literature

~Say You Love Me~ Russia x Reader

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AnomalyKJ

Published: Apr 22, 2015

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Literature Text

Say You Love Me~

Russia x Reader

     ___ sat on her bed, flicking through a book she enjoyed reading. She was comfortable, in just a t-shirt and her underwear, not expecting to do anything else for the day (as it is late; almost midnight). Although, it was strangely wrong for a Friday evening, ___ could have sworn she had something planned, but it never crossed her mind.

     She yawned, stretched her back against the mattress, getting tired now. ___ closed her eyes, as if to fall asleep (in all honesty, she probably wouldn't sleep for another hour or so). Especially because her phone just started to ring, despite the time of day.

     "Hello?' she called into the phone, 'Do you know what time it is, Ivan?!"
     The was a sigh on the other side, "Not Mr. Ivan, Miss ___,' a voice replied, 'Mr. Ivan is coming over to your house. You forgot about Friday movies."
     "Whaaaat?!"

     The man on the other side - she had known him as Toris - only heard the sound of her cell phone drop to the ground, and the squeaking of her bed. He let out a small sigh, hanging up. He knew that ___ was getting herself into trouble forgetting about Ivan's "Friday movies".

     She dug around her dresser for a pair of jeans to put on - she didn't want to wear sweatpants in fear that Ivan might not like her comfortable clothing. Despite searching through all her dresser, no jeans were found. ___ let out a shout of despair, running toward the laundry room.

     ___ rifled through all the various mounds of clean clothes in search of her denim pants, worried that Ivan would be there at any moment. Once she found what she was looking for, she began to run toward her bedroom, to get changed. Alas, the doorbell rang out just as she stepped into her doorway. She looked down at the pants in her hand, shoving one foot in as she raced toward the front door.

     She couldn't just leave Ivan outside, it was still a little cold. Just as ___ reached the living room, she tripped over her pants, collapsing into the hardwood. There was a sigh outside the door, and it opened slightly to reveal the large Russian man. He clutched a few flowers (most noticeably sunflowers - his favorite), yet, when he saw ___, he nearly dropped them to the side. Her head had a bump beginning to form from the strength of the collapse she had taken.

     "Ah, мой подсолнечник,' Ivan quietly closed the front door behind him, 'Were you getting ready to see me? I guess you were knowing that I was coming over, да?"

     ___ sat up, her face and wrist stinging from falling so harshly. She gently rubbed her wrist, looking up to Ivan. His all ready gentle face slowly softened at the sight of the bump on her head, and knelt down in front of her, his fingers touching her forehead with extreme gentleness.

   His hand hovered over her forehead before cupping her cheek, "You should go and get dressed in something more comfortable, I am thinking,' he stated, 'Go on, мой подсолнечник, I will wait for you right here, да?"
   "Y-yes,' she replied nervously, 'Thank you, I'll be right back."

   She - shamefully - dragged her jeans with her as she half-limped to get back to her room. ___ was extremely embarrassed now, not only at missing Ivan's "movie Friday" but for tripping, and for him seeing her undies. She nearly fell through her bedroom door, and would have too if it weren't for the hand that had caught her.

   "I am thinking that you have concussion, да?' he said suddenly, 'Did мой подсолнечник hit her head too hard? Should I...take her to doctor...in just her трусики?"
   ___ squealed slightly, "N-no! I don't think you will!' she cursed him, 'I'm not going to the doctors in just my panties, Ivan! You're such a pervert, why would you even suggest that?!"
   "Am I perverted, ___...?' his voice had gone unusually dark, 'Or is it мой подсолнечник having such thoughts?"

   She ended up falling back onto the ground, this time on her rear. ___ stared up at Ivan, noticing the childish smile that usual stretched his face was long gone. The annoyed face of the Russian caused her heart to beat ferociously. ___ looked to the ground quickly, her face going bright red.

   "Don't make that face at me, Ivan."

   At being commanded to do something, his eyes widened in slight shock. Ivan never expected anyone to tell him what to do in such a way that he would actually obey, especially ___. She had always been so afraid of him, and she even told him outright that he scared her.

   Ivan looked away slightly, trying to not look so cruel and menacing. In the end, he ended up going slightly pink in the face as he covered it with his scarf. ___ inhaled deeply, her face going even more red.

