Alfred felt he could relax all at once when the kiss was returned, his thumb gently stroking the other's cheek as he smiled a little bit, not pulling away until he felt the Russian's tears beginning to slide across the hand pressed to his cheek. Once their lips were no longer connected he opened his eyes to look up at Ivan, taking a moment before he gave him a warm, teary-eyed smile. 

((Eeeeeee~ So very, very cute~))

Ivan's eyes drifted closed as he felt his cheek being stroked, feeling safer and more at ease than he could recall. It didn't even matter when Alfred's hand was met by a tear-track, though he hoped that it would not give the wrong impression. His eyes flickered open when the American's lips parted from his own, and he blinked, wondering whether it was because of his tears. He returned Alfred's smile in a vague daze, feeling somewhat bashful, and he squeaked a little when his companion moved to plant feather-light kisses beneath his wondering eyes.

He could feel Alfred's hand in his hair, just as his own had found the other's, and he could hear the soft laughter that bubbled up. Somehow, he could tell that he was not being laughed at, though that would have been his first thought under other circumstances, and if it had been anyone but his sunshine laughing. It was reassuring, actually - it meant that Alfred was happy. "... Y-you did?" Ivan faltered, startled. "Ah-aahh, well... I must admit that... I also almost - !~" Whatever he had been about to say, it was cut off by the return of Alfred's gentle lips, and the big Russian could almost hear his heart begin to sing. This was familiar, and yet new, but the confusion had long since ceased to matter - this was another high point of what had already been the best day of his life, and it felt as though Alfred was bent on squeezing more happiness than all of Ivan's span up until this point into one day.

Ivan snuggled in a little closer as well, revelling in the exquisite delight granted by the kiss he was being given, and too full of happy to even care why it was happening any more. Alas, their lips could not remain in constant contact indefinitely, lest Ivan actually forget to breathe, and never mind the nose, but he remained every bit as close when their lips parted again. "Y-ya tebya lyublyu..." He whispered, feeling that he had to say it before he lost his nerve, though he didn't know whether Alfred would hear him.

Alfred enjoyed the second for as long as it lasted, finding himself pressed as close to Ivan as he couple possibly be afterwards. Once again he smiled up at the Russian, close enough that he could definitely hear what the other said. How exactly he knew just what it meant he wasn't sure, but he supposed at that point he should really stop questioning these kinds of things.

Something in Alfred's smile told Ivan that his friend had heard each little word he'd uttered, and he waited with baited breath to see what the American's reaction would be. He had no idea that the warm one he held close had also understood every word, until Alfred replied to him with hushed words that seemed to fill up a hole in his heart, sewing it closed with tender feelings from that of another. He could not find words to say, a tiny little strangled noise escaping his throat, and it felt so nice~ He couldn't even describe to himself what he was feeling, as blown away by it all as he was, and he blinked owlishly when the tip of his nose was treated to an affectionate little peck.

Still wordless, Ivan stared wonderingly into the round azure orbs looking at him with such warmth and such sweetness, his ex
pression a picture of stunned delight. He could not begin to imagine what he could possibly have done to deserve this. He'd rarely even entertained the notion that he would be able to find someone who would return his affection, and the words that Alfred spoke were opening floodgates in him. He wanted to reply, to tell the American that he, too, thought that this was perfect - that he, too, was glad he'd followed the path he had. His throat had constricted, however, and he could only manage a croak. "S-Solnyshka~!" He uttered, trying to keep himself from crying again.

Deep down, he'd never really expected to find love - it was as though a part of him had always been whispering to him that he was meant to be alone, and that he could never be otherwise. Now, though, the sunlight was pouring in, and he felt as though he might not be able to hold it in. Clutching Alfred, he surrendered to the sobs that he had only barely been able to resist, caught between too many emotions to do anything but weep and hold the other male as close as he possibly could.

