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Frozen Shadow	By : FlayraDowitcher Category: +G to L > Hetalia: Axis Powers Views: 1815 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.

Chapter List
- 10
- 11
***Well folks, this is the final chapter! Thanks for sticking with it to the end! Glad so many of you enjoyed it! Special thanks to my beta for all her hard work! Please, let me know your final thoughts in reviews! Thank you!
***Warnings: Minor yaoi, language, fluff
***Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia. I am making no money off of this fic.
Chapter 11
Ivan eventually had to pull Arthur away and off of Marcus. Arthur cursed at the man, still kicking wildly to break Ivan's strong hold. Marcus scrambled to his feet, panting heavily, his hair a mess and his suit tattered. Angrily, Marcus put on his now torn top hat and grabbed his cane.
"I'll see to it that you never get work in this city, Williams!"
Arthur continued to struggle. "I don't have to suck cock like you to get where I need to be!" He countered.
Marcus appeared appalled. "Well, then perhaps you and your…roughen of a beast man would do good to stay on the other side of town? These are my streets!"
"You try to soil my name I'll do the same to yours!" Arthur spit in Marcus' direction.
"Not everyone can be charmed by a British accent!" He spun on his heel. "Good DAY, sir!" He limped away.
"Kiss my arse you man-hussy! And stay away from Ivan!" Arthur shouted after him. "You come near him again and I'll show you what the wolves do when their mates are threatened!" He froze then, stunned at the words that had just come out of his mouth. 'Heaven above, I sound like Ivan! I've just made a fool of myself on the streets!' "We have to get back to the flat."
Ivan, still star-struck with awe, smiled adoringly at Arthur once he let the man go. "Did you really mean all that? You stood up for me as a lifemate wolf would!"
Arthur lifted his lip in a sneer. "I said no such thing! And it was said in the heat of an aggravated moment! It doesn't mean anything!"
"Oh." Ivan's smile faltered. "But then why did you come to my defense?" He allowed Arthur to pull him along the street.
"Because you're an idiot in the city! I have to keep a very close watch on you and I must say it's getting tiresome! This place is still new to you, and people will take advantage of that! This isn't the mountain towns!"
"Ah. You're right." Ivan responded, defeated.
/
The following morning, Arthur awoke to the pleasant aroma of fresh scones, tea, and roses. He smiled and stretched along the eyelet sheets, opening his eyes to greet the new day. The bed, however, was empty and cold. Ivan's spot was empty, and his side was even made. Arthur sat up, rubbing his lower back to ease the soreness there. He hadn't fought someone like that in…well…never. He was a gentleman after all, not a fighter. So where was Ivan? The tray of food was placed on the end table still fresh and warm. Did Ivan bring it? Arthur wondered where the man could be as he spread raspberry jam onto his scone, taking a moment from thought to savoir the taste. A servant came in with fresh linens for him and he asked her about Ivan.
"Have you seen Ivan?"
The maid nodded. "Yes, Mr. Williams. He went up on the roof early this morning. I think he is still up there."
"Up on the roof, you say? Whatever for?"
"I don't know sir. He didn't say."
Arthur spread some more jam. "Where is Master Francis?"
"In his parlor."
"Tell Francis that I will be joining him shortly. I wish to speak with him."
"Yes sir."
After breakfast he dressed in casual clothes; brown pants, shoes, and a white top with brown suspenders. He straightened out the collar as he stepped in to the parlor where Francis was elegantly smoking one of those long cigarette sticks. "Good morning, Francis."
Francis acknowledged him coldly. "Arthur."
Raising a heavy brow, Arthur joined him on the couch and lit up his own cigarette. "So what are you miffed at me for?" He took a puff.
"I can never get over what a cold and cruel man you are."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You don't get anywhere being nice all the time. Nice guys finish last, yes?"
"I'm not talking about the business world, Arthur. I'm speaking of Ivan and his feelings for you."
'Oh. That.' "Francis, try to understand. Ivan is a Russian immigrant who grew up in isolation on a mountaintop. He's a very simple minded man. Little things please him, like the cry of a hawk or a blooming flower. I was the only company he had for a very long time, so naturally he would become attached to me."
