If enough people are interested, I will host a rare and under-appreciated pairing exchange this year! All rare pairs and under-appreciated ships welcome. This is to encourage writers to step out of their comfort zones and to encourage shippers to think about all the shipping possibilities that are out there!
If you'd be interested in participating like this post, and reblog so other people can see it!
Apparently "yolo" was not an acceptable way to sign off on this--but I digress (and kid).
Well my lovelies! The APH SS 2012 has come to a close! Izzy and I were really amazed by the amount of sign ups we received and how everything has more or less, ran very smoothly! I'd like to thank you all so much for participating and in the chance Izzy and I join forces again to run another exchange, it would be awesome to see you all around once again. So with all that being said, happy holidays, whatever you celebrate! Have a wonderful new year's to boot. You guys rock and should be super proud of yourselves! Really! There is so much wonderful fic to read and share like wow!!! ;o;
Also, if you'd like to keep in touch for whatever reason, my blog is right here. So yes, good. It's been real, holla.
gosh guys, this has been a great event--this was my first time hosting an event (could you?? tell??? i could) and i'm fairly content about how it turned out. but wow, so many bumps in the rode (sobs), but we got over them!! well enough anyway. i really hope that everyone enjoyed themselves, you all did a great and fabulous job; proud of all of you!! a special thanks to those who filled in as pinch hitters, you know who you are!! /smooches your faces!!
i hope all of you had a wonderful christmas, and i hope you have many happy happy holidays to come. new years is just around the corner!! perhaps we will do this again next year.
in which case, we can look back at this event and improve it because a lot of things could have been done differently and for the better. but!! all in all, amazing event guys, couldn't have done it without you all!
like zana said above, feel free to keep in contact, loves!! \o/
The last of the ones that we received anyway. Some people, unfortunately, will be getting theirs late, but I've already contacted them! In the meantime, everyone can mingle!! Talk to your writers and gifees!!
Title: Stress
Recipient: scythe-meister-erik
Rating: G
Warnings: Nothing
Word Count: 940
Summary: Alfred has had a stressful day at work so he goes to a small restaurant and starts up a conversation with a waiter.
Author Notes: I had a lot of fun writing this and I really hope you enjoy it!
After a few minutes a man roughly the same age as Alfred walked up to his table. “Bonjour, I’m Matthew. I’ll be taking your order today. Can I start you off with something to drink?” He asked smiling softly. Matthew had been working at this place for only a few days. Alfred, how came here about twice a week, had never seen Matthew before.
“I’ll have a cola.” Alfred said glancing up at Matthew. Matthew nodded and walked off to get him his drink. Alfred sighed and went back to his menu, trying to cheer himself up. Maybe he’d try to make conversation with the waiter, talking to people always seemed to cheer him up a bit.
Matthew returned to Alfred after a moment. “Here’s your drink sir. Are you ready to order, or do you need more time?” He asked as he sat down the drink. Alfred shook his head.
“I’m ready to order. I’ll just take a burger; everything on it, please.” He said handing Matthew his menu.
“Would you like anything else to go with it?” Matthew asked. Alfred shook his head and Matthew walked off. Alfred gazed into his glass as he waited for his food. He was thinking about work. It seemed to get more and more stressful every week. Matthew noticed the look on Alfred’s face when he was cleaning some tables near him. “Sir?” He asked. “Is everything alright?”
Alfred looked up from his drink quietly. “Yeah man, I’m fine.” He said softly. “Just a bit stressed I guess.”
“May I ask why?”
Alfred sighed. “It’s just my boss… He keeps piling on the work and I can barely keep up.”
Matthew walked over to Alfred. “Sounds like you need a break.”
“Yeah I guess so…” Alfred replied. “Talking helps.” Just then Matthew’s boss walked by, telling Matthew to get back to work. Alfred sighed and went back to staring into his drink. He felt much better, having talked to Matthew. It was strange to him about how just talking to a random stranger, that he didn’t even know the full name of, had relived so much stress.
Alfred waited for a few more minutes before Matthew came back with his food. “Here you are sir. Enjoy your meal.” Matthew said.
“Alfred.”
“I’m sorry? What?”
Alfred looked up and smiled a bit. “You can call me Alfred.”
Matthew nodded. “Well it’s nice to meet you, Alfred.” He said before walking off. Alfred began to eat his food. It was perfect, as always. He wanted to talk to Matthew again, so he took his drink and poured it into a nearby plant.
A few minutes later Matthew returned. “Would you like a refill, Alfred?” He asked remembering to use Alfred’s name. Alfred nodded, just happy to exchange a few words with Matthew. “Would you like anything else while I’m at it?” Matthew asked.