((I can't even begin to handle these adorable doofuses))

((They really are doofuses, aren't they? Ahh, and they certainly are adorable~))

Ivan drew comfort and reassurance from the arms around him, the hands caressing his hair and back, and the vaguely wandering tune that had begun to wend its way into his ears. It was soothing, and it made him feel as though he had found the place where he truly belonged - held close in Alfred's embrace. It tickled when the American nuzzled into his shoulder's crook, slightly jostling his scarf, and it only tickled more when his companion whispered assurances into his shoulder. It wasn't the kind of tickling that would make him laugh aloud, but it was pleasant. Gradually, his sobs diminished, and he became able to breathe normally, and cease soaking Alfred. "... P-promise?" He murmured, as soon as he was able to speak coherently. "I - a-ahhh, I have n-never..." He mumbled, fumbling a little. "Th-that is to say, well... nobody has ever said s-such things to me... n-nor has a-anyone ever k-kissed me in such a way... Th-this is real... da?"

((No worries, stuff happens. What kind of dog do you have?))

"Promise," Alfred assured the other, pressing a a gentle kiss to the corner to Ivan's mouth, smiling a little bit. "And this is very much real, I assure you," he added gently before wrapping his arms around Ivan's shoulders, moving to pretty much seat himself on the other's lap for much easier access and more comfortable cuddling for the both of them. "You're stuck with the most loudmouthed, energetic American that I'm pretty sure ever existed," he said with a grin. "Well, me and two poofy cats." He looked over to the kitchen. "Who...actually have yet to come out of the kitchen. I wonder if they're actually bonding in there." He hadn't heard any hissing, but that hadn't been his main concern. Instead, he leaned against his Russian...well, wait, what were they now?

Ivan felt as though he had been given the most precious gift the world had known, when he heard Alfred say those words, and punctuate them with another little kiss. He was euphoric, for all that his tears had still not completely dried from his face, and now he had a sweet, warm American in his lap. It was actually quite comfortable, and it made cuddling the other male a bit easier as well, come to think of it. "S-spasiba, Solnyshka moi... That means a lot to me..." He murmured, "Ahh, and you w-would not be the same w-without the spark that drives you, or the exuberance y-you hold." He added, moving his own arms to Alfred's torso. "I h-have not heard any clanging, so the kitchen is probably fine." He responded, when the American mentioned the cats, and he did briefly wonder whether they were getting on, but the next words he heard were a sufficient distraction from the cats to divert his already-fleeting attention back to the hero-enthusiast in his arms. "A-ahhh, I think that we are... If that is what you want." He agreed, mentally savouring the term that he had thus far doubted would ever be applied to him. "I - I would count myself fortunate indeed, to be called such by one so lovely as you... I think that you are... the most wonderful person that I have ever had the pleasure of talking to..." He began softly, starting to allow some of the thoughts he'd had about Alfred to surface in his words.

"Y-you are so free with your smiles, your laughter, your kindness... You share with me the things that you like, and the things that I like just the same, a-and you - you are so good at making me feel so happy... Y-you even stayed with me, a-all through the night, when I was afraid..." He continued, smiling a soft little smile of his own as he spoke, feeling giddy inside. "The very exuberance that makes you bounce... lights my heart. Ahh, Alfiusha, and I have not begun to describe h-how very... beautiful... you are." He breathed, no longer able to stop himself. There were so many things he had wanted to tell Alfred, he knew that he would probably not be able to start telling them again easily if he lost his nerve. "I - I had it right when I told you in the cafe that one who has known snow-swept land and cloud-gowned sky recognises the sun when it appears... Ahh, but I do not think that you heard me... I did not know then how right I was, but there were things that I could see in you from the beginning. Your eyes, first - they are so striking... Filled with the summertime's clear skies, shining with the light that you hold... I almost expected to find clouds within, or a rainbow... Your hair - it shines as though spun from the radiance of the sun... It is a wonder to behold. Ohh, and your smile! It is full of hearth's warmth, heart's warmth, and it is able to give light when I am feeling as though in darkness... You are... so beautiful... a-and when I am held in your arms, and holding you in mine - I feel s-safe and warm, a-and no longer alone..."