"Hmm." Francis lit another cigarette. "It's also natural that one who has not experienced love, or loves himself, can't share or recognize it in another."
Arthur narrowed his gaze at Francis. "Just what are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying you are a cold-hearted man who cares only for yourself. Ivan adores you. He worships the ground you walk on. He actually hangs on your every word! Do you know how many people would kill to have that privilege with another person?" Francis sighed heavily. "But then again, what would you know?"
"Oh, so chasing women and trying to get them into your bed is 'love'? That's called 'lust', Francis. A woman doesn't owe you a romp just for the simple pleasure of sweet words and a kiss on the hand."
"We're not talking about me." He said firmly. "You need to wake up and tell Ivan how you really feel. It is not fair to that poor, sweet giant that you are keeping him here out of your own selfish need!" He stopped Arthur when the man tried to protest. "He came here for you! He's trying very hard to be happy so that he can please you. Keep up your heartless attitude and Ivan will go back to those mountains and you will never see him again."
Arthur nervously took a heavy puff of his cigarette before smashing it down in the ashtray. "Ivan won't leave me."
"What makes you so sure?"
"He just won't. He's like a loyal dog that way. You know nothing of Ivan or of our time together."
Francis narrowed his thin brows. "So you would keep him here, knowing that he is unhappy, just so you can have your cake and eat it too?" Arthur didn't respond. "That's very selfish, Arthur. Extremely selfish. That man saved your life, healed your wounds, and nursed you back to health. He could have left you to die or have turned you in for money, but he didn't. Ivan is a kind and honest man whom you are taking for granted by playing on his ignorance and innocence!"
"Shut up, Francis!" Arthur yelled. "Ivan knows our deal! If he is unhappy here then he can leave but I'm not going! I am staying right here in the city!"
Francis put out his cigarette and stood up, fixing his suit. "I pity you, Arthur. One day you're going to wake up to find that you have nothing and no one." He gave his English friend a pitiful look. "Once you realize just how lonely you are, it's going to be too late. You think about that." Francis straightened his bowtie. "I'll be back later this evening around dinner time. I have business in the city."
Arthur ignored him, refusing to say 'goodbye' or even look at Francis. He sat back on the sofa and crossed his legs, drumming his fingers on the armrest. Arthur glared at the wall ahead, focusing on one spot as he repeated Francis' words in his head. He didn't care about being alone. The more people you keep away the less you'll get hurt. Arthur found it was always best to have acquaintances rather than true friends. Friends will always want something from you. Being in love was an even bigger issue than having friends. Love would make anyone do something crazy or stupid, which usually ends up in misfortune. Love was a made up word anyway, one used by musicians and poets to set a romantic scene. But Arthur had never actually known a real life couple to be in love, like his parents.
His parents had married only for family name, wealth, and status. Arthur never saw his parents hugging or kissing; they always acted calm and collective around each other. The only time they had ever been 'together' was to have him, and that was all. They were a 'professional couple' as it was told to him once. His mother would only speak to his father when necessary, such as public dinners or parties. His father was always away on business or out on a hunt with his partners; he never spent time with his wife. And they were happy. Arthur knew this to be true. His parents were always happy because they didn't love each other. They simply acted in the way a husband and wife should. So what need was there of 'love'?
He didn't hate Ivan, but he didn't love him either. Some days he thought he did, but the feeling never lasted long. They were just too totally different people from opposite worlds who weren't compatible. Arthur figured that Ivan would stay with him, but now that Francis pointed out a few things he started to question himself. What if Ivan really did leave? It shouldn't matter to him, but the thought of Ivan getting back on that train didn't settle well with him. Was Francis right? Was he only keeping Ivan here for his own selfish needs? It was true that he wanted Ivan here with him, but what was the real reason for wanting him?
'He did take care of me when I was injured. He cleaned up my vomit…emptied my chamber pot…fed me, clothed me, bathed me…killed for me-' He stopped at the last one, remembering the man who wanted to turn him in but Ivan killed him. Then they had continued to have sex. The sex was always nice. But he could get 'sex' from anywhere if he wanted it; he just preferred Ivan. "I know he loves me, but…" Arthur dropped his head against the sofa, giving out a long sigh. "Damn you, Francis."
