but there's only one place you can buy it!"

"Marsh Generals. Fascinating. So you have siblings then?"

"Family never stopped growing, and everyone is successful in their own right. I'm the eldest of nine of my parents, the youngest one on the way."

"Impressive. Ah, Ivan! Good timing."

Oh Thank GOD. Columbia thought as she spun to face the tall Russian. Her entire body went rigid when she saw him, and she struggled to maintain her facade. "FINALLY - dude! What happened to your face?!" Oh God why did you think of ALFRED now of all times?! "It looks like a bookcase fell on your mouth!"

Startled, but smiling lightly, Ivan walked slowly over towards them. "Ah that. Yes, funny story..." His lips were swollen and cut, the cheek sported a deep gash that was absolutely buried in black and blue, and his temple was haphazardly bandaged. "Was small accident. I was being very clumsy."

"Ivan has always had two left feet."

Columbia forced a laugh, tipping back her glass and downing the rest of the rum, ignoring the displeased look the elder was throwing her way. "Sorry to hear that!" Bitch you did NOT just insult how he dances...she internally struggled to reign in her anger. "Anyway, you want to head out to see the land or should we discuss things here?"

"Are you all right to drive? You drank that rather fast..."

Columbia smirked. "What kind of businessman can't drive after one drink? Meetings would be horrible without alcohol anyway."

"Hmph. I suppose I can definitely agree with that."

It was a thirty minute drive back to Columbia's farmhouse, and she thanked whatever lucky stars she had that Feliciano was not here. They walked some of the land, she pointed out the unused plots and the expansion ideas, the machinery that was needed, the machinery that was unnecessary, and how transportation was going to work since they themselves wouldn't be storing the food.

"It's a solid setup. Not multimillion dollars worth...but solid." He never offered a first name, just insisted on being referred to as 'Mr. Braginsky'.

Columbia wanted to gag.

"We'll be doing more than just crops. There is an unused barn here that we can run a business out of, just let some people do what they want with it and all I'll ask for is a share of the profits. If we could get horses, we could run a riding class. That's where real monies to be made. The pasture is more than big enough."

"You're a true businesswoman."

"Aw, and here I thought you didn't like me!"

"It may help to dress appropriately." He looked over her long flannel shirt and jean overalls.

"Nah, you don't know my family very well then. We all work the land. Too many dress shirts get torn out there when you're nailing fences together and pulling up wood planks. Oh and weeding...and driving...and...pretty much anything."

"What about the off-season? Surely you can't expect to earn enough - "

"I don't. Farming isn't a full time job the way we do it. In the spring, yeah but other than that. Anway. I develop patterns and stuff for one of our family factories. I send in ideas and stuff, new merchandise, you know, for the stores. Either way, all of our money will be a part of the earnings from Marsh Generals. Which...is a pretty big royalty check, really."

"I'm surprised you're still directly related. So close to your family. I wish some others would follow your example." He glared at Ivan, who had been listening silently.

"I'm not credited. My family wanted to, but I didn't want to be involved so much anymore. Things got...complicated. It's a personal matter, so excuse me."

He just stared at her for a moment before turning is attention to his grandson. "This is all on you then. I'm leaving now, so you can have a proper meeting, businessperson to businessperson. Do not let me down. If you stain the Braginsky name I will strip you of everything personally." His tone was low, menacing.

"Of course, Grandfather."

"I'm assuming it would be no problem to escort him back tonight? Ivan and I are having family lunch tomorrow before I leave. I have an early afternoon flight back to Russia, to my own business."

This guy was harsh. "Yeah, no problems here." She held up a hand as a type of wave, and she and Ivan stood at the end of the driveway as he entered his car and steadily drove away.

It wasn't until the car was out of sight that Ivan fell the ground, shakily, and Columbia screamed loudly out of sheer frustration, kicking stones with her booted feet.