“No thanks dude.” Alfred replied. Matthew nodded and walked off leaving Alfred to himself. Alfred returned to eating and sighed. To be honest he had wanted to start a conversation with Matthew but as soon as he came by, Alfred forgot just about everything. Maybe he could try again when Matthew came back with his drink.
A few minutes later Matthew returned and Alfred forgot just about everything he was going to say. What he didn’t forget seemed to random to bring up. “Dammit.” He whispered to himself after Matthew was out of earshot. “I talked to him earlier. Why is it so hard now?”
Matthew had noticed something different about Alfred the last few times he had walked by his table. It seemed like he was going to say something. Matthew shrugged it off until he walked by Alfred’s table a few minutes after he had refilled his drink. His drink was empty again and the ice was gone just like the time before. “Would you like another refill?” Matthew asked.
“Yes please.” Alfred responded. As Matthew began to walk away with his cup Alfred raised a hand out to stop him.
“Oui?” Matthew asked turning around. Alfred shook his head.
“It’s nothing.” Alfred replied. Deciding it was best not to pry Matthew nodded and walked to the kitchen to refill his drink. By now he knew something was up, but he knew it was best not to get into the customers business.
He returned with Alfred’s drink a few moments later along with the bill. Alfred gave Matthew his credit card and Matthew went to go charge it. While he was away he got an idea.
He returned to Alfred’s table and set the bill there for him to sign. When Alfred pulled it out he noticed a napkin fall out and onto the floor. He picked it up and examined it raising an eyebrow. On the napkin was a phone number and a message that read. “You seemed like you needed to talk. Feel free to call me. My hours are five to eight, Monday though Friday and six to nine on weekends.” Alfred quickly signed the bill, leaving a large tip, and ran home with the napkin. As soon as Matthew got off work he was going to call him and finally have the conversation he was planning the entire night.
Title: Math Problems & Cowboy Hats
Recipient: tokyotwinkle
Rating: K
Warnings: Cowboy! America Highschool AU
Word Count: 1,054
Summary: Before moving to New York, the math in Montana was nice and easy, but now he doesn't have a clue what's going on anymore. But when an unsuspecting friend is willing to study with him, they'd rather talk about Cowboy hats, siblings rather math problems.
Author notes: I wish you a merry Christmas, I wish you a merry Christmas, I wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy new year ^-^ Oh how I am horribly inexperienced with this pair, but as I always say, my best work always comes from unknown things. (If that makes any sense...) Anyways, happy reading~
But now, he was living in loud and busy New York with his Mom, and the math here is ridiculous! Learning one thing one day, and learning a whole other thing the next day. Whenever doing his homework, he'd spend about 15 minutes on just one problem, and be lucky if he'd finish it 5 minutes before his bedtime to watch a little television. If it wasn't for his Math Support class, he would have gave up after the first 2 weeks. (Probably sooner.)
'Then again, Math Support can only do so much.' He thought to himself as he continued working.
"Do you mind if I sit here and study?"
Alfred looked up. A young, Asian student stood before him with a math book in his hand. Brown eyes, brown hair, and he could have sworn he saw a little face in that flyaway curl of his, or perhaps Alfred was just imagining things again.
Alfred smiled. "Sure I don't mind at all."
The boy smiled back as he took the seat in front of Alfred. He cracked open the book in his hand, and resumed his practicing.
Alfred gazed at what he was doing and grinned. "Hey, that's the same thing I'm doing!" He shouted happily.
"Shh!" The boy and a few others around them whispered harshly.
"Oh, sorry." He said with a small blush on his face. "That's the same thing I'm doing." He said, more quiet this time.
"Really? You want to study together?" He asked.
"I'd love that because I have to take the test next block, and I don't think I'm gonna pass it." Alfred mumbled.
"Well since I studied last night I don't mind helping you at all..." He trailed off, not knowing his name what so ever.
"Alfred. Alfred F. Jones, and you are?" He asked holding out a hand to him.
"Im Yong Soo." He introduced, and shook the other's hand nimbly.
"Nice to meet you Yong Soo."
"No, no, no, Im Yong Soo."
"I know, and I'm Alfred F. Jones."
Shaking his head, Yong Soo took out a pencil, and with his sharp handwriting he wrote,
Im Yong Soo
"Oh, so your name is actually Im Yong Soo. Got 'cha. Can I just call you Yong Soo?"
"Everyone does, so why not?" Yong Soo spoke with a small shrug.
"Good. So Yong Soo, if you studied last night, why are you studying more?"
