Surviving Winter

Chapter 12

My Boyfriend

"Buongiorno, Coli!" Feli greeted happily. Columbia grumbled something, running her fingers through her bedhead grumpily.

"Dobroye utro, Feli." She replied, pulling out a chair on at the table lazily.

"Oh, Russian, huh? How are the lessons going?"

Columbia shrugged. "Meh. It's hard. And I won't be reading Cyrillic anytime soon, that's for sure." Ivan had taken to teaching her a bit of Russian, since she was starting to get annoyed with Katyusha and he slipping into 'mystery conversations'. She saw him quite often, enjoying her time with the large man and his exuberant sister. He hadn't attacked her since, though there was a night she was going to go over and Katyusha had called, telling her to stay home. It was odd, but he didn't want to pressed so she let it slide for now. All he would say is that he was 'angry', whatever that entailed. With November passed and long gone, Columbia was busying herself with holiday shopping. No way in hell she was going out on Black Friday, but sales went on all for weeks on end for the season so she wasn't especially worried about it. She scratched her at her side. Her back itched like crazy, the burn was healing well but it was such a long process and she couldn't reach the spots that itched the most. She fought to ignore sensation. At least her bruises were all gone now.

"Have a happy breakfast!" Feli sang, sitting down next o her as two plates full of omelet hit the table. He had been in such a good mood lately, it was hard to bring him down.

"Working at the bakery again today?" She asked. Apparently he was better to have around than Gilbert, which really didn't surprise her much. Ludwig had taken a shine to the Italian, and Gilbert finally gave a long-needed formal apology, and in a complete one-eighty has grown to be a little protective of the guy.

It's been a strange three weeks.

She looked over her newly refurbished kitchen. Yao had been working like a madman throughout the house, insistent on doing a good job. He was earning tip money at this point in her mind.

"Do you think we could use some Christmas decorations?" Feli asked, looking around at the still kind of empty house.

Columbia shrugged. "I did plan on getting a tree later this week. We'll need ornaments and some of that tinsel stuff - I love tinsel by the way, silver, not gold - and I thought about making an angel topper but I'm not really sure yet..."

Feli giggled. "I'm glad! I was worried, you had been so distracted lately. And the house would feel a little roomier with Christmas."

She smiled. "Yeah, it would. Okay, we'll get a tree soon. Tomorrow, maybe." She ate her food, thanking him again for the meal. So even Feli thought she had been absent-minded lately. That wasn't really a surprise, with how lovesick she was over Ivan. Honestly, she annoyed herself even. What was there to love about the big brute anyway? His innocent demeanor? The strange threatening phrases that tended to sprinkle his conversations? Those damnable good looks?

"Coli? Are you going to eat?"

"Huh?" She stared at her plate, which had gone untouched for a few solid minutes. "Yeah...sorry." A change of subject was in order. "How's the website?"

"Oh, wonderful! I'm trying to save up for a car...I know I rely on you a lot...to take me to town and...stuff."

"Yeah that would be a good idea."

"Vee, Coli...did you want any rent money? We talked about it..."

"You cook every meal and are able to buy groceries without digging in my wallet. Stick around and be a hand come Spring and lets just call it even, huh? With you cooking I even have time to set up a studio." Ah yes, the spare room downstairs. A large desk and sewing machine had been moved in there, and a large cabinet for fabrics and stuff had been set up. She had been able to pick up a few things in town and finished several gifts, but she was now intent on filling the cabinet with supplies.

There was a rule to the Marsh's. Everyone had money, so family gifts were to be handmade. You spent your money on your friends.

"You need to be at the bakery soon?"

"Si, not long now...you were going into town today, right?"

"Yeah, let me get dressed real quick. Be ready in ten."

Feli was downright chatty on the ride in, constantly spewing baking tips he was learning or just talking about the Beilschmidts in general.

"You've been so happy lately." She commented, and he gave his long speech pause.

"Oh, I suppose I have." He smiled. "I'm just so glad to have people around. People that care, you know? And the fact that Gilbert doesn't hate me anymore..." His tone turned more serious. "Thank you, Coli. If you hadn't helped me so much, I wouldn't have what I do..."