"FUCK! IVAN!" She screamed again, her hands flying to him. She forced his head up, inspecting him closely. "OhmiGOD are you okay? Please be okay..." She gingerly checked the bandages, pulling it away to look at his temple. Blood clotted and turned into a sticky, gooey mess. His cheek, too. "Holy shit. Ok. C'mon, lets get you inside."

"Why." He stated, staring her in the face. "Why." His composure was cracking.

"I had to do SOMETHING!" She grasped his hand. "I am so, so sorry - "

"What - what did you - " His head was bent low. A hand found her wrist and he gripped it. Hard.

"Ivan, you're HURTING me." The grip loosened slightly. "Okay...look I didn't...I didn't mean to spy or anything. I got...lost. And then...distracted. And right now I'm just worried. Okay? Really, seriously worried."

He was shaking too hard.

"Hey, heyheyhey...not out here, huh? C'mon inside..." She eased, soothing him into standing up. He stood, slowly, opening his coat and fumbling inside for something. She heard the rip of velcro and he leaned on a water pipe heavily.

"Oh - " Well that explained quite a bit. She fumbled getting the door unlocked, and carefully led him into living room, where he winced to sit down on the couch. "Listen...Ivan..." She started, and froze. He was looking up at her, face full of sadness and loneliness and fright - one of his hands found her coat and gripped it, tugging, inching her closer to him until his head touched her stomach.

"Why did you come for me?" He asked unevenly.

"W-well...I couldn't do nothing..." She smiled. "It's not in my nature."

The water pipe clattered to the floor and his second hand found some material to dig into. He breathed in deeply, the breath hitching with pain and sobbed loudly.

"Oh Ivan..." Columbia soothed, sinking down a bit. She ran her fingers through his hair, which she was shocked at how feathery soft it was. "Dammit..." She muttered. She always wanted to touch his hair. This was not what she had in mind. Either way, she pet it gently, waiting for him to calm down a bit. He settled quicker than she thought he would, and when his death grip on her coat loosened she sat next to him, holding his hand encouragingly. "I'd ask if you were okay if it wasn't obvious." She stated, trying to brighten him up a little.

"I'm all right." He stated plainly, rubbing a finger carefully over his cheeks where the tears had ran. The salt must sting the cuts, she realized.

"C'mon. You should be in bed. And bandages - "

"Ne." For being so injured and had just sobbed his heart out - even if it only was for a moment - he was pretty firm. "He'll know if I've been tended to. Best not."

"You - you can't be SERIOUS?!" He gave her a stern glare. Ok, maybe he could be. "B-but -!"

"No, no buts. Just...tell me. Marsh General Goods?"

"Uhm...you didn't know?" Columbia asked dumbly. This was his question?

"Ne...and I want to know why you wouldn't mention it."

"I haven't spoken to anyone about it until now. Kinda wanted to keep it a secret, to be honest. Wait, the bank account was misleading, wasn't it? A Marsh from that family would've had just a few...well, million more I guess...or another account."

"Why? Keep it secret, I mean."

Columbia sighed. "Same reason you 'screened' me on our first date. Gotta watch out for the crazies, right? I wasn't as smart as you were about it. Bad experiences tend to make you want to just...disappear." She frowned, and looked him up and down. "God, maybe I'm a crazy magnet or something."

Ivan frowned at the remark. "Which of us is worse?" He mumbled. For a moment she didn't understand the question. Oh yeah, he did know what he was talking about.

"Oh he was. For sure. Though that - " She growled. " - THAT man is giving him a run for his damn money though!" She kicked the sofa, scowling.

"You kick a lot when you're angry. And I don't see you angry often." He observed.

"It's a reflex! I grew up with brothers and bratty little kids, they didn't listen to words, are you kidding? I had to boot their butts across the ground."

Ivan chuckled, coughing halfway through and doubling over from the action.

"God Ivan how much pain are you in..." Columbia asked, leaning over him. "Please, at least let me look. Maybe I can do something - "

"Ne." He winced, shaking a little too much for his liking.