   "I don't...like when you're mad at me...' she whispered quietly, 'So, please don't be mad at me, Ivan. I'm sorry for calling you a pervert, I didn't mean it. Can we...watch a movie together...now?"
     He nodded his head gently, "Да, let us watch movies together,' he agreed, 'That is why I came over in first place, мой подсолнечник."

         Together, ___ and Ivan sat on the couch, trying their best to focus on the movie, and ultimately ignore each other. It was obvious of the tension both were having. Ivan was still surprised with her strange braveness it confronting him. ___, on the other hand, was still extremely flustered, unable to deal with her heart pounding away in her chest (she wondered if it was possibly fright that consumed her heart, seeing that she had been afraid of the Russian for as long as she could remember and recall).

     It was nearing two in the morning when Ivan had finally spoken to ___ again, and it was a strange set of words. His voice had even sounded distant and curious, surprisingly.

     "Can I ask you question?' he had started it off, receiving a nod a few seconds later, 'Are we friends...? Little Alfred was saying that I had no friends, it made me wonder if true...."
     She froze in her seat, feeling warm, 'U-uhm, Ivan...that's a strange question, don't you think?' she chuckled nervously, 'We watch movies together every Friday, and have picnics on Saturday. What makes you think we're...not friends?"
     "I was thinking that we are not intimate,' he replied simply, 'Friends usually hug each other upon greeting, and always joke around, but Дорогая моя does not do this with me. Instead, you get all shy, it makes me wonder, да? Just say how you feel~"

     ___ looked the other way quickly, feeling as if her face was about to burst. Ivan was acting so strange, and it was beginning to freak her out. Seeing her sudden shyness, he gently grabbed her arm, causing her to look over. His violaceous eyes held onto her own (e/c) ones.

     "Скажи, что любишь меня, мой подсолнечник.' he whispered, 'Я думаю о тебе день и ночь. Я тебя люблю."
     ___ grabbed onto his hand, "Just because we live in Russia, it doesn't mean I speak the language all that well, Ivan...' she said, 'What I know mostly comes from what you say, and you've never said that before?"
     "I know~ It means I want to be friend forever and ever, so please do not do the leaving,' he grinned, 'You are my friend, да?"

     Her heart filled with pity for the man, she had known that he was friendless for so long. ___ had just assumed it was because he was mean, or manipulating. This (although it may be a part of the reason) was far from the truth. Ivan could be nice and friendly, he was just a scary person by nature.

     ____ embraced Ivan, burying her face in his sweater. At first, he was surprised, but soon got over that. He gently embraced her back, fingers holding onto her t-shirt, keeping her to himself forever.

     "I will, forever, okay?' she replied, 'I'll be your friend forever, as long as you tell me what you said. That's my own ultimatum, understand? Let's not keep secrets as friends."
     ___ Ivan hesitated slightly, "I suppose it could not hurt,' he murmured, 'I said, "Say that you love me. I think about you day and night. I love you." Better?"
     "Ivan..."

     She mustered up all her courage, leaning forward slightly to kiss his nose. The moment her soft, gentle lips had touched his nose, he had burst into a series of flushes.

     "Tell 'Little Alfred' that you may not have friends, but you have me~' she chirped, 'I'll be with you forever, Ivan~"

     "эй~___, when are you going to say you love me~?"

     The (h/c)-haired girl looked up from her tablet, (e/c) eyes looking toward the Russian. He was sitting a few feet away, leaning against one of the trees. The two had taken a trip to the local park, wanting to enjoy the warmth of spring. ___ was laying in the grass on her stomach, reading stories on her tablet, whereas, Ivan was merely looking around the area and enjoying the warmth.

     "I will not say that, Ivan,' ___ announced, 'We're just friends, and I don't think of you in that way."
     The Russian let out a small sigh, "That is not good at all, мой подсолнечник,' Ivan muttered, 'Do you not know how much I love you? Why can you not love me back?"
     "My heart is for my cardboard cut out of Sebastian Michaelis,' she replied simply, 'Can't you just leave me alone with your love? It's only one-sided and I don't want to lead you on."
     Ivan grew annoyed with her answer, obviously, because he began to glare harshly at the ground, "Who is this 'Sebastian' that you speak of?' he demanded, 'I am not liking his love for you."
     "He's an anime character, Ivan...don't be so-hey!"