Alfred smiled rather wide when it was indeed confirmed that he could use the term boyfriend when describing, introducing, or even just thinking about Ivan. He moved to rest his head upon the other's shoulder when he began to talk again, a pretty pink dusting across his cheeks as he smiled. "You sell yourself so short," he said softly, falling quiet as he continued to speak. His eyes widened a little bit, cheeks growing progressively more red with each compliment, ultimately ending up a rather bright shade of red as a wide, warm, /loving/ smile broke out on his face and he leaned forward, turning himself to give his new Russian boyfriend a quick kiss. "You sell yourself so very, very short, Kotenok," he murmured gently. "And I can't say it in as many words or make it sound as beautiful and poetic as you, but you're amazing and wonderful and beautiful and /perfect/," he said, resting the palm of his hand against Ivan's cheek so he could look into his eyes. "Unique and new and familiar all at once, and having you here feels like a part of me I wasn't even aware was gone has been returned and I feel so...whole and complete."

((Alfie so cute~ Sweetie snuggles~))

Alfred's smile was stunning, and his ex
pression looked even sweeter for the spread of pink that had misted his features. I do? Ivan wondered, when the beaming blond he was admiring told him that he was selling himself short - which he realised after a moment meant that Alfred thought he didn't appreciate himself enough. I suppose that he might have a point, if my words can bring him happiness... It was an endearing sight, watching the American grow redder and redder as he spoke, and quite touching to realise that his words could have such an effect - particularly when Alfred proceeded to dazzle him with another enormous grin, one that was filled with yet more of the warmth that Ivan had found that he craved. His eyes widened when he was given another kiss, and the hue of his own face began to climb again in response when Alfred began to speak to him.

The hand on his cheek held a gentle heat, and felt kind of like his face was getting a hug - which was rather nice - but his attention was far more captivated by the lustrous blue eyes meeting his, and the soft voice that came with them. "I - I am... beautiful?" He mumbled, slightly startled. "Perfect? I - ahhh... I had not known that..." Ivan was more used to thinking that he looked strange, or that people thought he looked imposing - such praise as this left him a little thrown for a loop, despite the fact that he had been saying similar things about Alfred bare moments ago. "That is what being with you feels like to me!" He exclaimed, when Alfred told him about the feeling of completeness, about the feeling of having regained something once lost. Perhaps this was why he had felt so alone and cold before - because Alfred hadn't been there?

"... I make you feel safe also? Ohh, I'm so glad~ You are appreciated, Solnyshka, and needed - it feels as though I have needed you for all of the time I have lived, but never knowing what was missing until I met you. Ahhh, I must thank you also - if not for you, I would never have known what it is to feel as though summer has found my heart... I do not know how it is that we are so... drawn to one another, nor why it feels as though we have known one another for longer than our brief time from meeting, but I am definitely not complaining." Ivan continued, his eyes shining with a delight he did not quite know how to deal with, before feeling Alfred's lips find his own yet again. Such a sweet sensation, and one that seemed as though it might steal away his mind - he was rather glad that his nose did not seem to be the hindrance he would have imagined it might be. Then again, he still had much to learn about kisses, so it oughtn't surprise him too much that there were things he'd gotten wrong.

"Soulmate?" He murmured, when his mouth was released. "... Da, that does sound right..." His ears had begun to match his cheeks in pigment, and he couldn't help but make a tiny little squeak of bashfulness when he was told once again that he was perfect, that Alfred felt safe with him, and that he was loved. He was about to move in to plant a little kiss on Alfred's nose when he felt the American's forehead come to rest against his, and he relaxed into the contact, gazing contentedly into the azure orbs that met his eyes. "Th-they do? Ahh, thank you~" He mumbled, smiling. Those were such pretty flowers to be compared to, and he knew that Alfred knew he liked flowers... "That is sweet of you to say~"

((It's okay, there were always going to be times when real life would do something like this, I understand. I hope you have a nice time at your cousin's graduation - and I hope that you sleep well~))

Alfred nodded to each of the Russian's questions, another giddy little laugh bubbling up inside of him as he wrapped his arms around him to hug him tight and hold him close. He'd only just met the man and already he wasn't sure what he'd ever do if he ended up losing him, nor did he know why he was already worried about losing him to...something. Not even someone, a...something.