"Don't think of it too much, Feli." She reached over to pat his head. "You're like a cute little brother to me, remember? I needed you just as much." Although admittedly she had just recently realized that fact. She was legitimately appreciative of the young man's presence in her life, even if he was a little annoying at first. "And you should know very well that I do understand."

"Vee...okay." His bubbly attitude was something she was quickly growing accustomed to, and it certainly beat that old, shaking looks he used to give off all the time. In turn, his cheeriness kind of mirrored her own. She realized she was thankful for that as well.

"Bye, Coli!" He rang as the vehicle stopped in front of the bakery. He jumped down from his seat, slamming the car door and bolting inside. She just giggled, smiling at her friends attitude the entire two minute drive to the cafe.

Francis's store was close to empty. She checked her watch. Usually there would be some people in here by now. A flutter of concern hung in her chest, which was dashed when the owner burst through the back doors with the widest grin she had ever seen.

"Mademoiselle Columbia, alo, alo!" The wavy-haired blonde sang. "How is my petite little flower this morning? I hope you are doing half as well as I feel~~!" He swooned.

Columbia couldn't help it. She laughed. "What's gotten into you? You're flightier than usual."

"Ah, but if my heart hadn't been struck so with the arrow of love then I would never experience such a gorgeous happiness! Ah Columbia, I am having the most wonderful time. Mon amour Matthieu is simply the cutest, most amazing, ah-! My heart, she flutters-!"

A little dumbstruck, Columbia just gave her neck a little jolt to make sure she was still in reality. "Matthew? Really?" So the quiet young man from Thanksgiving decided to go for it after all. "So who asked who?" Her curiosity would be the death of her someday, that was a fact she had come to terms with long ago.

"Oh, non, such details- ah, very well, very well. He approached moi, of course. Couldn't resist I suppose. Oh but it was so cute-!"

"I can't take this anymore!" Alfred stormed in from the kitchen, shouting angrily. "You tricked him! That's my little brother and you damn Frenchie seduced him-!"

"Alfred, dear, we've been through this -!"

"NO!"

Columbia was realizing why the cafe was empty.

"You turned him to into this weird mess! He's always muttering crap around me, in FRENCH so I can't understand him, he does it on purpose, and we fight now all the freakin' time and - URGH! You piss me off!"

"Well if you just accepted the relationship - "

"Fuck you! I can't - he's my brother! Thinking of that -!"

"BLOODY TOSSER!" Columbia took a step back as the third blonde also appeared from the back, huffing in an annoyed anger. "It's your own fault for not just letting him make his own decisions! Why can't you be more open-minded?!"

"Because it's my brother!"

"Alfred, you know I care deeply for Matthieu and the thought of ever hurting him is beyond me."

"I don't care, it pisses me off!"

"Oh shut it! What makes you so upset over it anyway?!" Arthur screamed.

"It - just - he!" Alfred pointed at Francis accusingly. "Him and Matthew! That's it!"

"What, is it because that means your brother's gay?!"

Alfred stared in silent anger, his teeth grinding together.

"Oh my God." Arthur started. "OH MY GOD you really are a selfish bloody wanker aren't you?! I can't believe you!"

Forgotten, Columbia had almost stepped out of the door. But she listened in on the argument carefully, her curiosity unsated.

It really would be the death of her someday...

Arthur looked hurt. The look only lasted a second and the other two were two wrapped up in the conversation to notice, but the Briton was obviously shaken by the revelation.

"Alfred, mon ami, I had no idea you were against such things..."

"I'm not AGAINST it...persay...it's just...Matthew..." It was a flimsy excuse.

"BLOODY! FUCKING! WANKER!" Arthur shouted again before running to the back of the cafe.

"...What the hell?" Alfred asked dumbly. Francis scoffed.

"You are so dense! Arthur has been drooling over you since he started working here!"

"Gosh dang it, I'm not buying that crap! There's no way!"

At this Columbia sighed, making a mad dash to follow the injured party. So three blondes in a cafe fight over love...she grimaced. Yeah, there was no way to make a funny joke out of this. She spotted a half-open door on the far side of the store, and stomped over to it. It led to outside, the cold air chilling her. She was glad she still had her coat on. The sounds of hiccuping were coming from the open passageway.

"Bloody tosser..." The voice whispered. She knocked gently on the open door.