     Ivan had suddenly laid on top of ___, arms wrapped around her torso. She craned her head up to look at him, (e/c) eyes forming into a glare. Yet, the Russian didn't move, burying his face into her upper back. ___ shuddered slightly, but went to continue reading on her tablet. This obviously didn't go very well for Ivan, whom was desperately trying to get and keep her attention.

     "Your back is so warm, мой подсолнечник~' he cooed, 'I wonder if the rest of you is this warm~"

     ___ gasped when Ivan had suddenly moved his hands down her waist. She quickly rolled around, pushing him away. Her face was stained scarlet, and her eyes were wide with both a bit of fear and confusion. Ivan remained laying on the ground, sticking his tongue out at her slightly. It was fun seeing her worked up.

     "I was going to have a taste, you do not have to be worrying~"
     "IVAN! THAT IS SO NOT COOL!' she shouted, 'I think I'm going home - without you! - so please just go away."
     "Ah...but...sunflower?"

     She grabbed her tablet, shoving it in her backpack before marching off toward her home. Ivan remained behind, pouting slightly. He hadn't meant to totally peeve her off, only to play around a bit. Lately, she had gotten mad with him a lot, not just now. Even yesterday, after they were done eating lunch together, she had quickly informed him that she would be leaving because she had something more important to do.

     Then again, he got easily jealous too. He was just as much to blame as she was. The reason ___ had left so early from their lunch together was because he had threatened the waiter to stop staring at his sunflower. Ivan was a jealous person, especially with her. She was a friend, and he didn't want her to disappear.

     "Mой подсолнечник, why do you hurt me so...?"

     ___ half-dragged her cart up the street, feeling joyful at having gotten such good deals at the farmer's market. She had managed to get a lot of meat and vegetables with next to no money (she had brought 10,000rub to spend, and had only spent about half). As she walked, she chattered away on her phone, talking to one of her many friends (she seemed to be extremely friendly to those Ivan hated most).

     Currently, she was on her way home. It was a nice day, the sun was high and surprisingly warm for this time of year. For once, she was happy to call this country home, not that she would always feel that way. She still wanted to go and travel to many other places.

     She stopped suddenly, digging around in her pocket to find her house keys, "Hey, Mattie,' she said, 'Do you think I can visit you this summer? I know its a bit random to ask, but- HOLY ДЕРЬМО! MATTIE I HAVE TO CALL YOU BACK!"

     ___ pocketed her cell phone, staring at her least favorite Russian laying in her yard. He was (extremely surprisingly) wearing shorts and a tank top - along with his scarf, of course. At the sound of ___'s voice (and her unpleasant vocabulary in his mother tongue), he looked up toward her. She too was wearing shorts, but that was not what caught his eye. No, the way she stared at him did.

     He sat up, grinning from ear to ear, happy to see her home at last. She wondered how long he had been waiting for her to get back - it seemed like a while. ___ grimaced slightly, wishing she had waited another hour before returning home. Now she had to do the polite thing and invite him in for supper.

     "Привет!' he called out, 'I was doing the waiting all afternoon for you to come home, подсолнечник! I wanted to know if you were wanting to get supper or something!"
     ___ began to drag her cart toward her front door, "Нет, Нет thank you,' she replied simply, 'I just go home from the farmer's market, so I was going to make beef stew or something along the lines of that."
     "I see!' he said simply, 'I shall be going then. Can I do the calling later, да?"
     She hesitated, "Do you...do you want to come have supper with me?"

     ___ had looked away from him as she said it, her face burning a dark red color. The Russian man stayed silent for a few minutes, his own face starting to get flustered. Whenever ___ did an act of kindness for him, he always seemed to get flustered. He watched as she opened her front door, and soon her (e/c) orbs were looking right back through at him.

     "Can I?"
     "If you want to."

     Grinning once again, Ivan helped pick up the cart and take it inside. He was extremely glad that she included him for once. Usually, she wouldn't let him in her house anymore. She had even been keen on avoiding him for a while (and for a while, it ultimately only lasted two days). ___ closed the front door behind him, the flush still evident on her face. She began to drag her cart toward the kitchen, feeling surprisingly happy at the thought of making food for someone other than herself.

