Ivan searched the empty streets for hours; he was just about to give up when he finally found who he was looking for. He walked over and stood behind Alfred silently, unsure of what to do next.
Alfred didn't notice Ivan as he sat on the beach and stared out at the vast sea before him. He left the meeting early to go clear his head. But no matter how hard he tried, he couldn't push the thoughts of a certain Russian nation out of his mind. Was he imagining the lingering looks Ivan had been giving him lately? Just the thought of Ivan returning his feelings thrilled him and made his heart race. Yes, it had to be his imagination, Alfred assured himself. There was no way Ivan would ever feel that way about him. But the truth was, he had been thinking of nothing but Ivan lately. Alfred sighed frustratedly and lay back on the sand to stare up at the sky.
Ivan remained quiet, still unwilling to disturb Alfred's moment. Instead he watched the pull and push of the endless dance of the sea lapping against the beach. He closed his eyes as he took a deep breath savoring the mingling scents swirling in the briny ocean air.
Alfred heard the sharp intake of breath behind him, in an instant scrambled to his feet and came face to face with Ivan. The two locked eyes and quickly looked away before either one could notice the blush gracing their faces. Alfred's shock quickly melted into awkwardness as he tried to find his voice again. He gave Ivan a tiny nod and nervously asked, “Hey. What are you doing here?”
Ivan coughed and flashed Alfred a small smile, “I was looking for you. Do you mind if I join you?”
“Sure… I-I guess so” Alfred said then he couldn't help but smile in return, “Heh, It’s a free country.”
Ivan gave a small chuckle at the joke as the two of them sat down together on the beach, “Do you come here a lot?”
Alfred shrugged, “Only when I need to think.” and returned his gaze to the distant horizon.
They sat together to watch the end of the day. The sun slowly sinking beyond the horizon with its crimson light staining the clouds as the sea glittered with the last few rays of the dying day. No more words passed between them as they watched the light fade, they didn’t need them. Their long history had been full of words. Angry words, desperate words, hurtful words... no this moment was not to be colored by words. Yesterday was already gone, and they were both more than ready to let it go. Today is only the light of the setting sun, the smell of the sea air, and the warm feel of each other’s hands, fingers now threaded together in a silent promise. The promise that tomorrow was going to be a whole new day.
