Evolution

Chapter 4

“That was awful.” Feliciano, being a very sensitive person, still felt sorry for both empires after the NUNC announced it's final decision. He sat on the bed, with a grim expression on his face. “I know they did a lot of bad stuff, but nobody deserves such a fate.

“Don't pity him. He knew what the consequences might be,” said Ludwig, emotionless, throwing his jacket on the nearby chair.

“But the way he looked... I could swear I saw tears in his eyes. It was so humiliating when he had to talk about his private life.”

“That's the procedure, I can't help it. I also don't find it enjoyable.”

“But you didn't have to be so strict. They have only one year left, you could make an exception.”

“The thing is, we cannot make any exceptions. Otherwise nobody would treat the committee seriously. Why do you care anyway?”

This time, Ludwig didn't want to talk about politics, and he found the situation quite peculiar, because usually Feliciano was not the one interested in such topics.
“But just think; what would you do if we were going to have a baby, and somebody wanted to take it away from us?”

The question was so abstract that Ludwig started laughing suddenly.

“I think we're quite secure,” he said, glad that none of them had ability to bear children.

“But just in theory, what would you do?” Feliciano wouldn't easily drop the topic. He grabbed a pillow, lay on his stomach and looked at his lover like a curious child.

“It couldn't happen. I wouldn't allow it,” Germany said with his usual self-confidence, hoping that Italy would stop asking questions.

“It's so difficult to have a normal conversation with you,” Italy frowned.

“Well... I'm good at other things,” said Ludwig, then realized how ambiguous it sounded. He blushed, knowing what he could expect from Feliciano.

“Like what?” Italy asked coquettishly.

“Please, not here. Sometimes, I have an impression that these walls have ears.” Ludwig understood the hint, but he preferred to stop things from going to far. Although everybody knew about his relationship with Feliciano, he still felt uneasy when it came to showing affection in places where they might be spotted.

“At least give me a hug.” Italy looked at his lover with puppy eyes. It always worked on Germany.

Of course Ludwig knew what the consequences would be, but as usual he thought that his will was strong enough to make him resist. Eventually it ended like always, with the pieces of clothing left in random places, and the bed creaking under the lovers' strong movements. The worst thing was that Feliciano was always very loud when Germany was pounding into him, and he didn't even try to hold down. Ludwig came to the conclusion that maybe they should switch places when they couldn't enjoy the privacy of their household, because he at least was able to stay silent. On the other hand Italy moaned no matter if he was on top or on the bottom, so the gag was the only solution.

“Hmmm, the gag? It might be interesting,” thought Ludwig just before he climaxed.

---

Ivan was so calm during the journey, which could only mean he was restraining himself until they were back home. During all those years, Yao had gotten very familiar with his partner and he knew what to expect. Of course, he tried starting the conversation, but Russia wouldn't say a word, so it only confirmed how angry he was. Soon after they arrived to the palace, Ivan lost control.
“What's happening here?” China watched in fear how Lithuania tried in vain to get into the chamber. He could hear noises simliar to glass smashing.
“Master... master locked himself inside, and he won't let me in,” Toris said, voice shaking as if he was about to cry. “I'm worried he may hurt himself.”

“Ivan, it’s me! Open the door immediately!” Yao started banging forcefully to the door. “Please, honey, let me in!”

The only answer he got were the same shattering noises coming from the chamber.

“Toris, get a bench or something like that; we'll break open this door,” China ordered sternly.

After a few strong blows, the door eventually gave in, but what they found inside utterly shocked them. On the floor laid pieces of glass and china scattered everywhere. Some of the chairs were broken, probably they'd been used to ruin some other furniture in the room. But most importantly there was Ivan, sitting by the wall, drinking vodka like a mineral water.

“Are you out off your mind?!” Yao exclaimed, evidently upset. “You want to kill our child?” He took the bottle away and handed it to Toris. “Hide it somewhere, and the rest of the alcohol as well.”

“Don't worry, it's my blood, the kid will be fine.” Russia hiccuped.

“Please, pull yourself together, you have to be strong,’’ Yao begged in despair. “You're the only person I can count on. You've been always able to deal with everything and this time will be the same.”

“For the first time, I'm not sure about that,” mumbled Russia leaning on his lover's shoulder.

“Come with me, you should rest.” China helped his partner get out of the chamber. It was least he could do.

---

Eventually they fall asleep, first Russia, then China, who laid beside his snoring lover. Because of stress and exhaustion, they spent a while sleeping. It was Lithuania who reluctantly woke them up.

“Excuse me...” he said, uneasiness plainly visible. “England has arrived with his men. He's waiting for you.”

The lovers get out of the bed very unwillingly. A meeting with Arthur was the last thing they wanted, but they couldn't get rid of him, so they had no choice but to face him.

“It's good to see you.” Russia wasn't able to stop himself from a sarcastic comment. He rubbed his eyes and yawned, indicating that England interrupted his nap.