((Something was going to happen to that moment - if not Alfred, then cats~ ;3))

Ivan smiled with a little more confidence when his new boyfriend - !! - moved his head away enough to nod without bopping the Russian on the forehead, and he enjoyed the pretty little laugh that bubbled forth as he was held close and snugly tight in Alfred's arms. He wasn't quite sure what was behind it, but he had an odd little feeling that he oughtn't lower his guard, as though some buried part of him was yelling for him to protect the sunflower man he had found, lest he lose him forever. It was an unsettling feeling, even if he didn't read too far into it. After all, there was no danger, was there? Even that thought threatened to send his gaze darting around like that of a frantic prey animal - another unsettling thought, but he wrapped himself in the closeness, the warmth, and the delirious feeling of finding love returned. He wrapped that feeling around him like a blanket - or a scarf - and it helped him to feel more at ease.

"That does sound like fun~" He agreed, considering Alfred's words with a chuckle. "Quite interesting how songs that were not meant to be such could be seen in such a light, da?" He added, before noticing that the focus of his affection was drawing in his knees. Was that not a defensive posture? After all that had passed between them, it could surely not be against him, but what? It felt as though what was unknown had trailed a chill finger down the length of his spine with that internal query, and he nuzzled Alfred in what he hoped was a reassuring manner. Whatever it was that was bothering his Solnyshka, he would not back away from the task of driving it off - whatever it was. That resolve felt... already forged in flame, for some reason, as though it were an old blade he was taking up anew, but he discarded the thought in favour of listening to what Alfred had to say.

"... I do not know." He responded softly, beginning to rub circles on the American's back - which he hoped was soothing. "I must confess to being concerned about that as well. It - it feels almost as though I am hiding in my wakefulness from a thing which awaits me in my dreams..." He added, drawing comfort from the feeling of Alfred's head returning to his shoulder. "When you were there, it was as though it melted away... I would make myself a liar if I told you that I would not have my worries before heading into slumber on my own. I - I do not often have dreams quite like that, but it feels as though it is waiting for me, now that I am thinking on it, and I... do not want to face it on my own... Are you... offering to stay with me?" The end of his last sentence held a tentative lilt, as though he were trying to keep plaintive notes out of it, not wanting to pressure Alfred into feeling that it was something he had to do. All the same, he did not know whether he would be able to sleep without that reassuring presence - even the thought of what might have been if he had not awoken the other male made him wince... The dream had not seemed to be ending when he had been rescued from it, after all...

...Ivan? He is calling me Ivan, after not using that name for me since learning diminutives to use - apart from when he was waking me... Whatever this was, it was bound to be serious, so he listened carefully and attentively, not wanting to miss anything important. "... Re-reincarnation?" He whispered, stunned. Alfred's words were setting off chimes inside him, tinkling ice bells both frozen and insistent. "I - ahh, I would ordinarily tell you 'no', that is not something I would consider... and yet, there are things that I cannot explain otherwise." He continued, subconsciously clutching the American tighter still. "The familiarity in newness, the - the way you knew my words, ones that I did not tell you... Aa-ahhh, and this feeling inside me, as though I - I must protect you... I do not understand..." He was a little scared now, his mind shying away from the idea of prodding at something like that. "I - I am afraid... The one I saw in my dream, he was me and yet not... If you are right, what if... I really was a monster?" He asked, his voice becoming a little tremulous as he spoke.

((This took longer than it should have, because I somehow accidentally erased my progress after two paragraphs...))

Alfred, after a few moments, moved so he could adjust Ivan's scarf to allow them to share it once again, like they had in the field of sunflowers. "I am offering to stay with you, yeah," he responded with a soft smile. "If you're okay with us sharing a bed again. I mean it wouldn't be much different to what we're doing now but we'll hopefully be asleep through the night," he said softly, relaxing as the other rubbed his back, his eyes sliding closed up until Ivan began to wonder if he had possibly been a monster at some point. Alfred shook his head and shifted to straddle his boyfriend's lap to allow him to use both hands to cup Ivan's cheeks, his ex
pression intent despite his mouth being hidden by the scarf he'd wrapped around himself.

((No worries, it's got Alfie being a real sweetie in it~ So cute! He really knows how to handle Ivan, doesn't he?))

