((I haven't uploaded it yet :'D))

((Fair enough~ I think it sounds really cute.))

"Those all sound like lovely places to visit~" Ivan responded, imagining what it would be like to be standing at such sites as the Grand Canyon. Probably incredible, he thought, while reflecting with amusement that it was a good job that he was not afraid of heights. "Waterfalls are rather pretty, so that sounds like a good idea~" He added, when the Canadian landmark was mentioned. He hadn't been thinking of visiting the other North American country at the time, but it did sound like it would be nice. "Chocolate? A place that is full of chocolate? Mmmm, that sounds delicious~" He giggled, amused, and finding Alfred's little yawn rather sweet. He smiled wider when he heard the American's response to his query regarding the possibility of going to visit Russia with his boyfriend some time. "Ahh, it makes me feel warm inside to hear you saying that~ Ahahah, did you know that there is a bridge of kisses in Russia? It is Potseluev Bridge, spanning across the Moyka River in Saint Petersburg~" He replied brightly, his smile evident in his tone. He, too, was no longer paying all that much attention to Mary Poppins, his focus caught by the one who held his heart. He still enjoyed the songs, though. "You look so peaceful right now - it is quite cute~" Ivan murmured, leaning so as to plant a little kiss on Alfred, his lips landing just at the base of the stubborn cowlick that resisted the urgings of gravity - quite a tempting target.

Alfred smiled wider, chuckling softly. "I'm pretty sure at Hershey Park you can tour the factory nd get free chocolate," he murmured softly. "I actually haven't been there myself either, but I've always wanted to. Makes it even better since now I can go with you, Kotenok," he said, nuzzling the other a bit. "And you know, a bridge of kisses is downright adorable." He finally moved to look up at Ivan again, his ex
pression still one of quiet peace as opposed to his usual hyperactivity. "You know a lot of people I've heard seem to think Russia's a scary place, but honestly I don't think so," he murmured. "I mean, minus the whole Chernobyl thing it's always sounded like a pretty nice country. Granted I don't know a whole lot about it, what I do know isn't really so much bad as it was the country's leaders doing things and the country paying the consequences," he murmured. Why hold an entire country at fault for what its leader did wrong? It seemed like a strange concept for him, something he'd always felt so strongly and that always confused him.

"There is free chocolate with the touring? I am liking the sound of this more and more~" Ivan responded, surprised. He supposed that it was probably some kind of marketing ploy, and likely quite effective, but free chocolate was not to be sniffed at. Well, unless one was actually smelling it, but that was different. "If it is something you have wanted for a long time, then I would be even happier to accompany you there - it is good to reach for the dreams one has held a long time, da?" He added, sighing happily as he was nuzzled. That really was a nice feeling, and one that made him feel as though he was wrapped in a fuzzy blanket of Alfred's affection. While this chocolate place didn't seem to be one that held his sweet one's hopes and dreams in the way that sunflower fields did for him, Ivan felt that it would only be right for him to go with Alfred to a place he had long wished to go - just as Alfred had done for him.

"I am glad that you think so~" He murmured, when Alfred called the bridge of kisses adorable. "I suppose that my homeland may seem somewhat frigid to outsiders, and there is a turbulent past to consider, but there is a core of tenderness to Mother Russia." He continued softly, a fleeting sensation of hurt and regret twinging inside him as he considered the history of his home country. "I do not know about others, but I feel safe in saying that the land of my birth is beautiful indeed - perhaps not in as warm and bright a manner as America, but beautiful nonetheless. Is like moon to sun, da? A more quiet loveliness, more soft and silvered... As though the land is expressing with its gown of snow a peace that it has yet to feel safe in calling its own... Ahh, but I am making it seem as though to think, as poets do - is it silly of me? Many say such about their homes, though, so I am not sure."

When Alfred mentioned Chernobyl, Ivan frowned slightly, as though both bemused and regretful. "Ahh, that was technically in Ukraine, but close enough I suppose... I appreciate your words - I have often thought such myself. It seems as though all are tarred when those in power do things which become regrettable... Even now, many of the villains in film culture hail from my home. I know that it is usual to prefer a distinctive accent for such characters, though, so I am not so much offended as... regretful that my country's accent has become recognised as useful for such a role. It makes me feel a little ashamed, but those who are to blame are among the dead by now, and not those who are making movies." He mused aloud, experiencing more twinges within him as he considered the history his country had experienced. For some reason, it... hurt. He didn't realise it, but it was showing through from his eyes, from tension in his ex
pression, and in his posture. "Hmm? I am? That makes me feel glad. It is good to know that I can be soothing to you, Solnyshka. You, too, are soothing to me, and I have not known another to have this effect upon me."