Arthur decided to join Ivan on the roof. Sure enough, the large man was sitting on the edge of the roof and staring out into the distance. Arthur followed his gaze, seeing the distant mountains. Frowning, he cleared his throat to get Ivan's attention. Ivan turned to look at him.
"The only time I get jealous is when you look at those mountains."
Ivan smiled. "You were jealous last night."
"I was, but who cares about him. Let him piss and moan all he wants." Arthur walked over to sit beside him. "Why are you up here anyway? Just gazing?"
Ivan rests his arms on his knees. "Yeah. I do miss my home, Arthur. I like being here with you but…I get the feeling you don't like being with me." His smile turned to a soft frown.
"That's not true, Ivan. I enjoy being with you, but I will be honest, I like being here. And I would like you to stay here with me."
"I understand that, but I-" he looked at the distant mountains "But I want you to enjoy being with me in my home as well." Sadly, he looked down at his boots. "I know your answer, Arthur. You want to stay here…and you won't come back with me."
Arthur stared at him for a moment. "Ivan, you're talking as if you're going to leave."
"Well I'm not going to stay here where I'm not happy."
"And I don't want to stay where I won't be happy." He gave a heavy sigh. "It appears we are at an impasse."
"But you don't treat me like a lover here. You're embarrassed by me and…and you're mean to me."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "And this is news to you? I've always insulted you, Ivan. I insult everyone."
Ivan chuckled softly. "I still love you, even though you don't love me."
Green eyes shifted. "Love is…a difficult subject for me, Ivan. You should know that by now."
"I do. I remember one night in my cabin, while we were drinking rum, you told that to me."
"I did?" Arthur remembered drinking that night, but didn't think he had said anything out of the ordinary. "W-what did I say?"
Ivan moved closer to him. "You said that while growing up you were sent away to boarding school."
"Pfft. As a young boy."
"I'm not finished. You also told me that night how your parents were very dull and boring; about how they only acknowledged you when necessary for public purposes. Your father was strict and your mother was self-absorbed in her own issues." He saw Arthur's features begin to change. "The closest you had to maternal care was the house nannies, and they only did what they had to do because it was their job. I think…" he thought a moment. "There was a time that you were sick, very sick, you said, as a little boy. May have been pneumonia. You started to cry then, telling how scared and alone you were at that time." Arthur looked way. "It bothered you that your parents didn't come to see you. Instead they sent toys and books, while the doctor and nursemaids did all the caring."
Arthur remembered that time he was ill. He hadn't thought about it in years. That time he was confined to his room, stuck in that big lonely bed with stuffed animals all around him. He would read books, play with puppets, and do a jigsaw puzzle or two in between sleeping and vomiting. Arthur remembered how much he wanted his mother there with him, to hold and cuddle with him. He had seen it with one of the servant girls when she was sick. The mother held her tenderly, caressing her hair and rocking her. Arthur had wanted that when he was sick yet never experienced it. But Ivan took care of him when he was ill. Ivan would hold him to keep them warm and looked after his every need. Ivan doted on him, unlike his own mother. Of course, Ivan's mother and sisters were very caring women while his father was a positive male role model. Ivan was brought up in a family that had nothing but the clothes on their back, yet their lives were full of love and harmony. Now Arthur was beginning to understand.
"Arthur, I know it's hard for you to show your true feelings but I also know that you do have the ability to love." He happily wrapped his arm around Arthur's shoulders. "And I know that once you find the right man whom you can open up to, he will be the luckiest man on this earth."
That last sentence sent him into stunned silence. Ivan's words, for once, had a strong impact on him. He just stared at the chubby face smiling adoringly at him, and he knew that Ivan had meant every word. Then, he had to look away in fear of bursting in to sudden tears. The guilt he felt for how cruel he was to Ivan started to seep in; and added with Francis' harsh yet truthful words he felt as if his heart would explode. His chest grew tight while he began chewing on his nails.
"Arthur, are you okay?"
"Hm." He squeaked out.
"Arthur?"