A smile began to tentatively make its way onto Ivan's face when Alfred wrapped the Russian's scarf around his own neck, and he, too, was reminded of what had taken place among the golden blooms he treasured so. It was something he could cling to for comfort, and to help him fend off the creepy notions flitting through his mind. He would not have permitted anyone else to have taken such a liberty with his scarf, which he held so precious - he would even have huffed a little if one of his parents had played around with it - but sharing it with Alfred felt so safe, and so right... Besides, he had come to regard the American as precious as well, and why should not someone he so trusted and adored be allowed to treat the scarf he held dear as he wished? "S-spasiba, Solnyshka moi... I appreciate that very much... I know that I would feel safer with you there to hold." He responded gratefully, musing that it would probably be best if it was Alfred's room - after all, that one was already full of... home-ness - it was lived in.

He was taken aback when Alfred began to move, and he blinked in startled alarm as the American came quite close to kneeing him somewhere important as he traversed Ivan's lap. There was an intensity in Alfred's eyes that he didn't know how to read, and he felt his face being clasped from both sides as his newly discovered sweetheart met his gaze intently. The words he spoke, intoned as though they came with explicit instructions to set them in stone within Ivan's mind - and with the use of his first and last names adding weight to the statement - reached in to touch the Russian's core. He managed a wobbly smile, but it was just as well that Alfred chose this moment to kiss him, as he would not have known what to say in response at that point. This kiss was less feather-light than those before, but certainly no less enjoyable - it was as though Alfred was trying to communicate the force of what he was trying to assure Ivan of with this gesture, while retaining enough gentleness of touch to keep it sweet. "I - ahhh - I cannot argue with that..." Ivan managed, when his lips were released, touched. It was true, what had been said about calling him Kotenok, wasn't it? That was not the name of a monster... He was just musing on this when he was kissed again, and he felt enveloped in affection once again.

"Ahh, Solnyshka, I love you as well... more than I know how to say." He breathed, before chuckling a little as a thought struck him. "Ahhh, you know, there is something you might find useful if you feel the need to be calling me by my full name~" He told the American who had buoyed his mood yet again, for all that shades lingered. "Always, there is a patronymic in the middle - mine is Zimanovich, as my father's name is Zima. Hah, that makes me the son of winter... Is funny, da?"

((By the way, has Alfie yet considered the adorable possibilities inherent in scarves? After all, if Ivan's a kitten, then that scarf is just asking to become a bow~))

((He has not yet considered the scarf thing eue He will eventually though))

((No worries, I understand~))

Ivan enjoyed the feeling of having Alfred snuggled up against him like a living hot water bottle/teddy combination, smiling softly as he felt the American move to make the cuddle a closer fit again. While he couldn't say that all his self-doubt had melted away, he was feeling a lot better about himself after all that his chirpy new boyfriend had said to him. It wasn't only the words that had made him feel better, but also the way in which they had been said - as though they were immutable, and Ivan had better get them through his head or get used to hearing them. It told him that Alfred really, truly meant it, and would do all he could to convince the Russian - that, in itself, was a good argument to present him with. "Hmm? It sounds like a good idea to me." He replied, when food was mentioned. He didn't know what the time was, but it had been a good while since lunch. "Is stuffed burgers, da? I am looking forward to learning this~" He added, anticipating that it would be fun.

When Alfred's mood seemed a little dampened, and a reedy little whine sounded forth, Ivan was momentarily concerned that something might be wrong, but it didn't seem as though his companion was in any pain. "Ahh, it is okay, all-day relaxation would not be as much of a treat if it was always available, hmm?" He answered in soft tones, hoping to coax out a smile that would let the light back into the American's voice. He could feel Alfred's nestling into his scarf, as it caused slight little tugs on his neck, and he could not help but giggle - for all that his new sweetheart had discovered that Ivan's belly was ticklish, it was the Russian's neck which was the most sensitive. Added to that, the sweet little humming kiss to his cheek added a sprinkling of peach to his complexion, and even he could tell that he probably looked rather kittenish. "Ahhihihihii~ That does sound nice - do you think they would accept me?" He asked, having not actually gotten as far as wondering what he could do with himself besides study and hang around Alfred and Alfred's place. Well, either way, he would certainly tag along to the cafe to keep his newest and best buddy company.