Alfred winced a little bit. "Ah, sorry," he said softly in regards to the Chernobyl thing. "When we were learning about it it was mentioned mostly as being in the USSR," he murmured softly, blinking slightly as he felt Ivan tensing beside him. He looked up at the other, soon able to notice how...hurt and sad he looked. The American bit his lip slightly before he shifted to sit up, gently pressing both of his hands against the Russian's cheeks, offering him a soft, loving smile. "We;;, you know what, I love your accent," he said softly, pressing a kiss to Ivan's lips before one hand moved to gently comb through the other's soft platinum hair. "I'm sure Russia is beautiful like you say it is, and I can't wait for you to be able to show me," he added, giving the other another kiss. "The past is in the past, Ivan. It helps make you who you are but it doesn't define you. Same goes with a country. America is still a young country and it fought tooth and nail to become free, and while that freedom is a definitive part of us to the world outside we still have problems with it. We're not really free and we're still learning, and some of our leaders in the past made mistakes and blood was shed over it." His smile shifted to become more gentle and genuine then, his eyes betraying the warmth he felt towards his love from Russia.

((It makes plenty of sense~ Sorry this took a while, I got called away... I hope your head feels better soon.))

“Is okay.” Ivan mumbled, “That is the truth, after all.” It was no fault of Alfred's that he hadn't known the incident to have taken place in Ukraine, given the political climate of the time. When Alfred shifted and looked up at him with bitten lip, seeming a little upset, Ivan felt a little guilty. Had he said something wrong? It was a little surprising when his cheeks were cradled by the American's gentle hands, but most certainly not unwelcome, and the sight of that sweet smile lifted some of the aching away. A part of him was trying to whisper that he did not, could not, deserve the warmth and – and love in that smile, but he ignored it. Such thoughts had never brought him happiness, while Alfred's words and deeds were quite the reverse – it was clear which he should listen to. The cast of his amethyst eyes had shifted slightly when he was told that his accent was loved, seeming touched rather than pained – although the hurt was not completely gone yet. He closed his eyes when he felt Alfred's lips pressing gently into his own, returning the kiss gratefully. He'd never known that a kiss could do so much, but it was becoming more and more apparent that such as that could soothe him, could make him feel warm inside, and more things that were so new and yet so fitting. The fingers moving through his hair, feathering it up a little in places – like the down on a fluffy owlet – were also reassuring, and his eyes looked the calmer for it when they slid open again.

“Spasiba, Alfiusha moi... I look forward to watching as you behold the land I have come from.” He murmured, the mental image of a smiling and well-wrapped Alfred in Russia paving the way for a tentative little almost-smile. He was learning now that kisses from his American sunshine were often followed by others of their kind, a fact he found rather pleasing as the sweet lips in question returned. “... I thank you, Alfred... Your words, and the sense that they make, are – well, they make me feel better.” He responded, when the other used his own nation as an example. It was quite touching for some reason, that Alfred would point out the flaws and faults of his homeland in order to make Ivan feel better about those of Russia. He'd left unspoken that Alfred's affectionate actions had also had a positive effect on him, as he felt that it was rather obvious, and he simply gazed into the warm depths of his American's eyes. They seemed to be pools of loving concern and affection, and it was actually a little hypnotic. “I... I think that I understand... Mistakes are made everywhere, but forward is the only direction to move along, da? Ahh, spasiba.” He breathed, managing to smile properly when his nose was treated to a little kiss – he quite liked it when Alfred did that. It had also not been lost on him that his proper name had been used, which conveyed to him that the blond who held his face meant him to take this to heart. “Again you prove to me that you are sunshine indeed... You make me brighten up so easily, as does the sun for the
moon's pale countenance~”

Alfred smiled, resting his forehead against Ivan's. "You'll have to make sure you show me everywhere you want me to see," he said softly "And maybe tell me what you know about them? That way I can learn mor about Russia, more than just what I know from a history book," he added, ruffling the Russian's hair a little to lighten the mood further. "Though considering I'm used to be warm most of the time I'll probably need more than my leather bomber jacket," he said with a soft laugh. "A thick winter coat and probably a scarf and a hat. Would that be enough?" he questioned, tilting his head a little bit.