Arthur shut his eyes tight, spun around, and gave Ivan a big kiss on the lips. He gripped the man's ears to hold him as he kissed him clumsily. "Damn you, Ivan Braginski!" He yelled when he pulled away to slap him instead. "I hate you!" Arthur had tears in his eyes. "I hate your stupid face, and your stupid nose, and all you stupid, stupidness!"
Ivan smiled and stroked Arthur's cheek, using his thumb to wipe away a trickling tear. "I know now that when you say you hate me that you really-"
"Don't say it!"
"-truly-"
"I'm warning you!"
Ivan squeezed Arthur's cheeks together. "-LOVE ME!"
Arthur let out a screech, clawing at Ivan's face. "I DO NOT!"
The larger man simply laughed, allowing himself to be beaten by Arthur. Okay, the man wasn't actually beating him, but Arthur was flailing around. It was adorable! Ivan couldn't help but grab Arthur around the waist and pull him in to a deep kiss, crushing the other's body to his own. Arthur tried to push away but Ivan wouldn't let him go until he was ready to see those kiss-swollen lips. By the time he was finished, Arthur was flushed and panting with two more streams of tears rolling down his cheeks.
"You can hate me all you want."
He swallowed. "So…are you…going to stay here with me?"
Ivan looked to the mountains. "Are you…going to come back with me?"
Both men were silent as they gazed in to each others' eyes.
"So what do we do?" Ivan whispered. "I love the mountains."
"I love the city."
They fell silent again.
"Ivan, the winter's are harsh in the mountains."
"I know." Ivan agreed. "It's getting harder to do all on my own…"
Arthur cleared his throat. "The mountains are nice in the spring and summer…"
"The city is warm in the winter…"
They were silent again, until-
"Ivan? I just thought of something. Why don't you spend the winters here in the city with me and I'll spend the summers in the mountains with you!"
Ivan grinned, his eyes sparkling bright. "Arthur, I would love that! It would be perfect!"
Arthur, with a smug smile, gave him a pat on the back. "So you'll stay here with me until the harshest part of winter is over. Then you will go back for the spring, and I will join you in the summer. Nearing autumn, I will come back here and await your return. That way we can still have our alone time to enjoy everything we like about our worlds before coming together again. What do you say?" Arthur held out his hand.
"I would like nothing more." Ivan shook it. "I am the luckiest man on earth."
Arthur blushed, frowning deeply. "You're the stupidest man on earth!"
Ivan bats his lashes. "Stupid in love with yoooou!" He made kissing lips and Arthur pinched them, making Ivan whimper.
"Don't get all sugary sweet on me! It's annoying!" He couldn't help but give a little smile in Ivan's direction. "I'm glad we came to this agreement…and I'm relieved you are staying here with me. GAHH!" Ivan pulled him into a bear hug. "I-IVAN!" He gasped. "TOO TIGHT!"
Ivan, smiling happily, crushed their cheeks together and rocked him. "This English crumpet is mine! All mine!"
Arthur, turning blue, wondered what he had gotten himself in to; and being in 'love' stunk.
Epilogue
Summer, 1889
Arthur lay on the fur blanket with his naked body drying in the afternoon sun. He smiled while watching the white clouds roll by with the birds chirping merrily. The air was always so fresh here; fragranced with the smell of wildflowers and clean fields. Ivan was still splashing around in the water to give him time to relax. Arthur took this visit to Ivan's cabin as an escape from the city, a sort of well-deserved vacation. Here there was only him and Ivan with some animals. Nothing else. It was a nice break from the hassle of the city, but he sure as Hell wouldn't tell Ivan that! Closing his eyes and enjoying the heat on his face, Arthur dozed off into a light sleep. He soon was stirred awake by gentle touches on his face, like little whispers. Blinking, he looked up to see Ivan sitting beside him with a hand full of flower petals. Arthur smiled as the petals softly rained down upon him with one settling on his nose. His eyes crossed to look at it, and then he blew it off.
"I hated to wake you up," Ivan started "But the sun will be setting soon."