"Wha-?!" Bright green eyes turned to face her, a tear-stained face that was full of surprise.

"Sorry. Figured you could use some company. Or something." She stated, looking down on him. His knees were drawn up to his chest, his backing resting against the siding.

"I don't need anything!" He started, and she frowned. "...well. Maybe some hot tea would be nice..."

"You're as crazy as the rest of them, huh?" She asked, sliding down to sit next to him. Her legs spread out in front of her carelessly, she didn't really care how she landed. "So, shitty day? Man I'll tell you the closer it gets to Christmas the worse it gets. Damn crowds and crazy people, shouting stupid shit." She glanced at him, trying to see how he was reacting. His bewildered stare was enough.

"Huh-?"

"I mean seriously. If a guy's gonna confess his love he might as well do it to where even a moron could understand it, right?" She continued.

The blonde's face turned bright red, and he was stunned into silence.

"Tell you what. You go get Francis to make me a tuna salad sandwich to go, grab yourself a lunch for later and I take you to the mall with me. I have to meet someone there soon, and it might be a little crowded but it beats sticking around him for a little while, and going home to drown in ice cream isn't a good idea either."

"I don't...like ice cream." He seemed positively stunned. "We don't even know each other!" The remark was loud, and bewildered.

Columbia shrugged. "We've met a couple of times. Come on, whaddya say?"

Arthur looked over the strange girl with unease. Alfred had gone on and on for awhile about how 'cool' she acted, and now he was thinking he might understand what that meant. She was beyond relaxed, just sitting against the siding with the most neutral of faces, flicking a pebble across the concrete out of boredom. At the Thanksgiving dinner she was beat up but shrugged off any pain she was hiding, drinking and just able to have a good time whenever. So...lax. It was practically a calming effect, the way she talked and even just the way she held herself. "Oh. Very well. It wouldn't be very gentleman of me to decline, would it?"

"Hrm. No, I suppose not." She stood, whipping herself back into the restaurant with him trailing behind.

"Your truck is big." Arthur noted, the safety belt clicking neatly at his side.

"It's a work truck." She said. She proceeded to hug the steering wheel. "I love my baby!"

"A little attached are we...?" He was beginning to doubt his decision. This girl was obviously at least a little mental.

"My truck is my freedom." She said, turning on the vehicle with a hum. They were off.

He frowned. "Why...would you associate it with something like that? I mean it provides travel...but..."

"My fiancee was a paranoid fruitcake." She explained. "This truck? First thing I bought after he was out of the picture. Ah man. I can't tell you how good it felt to just stay out of the house for days at a time." She smiled fondly.

"That sounds serious."

"I don't worry about it anymore."

This girl was weird. Nice, but weird. "So how did you know...about Alfred?"

"I thought it was obvious." She shrugged.

"R-really? I mean Francis can sense those things but I didn't realize - "

"I've always been curious. I think sensing those kinds of things is just something I picked up over the years. Y'know, because I'm nosy. After awhile I just didn't have to ask people anymore. Either that or Alfred really is that dense...somehow it wouldn't surprise me."

"You know him...well?"

"You work with him!"

"Yeah, but...that's work. And we just fight...all I really know is that he loves junk food. I swear he eats hamburgers every bloody day! And he just scarfs them down like it's nothing!"

"Yeah, I've seen him do that. Oh, he likes horror movies. He's a total pansy about them though! He invited me over for a movie night - way back when we first met, I think he was being smitten - but after the movie I couldn't get his hands off of me! I thought I was gonna be strangled to death in the arms of a nutjob." She shuddered. "We've only seen each other a couple of times after that. And not as dates, I expressed my disinterest distinctly after that. Ugh, I've never been so claustrophobic on a date before."

"If it scares him so much why does he watch them?!"

"A macho thing, maybe? Wouldn't shock me, guys like him...though not much shocks me anymore."

"...What else does he like?"

"He has an extensive video game collection. I mean, dates back to the 80's crap. I think I remember him and Honda sharing tips and stuff over Thanksgiving."

"Is that what they were so chatty about..." Arthur sighed, remembering the two being so friendly as well. Kiku had more in common with Alfred than he did already. It made sense, Alfred and Kiku hung out quite a bit, and he hadn't even the guts to think about inviting the glasses-wearing waiter over.

