A Game of Chess

Chapter 11: Illusion

Alfred shook his head in confusement. "No, I just went to the restroom and I didn't see him."

Both of them flinched simultaneously, that dreadful look reappearing on them.

"O-Oh" he stammered softly. "Maybe I heard him wrong."

Alfred stared at them, an annoyment of their constant stuttering and secrecy growing on him. What the hell were they going off about? "Listen guys-" He started, raising his hand calmly to tell them that he needed some information now until a voice interrupted him.

"Privyet gentlemen, what are you all talking about?"

Alfred turned his head, feeling time slow down just a bit to admire him in his smile. He'd be lying if he said that he didn't instinctively smile in return. It's been a long time since he's physically seen Ivan. Of course, they found their ways of communicating like using phones or telegrams but it never really was quite the same. But then he wouldn't be made fun of if he smiled to hear his voice. An actual, genuine smile when he was having a stressful day, it felt so nice to be comforted and talked. Hearing him drop in small compliments in his sentences so casually made his heart swell immensely. 

That feeling just made him push aside all of his blatant flaws. Was it really so bad to have a happy relationship? He was willing to settle for this, just anything to make him happy to wake up in the morning. He didn't want to give this up, he couldn't.

And if anyone had information on Toris, it had to be him.

"Ivan!" He said pleasingly, unable to hide his joy. He reached out his hand and continued, "It's a pleasure seeing you again!"

"Ahahah." Ivan chuckled, a large grin appearing on him. "Please, please, the pleasure is all mine."

They brimmed with happiness as the other two began to cower away. Most everyone's eyes were on them and the handshake that was occurring between them. Not to mention the sincere smile they gave each other. Alfred seemed to notice how attentive the rom got when it came to his relationship with Ivan.

Normally this would be good, since their display of a peaceful relationship was now in front of all of the countries, but time has ran out, and he still didn't have any information on where Toris was. Although he was finally here, seeing Ivan in such a long time. He felt a lot more dejected than he had anticipated by the fact that Toris still wasn't here. And since he rarely ever saw him,

"We should get to our seats soon representative Alfred, I heard you had something important to share with us."

"Hmm? Oh yeah." He said, giving one last firm shake before removing his hand. "I look forward to this meeting Ivan." He said, a serious yet cheerful tone settling into his voice.

Ivan nodded to him, leading him to the front of the table, where most of the other G8 were sitting at. Out of everyone, they captured their attention the most. "I hope we could carry this conversation later on." He hinted, giving him a sly look.

Alfred smirked a bit, holding back numerous amounts of inappropriate jokes. "I think that might be sooner than you realize."

A thoughtful look formed on his face, still containing that smile. Though he didn't push for answers any further, it was fun to interpret things on his own. Alfred left him there, dazzled as he walked down to where his plaque was, that warm vibrant aura leaving with him. Ivan clenched his chest tightly, hearing the sound of blood pumping through his heart pounding loudly against his rib. He sat down at his seat, discreetly folding open a small piece of paper in his lap.

'Meet me at meeting room 4c later. We have a bit of catching up to do :)'

He smiled broadly, scaring the people around him. What could possibly make that man show such a weird expression?

The American made his way to his seat avoiding all the weird stares he was getting. Although this was what he was aiming for, the stares were just so off putting. He sat next to his brother and Arthur, also receiving surprised looks from them. He lifted his suitcase off the ground, unpacking his material and pencils for a moment, before finally snapping. Slowly, he let out a low grumble, trying his best to hold back his disgruntlement.

"What is it?" He said, still neatening his papers.

Arthur looked shocked and a bit taken aback. He seemed hesitant to continue, but he always was a bold fellow. "I know you said your relationship with Ivan was stable, but I never thought it'd be that stable." He muttered.

Silently, he cursed in his mind, furrowing his eyebrows even further. He should've dialed it down more, shouldn't have smiled so much. "Yeah, we're buddies." Alfred said, giving him an enlightening smile.

Arthur still seemed suspicious of them but looked away, a pitiful expression settling in. 'The poor boy..' His thought murmured into his ears, a sinking feeling resonating in his heart. Friendships with rivalry never stay perfect between countries. Sooner or later, they will fall apart. He knew this fact very well, it's just a shame that history that is not learnt will repeat itself.

As the room quieted down, the sound of a creak came from the door, immediately catching Alfred's attention. His eyes bolted across the table, catching Toris meekly walking in. A smile quickly spread across his face, he almost stood up from his seat. But then he noticed something about him, a worrisome expression settling in as the man walked to his seat. He had large, dark eyebags and the face of death itself. His might was slightly open, his eyes dull and grey. Alfred cringed at the sight of him, the Baltic group wasn't lying about him. But even then, he knew that Toris would be happy to see him. They were friends after all, right?

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I feel like this chapter wasn't as good. Oh well, maybe I'll edit it or something who knows. This section will be pretty long, a lot of unpacking to do. I hope you guys enjoy it, I'll do better next time but I got a bit of classes and homework to do. Stay classy and much love.