Arthur stretched along the furs. "So it is." He rolled onto his belly, making himself more comfortable. "Wake me up when we're back at the cabin. Carry me." Ivan instead settled his weight upon his back. "This isn't carrying me." Arthur knew what Ivan was doing, and he could 'feel' it. "I'm still sleepy. Not now." He whined.
Ivan nipped the cuff of Arthur's ear, rubbing his growing erection against that wiggling backside. "Then why are you pressing back against me like a lynx in heat?"
Arthur smirked. "Maybe I'm teasing you."
"You do that every day. Sometimes you can be a very cruel man." Ivan had previously retrieved their lubrication lotion from their bag. Francis had given it to them as a gift and Ivan learned quickly how to make it, so now they have an endless supply. They never went anywhere without it. In fact, there wasn't a spot in the area where they haven't made love. By the brook, against a tree, in the meadow, on a mountain ledge, and today was no different. Ivan prepared him, they made love until they were spent, and then went back to the cabin.
Arthur was still the same cynical and insulting man he always was, but now that they had come to an understanding the blonde more open to new ideas. Arthur learned how to properly cut wood, to fish, and to throw an axe. One drunken night, he took Arthur up to a peek and they both howled at the moon, singing along with the wolves nearby. Arthur would even run alongside the deer when the herd was on the move. He would try to race them! The man had truly changed, and for the better.
It had taken a long while, but Ivan had finally tamed his feisty lynx. And somewhere in the distance, that same lynx was watching them.
/
Winter, 1891
"Come on, Ivan. Where are you?"
Arthur shivered in the cold night air as he stood on the platform at the train station. Ivan's train had been delayed so it would be arriving in the evening. Arthur cursed his luck when it began to snow, not heavy, but enough to make it harder to see. He straightened out his earmuffs while trying to pull his Russian style fur hat down over them for extra warmth. He really wished he had brought his muff. Men laughed at him, but Arthur loved his muff. Right now all he had were gloves, which were doing little to keep him warm. He shoved his hands in his pockets and stood ridged, shaking the snow off of his shoulders. The wise thing to do would be to go inside the train station and wait, but it had been tradition to watch the trains come in, on both their ends. Besides, he was eager to see Ivan this year because the man was coming for Christmas. In the past years he had always arrived late so Arthur spent the holidays alone. But not this year! This year Ivan would be with him!
"If I don't freeze first!" He buried his nose in the plaid scarf. "Come on, train! Step on it!" The sound of a distant whistle perked his ears. A train whistle! Ivan was coming! "That stupid fat Russian! He's really going to get it when he gets off that train!"
The train rolled in, stopped, and began to unload. People from inside the station and the train came out to greet their friends and loved ones. Arthur blinked the snowflakes from his eyes while eagerly awaiting the sight of Ivan stepping down from the train. But he wasn't coming. Arthur frowned. Where was he? He waited a moment longer, looking at all the windows and exit doors. Where was his Russian dancing bear? Arthur started to panic, feeling his throat and chest tighten up. 'Ivan? Where are you?'
"Do you need some help, sir?" He heard the train conductor asking someone, who was still on the train. Arthur waited, hopefully, to see Ivan come out.
"No thank you. I'm fine."
'Ivan!' Arthur smiled brightly as the large man stepped onto the platform with a traveling sack on his back and an armful of wrapped presents. "IVAN!"
"Arthur?" Ivan looked around and spotted his lover. "Arthur!"
Arthur ran to him, his feet crunching the snow beneath as he threw himself into Ivan's gift filled arms, knocking each box to the snow. He wrapped his arms around Ivan's neck and buried his nose in the faded pink scarf. "I've missed you!" He whispered.
"Ah, I missed you too." Ivan held him back, but they were in public so they couldn't stay together like that for long. "How are you doing? The snow is lovely this evening."
"Yeah, if you're a wolf!" Arthur shimmed the snow off of him. "Come on, my carriage is eagerly awaiting us! You must see my new house! It's marvelous!"
Ivan smiled, gathering up the gifts. "I can't wait! These are for you, by the way. But you can't open them until Christmas!"
"Good. I have the tree already up and waiting for us to decorate it! I wanted you to do it with me!"
"Then let us hurry! Christmas will soon be here."