     She began to put away her fresh meats and vegetables, except for those she needed for beef stew. ___ quickly reached for a pot, ready to start her delicious, salty stew. Only, she couldn't reach her pot, it was much to high. She glared up at the metal item in hatred. She hated asking for help, but it seemed it was necessary.

     "I-VAN!' she jumped in fright, 'Are you okay?!"

     Not only had he been a few feet behind her, but he was also - painfully - sunburned. She had forgotten how pale he was, and that he would sunburn easy. ___ wondered just how long he was waiting for her.

     "I am fine!' he replied cheerfully, 'I am more than fine, actually! My heart is doing the beating, and it makes me happy."
     She frowned at him before asking if he could get the pot down, "I'll start the stew, but while I do, you're going to get in a cool bath, understand?' she said quickly, 'And when you get out, you're going to put this aloe stuff on!"
     "But I want to watch you cook!"
     "Get in the bath first! You can watch me cook supper tomorrow if it makes you that happy!"
     He puffed his face up slightly, "I do not want to,' he muttered, 'I want to stay here and watch."
     "I hate to do this,' she turned toward him, a malicious grin settling on her face, 'But...if you get into the bath right now and put aloe on, I will kiss you. Дa?"

     She had a lot of guts standing up to the Russian so easily - perhaps because she was used to it. ___ was losing her fear for Ivan, and it was replaced by...something she didn't know of. He smiled just as maliciously at her, his normal "dark aura" taking over. However, he simply touched her shoulder and then left into the hallway.

     With the pot now down, she began to wash and cut up both the beef cubes and her many vegetables to throw in. After filling the pot with water, she turned the stove on and seasoned the stew. ___ didn't cook often, but when she did, it was usually simple foods like this.

     Deciding to cut some bread up to go with the stew, she pulled out her bread knife and cutting board. ___ took the French bread from its bag, placing it down and beginning to slice. Her face began to burn hot, however. She had just realized the situation she was in. Not only was her "stalker friend" Ivan in her shower, but she had also promised to kiss him if he obeyed her word. ___ made a disgusted face, feeling angry with herself.

     "Sunflower, can you help me put the aloe on?' Ivan peered into the kitchen, soaking wet, 'I cannot seem to reach my back, and I am needing the assistance, да?"
     ___ looked up from the bread on the cutting board, "Yeah, fine...you're dressed, aren't you?' she called back to him, ''Cause I ain't helpin' if you not dressed, mate."
     "I'm dressed, no worries, ___~' he chirped, sitting on one of her kitchen chairs, 'Unless you would rather I not be~' She smacked the top of his head, earning a chuckle from the man. 'I am just doing the joking! No need to hit me!"

     She knelt beside him, taking the small bottle of aloe he had fished out of her bathroom cupboards. ___ gently poured some onto his shoulder, earning a small hiss from him. Chuckling, her fingers began to rub his bare skin, making sure to get every sunburned spot. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to notice Ivan's face growing redder the longer she touched him (and the more places she did).

     ___ finally stopped, rubbing her hands on her shorts as she went to stir the stew. She had not even noticed Ivan's bright face, or the fact that he had to excuse himself for some fresh air for a few minutes. ___ merely waved it off as being warm due to his scarf (although, that was far from the truth). After stirring the stew, she settled down on the couch, kicking her foot up on her coffee table.

    Ivan had finally made an appearance once again, deciding to sit beside her on the couch. His blond hair was still wet, sticking to the sides of his face. For some reason, this bugged ___ extremely bad. She had even leaned forward and tucked some of it behind Ivan's ear.

     He turned his head slightly to look at her, "Я так люблю тебя, ___,' he said, 'Пожалуйстаm, cкажи, что любишь меня..."
     ___ glared slightly, "No, I will not,' she replied simply, 'It's too early in our friendship to have such strong feelings for one another, Ivan."
     "But Sunflower, we have known each other for so long!' he said quickly, 'Ever since you moved here. You cannot be saying that you do not have the feelings for me."
     The (h/c)-haired girl jumped up at that, face bright red, "I-I think the stew is done. Do you want to eat here or in the kitchen?' she quickly said, slurring her words slightly, 'We can even eat out on the porch if you want.... You know, it doesn't really matter much."


     An hour later, Ivan and ___ had finished their meals and had watched a little bit of television. However, it was getting late, so she thought it was best for him to head home. Only, Ivan really wished she would say, 'you can stay over for the night, if you want', but he knew it would not happen. She had all ready invited him for dinner against her will, and had helped him with his sunburn. He really couldn't ask for anymore.

