RusAme Headcanons
(for when you're in the dreary dead of winter and need some warmth and tenderness)
Most of their relationship is Alfred ranting about something he's excited about and Ivan patiently listening and occasionally throwing in a "that's very nice, Fedya" so he sounds supportive.
Ivan wonders if Alfred actually needs to breathe considering how much of a chatterbox he is.
One time Ivan did not give any sort of verbal feedback to show he was listening and just let Al prattle on about whatever it was that piqued his interest.
He knitted a whole hat before Alfred realized he was the only one talking.
It wasn't to be mean! Only Alfred gets so easily excited and wants to share that joy, and Ivan thinks it's cute that he gets so carried away.
Ivan actually handles a lot of the domestic duties for that very reason.
Picture the two of them in the kitchen, Ivan putting together a hot, comforting dinner for them while Alfred keeps him company and talks about his day.
Sometimes they do get equally excited, depending on what that topic is.
One is stars. The space race may be a distant memory but neither one has lost interest in astronomy.
They've gone on road trips to rural places to see a night sky untarnished by light pollution.
They learn a lot about each other on these trips into the deep wilderness.
For example Alfred learned that Ivan does not like those freeze dried meals you reconstitute with water.
Since it was clear he wasn't eating some freeze dried chicken salad abomination, Ivan dragged Alfred along and taught him everything about foraging for mushrooms and other edible wild plants.
They both have deep knowledge like that on a wide variety of subjects.
And they can have some really heated discussions on just about anything.
It's always refreshing since Ivan isn't all the way to a scholar but is certainly the 'learned' type, whereas Alfred develops new interests and becomes an amateur expert within a week or so.
And.
You just know.
Chess is a very big deal between the two of them.
Both of them are so skilled at the game that they don't need a board. They're the type of ultra cerebral assholes that could chat while mentally playing against each other, much to the chagrin of the others.
Ivan's had a very long time to read about all the masters and study all the important games. He is methodical in his approach and takes some time to make his move (when the game is not timed).
Al on the other hand is a more impulsive player. It's not that he doesn't think things through, only that he's not going to waste time exploring every possible outcome. And he's so damn good that Ivan can't be mad at him for being reckless.
A lot of their relationship is like that. Alfred pokes fun whenever Ivan gets stuck in his ways, and Ivan tenderly reminds Alfred that he's immature and inexperienced.
It looks like they bicker a lot (and they certainly used to) but teasing each other is how they show they're comfortable nowadays.
In addition to poking fun at his partner, Ivan has a bad habit of fretting over Alfred's wellbeing.
Especially when it's cold.
Ivan will layer Alfred in coats and thick mittens and a hat and insulated boots and fleece lined pants until he looks like a marshmallow.
He also knits him a new hat every year.
Similarly Alfred is the king of comfort food so whenever Ivan's feeling down Al will make all these cozy meals for him and buy him all his favorite candies.
Touch is a big love language for both of them so nights in usually involve movie marathons and plenty of cuddling.
It's not unusual for them to fall asleep on top of each other on the couch on nights like that, awkward as it is with both of them being so big.
But one thing's for certain, and that's after that whoever wakes up first always makes pancakes for the other so they can spend a lazy, indulgent morning with the man they love.