After they arrived at Arthur's house, he gave Ivan the grand tour before sitting in the parlor where the tree was. The house was smaller than he would have liked, but Arthur would see himself in an even bigger one three years from now. The butler brought them warm honey milk to enjoy while decorating the tree. Arthur placed the ornaments on the bottom while Ivan did the top. A maid brought in some fresh gingerbread cookies for them as well. The final touch were the candles on the tree, which he had Ivan light. Now that the fire was dying and the candles burning bright, Arthur sat next to his lover on the sofa facing the tree. Outside the snow was falling in its silent beauty, just like when he had first stayed at Ivan's cabin.
"The tree is beautiful, Arthur." Ivan said softly. "Thank you for sharing it with me."
"I wanted to. You've never had a Christmas like this." He cuddled up next to Ivan. "We have a Christmas Eve party to attend. I told everyone you would be there."
Ivan chuckled. "I would be honored. A real Christmas party!"
"Yes, but for right now, let's enjoy the tree."
Ivan snuggled him close. "It feels good to hold you again. I miss you when we're apart."
"I do too." He played with the ends of Ivan scarf, which he wouldn't take off. "But our hearts are too stubborn to give up our homes." Arthur then rubbed Ivan's knee. "Sometimes I think about you when you're away, like what are you doing and what are you hunting. And then I think horrible things…like what if something happens to you? How would I know? I would just have to keep going back to the train station in hopes you'll come."
Ivan kissed his temple. "I understand. I worry about that with you as well. However, I'm more concerned with someone snatching you away. Some dapper man with a lot of money."
"Hardly. They're all snakes." He leaned up and kissed his lover. "I have you."
"And I have you." He kissed Arthur's nose. "I always look forward to your letters. I still keep them."
"I did keep yours, but there were too many so I had to toss most of them." Ivan pouted. "Oh, don't pout! I'd rather have you here with me than some old letters anyway!"
Ivan laughed. "I guess that really is better." He looked at the tree. "It is really beautiful, Arthur. This is my first Christmas tree."
"I know, and wait until you see my boss' tree! In his house it is massive!"
"I should like to meet your boss. How is Francis doing?"
"He's gone in to professional baking now. He owns quite a few shops now. He'll be at the party as well."
Ivan nodded. "That's good to hear. Oh, and I can't wait for you to see your presents! I know you'll like them!"
"I'll open them Christmas morning! We'll be too tired by the end of the party!" Arthur kissed him again. "Should we head to bed?" He purred.
"Mmm…in a bit. I want to look a the tree with you a little longer to always remember this moment." He threaded his fingers with Arthur's.
Arthur smiled and looked at the tree as well. "We've had many moments like this, you and I. Just sitting together like this."
"Will you always treasure these moments together like I do, Arthur?" Ivan asked softly. "Will you remember these moments when I'm gone?"
Arthur gave him a shocked look. "When you're gone? What are you saying?"
He chuckled. "I mean when I pass away, when we're old grumpy men. I'll die before you, Arthur. Even Satan himself couldn't kill you."
Arthur glared. "Meanie. But to answer your question…" He straddled Ivan's lap. "Of course I'll remember our moments together. All of them. Just promise me one thing. When you feel like you aren't going to make it through another winter, please come to stay with me in the city?"
Ivan wrapped his arms around Arthur's waist and looked at him seriously. "I will. And God forbid should happen to you…or you have the same fear, please, let me know and I'll come right away."
Arthur smirked. "Deal. Although it's not easy to get rid of me!"
"That I know." Ivan kissed his cheek. "This is nice, knowing that no matter what we'll never be alone!"
Arthur's smirk changed to a smile, and his features softened. "Yeah…we'll never be alone." 'I'll never be alone.' He brought Ivan's lips into a kiss. 'Please, don't ever take this man away from me.'
"Merry Christmas, Arthur. I love you."
"And I hate you, with every fiber of my being."
That was the one insult Ivan loved to hear.
The End
***A sweet, sweet ending! My last RusUk fic wasn't so fluffy! I fluffed it up a bit! Lol! Hope you enjoyed it! Thanks for reading!***
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Frozen Shadow