     "I will talk to you tomorrow, да? Since you invited me over for dinner~?' Ivan chirped as he stepped onto the porch, 'I will be making sure to bring some dessert over or something."
     ___ nodded, "Fine, you can bring over cake or pie,' she agreed, 'Good night."
     "Wait, подсолнечник,' Ivan stopped her from closing the door, 'Are you not forgetting to do something?' She was clearly confused, 'You said you would kiss me if I bathed."

     She gave him the nastiest glare she could muster, but it was nothing compared to his cheerful face. Inhaling deeply, ___ stood on her tip-toes to try and reach the tall man's face. Ivan willingly leaned down enough so she could kiss him. She hesitated, face burning red ("DAMN IT ALL, WHY DID I PROMISE THAT?!"). Noticing she was having a hard time, Ivan did it for her. He pressed his lips against hers, even if just for a second. Almost a second after he did, ___ shoved him away and slammed the front door closed.

     "Good night!"
     "I love you, мой подсолнечник~"

     Alfred F. Jones was visiting from the United States for the week, staying with Ivan. When ___ had heard about it from Toris, she had gotten abnormally excited. Even though she was friends with Matthew and not Alfred, she still liked seeing her friends from other countries, especially ones she hadn't seen for a few years (she hadn't always lived in Russia). Hence, she was running over to Ivan's house to see her American friend.

     Fortunately, the Braginsky house was not far from hers. She knew where it was, but she had never been inside it before (___ was secretly scared why lied behind the door (she had convinced herself there were many torture devices and dead bodies)). She adjusted her sweater (it ended up being cold and rainy, not a good combination), jogging up to the front porch. She was sure to surprise Alfred for visiting, the thought made her excited.

     She quickly rapped her knuckle against the wooden door, hoping that Ivan had not taken Alfred out for lunch or something. Within a few seconds, the door was slowly pulled open, revealing a tired looking Toris. The brown-haired man jumped slightly, surprised at seeing her (he knew very well the predicament she was in with Ivan). He quickly allowed her to enter the house to get away from the rain.

     "What are you doing here, ___?' Toris quickly asked, 'Aren't you worried Mr. Ivan will trap you in here forever or something? You know how he is..."
     ___ grinned brightly, "I'm actually here to see Alfred!' she replied, 'It's been almost two years since I've moved here, so I want to see my friend. Do you think Ivan will mind?"
     "Honestly? I think he'll fight against Mr. Alfred, then."
     "Aah~ Sunflower!"

     Ivan had emerged from the living room to see what the commotion was. He smiled at the sight of ___ standing in his hallway, but that smile soon turned to a frown at the sight of her. She was dripping wet from the rain, and her sweater was no doubt water-logged. ___ bounced up to her Russian friend, grabbing onto his arm excitedly, smiling up at him.

     "Where is Al? Where's Al? I came to see Al!"
     He leaned over to pat her head gently, "Little Alfred is at the store right now,' he said, 'He will be back very soon. Are you cold at all? Your lips are purple."
     "Would to be too much...to ask if I can have a towel or something?"
     "How about I lend you a sweater, да?"
     "Uhm...I see no other way around it, so...sure..."

     Toris sent ___ a pitying look, as if to say, 'you shouldn't have done that'. Ivan nodded, turning and disappearing into the door he had come from. The Lithuanian also disappeared, leaving ___ to wait by herself. She waited patiently, too. For some reason, the thought of being Ivan's house was not nearly as scary as it used to be.

      Ivan appeared once more, this time holding onto one of his large, fluffy sweaters, "You can do the changing in my bedroom, or the bathroom if you like~' he chirped, 'But the bathroom does not have a lock, so it might be easier to use my bedroom!"
      She grinned, "Cпасибо, Ivan!"

      ___ quickly went into the living room where he had come from, and took a left at the nearest doorway. Fortunately for her, she had made a right choice. She had found the bathroom without a problem. ___ closed the door behind her, immediately peeling off her soaked sweater and laying it on the edge of the bathtub. She, then, proceeded to pull on the sweater that Ivan lent her. Sighing peacefully, she exited the bathroom.