Alfred smiled as he took in the effect of ruffling Ivan's hair, stroking his hand through it after a bit to fix back to how it has been. "Oh yeah, like those acid-washed jeans and stuff? Yeah, haha, I may not be the brightest star in the sky sometimes but even I know not to wear those when it's cold," he chuckled, moving to shift slightly so that he was leaning on Ivan, his head once again finding its place on the other's shoulder.  "Thank you, though. I'm probably going to need the help since I don't really know how cold it'll get there but I do know I'm going to bundled up as much as possible most likely," he said with a quiet laugh. "But you know, snow's really pretty, so I don't mind having to bundle up. Even if there isn't snow, you'll be there and it'll be your home that you're giving me a tour of, so even if it's cold and I'm shivering a bit, I don't think I'll mind. I just want to experience that with you."

Ivan made another contented little noise as he felt Alfred messing with his hair, then trying to smooth it down again - it was quite funny and sweet, and he was glad that even his hair could provide some entertainment for his American companion. "Da, those ones." He confirmed, mulling over the information that they were washed with acid - it seemed like a lot of effort to go to to make them look as though they had been around long enough to become tatty. What was the point? He was about to say something about Alfred's assertion about not being the brightest star, but he couldn't figure out what to say without putting his foot in his mouth. He didn't want to directly contradict his lapushka, but neither did he really feel comfortable with allowing it to seem as though he agreed with the vague disparagement of Alfred's mental capacity. At a loss, he simply spoke up with the first thing that came to mind and hoped for the best. "Ahh, you seem to be rather brightly shining to me, but perhaps we are thinking of different shinings? I have not been here for long enough to have the knowledge to say that you are right or wrong, but I know that no star is always shining at the brightest it can be."

That horrible muddle out of the way, he could allow himself to simply enjoy the feeling of Alfred leaning on him, head on his shoulder again. The movie had ended by now, but Ivan didn't really mind. He cuddled his sweet one close to him, and listened to what else he had to say. "It is no problem. I am sure that you will look very cute when you are all wrapped up nice and cosy~" He chuckled, already picturing it. "Da, snow is pretty indeed, for all that it is cold." He agreed, "Ah, but Russia is pretty without snow also, so do not worry. I am glad that you feel that way - I am so looking forward to the time when I can share the sights of my home with you~" The cuddle-loving Russian concluded happily, before settling into silence again to listen, having noticed that Alfred had more to say. "That does make sense, I think - poets have long been entranced by the moon..." Ivan murmured, meeting Alfred's gaze when the American glanced up at him. He was quite glad to hear the other say that he wasn't an idiot - it told him that perhaps he had been getting the wrong idea when Alfred had playfully disparaged his own intelligence before. Perhaps that had been only humour after all, and not something about self esteem. Mentally chuckling, he chided himself for his foolishness - Alfred did not seem the sort to doubt himself too much, that was Ivan himself more than the exuberant American. He was distracted from his thoughts when Alfred flushed, and he smiled at the sight.

"Hmm? Ahh, I suppose that it would fit, coming to think about it..." He murmured, slightly surprised, and feeling a little flattered. "I am pale, like the moon - even my hair is so - and I am quiet. Hahh, I do not think I can match the serenity of the moon, though, nor am I a subject for moonstruck poets to wax lyrical of loveliness, but perhaps I am enough similar that I am a good match? That would make us counterparts, da?" He continued, having been gradually turning a delicate shade of pink himself as he thought about it. It would actually be a little creepy, if lots of poets were writing about him being beautiful, the way they did about the moon, but it wasn't as though that was about to happen. The only person likely to get poetic about him was Alfred, and that was just fine. "... Do you really think that I would be a good moon?" He asked, feeling a little bashful. "I - I am? You flatter me so~ Ahh, Shcheenok, I feel so very happy when you say such things~" He replied, babbling slightly. "There is no other path I would like to travel... I am so glad, so glad that you have the same thought." It felt as though he was finally finding a piece of himself that had long lain forgotten, being with Alfred, and it felt so good to be able to walk this road with him.

((Lapushka: little paw. Shcheenok: puppy.))
((Edit: I made a mistake with a word that was supposed to be in negative form, but I've fixed it now.))