"He had quite a bit of anime stuff too. Actually, come to think of it, I'm wondering how he can afford all that stuff. I mean he's just a waiter, right?"

"We both make good tips. There isn't usually too many other people working the cafe so we've learned to be very fast. It's also why we're closed two days a week."

"Why not hire more help?"

"We have been. Turns out Francis as a boss is rather difficult for some people to handle. He's lucky his kitchen staff has stuck around for as long as they have."

"'Some' people, huh?" She clicked her tongue. "Damn shame. Couple more hands you could bring in more money for the place, huh?"

"It's fine. When everyone shows up we do have help, it's not unmanageable. Besides, I like my pay."

"I bet you do." They chatted the whole way, and it wasn't until she parked the truck that he thought to ask -

"Who are we meeting here, anyway?"

She ignored him. "Suyda! Privet!" She called, waving towards someone.

Arthur walked around the vehicle, confused. His blood ran cold when he saw a tall, silver-haired man approaching them. The light clinking of a pipe against the asphalt was unsettling. He realized it was being used as a walking stick.

"I'd recognize bad pronunciation anywhere."

"Gosh dang it Ivan, I'm trying..."

"Suyda." He repeated sternly.

"Suyda." She chanted after him, flushing slightly.

"Better! Keep practicing."

Columbia shrugged. "Oh, yeah. I dunno if you two know each other much. Ivan, this is Arthur..." She paused. "I don't know your last name! I'm sorry."

"K-Kirkland." He said nervously.

"Kirkland. Okay. Arthur, this is my boyfriend, Ivan Braginsky."

"B-" The word died in his throat as he stared at the odd couple. She was dating him?!

"You okay?" Columbia asked. "You seem kinda pale."

"I-I'm fine!" He lied.

"Columbia has made so many friends!" Ivan droned. "I'm so jealous."

"Don't be. How's your hand?" She fretted over the wrapped fingers. Arthur observed the interactions with surprise. The group had started to make their way into the mall.

"Is fine, stop fretting. It will be back to normal soon."

"I'm just concerned."

"Da, I know. You and Katyusha...honestly."

"Where is she?"

"I told her to go on ahead without us. We will meet up with her soon, I am sure." He smiled.

"Leg acting up today?" She asked, observing his heavy limp.

"Columbia! You are - " He froze. The mall was packed with people.

"Shit -!" Columbia swore, pulling out her cell phone to call Katyusha. "Sit..." She said, leading Ivan to a bench and placing herself next to him. Unsure of what to think or do, Arthur just followed suit.

He wasn't sure what he was doing here, acting as a third wheel. It was strange. What was stranger is their sudden behavior. Did Ivan Braginsky look nervous? He was muttering something about crushing the crowds into indiscernible dust...Arthur shuddered. Ivan was creepy.

A few minutes later, a well-endowed female he was not sure he recognized met up with them. "So sorry! I was a little caught up in the moment."

"It's fine Kat." Columbia said smoothly. "So I need crafting supplies. Like materials and stuff to make clothes with."

"Yes, there is a large store at the other end..." She glanced at her brother. "Are you all right?"

"DA, I am fine! The worrying is getting to be annoying...I will turn you both into rust-flavored borscht if you do not stop." His chin went into his scarf, which made Columbia giggle. She pressed her lips against his cheek.

"You're so cute."

It made him flush.

Arthur couldn't believe what he was seeing. THIS was the terrible, intimidating Ivan Braginsky?! What he found particularly odd is that he threatened them and they just laughed it off. Surely that wasn't a normal way to speak to a significant other.

"Oh! Kat, Arthur Kirkland, Arthur, Katyusha Braginskaya, Ivan's older sister. Okay! Let's shop!" Columbia stood eagerly, hooking her arm into Ivan's and letting his bandaged hand fall freely. They almost hugged the wall, Katyusha taking careful steps behind her brother and Arthur falling in step next to her.

"It's nice to meet you!" Katyusha offered, smiling at the newcomer.

"A pleasure, miss." Arthur replied. "Sorry, but I do think we've seen each other before somewhere."

"You live in Nation? I work at the office there. A little job away from home for me. Is just sorting paperwork, but I enjoy it!"