“I've already placed my people in different parts of the palace. They'll keep an eye on you,’’ explained Arthur dropping the formalities.

The couple noticed that England came with someone else. Behind his back there was a young male with glasses, holding a black bag. They didn't even ask, knowing that Arthur will introduce him, and he did that immediately.

“I brought a doctor with me, male pregnancies specialist.” He pointed at the men. “He'll look after you.”

Ivan didn't like this false care.

“Do you really think we doesn't have any doctors?” he exclaimed angrily.

“Lower your voice! You should be grateful. I suggest the quick check up right away. I want to know if you haven't drowned your child in vodka.”

The comment made Yao frown, but he had to admit the examination wasn't a bad idea. However Russia's expression was clearly indicating he didn't want to hear about one.

“Maybe you should do it? I care about your health,” China asked his partner politely.

“Fine, let this quack do what he wants.” Ivan snarled and glared at Arthur in a particularly unpleasant way.

It wasn't really about the examination. Russia wasn't afraid of doctors. He just didn't want to fulfil England's orders; he found them humiliating.
“I need a place where I can organise the infirmary. Somewhere with a lot of light,” the doctor explained.

Still irritated, Ivan led him to one of the guest rooms. What he hated the most was the fact that Arthur still accompanied him, but he couldn't find a way to get rid of him.

“Undress, please.” The doctor said in a completely emotionless voice. It seemed as he didn't treat a patient as a living creature. Even a vet would show more affection towards animals he treated.

Russia sat down and started unbuttoning his shirt, but he stopped abruptly and glared at England.

“Leave the room.” He ordered forcing himself to sound polite.

“If I'm going to take care of this child, I want to know if it's healthy.” Arthur explained calmly.

“I'm not your pet. You'll be informed later, and now leave.”

Ivan's stubborn behaviour worked, because England muttered something about avoiding stressful situations and got out of the room.

“Should I leave as well?” asked Yao.

“No, please stay.” Russia held his lover's hand.

Now Ivan understood why China had felt treated as a race horse when England sent him for a check-up, especially if the same emotionless doctor had done it. He didn't like the man's expression and the silence. But the thing Russia hated the most where cold hands touching him without any gentleness, as the patient's comfort didn't really matter. Moreover, in the laying position, Ivan felt even more exposed and in the doctor's mercy.

“Everything seems fine so far.” The doctor spoke for the first time since he started the examination. He opened his bag, took out the stethoscope and a few other things Ivan didn't want to know what they were used for.

“What now?” Yao asked intrigued.

“I'm going to check the child's heartbeat.” The doctor touched the patient's stomach with the tip of the device.

That made Russia curious, and he even stopped feeling humiliated.

“I want to hear it to.” With his stern look, Ivan forced the man to hand him the stethoscope. He smiled as soon as the sound reached his ears. Last time, he felt so excited when he realised that he's pregnant. For a moment he even wondered if it was a dream. He almost forgot about England and the problems connected with him. “You have to hear it too.” He passed his lover the device.

Yao's reaction was similar. He also smiled like a person who just discovered something fascinating, even if it only was a heartbeat.

At the same time England stood outside and was getting impatient. He didn't think the examination like that can take so long, although he was the one who ordered the doctor to pay attention to every detail. He didn't care about Ivan but hoped the new nation would be fine. After all he was supposed to take care of it.
Suddenly the door opened and the doctor asked him inside. Russia almost finished dressing up and as usual, glared at England angrily.

“So what's the diagnosis?” asked Arthur.

“He's healthy. I mean, they're both healthy.”

“I found it pretty alarming that his stomach is so small considering it's the sixth month.”

“It's not unusual. It depends in which part of the utherus the fetus is placed. If it's in the back, the stomach shouldn't grow very big.”

“I wonder...” said Yao with a blush “If he's a man how the child will... you know... come out?”

“When the time comes the birth channel should open.” The doctor explained. “Considering his physical condition I think it should be quick and without any complications. Of course there will be a lot of blood, but it's normal. No need to worry.”

What the doctor said calmed Yao down, although he was aware of the pain Ivan was going to go through. On the other hand Russia didn't seem scared or disgusted.

“I wonder what sex it'll be,” he said with a joyful smile.

“According to my research two males can only concieve another male.” As usual the doctor didn't show any emotions.

Russia started imagining how his child will look like when he grows up. He was sure the boy would be beautiful, after all, China was his father.

“Do you have other questions?” For the first time the doctor seemed almost human.

Of course there were a lot of things they would like to know, but they preferred to wait for a better moment to ask, without England around.

“I'm starving.” Russia tapped his stomach. “I don't know what about you, but I have to eat something.” He stood up. “Let the kid have some pierogi while he still can, because you probably won't provide him with proper food.” Saying that, Ivan realised that's another reason he shouldn't let Arthur take his child away from him.