"Because you can never be too sure, even though I don't think I'm going to fail the test."
"Oh you're taking the same test too?"
"Yeah, but a two blocks from now."
"Well at least you have more time."
"Yeah but you've got a nice cowboy hat."
"Huh?"
"Your hat. I like it, I've never seen one like it before." Yong Soo spoke pointing to his cowboy hat.
"Well thanks, but what does that have to do with anything?"
"Are we not naming thing one person has but not the other?"
Alfred laughed at that. "It sure does sound like that, doesn’t it?" He asked.
Yong Soo nodded. "Do you mind if I try it on..?" He asked rather shyly.
"Umm, sure?" Alfred spoke a little unsure and plucking off his hat. He leaned over and placed it on Yong Soo's head.
"Wow.” He said touching the suede hat before grinning. "I like it."
Alfred grinned. "You look about as cute as a baby's butt in that hat."
"Huh?"
He laughed a bit. "Don't worry, it's a compliment. It just means that you’re really adorable in that hat."
"Oh, well thanks." He spoke the smile never leaving his face.
"No problem, it was my dad's. He let me have it before he died."
"Awe." Yong Soo said sadly.
"It's fine. I mean at least I have something that reminds me of him."
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I never met my dad, or my mom. I grew up as the youngest with 2 sisters, and 4 brothers."
"Must have been some full house."
Yong Soo nodded. "But it's sometimes fun having a bunch of siblings, you know?"
"Well I only have one sibling, my younger brother, Matthew." Alfred replied.
"Oh I know! You can be my big brother if you want another sibling." He chirped.
"That sounds like a great idea. Come here little bro." He said leaning over the table to hug him.
Yong Soo wordlessly leaned over the table and hugged him.
Suddenly, the bell rung, making them both flinch.
"Oh shoot, I didn't even get a chance to study a little more before the test." Alfred said releasing the other and putting his books away.
"Sorry for not helping you like I said I would." Yong Soo spoke and plucked off the hat and gently putting it on his head.
"It's fine. I did like talking to you, and adopting you as a little brother."
He smiled at that. "Well if you don't remember anything else, just remember this: The function notation, f(x), is the same thing as 'y'. Exponential is the curvy line with a common ratio, and Linear is the straight line with a common difference."
"I'll try to remember that. Thanks again." Alfred said before he walked off.
Yong Soo ran behind him and hugged him. "Good luck on your test. I'll see you later."
Alfred had no choice but to turn around and hug him back, not that he had a problem with it. "I'll see you later too, okay? Now I seriously gotta skedaddle." He said before squirming out of his hold. With another wave, Alfred ran off.
Yong Soo smiled as he sat down. "I still want his hat." He said to himself before laughing quietly to himself.
Title: First Christmas
Recipient: Elise / feliksnavidad
Rating: PG/K+
Warnings: Angst
Word Count: 2,711
Summary: Human AU. Gilbert and Ludwig spend their first Christmas together without their parents. (German brothers with mentioned PruHun and GerIta)
Author notes: Hello, Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy the story. I tried to go along with that angst theme you said you wanted, but I just couldn’t leave things sad - it’s Christmas after all. Enjoy!
The eldest son, Gilbert, was an engineer working for the German Aerospace Center. He was engaged to a young woman and at twenty six he’d already bought his own home. He visited when he could, but work and his own social life kept him quite busy. Ludwig, the younger son, was at university now. He’d thrown himself into his academic career, sparing little time for anything else but school and the few friends (and boyfriend) he had.
They all supported one another and their individual efforts, of course. But they all simply were involved in their own lives to really spend much time together. Even Louise and Aldrich had not as much spent time together as others thought a married couple should. This had been their lives and they had all been content in it. They were individuals until the Christmas season. Something then, changed in the family.
Aldrich had always spent more time at home in December. He took Christmas decorating seriously and their lawn always had an impressive light display out front. Louise had always taken Christmas baking to a new level. Her Christmas cookies and candies were the envy of the neighborhood. Ludwig, like his father, enjoyed the decorating. He’d always made a point to help him. Even Gilbert got into the spirit and most years spent more and more time at his parents’ home. More often than not he’d even bring his fiancé.
Christmas had always been special for the Bielschmidts. It was the one time of year when they all came together; when they did things together and really cherished one another as a family. It was routine and predictable, but none of them would have their holidays any other way. Since the boys were children, each year had been the same. Of course there had been differences as the boys grew, but Christmas was always a time for family, and every year they could count on their usual festivities. There was no way they could have known that the previous Christmas had been their last as a family.
