DARLING (RusCan)

Darling 6

"Oui, Ivan." Matthew leaned against Ivan as Kumajirou pushed Ivan closer to his owner.

They walked silently up the road, occasionally, Matthew gently brushed his hand against Ivan's. Ivan's hands were rough, pale, and frigid, brumal like he lived deep within the snow. Matthew's hands were warm and smooth, the heat gave a homely aura.

When they returned to Matthew's home, Matthew quickly unleashed Kumajirou. He turned to Ivan, his periwinkle colored eyes staring into the deep abyss of Ivan's almost sangria eyes.

"Matvey..." Ivan was entranced.

----

It was late afternoon, senior year of high school. Natalya looked through Ivan's belongings and phone while he was oblivious to the scene. Ivan sat next to Matthew during most of their high school classes, in the same desolate corner table. Matthew never bothered to learn Ivan's name given that most people forgot his.

Ivan's eyebrows furrowed as he surveyed Matthew's face, his young complexion, and gentle expression. The words wouldn't come out of his mouth. Their class had just ended, Matthew was slowly putting his things away. Matthew was always so kind to Ivan, even knowing that Natalya could harm him. Ivan studied Matthew's light breathing and gentle hand gestures. Matthew had been the only student who didn't fear Ivan, Matthew made Ivan feel normal all throughout their high school years, even if Matthew forgot Ivan consistently.

"Matvey, can I talk to you for a minute?" Ivan watched Matthew scratch on the bandages around his head. "Don't pick at them."

"I'm sorry," Matthew responded. "Who are you again?"

"Ivan Braginski." Ivan moved his seat closer to Matthew's. "I'm your friend."

"Okay, Monsieur Ivan." Matthew's voice sounded like that of a child's.

"Matvey, I think," Ivan cleared his throat. "I think...я люблю тебя."

"Quoi?" Matthew scratched his head again. "I don't understand."

"It's okay if you don't." Ivan reached up and adjusted Matthew's bandages. "I hope one day you will when we meet again."

"Are you leaving Mr. Braginski?" Matthew cocked his head.

"Family matters, my sisters and I leave for Moscow two days after school ends." Ivan cupped his hands around Matthew's cheeks. "Even if you don't remember me, I'll come back, Matvey."

"My name is Matthew." Matthew rubbed his cheek on Ivan's hands.

"I know," Ivan smiled. "I'll always know, darling."

---- 12h

"Matthew?" Feliciano waved his hand in front of Matthew's face. "Rush hour is about to start, you've been spaced out all morning."

"Je suis désolé." Matthew rubbed his eyes. "I feel like I forgot something."

"You forgot to make the strawberry crepes earlier." Feliciano hoisted Matthew up. "We should make several before the customers start to flood in."

"Hallo." Ludwig peeked his head into the kitchen. "On break yet, Feli?"

"Break just ended." Lovino carried several plates to the counter. "Hurry, I see cars."

"Guten tag, Lovino." Ludwig waved. "And you too, Matthew. Gilbert says hello as well."

"Where is Gil?" Matthew cocked his head.

"He moved to Germany with our father." Ludwig smiled. "I'm glad you remember him from high school even if he was a year senior to us."

"I remember Gil," Matthew closed his eyes. "But I'm forgetting someone."

"Some people are meant to be forgotten." Feliciano carefully wrapped several forks in cloth napkins. "Unless pretermitting is hurting you, let the past go."

He nodded in agreement. The rest of the day faded from Matthew's memory, but his thoughts of Ivan lingered. Something was missing, and that something had to do with Ivan. No matter how hard he tried to remember, the emptiness in his heart grew.

----18h

"Kumamoto, I'm home." Matthew slipped his jacket off. "Kumata?"

Kumajiro's weak whimpers alerted Matthew. He scrambled through his house, bursting through doors. Kumajirou was lying on his bedroom floor, his vomit had already dried. Kumajirou's food bowl was spilled, a scent like a cough syrup was oozing from the dog's food.

Matthew kneeled down next to his sickly dog, the breeze flowing from the open window carried the scent of illness. He read the note tucked neatly under the husky's collar.

'He'll recover, but let this be a warning.' The handwriting was neat, written in calligraphic ink. No one he knew had the boldness to break in and poison Kumajirou. It would have to be someone harboring a deep grudge for Matthew.

Someone knocked at his door making his entire body quake. He slowly crawled out of his bedroom. It was either Ivan or a murderer. He heard his door slowly open, heavy footsteps echoed.

"Matvey?" Ivan called out.

"H-help him." Matthew managed to choke out. "S'il vous plaît."

Ivan rushed to the sound of Matthew's voice only to be met with tears and a feeble dog. Ivan carefully lifted Kumajirou's head and stroked the dog's cheek.

"He'll be fine," Ivan carried Kumajirou. "Give him some water and food."

"I don't think we can go on our date tonight," Matthew kissed Kumajirou's head. "I wouldn't want to leave him."

"I'll stay with you then." Ivan gently placed Kumajirou on Matthew's couch, carefully placing a blanket over the dog. "You shouldn't have to be alone."

"Merci, chéri." Matthew opened his cupboard and handed Ivan a glass. "I don't have any vodka."

"I think I should stay sober, da?" Ivan poured a glass of water. "You shouldn't drink either, Matvey."

Matthew reached out to Ivan. "Thank you for everything." He held Ivan in his arms. The feeling of holding another person in his arms slowly filled the nihility in his heart.

Eventually, Matthew slept next to Kumajirou. Ivan carefully covered both of them in a blanket. He settled next to Matthew, trying not to wake the young boy. Matthew's head fell onto Ivan's shoulder, Ivan smiled and slipped his phone from his deep pockets.

That was a picture he didn't want to give up.

"I love you, Darling."