"Ah yes. I think I do remember now. So how have you been?"

"Oh, fine. I didn't know you and Columbia were so well acquainted!"

"Oh, we're...not." He felt awkward, and a little embarrassed. "I got in a bit of a row at the cafe, and...she offered to bring me along."

Katyusha giggled. "That certainly sounds like Columbia! Though I'm not sure what rowing has to do with it."

Arthur resisted the need to roll his eyes. "That- "

"You two talking about me?" Columbia turned, grinning.

"Just a bit!"

"Hehe, good. Ooh, bookstore! Ivan, lets go in there."

"Da."

Ivan seemed to be relieved to be out of the hallways, though the thin passages between bookshelves in this room wasn't much better. At least he could distract himself by browsing a little.

Arthur glanced over the spines curiously, reading titles as he brushed them with his fingertips. He noticed a rather large, out of place looking display. It was filled with books, but not the normal kind. He soon realized they were comics. Columbia was already browsing them, shuffling Ivan around her as people walked by. It was like was afraid of being bumped around, and the female had grown accustomed to act as a shield-like satellite.

"I didn't pin you as the comic type."

"I'm not." She replied. "I'm looking for a couple of friends. Ooh!" She picked up a heavy looking book, some kind of special edition something, as it was hardback and had a big, flashy advertisement sticker on it. "This looks neat." She turned it over, studying it. "Yeah, this'll work. Ivan, you see anything?"

"Ne, these things do not interest me. They would make good fire though. Very colorful!"

"I could get a Russian cookbook? You like those dishes, right?"

"You cook?" He asked curiously.

"I'm not...half bad. Feli is way better at it than I am. But I'd cook for you, if you wanted...me too." She was flushing.

Ivan chuckled. "If you make it, I will eat it." He said, placing a kiss on her forehead.

Again, Arthur was bewildered. He wasn't sure what was more frightening, Ivan Braginsky himself or the fact that this slender girl, probably a third of Ivan's total size, had him completely wrapped around her finger.

"You buying anything?" She turned, facing the staring blonde.

"Um - no, I don't believe so." He eyed the book she picked up. "Who is that for?"

"Alfred, of course. I'm buying everyone a gift."

"E-everyone?!" He asked. "Whatever for?"

She shrugged. "Because I want to and I can. It's not big deal."

"I-if you insist...can I see what you're getting Alfred?" He indicated the book she had picked out.

"Heck no! Rule of gift-buying, find it yourself or it means nothing."

"I just want to see what it is." Came the honest reply.

She grumbled something, then handed him the book. It was thick, and big, and a hardcover and -

And expensive.

"That much for a book?" He was almost mortified.

Columbia shrugged. "It's collectors edition! Get what you pay for. Yoink." She grabbed it back out of his hands, stuffing it under her arm with a smile. Arthur decided to browse the store a little more but didn't find anything appropriate. He just watched and followed as Columbia paid for the books she had picked out, and they continued their trip. Katyusha loved the department stores, which Columbia shrugged off and opted for cheaper clothes in the smaller stores. Ivan didn't seem to take an interest in anything.

"I have a nice entertainment center. I should stock up on movies..." Columbia said, her glance moving towards a video shop.

"That is wonderful idea. After this we should take a break to the cars...we can't carry much more." Ivan said.

"I agree!" Katyusha added.

"Honestly, how much do we plan on spending today?" Arthur asked. Even he was carrying some bags, and all he had managed to find was a new ring for his collection.

"I'll let you know when I find out. C'mon." Attached to Ivan like glue, they ducked into the large media store. For the millionth time that day they were greeted by a floor salesman.

Arthur ignored the list that Columbia had started to rattle off, and instead was drawn in by a back wall full of anime and video games. Alfred liked this stuff? He couldn't see why. It seemed a bit childish. A couple of large sets drew his attention, and he realized they were full series. Some in special boxes with figures on the end, some with decorative ribbons wrapped around them. That would be a good gift...right? I mean just because he thought it was a little silly didn't mean he should shun Alfred from liking it. He stared at the names and descriptions with little understanding. He had no idea what was good and what was crap. Sighing, he turned one of the boxes over, nearly dropping it as he did so. The prices were outrageous! Did Alfred really spend that kind of money on this stuff all the time?!