It had been mid-November when tragedy struck. Ludwig had been away at college, and Gilbert had been busy with his job and fiancé. Life for Aldrich and Louise Bielschmidt had settled into a new routine of work and personal projects, but never did they forget their always punctual, monthly date night. Once each month they made one another a priority - it had been something they’d done since Ludwig had first entered high school and they’d had no need to stand watch over a young child. The night had started out as any other - a short drive for dinner followed by plans to see a movie. Hours later the brothers had received the call. Louise and Aldrich hadn’t made it to dinner. Just blocks away from their home their car had been struck head on by an oncoming car driving in the wrong lane. Louise had died in the collision while Aldrich had died en route to the hospital.
The funeral had been held over Ludwig’s fall break from school. The whole affair was quick with both sons grieving only in private. It had been a weekend full of ostentatious floral arrangements, handshakes and gracious thank yous for words of sympathy. Neither young man had been equipped to deal with such an affair. Ludwig was quiet, stoic and private in his feelings. Gilbert was outwardly carefree, choosing humor over public sadness. When the weekend had come to an end, both Ludwig and Gilbert returned to their private lives with no real plans to spend the break together.
——-
When Gilbert attended university, it had always been Aldrich’s job to drive up to the school and to bring their eldest son home for the holidays. Now that their father was gone, Gilbert took it upon himself to retrieve Ludwig after his exams. The younger brother had protested for a week, insisting that he could take a train home or catch a ride with a friend. Of course, Gilbert would have none of these protests and simply shook them off, informing him he’d be there the evening after his last exam. The academic schedule had been cutting it close this year - it was already the 22nd when Ludwig finished his exams.
It was around six in the evening when he pulled up in front of his brother’s dormitory. Ludwig was prompt as always and was already standing with his luggage at the doors. The blond readily hauled his belongings into Gilbert’s trunk and took his seat beside the elder brother. “Thank you for picking me up.” He said gruffly.
“Yeah, no problem.” Gilbert nodded, trying not to mention their father in any capacity. All month long he’d been dreading and avoiding the holidays, much to his fiancé’s chagrin. He was sure Elizaveta was going to strangle him if he didn’t show at least a bit of holiday cheer soon. He fell silent, as did Ludwig, and the drive back to their home town was quiet.
“You’re welcome to stay with us, you know.” Gilbert offered after a good hour of silence.
“I don’t want to intrude.” Ludwig shook his head in response.
“It’s not intruding. Lizzie just got the guest bedroom all set up and you know she’d love to see you.” Came the veiled plea. The idea of Ludwig spending the holidays alone in their parents’ empty house was sickening.
“I want to stay home.” Ludwig insisted firmly.
“Alright, alright.” Gilbert held his hands up in defeat. “What about Christmas?” He asked. “D’you have plans for that yet? I mean … We could do something … y’know?” What they could do that wouldn’t be excruciatingly painful, he didn’t know, but it seemed only right for them to be together.
“I figured you’d be going to Elizaveta’s parents’ house.” Ludwig remarked, lifting an eyebrow.
“Ah …” Gilbert rubbed the back of his head. “Yeah, she wants me to but I don’t have to. Or you can come, y’know. They’d be happy to have you.” He felt relieved when Ludwig seemed to consider the offer for a moment.
“I think you should go. I can visit with friends.” Ludwig’s reply was a bit forced. Again the brothers lapsed into silence. It was strange now, trying to force closeness. They’d both been close to their parents and with them, they’d felt close, as a part of a whole family. Now it seemed so forced, fake almost. They were eight years apart. Gilbert had become an adult by the time Ludwig was just beginning to figure the world out. What did they have in common save for blood?
“We’ll do something the day after.” Gilbert tried. He knew he wasn’t Ludwig’s guardian. He was a teenager, yes, but he was an adult in the eyes of the law and capable of caring for himself in most ways.
“Yes.” Ludwig nodded. “We’ll do something after.” He assured Gilbert, forcing a bit of a smile for him. “You will be alright for the holiday?” He asked, double checking.
“Yeah. You?”
“Yes.”
Gilbert let go of a little sigh as he parked outside his parents’ home. “Let me know if you need anything, okay?” He asked, watching Ludwig get out of the car.
“I will.” Ludwig promised, and waved as the older of the pair headed to his home in the next town over.