Alfred smiled when Ivan seemed almost upset by him possibly doubting his own intelligence, the American laughing softly. "Maybe," he said softly. "But maybe it takes someone else's point of view to help you see what you really can be," he murmured, lifting a hand to idly poke Ivan's cheek. "Like how I had to convince you that you're downright adorable, because you absolutely are and don't let anyone else tell you otherwise," he stated, nodding a little bit to himself, as if affirming that he'd said something possibly helpful."

The soft cadence of Alfred's merriment was pleasant to hear, and Ivan smiled as his cheek was prodded, feeling it squished slightly by the American's finger. "That is true... It can be hard to look at oneself from the view of another." He agreed, musing over that point. "Ahh, it is nice to hear you say that~" He mumbled, when Alfred called him adorable with such certainty. "If that is what you want, then I know to contradict anyone who tells me otherwise... though I do not know when it would come up." He added, slightly amused by the idea of himself - the big Russian new guy - insisting to someone that he was in fact adorable. His boyfriend seemed to be nodding to himself, he noticed, and that only made it clearer that the wheat-field haired cuddlebug currently leaning on him was certain of his cuteness. So sweet.

"Ahahahh, it would still be cute - it would be you, after all~" He replied, when Alfred began to speak about what he'd look like wrapped up. "Even if all I see are your eyes, those have plenty of loveliness." He added, planting a quick kiss on Alfred's head by way of punctuation. He remained still as the other male moved around a bit, not wanting to obstruct what his new loved one was doing. He assumed that it was for comfort's sake. He made sure to pay attention when the blue eyes he'd mentioned last flickered up to meet his own, curiosity reflecting back at him, and he considered the question he was asked. "I do not mind. Ah, I would say that I am quite strong - I can carry a lot of shopping, and I do not tend to have problems in moving things out of my way... I am hardly a superman, but I can lift heavy things. Ohh, but I never measured the weights of what I can shift - is that okay?" He responded, after giving it some thought. He could understand why he was being asked this, and it didn't bother him, but he wasn't sure what sort of answer he was supposed to give. Would an example be best? He could try to lift Alfred, he supposed, though he didn't know for certain if he could do it - he thought he probably could, but how could he know without trying? He had some idea of how heavy his sweet one was, with all the leaning on him, and the lap-sitting, but one could always make mistakes. If he tried and failed, he might cause Alfred to feel self-conscious about his weight, and that would be bad...

"A-ahh, spasiba, that is nice to hear~" Ivan mumbled, when Alfred told him that he would be a good moon - and then that he was better. He could feel his face heating up a bit, and he glanced to the side briefly, unsure what to say. "You are certainly a guiding light to me, Solnyshka. I had not realised before that I could be one too..." It was true, though, what Alfred was saying - after all, weren't they teaching each other things, and looking out for one another's happiness already? There was no way Ivan could deny it if he wanted to. He dwelt briefly on the concept of a light-compass, enjoying the cute pouting that accompanied his American's thought process, only to look down at his boyfriend with vaguely startled eyes when he mentioned fireflies. "Da! That fits very well~" He exclaimed, pleased with the analogy. He, too, thought it quite romantic. "Fireflies are sweet little glow-bottom creatures... They make such pretty lights, as though they were tiny dancing stars~"

"You'd be surprised," Alfred mused, finally letting out another soft yawn as he stretched out his arms a little before wrapping his arms around the other's neck and hugging himself rather close, smiling wide once again despite the fact that he was rather obviously beginning to grow sleepy. He didn't want to get up just yet, after all, despite being aware that this would likely not be the end of the mass cuddles. After all, it was perfectly normal to be still excited over gaining a boyfriend at that point in time, right? Who had time to sleep when you were busy having wonderful conversations with the man who felt like your other half, the missing piece in the puzzle of your life.

I suppose he must be growing weary. Ivan mused, finding himself drawn into a yawn of his own as he saw Alfred yawning. He was a little sleepy, himself, but he wasn't quite ready to give in to slumber just yet. After all, he still held Alfred close - Alfred, who loved him, and who lit up his heart. He didn't want to let go of this conversation yet, or the feeling of excitement over finally finding someone with whom he felt this closely connected, and who loved him back. "If you say so - I suppose that conversation can hardly stay within expected bounds all the time." He murmured in response, enjoying the feeling of Alfred hugging him close, his arms a welcome weight upon his shoulders.