"Ooh, he doesn't like that one."

The females voice made him jump and spin, and he stared at Columbia's peering gaze. "Wh-what?"

"He doesn't like that one. Made a point of mentioning it once...here." She grabbed a top shelf box, one that had some kind of machine figure in it as well as person figure. "This is one of his favorites. It's long, too, so I doubt he has all the episodes." It was big. At least twenty DVD's stacked together and then the box at the end.

"...This is over two-hundred dollars..." He said, his voice dropping.

"I'll help you get it if you want."

"What?! You already got him something didn't you?!"

"Yeah, but if you want to impress him, I don't mind helping."

Who the hell was this chick? He decided maybe it might be better not to find out.

"I...no, I'd rather be able to pay for it myself."

"Is it too much?" She asked. For some reason it suddenly felt like she was glaring at him.

He paused, contemplating. He looked like a kid who just got the option to have his favorite candy bar or a milkshake. "...Is this really his favorite one?"

"Mmm. Lemme check with Kiku real quick." She whipped out her cell, and he stared at the box while she talked on the phone. He only caught a little bit of the conversation.

"Yeah, sorry. I know. Don't mean to bug you long, but I know you and Alfred are close..." "Yeah well I got this box set here." "...Really? That few? Okay man, thanks."

She turned back to him. "He says he only has a couple of this one on actual DVD, most of it is shoddy recordings from the television time. It's a perfect gift if I ever saw one."

Arthur fingered the box hesitantly, groaning. "I'm buying it." He said, deciding to bite the bullet. It would be worth it...he knew it would be. God let it be worth it.

Columbia bought no less than twenty movies and a couple of whole series television shows for herself, and a video game that she said was for Kiku.

They made there way out to the cars to drop off their heavy loads, Arthur too stunned to mention anything in front of Ivan but as soon as he was out of earshot he stared at Columbia like her head was going to burst. "You spent six hundred dollars! On movies!"

"I haven't bought a single DVD since I moved into town. I'm bored. Plus they're not all mine, the game is for Kiku, and I'm pretty sure at least some of them will go under the tree."

"You're really starting to scare me." Arthur admitted. "How do you have so much? I don't think I've ever seen you work before!"

She sighed. That cat was already out of the bag with Ivan, and she would be doing business soon anyway. At this point, it didn't matter. "Arthur, I'm a Marsh." She emphasized the word, trying to get the point across.

"I know what your bloody name is, what does that have to do with anything?!"

"Marsh General Stores." She stated sourly.

"...Bloody Hell!" He breathed, staring at her. "Seriously?!"

"Oh gosh - moron. This is exactly why I didn't want anyone to know! Dammit...come on, I'm not done. I still have stuff to get." She gestured toward him, annoyed.

Stiffly, but unable to argue, Arthur followed her back in to meet with Ivan and Katyusha. They shopped around a little more, and finally she ducked into the fabric supply place she wanted. He just watched her in awe as she asked a sales clerk to follow her, a pen and paper in hand. She walked through the aisles with her, pointing out the bolts of fabric she wanted, '3 yards of this, 6 of that' so on and so forth. They did this for a solid half hour, and by the time she was done the lady was so nervous and exasperated she wasn't sure what to do.

"I need the thread of every color I am buying as well, large spools of white and black, and the largest box of stuffing I can buy. And I want it all delivered to me."

The lady frowned, unsure. "Let me get my manager."

Columbia folded her arms over her chest, disgruntled. "I know this store delivers. I've done it before."

"Maybe you were being 'overly harsh'?" Ivan asked, leaning in on her.

"Don't spin this around on me, you're the harsh one."

Ivan smiled. Creepily, in Arthur's opinion. "True."

"Um...where'd Katyusha go?" Arthur asked, suddenly aware of the nice females absence.

"Oh, I asked her to do a little favor for me." Columbia responded. "So you're into punk style huh?"

Arthur blushed. "Um...a little. How did you figure?"

"I saw you eyeing the jewelry and jeans in that one funky store. That one that played the weird, heavy music? Didn't pin you the type." She winked.

"It's fun to be a little different now and again." He turned sheepish, tapping the floor with the end of his shoe and averting his look.