——-
Christmas Day dawned with a morning that was as gray and dreary as Gilbert felt. There was snow coming, he suspected, but for now the steely gray, chilly atmosphere did his mood no favors. Everything about the day reminded him of his family. Every Christmas song, decoration and food left him worrying about Ludwig. He sent his younger brother a text, a short and sweet ‘How’s the day going?’ and received a ‘Just fine. Hope yours is well’ in response. The simple reply didn’t do him much good as far as worry went. Still, Ludwig had said he had plans with his friends, and he had promised Elizaveta that he’d go to Christmas dinner with her family. He tried his best throughout the day to be cheerful, but how could he? His entire holiday was different this year. Nothing was as it should be, and while he did love his fiancé and he while did love his future in laws it did little to soothe his wounds.
Across town, Ludwig had made plans with some of his friends. Most of them had non-religious families, or had plans only for Christmas day. They’d planned to go out for dinner somewhere cheap and just catch up, talking about their first semesters of college or their first few months out of high school and in the work world. It had sounded appealing in theory … but when he thought about it, he wasn’t sure he wanted to be around them. He didn’t want to be alone, but the idea of feigning cheer for his friends seemed exhausting. Each of them would want to know how he was doing. They’d all probably have offers to come visit for Christmas Day. Most of his friends’ parents liked him very much - they said he was a good influence. How could he really enjoy Christmas with another family when everything he’d known was gone?
By the time evening came around, he’d concocted an entire list of excuses of why he couldn’t go, and managed to cancel all of his plans. Most of his friends seemed to buy it - even his boyfriend Feliciano seemed to understand his lack of enthusiasm. While it was a relief, he realized now he had an evening to spend alone. He set down his cellphone, uninterested in anymore conversation and surveyed the house. It was dark save for the few lights he’d turned on. There was a fine film of dust most everywhere. Everything was in its place, untouched, exactly as it had been when he and Gilbert had shut the doors at the end of that dreaded weekend.
There was no tree, no lights in the windows nor on the lawn. There was no lingering smell of Christmas cookies nor the gentle reminder of pine in the air. There was no faint jingle of bells nor the soothing sounds of carols. It was dark, silent and still, and it made Ludwig’s heart ache. It was wrong, and he realized he just couldn’t let this continue. It was already Christmas Eve, and it was already evening. He was alone and there would be nobody else to share in it. He didn’t care. Just because his parents were gone didn’t mean this house couldn’t see Christmas one last time before they fixed it up and sold it.
Now determined to decorate at least one room, Ludwig made his way to the garage where his father stored everything. It wasn’t too hard to locate the Christmas decorations. The long, rectangle of a box that held the fake tree was obvious enough, and it was surrounded by a wall of brown, cardboard boxes, all labeled ‘Christmas’. There was no ‘X-Mas’ labeling in the Bielschmidt house. Nothing annoyed his father more about the season than that ‘disrespectful abbreviation’. He started with the tree, lifting the heavy carrier from its place and carrying it into the living room. Next he carried the two boxes of ornaments and lights in, setting them beside the tree box.
He bent to unpack the tree and froze, hearing something outside. There was a crunch of gravel on the walkway. He frowned. Who on Earth would be coming here so late? He stood, ready to see to the door when it opened. Gilbert walked in and blinked in surprise. “You’re still here.” He remarked stupidly, looking Ludwig over.
“I’m staying here.” Ludwig countered. “What are you doing here? I thought you were going to Elizaveta’s parents’ tonight.”
The elder brother shrugged. “I was.” He admitted. “But I got there and … I just had to be here. Y’know?” He asked. “I’m guessing you felt the same thing, otherwise you’d be out with that little gang of yours.” He mused.
“I didn’t want to have to deal with everyone’s pitied invites.” Ludwig confessed.
“So you’re decorating the tree?” Gilbert asked, nodding to the half opened box.
“I thought the house could use a little Christmas.”
“You’re missing ambiance.” Gilbert teased, and shut the door behind himself. He set a case of beer on the coffee table and walked over to the stereo. “C’mon. We need some music.” He said with a little smile. Their father had loved Christmas carols. He flipped on the switch to a station that played constant carols all season long. He moved then to light one of their mother’s scented candles. It wasn’t actual baking pie, but the smell was close enough.
“Almost.” Ludwig said thoughtfully, and nodded to the fireplace when Gilbert gave him a questioning look.
“I like the way you think.” Gilbert grinned, and while Ludwig set up the tree, Gilbert got a fire started. Before long, it was hard to tell there was any grief between them at all. The radio played a gentle rendition of ‘Silent Night’ as the fire cast a warm glow over the living room. Together the brothers worked on stringing lights around the tree - colored and white, of course. Their mother had always said colored lights alone were too dark, and white alone was too boring. The mixture was perfect and the two had to agree she’d always had a point.