"Please..." She pleaded, and gently pushed back a strand of his soft hair. It was a damn shame too, part of his hair clumped together with sweat, some with blood, and the rest strayed too far from where it was supposed to be. "You need to shower, at least. Clean the cuts..."

He contemplated her. Staring at her pleading, worried looks and that tone. He sighed. "You remind me too much of Katyusha. She would look at me like that all the time."

"And then?"

"She would nurse me."

"So..."

He grunted, looking away from her. "Very well." Leaning heavily on his pipe, he stood, and she watched him carefully as he ascended the stairs.

"Just go to my room. Lie on the bed." She didn't care. He did just that, carefully letting himself fall into the soft mattress with a low groan as she turned the lights on.

Slowly, carefully, she helped him out of his large coat, leaning his pipe against the wall and folding the coat neatly onto her dresser.

"My scarf - " He asked suddenly, staring at her.

"Right here." She reached into her jacket and handed him the folded material.

"Ah!" He exclaimed, reaching for it carefully. He hugged it, almost like a security blanket. "You are wondering why."

She blinked, a little off-put at the sight of the large, bruised man clinging to the light tan material. "Kind of."

"Katyusha made this for me. It was a Christmas present, though I don't remember which one. Is important to me."

"It's lucky it's survived all these years."

"...yes, it is. I've always been very careful..."

She frowned. He was still wearing a thick dress sweater and shirt. "Um...Ivan. I hate to...well. The injuries..."

"...I know." He started hesitantly, and forced himself to sit up.

Columbia swallowed the lump in her throat down. Ivan was slowly taking the sweater off, having some difficulty getting one of his shoulders out. He hissed in pain.

"Need help?" She asked, reaching her hand out.

"NE! Do not...do not touch me." He snapped.

She withdrew her hand, and waited patiently. With the sweater gone, he was trembling again. Not really knowing what to say, she remained silent.

He tentatively took his white undershirt and peeled it from the skin, as sweat was making it sticky. God, everything was black and blue and yellow all over. She tried to breathe quietly. He was acting jumpy, not without reason but still. She also was realizing how insanely MASSIVE he was. Without the huge coat on, his shoulders were still broad and muscular, his arms were finely toned and he was sporting a stiff six pack. She would have whistled from being impressed if all those beautiful muscles weren't covered in thick bruises and welts! It really was noticeable too because his skin was so gosh darn pale and fair.

"...What?" He asked, looking at her face nervously.

She shook her head. "Nothing. It's just..."

He flinched. "Is ugly. Da, I know - "

"Ugly? God no...well, the bruising...but still. I was...just thinking how much of a damn shame it is to mar such a...handsome figure."

"D-don't say such things!" His head dipped low, like he was used to hiding in his scarf, and as if realizing he was just shirtless, his hands flew to his shoulders, shaking slightly.

"Hey, it's okay..." She said quietly, placing a careful hand on his shoulder. He stiffened. "L-lay back down...does it hurt to breathe?"

"...a little..." His voice dropped, it suddenly seemed so small.

"Let's make sure your ribs aren't broken..." Hesitantly, he settled into the mattress, his hands messing at his own sides.

Columbia placed her hands on his ribs, something he shivered at. "I don't - I don't want to hurt - " She started, and he shook his head.

"Is fine...just...be quick."

She felt around his ribs, they were definitely injured, but there were none of them seemed out of place. "I think you got lucky."

"Da."

"Okay. Stay here, I'll be right back." She pulled the covers up over him, dashing out of the room and gathering supplies from all over the house. "Can't be treated my fucking boot - " She muttered, pulling a couple of soft ice packs from the freezer. First aid supplies filling her arms, she returned to the bedroom, where Ivan had turned over on his side.

"Hey, you okay?"

"Da."

"Does it hurt more?"

