Chapter 15: Keeping Word

December 1945

Ivan got his uniform and packed it into his leather suitcase before shutting it tightly with the straps, he then looked over at the paper package beside it. It was a Soviet Uniform in Gilbert's size, since the other had no new official Uniform yet. He had to pull strings to get this and no doubt his Boss would be less than impressed if he found out what Ivan was about to do but keeping his word to Gilbert was worth the risk.

It was time for the end of year meeting between the former allies and he was going to bring Gilbert along to 'carry his stuff' but in reality it was to hopefully allow him to see his brother again.

Ivan of course had no idea if Ludwig would be there but he had to try, he had promised. Although part of him screamed if this went wrong, if his boss found out, the pain he would suffer would be…

No, he couldn't think of that right now. He needed to be strong after all. Ivan grabbed the paper parcel and walked it over to Gilbert room, knocking on his door firmly.

'Hey Vanya, I thought you were packing to head out?' Gilbert said softly as he stood in the door.

'Put this in your bag and pack some clothes. You are coming with me.' Ivan said, handing the parcel to him.

'Why? What is this?' Gilbert said, confused.

'I apologise for what it is but it is all I could get. I don't know if he will be there but your brother might be so I want you to come with me. So I can keep my word.' Ivan said quietly, checking none of the others could hear him.

Gilbert opened it to see a Soviet Uniform and tried his best not to frown, he didn't want to hurt Ivan's feelings but it was so not his style, and he didn't want to be just seen as some extension of the Soviet Union. Still he didn't doubt Ivan was just doing his best to let him see his brother and that this was part of it.

'I knew you would hate it.' Ivan sighed, seeing the brief flash of disgust on Gilbert's face.

'You are not very fashionable, we both learned from France did we not. Or did you forget with all that vodka you drink?' Gilbert mocked.

'Still… I appreciate it… the opportunity to see my brother…' Gilbert said lowly.

He meant the last part more than he meant the first but he felt wrong just thanking Ivan alone. It was awkward so he had to puff himself up first.

'You think my clothes are bad.' Ivan frowned, looking genuinely distressed as he looked at his uniform.

'You idiot! They just don't suit me! They look okay on you!' Gilbert went red with embarrassment. Of course he looked good in them.

'Don't worry. I will make sure you have some that are more fitting soon. Once everything is ready. Until then be a good subordinate and play pretend.' Ivan smiled sweetly.

'Subordinate!' Gilbert said in disgust.

It was technically what he was but he had never acted like it. Ivan had never really made him since they got back together.

'I don't like it either. I much more enjoy it when we are equals. You are the only one I want as my equal but if trouble gets caused…' Ivan said as he nervously pushed his scarf to his neck.

Gilbert understood. No doubt Ivan was going against his boss to even do this. If it meant seeing Ludwig again, surely he could act for a few hours. Even though being seen as anything less than incharge hurt his ego.

'Okay, I will try. Let me pack my stuff.' Gilbert nodded, kissing the Russian before closing his door.

Gilbert quickly threw what he could in the bag, including the uniform, as he did he looked over at Gilbird who was sitting by the carved wooden bird. Gilbert grabbed the wooden bird and put it in his pocket before taking Gilbird and placing him in his hair.

Ivan was waiting patiently beside the front door in his coat, however the others were standing with him so he didn't try and get affectionate with the Russian. It was easier for them both if this stayed secret.

'Prussia, put on the boots by the door.' Ivan said motioning to some boots that matched his own.

'Fine' Gilbert scoffed, putting them on, all part of the act.

Ivan instructed Lithuania on what he was to do when he was gone, before saying goodbye to them and heading to his car. Ivan got in the driver's side of the Black KIM-10. Gilbert threw the cases in the back before getting into the passenger side.

Once they were away from the house Ivan took one hand from the wheel and placed it on Gilbert's leg.

'Thanks for playing along.' Ivan smiled.

'I am going to get you back for this later.' Gilbert smirked as he placed his hand on the Russian's.

'How exciting!' Ivan said gleefully.

'You are messed up in the head.' Gilbert laughed lovingly.

Only Ivan could be so happy about something such as that. Gilbert hated that this was the most peaceful relationship he had ever had. Most of the time his awesomeness (attitude) would have started to irritate the other person by now but Ivan seemed to be overjoyed by it. Funny considering that Ivan had literally strangled him before due to his dislike of Gilbert's bad attitude.

Ivan on the other hand didn't mind Gilbert's attitude now he was his boyfriend. After all, Gilbert was no longer trying to take away his power. They were working together as a pair to become stronger together. So why would he need to break him.

Once out of the car and on the plane the two relaxed a little. This meeting was going to take a few days anyway so he wanted to enjoy what little off time he could. He only hoped it all went well, that Ludwig was there, that his boss never found out, that he could keep his word and not be hurt.

The last few months had been some of his happiest. He didn't want to risk losing Gilbert's love by letting him down. He would be strong for Gilbert until he was himself strong again and they could both rule the world and make sure no one was alone ever again and there would never be war. That was Ivan's secret promise to both himself and Gilbert.