“Hey,” Gilbert said as they began to hang each ornament on the tree. “D’you remember this one?” He asked. It was the shape of a bell with a single thumb print in the middle. The print had marker around it to make it look like a smiling angel with wings.
“Mutter griped and griped at you to make one of those at the school bazaar.” Ludwig chuckled softly.
“Yeah, I finally made one!”
“When you were fourteen and graduating the middle school!” Ludwig shot back, making them both laugh. He fell silent then as he took out an ornament shaped like a bear wearing a sweater bearing the symbol for the London Underground. “Vater got this one. Do you remember?” He asked.
“How could I forget?” Gilbert snickered. “Mutter and Vater lost you at the station and went on ahead. Mutter was crying for hours while you sat on your butt at the previous stop!” He shook his head and took a break from the ornaments to grab them both a beer.
They carried on like that for the next hour, swapping the stories of each ornament, of Christmases past and their parents as they drank together. They were eight years apart, and growing up they’d simply never been close. It had seemed without their parents to bind them, they’d simply fall apart, but Ludwig was starting to realize that just wasn’t true. “We’re going to be okay, aren’t we?” He asked Gilbert, though it was more of a statement and less of a question.
Gilbert slung his arm around his brother’s shoulders - a task that involved some tip toe standing thanks to Ludwig’s immense height. “Yeah … Yeah, I think so.” He remarked, surveying their work. Their family had broken, and things would never be the same. It was impossible to fix things as they were, but with a bit of work, perhaps they could fix things to be different, but just as good.
“Merry Christmas, Luddy.” Gilbert said, tipping his beer bottle against Ludwig’s.
“Merry Christmas, Gil.” Ludwig returned the toast, smiling warmly at the tree.
Title: "Baby, It's Cold Outside"
Recipient: Jade (syntha7)
Rating: T
Warnings: None
Word Count: 1,153
Summary: Trying to escape the cold, America ends up at Russia's house, but his careless actions turn the incident much less innocent.
Author notes: I tried to use as many of the prompts as I could work in and still have it make sense, although I couldn't quite bring myself to make it M-rated... OTL
His eyes lit up as he spotted a vaguely familiar sight. He'd only been there a few times and rarely on good terms, but he knew Russia's house when he saw it. Yearning for warmth more than stressing over the occupant of the house, America stepped up his pace and reached the front door a few minutes later.
At first his knock went unanswered, and he was starting to think Russia might actually let him freeze to death. Then the door suddenly creaked open, revealing a fake, childish smile.
"Privet, America," Russia greeted in his falsely cheerful voice, blocking the opening with his broad body.
"Hey dude, let me in," America begged, his need for warmth overriding his usual tendency to shun the Russian.
"Why?" Russia asked, sounding honestly surprised.
"It's freezing out here!" America whined, shifting from foot to foot in an attempt to generate some warmth.
Russia visibly relented and stepped aside, letting America enter the house. The warmth hit the North American Nation like a wave, washing over him and brushing off the chill.
"Thanks, man," America said with more sincerity than he'd used with the Russian in a long time. The deep violet eyes widened slightly in surprise.
The house was huge, with tall ceilings and too much space for one person, even if he was a Nation. It was warm though, and Alfred could see the warm glow of a fire through a doorway off the main hall. He kicked his boots off and led the way in, Ivan following him in a sort of stupor of surprise.
America was a bit surprised to find the room empty. He'd expected that Russia might have his siblings or the Baltics staying with him while he hosted the current World Conference, but that didn't seem to be the case.
America shrugged it off and settling himself as close to the fire as he thought safe, shrugging off his jacket and arranging it around himself like a nest.
"Would you like anything to drink?" Ivan asked. It sounded as if he was torn between acting like a good host or making some snide comment about his rival making himself at home. Not that America would have noticed, of course.
"Yeah, hot chocolate sounds great!" America replied, his blue eyes glistening with the thought of the rich liquid. Russia smirked, casting a glance at America's stomach. He had to admit he was a bit amazed at the fact the other Nation was still in such good shape, given his diet.
Nevertheless, he left the room to get what his uninvited guest had requested. Despite their past, the social requirements of being a host were deeply ingrained in Russia's past. Also, he had to admit, though only to himself, he didn't hate America as much as everyone seemed to think.
When he returned to the warm room, where Alfred sat holding his hands up to the roaring fire, he found the blond humming to himself. The song sounded familiar, but Russia didn't know it. He figured it must be more common in the other's country.
"What is that song you are humming?" he asked, causing America to break off as he looked back over his shoulder at the Russian.
"Baby, It's Cold Outside," America replied, "hey, thanks!"