"Ne. Just sore..." He was keeping his chin low, and didn't look her in the eye.

"Here..." She handed him an ice pack. "I have a couple more if you need them..."

"Shoulder..." He muttered, and she realized he was half asleep. He took the ice pack though, and stuffed it under his sore ribs, laying on it carefully.

Thick welts had sprung up in the skin around his shoulder, and she remembered the hit he took there. She suddenly wished she knew a different language so she could swear without anyone understanding like Feli. Odd time for weird jealousy urges. Ignoring the offbeat voice in her head she gingerly patted the ice pack around the area. She watched him as he sucked in a breath of discomfort, letting it out slowly and settling into the cool feeling. And like that he was asleep.

Columbia watched him like a hawk. His breathing slightly uneven, his face scrunching at odd times in twinges of pain, his pale skin almost blending with the pristine white bandages on his face. She sighed, deep and heavy, keeping one hand busy with the melting ice pack on his shoulder and the other laid on the bed before her, her head burying itself in the crook of her elbow. "Columbia you are in trouble." She breathed, indulging herself in playing with a few strands of the Russian's feathery soft hair. It was the oddest color, in some light in looked beige and in others it was the purest silver. Either way was gorgeous, she decided.

He was gorgeous.

She blushed heavily, wanting to scream into something but settled for just biting her tongue instead. Literally.

"Falling in love with a madman...again! What am I thinking?!" She scolded herself in a harsh whisper.

No no, this is just guilt right? I mean anyone would be sympathetic towards this kind of situation.

She wasn't just sympathetic though. She was actively helping.

Well there were friends right?

Yes, a friend that I am seriously sexually attracted to.

Dammit all to Hell!

Before she knew what was happening, Columbia found herself being gently shaken awake.

"Columbia. Is time to get up now, da?"

She groaned her protest, moving her arms to wake herself and stretching her neck out. Her back, sides, neck, and face were all sore and she breathed carefully as she moved.

"That is not the best position to be sleeping in."

"Oh...Ivan." She looked up at his smiling, swollen face, and frowned. "Are you all right?" He was already fully dressed, his sisters scarf wrapped around his neck.

"Da, I'm fine. Though I should leave soon. We've been asleep for awhile."

"Crap." She checked the time. At least two hours have passed. "Aw damn...what are you - er, what are you gonna tell him? Do you really have to go back!?" She shouted angrily, glaring at him. "This is ridiculous! You shouldn't - how - I don't get this!"

"Columbia, calm down!" Ivan shouted back. "Listen to me. Is not something for you to get involved it. I can handle it."

"I don't feel right just...standing by."

"Columbia..." Ivan's tone was dangerous. "Do not worry about it."

"That's - " One look at his face silenced her. He was glaring dangerously. "F-fine...what are you going to do?"

"I will tell him business will be going smoothly. For investment I will see profit in two years. Twenty-five percent is good, da? And da, I do have to return."

"God - " She stopped herself. "Okay. Okay, fine. Just tell him that...hopefully that'll be enough to...pacify him, or whatever it is you need."

Ivan tilted his head quizzically. "You weren't serious?"

"...Farming isn't exactly as profitable as you might imagine."

"Ah! You lied?! Very bad Columbia!" His mood shifts from calm to downright alarmed were a little odd.

She shook her head. "No, I was too scared to lie. He might have known his shit. Well..." She thought about it. "The thing is, I wanted to slowly grow. Not take on that much already..."

"But with money for land and machines there is no problem?"

"I suppose." She sighed. "Fine, it's all fine." She looked him over again. "How do you feel?"

"I'll be all right. Stop with the worrying." That gentle smile. It must hold his composure.

"Just say this then...why do you put up with it?" She asked softly.

"I tried." He stated simply. "Something always seems to be stopping me. Like hand on chest, pushing me back."

Her fists clenched, grabbing the material under her fingers and twisting it around. Physically he was superior, that much was obvious, but mentally he was shackled. "Be careful. Please?"