Alfred nodded and smiled a bit, shifting so he could duck out from under the other's scarf, gently readjusting it to how he'd usually wear it before carefully climbing off of his lap. "It's too difficult really," he said happily, holding out his hands to Ivan to help pull him up, a wide grin on his face where moments before there had been a frown. "Though raw meat does kind of feel gross sometimes," he said, tilting his head a bit. "And while we're on the topic what do you want in them? We can put pretty much anything that makes sense with hamburgers in it...I guess minus like tomatoes and stuff that would only really taste good on top of it." He bounced lightly on his toes, only to pause a moment and look back at the kitchen. "Wait is it just me or have Penny and Vodka been in the kitchen this whole time?" he questioned, cocking his head curiously. "Because I never saw them leave and it's weird that she's in there this long since I'm sure she's been done eating for a while now," he said softly. Maybe she and Vodka were napping on the countertop or something.

Ivan giggled a little more as Alfred adjusted his scarf, finding the gesture quite endearing, and took hold of the American's hands when they were offered. His legs felt a little funny after having another person on them for a while, but it wasn't unpleasant at all, and Alfred's smile was a lovely proof that the bouncy blond was relatively easy to cheer. It was as though gloom simply slid away from him, with maybe just a little help here and there. "Ahh, well, sometimes cooking can be like that." He mused aloud, returning Alfred's smile with one of his own, though it looked rather muted in comparison. "Ahh, but at least it is not onions, da? I do not like working with those very much... Ohh, I do not really mind - perhaps ham itself, or bacon? I know that there has already been bacon today, but I am unsure whether it is possible for there to be too much of that... Heh, and it is funny that hamburgers are actually beef - unless I have got that wrong~" He responded, his smile widening a touch as he noticed that his lyubov really was bouncing - very sweet. "The kitties? Come to be thinking of it, you are right... perhaps they are making friends? Who knows, with cats? We shall see soon enough, though, unless I am much mistaken."

When Alfred told him, in his characteristic bubbly tones, that he likely had a chance, Ivan allowed his smile to become a grin. "I understand that you cannot be giving me a guarantee, but it makes me happy that you think I could be working in a place that you do~" He responded, reflecting on the notion. True, he might not actually end up working at the same time as his boyfriend - a term that still made him squee inside like a little child - but the connection would still be there. "Da, this is so." He answered, planting a little kiss on the tip of Alfred's nose, returning the gesture from earlier.

((That sounds so cute~))

Alfred nodded in response to the filling choices, grinning. "Oh no man, bacon's perfectly fine," he said rather happily, giggling very audibly when Ivan placed a kiss to his nose. He leaned up to press a quick, playful sort of peck to his lips before he turned to head into the kitchen and go straight for the refrigerator to start pulling out ingredients, smiling rather wide. "Honestly if you liked the burgers earlier you should love these," he said, grinning. "Especially since you get the satisfaction of making them yourself!"

((No worries~))

Ivan smiled when his action provoked giggling, pleased by this reaction, and he was glad to hear that Alfred had no objection to the prospect of more bacon. He felt a flutter inside when he was given a quick little kiss in return, and he followed his American into the kitchen feeling as though he were floating. "Da, I do find it quite satisfying to be making food~" He agreed happily, watching as the relevant ingredients were pulled out of the fridge. He noticed movement out of the corner of his eye and, looking down and to  his left, spotted a fluffy black tail protruding from the ajar door of a cupboard - thankfully, not one with accessible food or utensils, but one in which there didn't seem to be much apart from buckets and other cleaning implements, and no chemical thingies. "Ahh, I think that Vodka has found a den, look." He chuckled, nodding towards the tail.

For all that his focus had momentarily been grabbed by his new feline companion, Ivan had been paying attention to the process of burger making that Alfred had demonstrated, and he began to follow suit. "It does seem easy, da, but I do not think that you would have failed if it were not so easy." He responded, "I do not doubt that you would have learned. After all, you are fond of burgers, hmm? That would certainly be incentive, and you are far from dull." He didn't want his sweetheart to be under the impression that he was only able to learn simple things, even if this seemed to be a jest, so he had replied in similarly light tones with what had crossed his mind. "How am I doing?" He added, his gaze searching Alfred's ex
pression for clues as to what was going on behind those fathomless blue eyes.