He took his drink from Russia, who seemed slightly frozen. America settled back down, making small, appreciative noises at the taste of the drink.
The Russian, on the other hand, was beginning to feel a bit hot under the collar. He tried to tell himself that America had no ulterior motive for humming that particular song, but his hope betrayed him. After all, why else would America have shown up on his doorstep?
He set his own drink aside and settled himself down beside the blond, who looked up in surprise.
"Russia?" Alfred began, "What are you--mmf!"
He was interrupted by a kiss, shy but determined. Russia had pushed aside his doubts and hesitation, deciding to act on his own feelings. If the American returned them, he could relax.
America didn't seem to be in a particularly cooperative mood, however. He quickly pushed the Russian away with both hands on his chest. There was a moment of silence following the action, in which wide blue eyes stared into violet in shock.
Ivan looked away first, trying to act as if the other's actions hadn't hurt him. He got to his feet, thinking he might find a quieter place in his house to sulk.
"Wait--Russia!" America exclaimed from behind him, accompanied by the sounds of him scrambling to his feet. Russia didn't turn, but he hesitated. It was enough; the American was able to catch him, grabbing the fabric of Russia's shirt in one hand.
"I'm sorry! I--what was that?" America asked, his eyes still wide.
"It was nothing," Russia assured him, but he wasn't able to conjure his usual fake smile. The expression he did manage to come up with, whatever it was, wasn't even enough to fool America.
"Liar," the blond stated, his voice dropping to a murmur as he pressed further into Ivan's personal space. The Russian found himself having to resist the urge to grab America and kiss him senseless. He shook the thought away, chalking it up to the adrenaline rush that kissing America the first time had given him.
"What brought it on?" Alfred asked. Ivan kept his mouth shut, but it was clear that the American wouldn't be giving up anytime soon. He was also nearly pressed against Ivan now, so of course the Russian couldn't be expected to think clearly.
"Your song," he murmured finally, looking away from those clear blue eyes.
"My song?" Alfred asked, confused, "You mean 'Baby, It's C--" His eyes widened in sudden realization.
There was a moment of silence, then the man giggled. Russia could feel an embarrassed, frustrated blush rising to his cheeks. There would be no way to live this down; he was sure America would hold it over his head for years--maybe several decades even.
He was caught off guard by Alfred's lips pressing against his own. The American's hands came up to tangle in his pale hair, preventing escape should Ivan have wanted it. He didn't, instead opting to pull America closer by the waist, returning the kiss hungrily.
Minutes passed before they pulled away from each other, panting heavily.
"Shall we move to the bedroom?" Alfred asked, smirking.
Ivan rolled his eyes at the American's forward attitude even as a guess, but he pulled the blond down the hall all the same.
Title: Lights in the Rain
Recipient: Anh/a-senseless-dreamer
Rating: PG/K+
Warnings: None
Word Count: 1,308
Summary: Estonia and Latvia are left to explore America’s Christmas-decorated capital in the pouring rain.
Author notes: Merry Christmas! I hope you enjoy the story. I’ve never written for these two characters before, but I wanted to do something kind of light and Christmas-y. Enjoy!
“Is it?” Estonia asked wryly as if the loud pounding of raindrops on the window hadn’t been enough of an indicator of the outside weather. “What a surprise.”
“Don’t make fun!” The smaller Nation said, frowning as he turned to the other. “I was hoping for a little snow.”
“All the snow we get at home and you were hoping for it here?” The Estonian asked without looking up from his laptop. They’d been in America’s capital city for a few days now for a quick conference just before the holiday season. Most of the Nations seemed caught up in the holiday spirit - even those who did not celebrate appeared cheerful. America’s people most certainly had gone and done their best to decorate Washington, D.C. to look its best.
“Mr. America always says how pretty this city is in the snow at Christmas time.” Latvia said with a bit of a frown. “He told me the lights are really something to see at night when there’s a snow fall.”
Estonia sighed and closed his laptop, pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose and turned to face the Latvian. He was grown, just like the rest of them. He’d known Latvia for centuries and yet sometimes he was still so childlike. They’d originally planned to spend the evening going out for a meal with Lithuania but apparently Poland had arranged plans for them and there really wasn’t much arguing with the Pole, that much Estonia understood.
That left he and Latvia to entertain themselves for the evening. Ordinarily he wouldn’t complain about the alone time - it was hard to get such a thing these days when they were all so busy as their own independent Nations. It was nice to have the time alone but not when Latvia was reverting to childlike whining over the weather. He’d been spending far too much time with that childish Sealand, he mused.