     As quickly as she had changed, it meant nothing. Alfred had apparently gotten back, and was talking cheerfully to Toris by the fireplace. ___, deciding not to interrupt his conversation, went to go look for Ivan once again. Perhaps she could convince the Russian to let her have a few chugs of vodka. Her (e/c) orbs scanned the various rooms until she came to the kitchen. Inside was a woman, chatting animatedly to Ivan.

     She was blonde, similarly to Ivan. ___ couldn't help but notice that she had really large breasts ("Poor woman."). The nameless girl reached over and patted Ivan's face, grinning and laughing about something. He grinned back, chuckling along with her. For some reason, ___ felt a slight twinge of annoyance at how cute the girl was (and ultimately at how Ivan was acting around her).

     ___ entered the kitchen, holding onto the ends of Ivan's sweater as she approached. She was going to kill herself later for what she was about to do, but it was better to get it over with. ___ gently tugged on Ivan's sleeve, smiling brightly, as if she was actually happy.

     "Ah, мой подсолнечник! This is-"
     ___ stuck her hand out to the woman, "I'm ___ ___, and I'm Ivan's best friend,' she grinned, 'May I have the knowledge of whom you are?"
     "This is my-" Ivan began.
     The girl - Ukrainian by the look of it - smiled just happily back, "It is nice to finally have met you, ___,' she said, accepting ___'s hand, 'My name is Yekaterina."
     Ivan let out a slightly annoyed sigh, "Big sister, this is my Sunflower~' he chirped, 'Sunflower, this is my big sister. Is she not pretty?"

     She - ___ - suddenly felt extremely stupid for feeling annoyed by this girl. How could she have not noticed they were siblings?! ___ let out an exasperated sigh, looking of to the side in bitterness (with herself). Shortly after her interruption, Yekaterina and Ivan began to talk again. ___ released Ivan's sleeve, looking around the kitchen. That vodka she wanted earlier would surely come in hand now.

     The (e/c)-eyed girl was about to push open one of the cupboards, and when she did, she let out a shout of surprise, falling backwards onto the ground. Another female was hiding in it, glaring daggers at ___. Speaking of daggers, this new arrival also held a rather large knife in her hand. Ivan and Yekaterina looked over to see why ___ had shouted, only to find the third blonde.

     Whomever this other girl was, she caused Ivan's face to go slate-white. Yekaterina clapped happily at the sight of the girl, coming over immediately. ___ slowly got up from the tiled-ground, walking over to where the Russian was. She quietly hid behind him, suddenly feeling that excruciating fear she once held for him, being held for that girl. Speaking of such, the girl in the cupboards slowly got out, still glaring.

     "So you are my brother's Sunflower, I was wondering when I would get to meet you,' she hissed, 'My name is Natalya, and I am big brother's lover, so please do not interfere anymore."

     Ivan silently hoped that ___ would bring about her courage and argue that he was actually hers. Yet the (h/c)-haired girl, did not do such...yet. She only shook in her boots, holding onto the back of Ivan's own sweater, as if to say, 'protect me!' Yet, this Russian was extremely nervous around his sister too.

     "I-I'd rather not...' ___ spoke slowly, 'I-Ivan is my...my friend, sorry, but I'd rather not lose him. He's my important friend, and the only one I got in this country. So...so FUCK OFF!"

     The moment the words left her mouth, she immediately hid her face in Ivan's sweater. Natalya stared in slight irritation, but did nothing else. When Ivan had mentioned that his "Sunflower" was "brave in the face of confrontation", she never assumed he had actually meant it. ___ had even defended Ivan with this. Natalya stepped forward, raising the knife, as if to stab ___. At the last moment, however, she ended up slipping on her own shoes.

     The hand with the knife seemingly went soaring toward Ivan, whose eyes went wide. Without hesitating, ___ shoved Ivan into the cupboards, allowing to knife to sink into her arm - where it probably was aimed at in the first place. Both Natalya and ___ fell to the ground, the only different being one was injured and the other not. Realizing what she had done, Natalya gasped. She had not really expected to stab ___. Yekaterina slowly came forward, tugging the younger sister back to assess the damage done to the (h/c).

     Ivan stood there for a moment, eyes wide in shock. Not only had ___ stood up to Natalya, but she also got stabbed in his place. He watched as the (e/c)-eyed girl bravely ripped the knife from her arm, grimacing at the amount of blood spluttering out. Yekaterina began to panic at this, looking around for anything that could help.