"Columbia...so much worry over little me."

That made her giggled. "Ivan Braginsky, if you belittle yourself in front of me one more time I'll..." Her voice trailed as the false threat died in her throat.

Another quizzical glance. "You'll what?"

She stared at him, his violet eyes confused, his stare so vacant it was adorable. She wasn't sure how she closed the space between them so quickly but she did, carefully lacing her fingers behind his head and pulling herself up. His lips were chapped, bloodied, and bruised, swelling distracting her from just how damn good it felt when her lips touched his. He gasped, stumbling back a step or two, almost making them fall to the floor. "Colu-!" His breath hitched, his cheeks shaded pink under the mottle of bruises and he stared at her, dumbfounded.

That felt good.

She looked up at him, her eyes slightly glazed and sighing with content as she let her head fall into his chest. It was sudden action that she didn't regret.

"C-Colum..." He tried again, hands moving to her shoulder. Pushing her back gently, he screwed his eyes shut and leaned in, kissing her back this time. Oh my, it DID feel good! He felt disappointment when he tasted blood during the kiss, and Columbia pushed herself back to break it off.

"S-sorry." She muttered. "Your lips - "

He fingered the bruised flesh, looking at the red smear with disappointment. "Is...fine..." The words sounded bland, even in his head. "Um. Why - ?"

Oh Lord how red are my cheeks right now? She asked herself, feeling the heat off her face rise. "Like you. I mean...like you. I like you. I'm being too forward again, I'm so - "

"I like you too. I think..." His chin nuzzled into his scarf, a small smile playing at his now bleeding lips, an embarrassed glance shooting her direction. He was just hoping he was responding properly. Something about this situation seemed...right.

Columbia's chest tightened. "Would you - stop it?! Even beaten and bloodied you're cute!"

"Stop saying that!" He whined, pulling his scarf a bit higher. Depending on it almost seemed second nature.

She swore she felt steam puff out of her ears.

Slowly, he pulled the fabric back down, staring at the floor disheartened. "We...does this mean we're...'together' now?"

"Well. That's - " Her face couldn't get any redder. " - If you want to be. Yes."

It wasn't a bad feeling. "...Then...yes."

There was a weird silence that hung around them for a bit, but finally Ivan sighed.

"We should get going."

"...I don't want to take you."

"Columbia, please." He said quietly. "It will be worse if we don't."

Reluctantly, she groaned in agreement. It was kind of a quiet drive back out, and before he left the car she gave his hand a gentle squeeze. And then he was just gone. The situation completely and utterly out of her hands. Sighing deeply, she returned home.

There wasn't enough rum in the house to satisfy her thirst tonight, she decided, pouring her third straight glass of the rich amber liquid.

Her face was red with alcohol when Feliciano literally twirled into the door.

"Coli!" He shouted excitedly. She couldn't see him directly from the kitchen, but she could hear him struggling to get his boots off. "Coli I had the most wonderful day! Ludwig is so nice and careful, even though he got a little mad at me for taking a siesta..." His voice trailed as he entered the kitchen his wide smile failing him. "Coli? Are you okay?"

She grunted to herself, upset. Feliciano was happy about something and her bad mood was ruining it. She took another large gulp of the rum, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, Feli. Tell me about your day."

"Oh, sure..." He warily sat down next to her.

"Aw, you were being so chatty. Keep going, don't let me interrupt you."

"S-sorry! You seem upset..."

"Feli, the best way to cheer me up when I'm upset is to enjoy your own happiness." At least that was truthful. "Was Ludwig really that nice?"

The young man grinned wildly, his expressive nature beaming as he vision was filled with blurred arm movements. "Si! He is very observant and attentive, hard working...he was upset because I fell asleep a little after lunch though...I think I worked a little slowly for him but he was very encouraging and nice too! I think I like being around him."