“It’s just a little rain.” Estonia tried, going to stand behind him. He glanced out over Latvia’s head at the steely gray sky and the traffic splashing around the streets below them.
“It’s a lot of rain.” Latvia replied glumly, unconsciously leaning back into Estonia, head tipping backwards against his shoulder. “Too much rain.”
“It’s just a little rain.” Estonia said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. He rested his chin on the top of Latvia’s head, continuing to glance out at the weather. “You know, Christmas lights do still work in the rain, Raivis.” He murmured, using the more intimate human name he’d been given.
Latvia turned to face Estonia then. “Will you still go out with me to look at the lights then?” Latvia looked up at Estonia other with positively the most pitiful look he’d ever seen. “Please, Eduard?” He pressed.
It was cold, and it was rainy and none of that sounded appealing at all. Sure, he liked Christmas as much as the next, but they were away from the comforts of home and it would be nothing but a mess out there and oh - damn it all, he didn’t think he could resist the face. “Fine.”
“Really?” Came Latvia’s pleasantly surprised reply. “Oh, great! We can take umbrellas - it won’t be so bad, really, Eduard, it won’t!” He pulled away from the taller Nation, moving immediately to grab the coat he’d left in Estonia’s room from earlier.
“Calm down, will you?” Estonia asked, lifting an eyebrow as he went to grab his own coat and the large umbrella he’d had the foresight to bring. He had a feeling they’d be sharing it. Raivis never seemed to be prepared for these kinds of things. He could only hope he wouldn’t regret the downpour.
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A half hour later, Estonia was certain he’d made a mistake. It was chilly outside though the cold was something that didn’t come as much of a shock to either Baltic Nation. But along with the cold air came a chilly wind and that freezing rain. It was dreadful, and as they ventured further from their warm, dry hotel, he could feel his socks growing wet in his shoes. It was getting darker and with the absence of any usable light, it simply seemed to grow colder.
Still, they both walked, Latvia holding the umbrella between him while Estonia kept an arm around his small shoulders. He was far too indulgent, he decided as they walked. He was quite ready to suggest they call it a night when the gigantic Christmas tree on the ‘Mall’ America’s people were so proud of lit up. It caught even his attention, though Latvia’s surprised gasp would have done that all on his own.
“Eduard, look!” He said, eyes wide as he leaned into the other Nation, watching the tree. It was most definitely dark and late enough now and around them more buildings on blocks further down were turning on their displays as well. It was hard not to find some joy in the lighting after seeing Latvia’s delight at the situation.
“Yes, yes, it’s lovely.” Estonia admitted and glanced longingly at one of the snack stands selling warm treats. “Now if we’re going to have to be out here in the cold can we at least get something to eat?” He asked, pulling Latvia closer for warmth.
“Sure.” The smaller Nation chuckled and tugged him over to a small stand selling hot cider and hot chocolate as well as some warm pastries and roasted nuts. As a thank you for coming along with him, Latvia decided to be nice and treat Estonia. He got for them both cups of hot cider and a warm, flaky pastry to share.
As they huddled together beneath the shelter of the stand, they were able to stay out of the rain and simply enjoy their snack while surveying the beauty of the scene. It wasn’t all that crowded, given the cold, wet evening. It was peaceful, almost as if they were some of the only people around. “It is beautiful.” Estonia conceded, sipping gratefully from the steaming cup warming his hands.
“It is.” Latvia agreed. “I wonder how they get one up so very large. I mean, we’ve got ones so big at home and - ” He set off on a ramble about the trees in his home. Of course, this was something Estonia was no stranger to. He was all too used to the other’s rants and rambles about … well, anything really. He simply didn’t know when to be quiet. That didn’t matter at the moment. Sure, they had their age old debate about Christmas trees but for tonight it was worth letting Latvia go on and have his evening.
“Alright, alright,” He chuckled after a good few minutes about trees. “Well we’ve seen enough. What do you say we look a bit more and perhaps find somewhere decent for dinner?” The taller Nation suggested. His offer was met with an enthusiastic nod. The shared pastry hadn’t done much to sate either male’s growing hunger.
“Good,” Estonia said, satisfied that Latvia had been willing. “Are you happy you got to see your tree now?” He asked with good humor.
“Yes.” Latvia laughed softly. “And I’m even more glad that you came to see it with me.” He pressed a little kiss to Estonia’s cheek and started forward, leaving him without the umbrella. “Are you coming?” He asked with another bit of laughter, relishing the stunned look on the other Baltic’s face.
Estonia just shook his head, murmuring something to himself about the other being ‘such a child’ before starting off after him, not minding the rain so much anymore.