     "Oh damn,' ___ hissed, 'I ruined your sweater, Ivan."
     The Russian patted her head, "Do not be worrying about those stupid things,' he said, 'Let's just get you to the hospital, да? Do you need me to carry you...or...?"
     "Nah, I got it,' she stood up, 'It's not the first time I've been stabbed. I got stabbed in Madrid too a few years back. Let's just go to the hospital and get this over with."

     The thought of ___ having to wear a stitches and gauze for the next few weeks angered Ivan immensely. Even though his Sunflower did no press charges against Natalya, he was bitter towards his younger sister. He had even attempted to disown her. However, the girl did come right back, despite his anger. She was trying so hard to make Ivan forgive her, but none of her attempts had been even working.

     This meant Natalya would try one last thing - befriending ___. At first, the (h/c)-haired girl had been dead scared, but her fear was deemed irrational. Natalya was actually extremely nice when she was not obsessed over Ivan (whom ___ avoided bringing up in case another stabbing occurred). She would do things like a normal girl would, and Natalya had even helped ___ with her stitches. The only problem with their new blossoming friendship was that Ivan was left out often. When his sister had stabbed his Sunflower, he had assumed he would get to take care of ___ (helping her in the kitchen, or perhaps by brushing her hair).

     He had planned to make ___ love him by the time she got her stitches removed, but now his plan had been vanquished. Instead, he usually just sat on ___'s couch, watching television until Natalya decided to leave. She had not even been that bothersome to him as of late, but rather cold, and bitter (she had it in her mind that he was simply cheating on her). The girl closed the front door behind her, disappearing into the yard moments later. Ivan grinned, jumping up from the couch with incredible speed.

     "Sunflower~!' he called out, 'Can we do the talking now? I have been waiting all day for you!"
     ___ peered out of her bedroom, staring, "You could have come for breakfast this morning or something,' she muttered, exiting her room, 'It's hard cooking dinner for a Russian, you know?"
     "Ah, I am sorry, мой подсолнечник,' he apologized, 'I was just excited to see you. It did not occur to me that you would have to cook dinner. I can do the helping, though!"

     The (e/c)-eyed girl shrugged slightly, motioning for the man to follow her. He quickly grabbed onto her shoulders, following the girl into the kitchen. She immediately opened her fridge, pulling out a pack of chicken, beets, and cabbage. From her pantry, she took out a few potatoes, setting them all down on the counter. Ivan's face lit up when he realized what she was making. He quickly hugged her from behind, burying his face in her soft hair.

     "Are you sure you are not loving me yet, подсолнечник?' he cooed, 'It seems you do love me~"
     ___ let out an exasperated sigh, "Keep touching me, and you won't get any borscht!' she warned, 'I'm not really in the mood for being touched all over, thank you very much."
     "Are you not feeling all the well?"

     She shook her head, going quiet all of a sudden. Whatever was going on with ___, it was beginning to worry Ivan. He had never seen her so quiet and sad looking (although, she had been unusually snappy too). The Russian turned her around, revealing that her face was slightly red, and her eyes were full of bitter tears. His usual grin faded, and he embraced her again, not caring if she'll yell. At first, ___ simply stood there, her face buried in his t-shirt and scarf. However, she relaxed shortly afterwards, fingers gripping onto the front of his shirt, leaning against him.

     Ivan sat down on the kitchen floor, pulling ___ closer to himself. Even though she wasn't crying, he could tell she really wanted to. He gently rubbed her back, leaning against her cupboards as he did.

     "Do you want to tell me what is wrong?"
     ___'s grip tightened, "I just miss my family is all,' she replied, 'I've been on my own for almost six years, since before I was an adult. It just...hurts...knowing that they're not going to be here for me anymore."
     "I see now,' he nodded, 'You are very confused at the moment, are you not? You want guidance from another person, someone like a mother or father. Yet, you do not have anyone, but me (and now Natalya, I suppose). You can tell me anything you want, мой подсолнечник."
     She removed her face from his chest now, "It's a little difficult to tell you things, when most of the time they're about you in the first place, Ivan."

     Ivan made a slight face, wondering what she had meant. He knew that ___ wasn't all that fond of him, but he never knew she was gossiping about his actions to her other friends. He felt annoyed at that. Ivan did not want her to go gossiping around the world about her "Russian Stalker" (he silently prayed she did not refer to him as a stalker; he was far from it).