"That's good Feli. You didn't know him much from...before, did you?"

"No, I had only met him briefly."

"Mm. I see." She poured another drink. Her glass suddenly seemed empty.

"Coli...did something happen?" He was now looking at her worriedly.

"Oh, just a rough day. I'll be fine tomorrow." When that bastard leaves. "I don't want to ruin Thanksgiving for anyone."

"...what bastard?"

Oh shit. Did she say that aloud? "...Nevermind. It's not important." That won't fly, she realized.

"Coli, you're crying." The Italian rubbed her cheek with his palm, wiping a way a stray tear that betrayed her.

"M not..." She insisted, tearing her face away from his touch. Damn emotions. Damn everything.

"Coli." He sighed. "I don't need to know. But that's enough, yes? Tired?"

"Very." She stated, though honestly she wasn't. The nap from before probably helped, but her body was still stiff and sore from the long, taxing day.

"Want help going upstairs?"

"...Yes."

She leaned on him as they ascended the stairs, and she almost kicked her bedroom door open. Suddenly remembering Ivan was on her bed before, she spun to face her housemate. "Feli. Do me a huge favor and bring my laptop to me. Get...get a movie on it or something. And a bottle of water." She paused. "Sorry if I'm treating you badly...or...being demanding."

"N-no...it's fine." His looks were encouraging. "You're not walking straight anyway."

"Um...yeah." He left to retrieve the objects. Scowling, she quickly changed into long pajamas, checking her sheets. A few droplets of blood stained the cream material. Anger made her sight go fuzzy, or maybe that was the alcohol. She wasn't sure.

Dammitdammitdammitdammit-!

She wasn't sure if she was chanting aloud or in her head. It didn't matter. With a loud scream of frustration she kicked her wall, bringing her leg up to her side and sending it straight out. The loud 'thud' helped her feel some relief from the anger, and she repeated the action multiple times, despite the pain that shuddered down her back with each hit.

"C-Coli...?" The soft voice came from the open door, a thin figure standing in the frame, half-terrified.

She spun to face him, panting slightly and letting her shoulders drop. "...Sorry."

"Do you want to talk about it?" The small man offered. His shoulders were drawn.

"No. I'm just a little tipsy." She realized she would have to start regulating her alcohol a bit better. "Listen...um. I want to thank you. Feli."

"Thank...thank me?" He squeaked. The room suddenly seemed large for the two people and simple furniture. The laptop and water were placed on the far nightstand as he approached his housemate. "What for?"

"Feli." She brought him into a lung-crushing hug. "You're my best friend!"

"Veee, Coli, what happened?"

"Nothing." She lied. Something inside her shook. "It's just...I've been alone for a long time, it seems. I mean. I've always had people counting on me. It's just something I gotten used to. And then...and then when that was taken away from me." It was times like this she wished for that cocoon of unfeeling she had managed to wrap around herself during her time of depression. "Damn it. Damn it, Feli, I feel...I feel..." She cracked a little bit, gripping his shirt and biting her tongue purposely.

He wrapped his arms around her in understanding. "I know it's hard sometimes. Living with bad memories."

"Feliciano, thank you for relying on me. I love you. You're a brother to me."

"Coli." They just stood there for a moment, hugging. "Sorella." He muttered.

"Whazzat mean?" She asked, limply letting him go.

"It means 'sister." His smile was encouraging, and she ruffled his hair.

"Fratello, is it?" Her laugh was weak, but there. "This is not what I expected when I moved here. Thank you again."

He just nodded. "Do you want to sleep together again tonight?"

She laughed. "Haha, uh, no, that's all right...thanks for the offer but, it's a little strange for me. I know you mean well though." She yawned. "I really should sleep. Good night Feli."

"Vee...good night Coli. Please sleep well." His smile was reassuring as he left.

Heavily, she fell into her bed, grabbing her laptop and trying to settle comfortably. The movie didn't help her sleep much.