"Oh, I agree."

Eventually, they managed to get everything settled, and by the time the left the mall it was dark, and everyone was getting hungry.

Arthur couldn't remember the last time he ate out with such nice company. Ivan still scared him for some reason but his sister was so nice! Columbia herself was so easy to talk to...he almost found himself disappointed when they left to return to Nation. He still didn't understand the tall Russian though, the way he sometimes said such off-the-wall statements, usually threatening ones, so casually. As they said their good-bye's and climbed into their respective cars, he decided to ask Columbia the questions that were bugging him.

"So...how do you approach a man like Ivan?" He asked almost immediately after they left the parking lot.

"Whaddya mean? I walk up to him and say 'hi'. Well, privet, actually, but you know what I mean."

"Listen, you seem like a really nice girl and all but I don't know if you heard or not but Ivan has a serious reputation."

"Unfounded." She said sternly. "He doesn't mean what he says. At all. He's just a little lonely."

The Briton stifled a dry chuckle. "I suppose that true for everyone..."

"We're not doing the depressing crap talk, it that's all right with you." She grumbled. "I have had enough drama for one freaking lifetime."

"Funny, you seem to cause enough of it. That little stunt with the Beilschmidts got around enough. Lord, what were you thinking?"

"I was thinking some dumb ass albino pointed a gun at my best friend! Feli doesn't deserve to be treated like a scoundrel. It's not fair to him!"

The mood instantly turned solemn. "No...it's not."

"You sympathize with him, huh?"

Arthur sighed. "I always did, yes. Alfred was always...torn on the subject. At least now I understand why that was..." He muttered dejectedly. "There was just so little I could do. You have to understand. Hartwin was a highly respected member of our town. He ran charities, he helped people...he worked closely with the church and organized all kinds of things! Feliciano was blamed for...everything."

"Sick." Columbia bit, gripping her steering wheel a little too tightly. "Just- ugh - I can't comprehend the problems here. I really just can't sometimes."

"'Problems'?" His curious stare was wide. "Is there someone else you've been dealing with?" He was obviously indicating Ivan. Everyone was curious about the tall, mysterious Russian. She blatantly ignored the obvious question.

"Well, now you." She laughed.

"That's not very funny." He folded his arms over his chest, clearly flustered.

"You asked." Her smile faded though. "Just...things. Don't get me wrong. I LOVE living in Nation. I think it's the best thing that happened to me since sliced bread. But I left everything behind in Ohio. And I do mean everything. I wanted to keep it that way. I wanted to stay separated."

"Is that why you're staying here for the holidays instead of going back home?" He must admit he did find it odd that she was still here with no family, especially if she had as large of one as she said.

"Yeah, that's exactly why. There was some drama that was going on. It became too much for me to handle with everyone just stopping by all the time. It was always 'worry about this' and 'fret over that'...I should stop picking on Ivan." She realized, chewing on her cheek. "Such a constant reminder...though I think I kinda get it now."

"...Did something happen to you?" Arthur asked seriously.

"Pffft. Stuff happens to everyone. I just choose to get over it is all. It doesn't bother me." He raised an all too bushy eyebrow, and she glanced at him, annoyed. "What? Really. I'm good. Fantastic, even."

"As long as you say so..." He trailed, and decided to change the subject to Christmas gifts to lighten the mood.

"And here you go." Columbia said cheerily, pulling next to Arthur's car in the parking lot of the cafe.

He grabbed his shopping bag from the floor of the front seat, sliding out of the truck easily before turning to face her. "Columbia. Thank you for today."

"Told you it beat running home alone or sticking around him. Oh, I bet he's cooled his heels a bit by now, but why not wait until after Christmas to confess to him? Something good might happen between now and then."

"Do...do you know something?" He asked, strangely curious.

"Hmm...no, I wouldn't say that. It's just that you never know."

"I see..."

"Got your car keys?"

"Oh, um..." He checked all of his pockets. "Yes." He dangled them for a second.

"Good. Well, I really need to get home. Feli will be worried sick...Merry Christmas."

"Merry...Christmas." Arthur responded slowly, closing the car door and watching her drive off.

"...What a thoughtful young woman..." He murmured to himself.