Alfred's beaming smile was all the more endearing for the little giggles he was making, Ivan felt, and by the note of delight that was audible in the American's voice. "Then I have the record?" He commented, amused. "I could hardly not like them, as lovely as they are~" He liked it when Alfred chirped - it was such a carefree and happy sound, and it was rather sweet. "Ahh, that is good." He responded, when told that he could check when they went to the gym, and he couldn't help but agree that he didn't want to try out anything 'super heavy'. There was a part of him that did, but he'd learnt to ignore that. When Alfred mumbled, seemingly to himself, about his own weight, though, Ivan came to a decision. He would try to pick his sweetheart up. If it didn't work, he could always make the point that muscle weighed more than fat - that should help. Besides, he kind of wanted to impress Alfred.

He held off for a moment, though, as the American pressed close to him had begun to speak again, and in his language. Somehow, it struck him as being very sweet when Alfred spoke Russian to him, and more so because it was this phrase. "I love you too~" He responded quietly, his face lighting up as he felt soft kisses land along the line of his jaw. "... Da. You have it exactly." He murmured, not knowing how he could add to that. The imagery fit so well with the feelings he had about the way they had come together, there was really little to say, save to agree. "It is so sweet, and so perfect~" He concluded, before beginning to take a firmer hold of his boyfriend, ensuring that his arms were in a position to support the American's weight. He wondered briefly what Alfred thought was going on, before making the attempt to lift Alfred up in his arms. He didn't try to stand up, though, as he would obviously lose his balance.

Alfred smiled rather wide. "And most of us Americans aren't too great at keeping our mouths shut," he said, laughing softly. Though he supposed that could sometimes be said of most any country. Every one of them had to have some manner of outspoken people, minus maybe countries like North Korea. Well, maybe even there, but he supposed they didn't exactly last very long considering the form of government they had...assuming that could even really be called a government. It was more like a huge military from what he'd heard.

"Is that so?" Ivan asked, slightly amused. "It is no bother in your case, you have a nice voice, and I enjoy listening to you." He continued, enjoying both the ex
pression on Alfred and the laughter. He reflected that the statement was probably not true of everyone he was likely to meet, but he'd encountered motormouths in a number of places, so it wasn't too surprising that there would be some in this country. He wasn't really thinking about any other countries in particular, not having followed the same tangent as Alfred, but he did recall that one Italian guy once again - he'd been speaking pretty fast, hadn't he? Then again, so did many other Italians he'd bumped into.

Ivan made a pleased little murmuring sound when Alfred told him he held the record, though he wasn't really surprised, and when he felt the American nuzzling his neck. It felt so good, having someone to hold, someone to surprise and nuzzle him, and he knew that he could not go back to the way things were before. Having nobody to cuddle like this, nobody to exchange kisses with while snuggling - it would be kind of crushing, after discovering what it was like to not be alone. Making another little noise when Alfred's hair tickled his neck - which sounded like a cross between a squeak and a giggle - Ivan felt extremely glad that he'd decided to stay. His reflective ex
pression was no more, and he smiled freely, as though to say - look, it is getting easier. He could tell that Alfred was happy, and presumably that had something to do with his compliments, and that made him happy as well.

Ivan was amused by the look of confused surprise on Alfred's face when he started to lift his boyfriend, finding that and the cute little squeak the blond produced rather endearing. He was gratified, and relieved as well, that he found he could actually do this - he hadn't had too much doubt, but there was always room for error. "Hmm, could be somewhere in between, dorogoi moi." He murmured, grinning in sly triumph. It seemed that surprising Alfred was quite fun~ "You are not too heavy." He stated, giving the American a little kiss. "I am glad that this is helpful~" He chirped, enjoying the feel of Alfred nuzzling up against his cheek. He could probably maintain this for a few moments more, but he was already tired, so he'd have to put Alfred down at some point soon. Not while nuzzles were happening, though.

((Dorogoi moi: my dear.))

Alfred smiled. "Considering how much I've rambled I'm glad you like my voice," he told Ivan. He really had been talking quite a bit but he supposed that if Ivan hadn't liked he he would have told him to be quiet at some point, right? He did have the tendency to go off on long tangents, after all, but Ivan had always seemed ready to listen to him ramble. Granted, it had only been a couple days so that could change, but he had the feeling it wouldn't any time soon. Which was nice, since he couldn't always control what set him off on his long rants about nothing.