     "What are you meaning...?"
     ___ looked away from him, toward the doorway, "Do you want to go get dinner somewhere else?' she asked, 'I'm not really feeling up to cooking right now. Is that okay? I can buy..."
     "Дa, we can go out, if you want,' he agreed, 'But I will do the buying, you just do the eating."
     "Thanks, Ivan."
     "Do not worry about it, Sunflower~' he chirped, 'This is what I do for the one I love~"

     ___ took that statement to heart, feeling herself grow a little more trustful with Ivan. Perhaps, he really did love her?

     Ivan slowly parked the car in front of ___'s house. He quickly got out, closing the door behind her, and jogging toward her front door. He did the same, coming up behind her on the porch. ___ quickly unlocked her house door, entering the warm room. However, Ivan stayed on the porch, only watching as his Sunflower pulled off her sweatshirt and threw it onto her couch, also kicking her shoes off. She looked back toward him, a questioning look on her face.

     "It was nice having dinner with you, ___,' he admitted, 'I would like to have counted that as a date, but I am knowing you do not like me in that way. So, I will be taking my leave. I will see you tomorrow, да?"
     ___ ran over to the doorway before he walked away, snagging onto the back of his shirt, "Uhm, do you want...to...come in and relax for a few minutes?' she asked quietly, 'Or perhaps...you want to...stay...the night?"
     "I am very sorry, but I have to do some paperwork before tomorrow,' Ivan sighed, 'It is really important, I hope you understand. Perhaps another time, да?"

     The face she made caused Ivan's heart to break on the spot. ___ had looked up to him to have said 'yes' and stayed, but he could not be controlled and manipulated by someone who did not even love him back. Sure, he would do anything else to try and get her affections, but...he was feeling slightly put out at the moment.

     "I will call you tomorrow.' he stated, 'After I get out of my work meeting. So, please wait up."

     ___ didn't reply, she simply watched as the Russian walked toward his car. Her heart was pounding away in her chest, and her eyes were stuck in a stare where he had been standing. Inhaling deeply, she put on the most confident face she could.

     "Fine, good night, Ivan!' she said, 'Stay safe at work tomorrow too, I don't want to see my...my Ivan get hurt or anything! A-and, Я тебя люблю , so don't go flirting with other girls..."

     Ivan froze mid-step, amethyst eyes wide with surprise. He quickly turned around to look at ___, to see if what she had said was true at all. Her face was stained bright red, but she stared right back at him. Neither moved until ___ got shoved forward from someone in her house, causing her to quickly step and catch herself, just a foot from where Ivan was standing. Yekaterina quickly hid in the bushes that she was in the first place.

     "I...Sunflower,' he looked at her in disbelief, 'You are not...joking?"

     She shook her head furiously, grabbing onto his hand and looking back up to his face. He immediately brought her hand to his lips, holding it there for a few moments. She did not try to get away, or scold him, or anything. Instead, she allowed him to hold her like that.

     "Скажи, что любишь меня,' he whispered, 'Скажи, что любишь меня. Скажи, что любишь меня. I want to hear it again, please say it again. Скажи, что любишь меня."
     ___'s eyes never left his, "I love you, Ivan,' she repeated, this time in English, 'I love you so much. I love you so much I don't want you to leave me again. Ivan, I love you so much, I feel stupid for ever saying that I did not."

     A rock came out of nowhere, striking the back of Ivan's head. He glared over his shoulder, noticing a particular blond's cowlick sticking out of a bush on the other side of the street - Alfred. The American poked his head through the foliage.

     "KISS HER ALL READY, YOU COMMIE!"

     He didn't need to be told twice. Ivan pressed his pale lips against ___'s, immediately causing the flush on her face to darken. He had to bend down to her level, and she had to stand on her tip-toes, but for some reason, it felt natural. She snaked her arms around his neck, and he gripped the sides of her face, refusing to let her back away.

     "OH EW, GET A ROOM!"
     "Shh! Mr. Ivan will kill you if you interrupt him!"
     "Are they not so cute together~?"

     Growing annoyed with the chatter of the three friends, ___ invited Ivan into her house, to which he gladly accepted. Who needs paper work anyway?

~
FIN