((No worries~))

"Ahh, there is no need for you to worry about rambling." Ivan murmured, "I like it when people talk to me, and that doesn't change even if I lose the thread of what is being said, or if I don't understand." He explained, smiling. "It is enough that you have things you wish to share with me, to tell me about. Ahh, and I have not yet lost track of what you have said to me, so that is good. I have met people with patterns of speech that have been quite confusing before now." For some reason, he had often felt as though he had been wrapped in quiet, and being spoken to so enthusiastically was a welcome change from the silence that sometimes seemed as though it had stretched through years.

"A-ahh, well..." Ivan mumbled, when Alfred mentioned the little squeaky noises. "My belly is not the only part of me that is ticklish..." He admitted, feeling a little sheepish. "In fact, it is my neck that is the most sensitive, though my scarf does not seem to affect it..." He was glad that Alfred found it endearing, though he was a little embarrassed by the noises he'd produced, but at least his sweet one didn't seem to think it was silly. With Alfred, he felt more secure than he'd ever felt with someone who wasn't his mother or father, and there was a sense of - wholeness that had never been there before. Holding the American was like having happiness in his arms, and he was reluctant to put him down, even though he knew he'd have to. For some reason, he had the mental image of Alfred doing the same thing in return, but he knew that it was unlikely to happen, considering the Russian's size. Still, he knew that Alfred probably would, if he could, and that was nice.

Hmm? That grin... it is full of mischief - what is he up to now? Ivan wondered, upon observing Alfred's ex
pression, but he didn't have time to think further than that before he felt something warm and wet trailing a short way across his cheek. Had Alfred just... licked him? Ivan went beet red, with a muffled little noise not unlike those he'd produced earlier, and blinked, turning his face to regard his mischievous boyfriend with widened eyes and what was essentially a stunned kitten ex
pression. "Eeep?" He squeaked, though he'd actually meant to be more articulate than that. Nobody had ever licked him before, and he didn't know how to respond. For all that he'd been surprised, though, he hadn't found it unpleasant.

"Glad you can follow me then," Alfred said with a smile, rocking his feet lightly once again before he smiled rather wide. "I noticed that," he murmured in regard to the other being ticklish. Once again, it was an absolutely adorable part of the large Russian man he now called his boyfriend. One of the things that felt like it just...simply should be. "You know, I really hope we get to have classes together when they start up," he said, smiling rather wide. "I mean I know we might not ave them all together but a good few of them would be nice."

And then his grin grew almost impossibly wide as he burst into a fit of laughter so intense he had to curl up slightly, tears forming in the corners of his eyes after a little. "Oh my god I take it back /that/ was the most adorable thing I have ever seen and I raised a tiny puffball kitten," he stated, twisting a bit to grab his phone and snap a picture before he leaned in to give the other yet another kiss, unable to resist with the face he'd been making. How on earth could a grown man be that absolutely downright /adorable/? "And I mean, you HAVE called me a puppy so you had to have possibly seen that coming at some point," he said with a giggle as he wiped away the laughter-tears with a wide grin.

Ivan nodded, rather hoping that they would be able to sit together in at least some of their classes. He knew that it most likely wouldn't be possible in all cases, but it would certainly be nice to be in the same classes at least some of the time. He could quite clearly imagine sitting next to Alfred for lessons, and the thought was quite a pleasant one, for all that they would simply be studying. As for the ticklishness, he supposed that Alfred had to have noticed that by now. Besides, Ivan didn't mind him knowing - unlike when it came to others. Around most, he would be more reticent, not wishing to show signs of vulnerability - for whatever reason - but he liked it when Alfred tickled him, and he trusted him.

Ivan blinked again when a gale of laughter burst forth from his boyfriend's almost-alarmingly wide grin, startled by the abrupt sound. He liked it, though - it meant that Alfred was happy, and it didn't sound as though he was the butt of a joke, merely delighted. "I - ahhh - oh?" He managed, when Alfred snapped his picture, just barely more articulate than his previous attempt at a response. The most adorable? He thought, as a silly little grin of his own crossed his still-flushed features. Alfred said such nice things... He returned the kiss that Alfred pressed to his lips with light heart - it felt as though it might burst, to be honest, and he was still grinning like an idiot when Alfred pointed out that he had provided the inspiration. I have caused him enough laughter that his eyes have leaked. Ivan noticed, gently setting the American down on his lap - but still keeping hold of him. "A-ahh... I actually hadn't, Shcheenok moi, but it does fit..." He mumbled, still quite pink. "But you know, it is not only puppies - kittens like to lick as well~" He added, leaning in to give Alfred's cheek the treatment his own had received just moments before.