Evolution

Chapter 5

Toris' room was quite small, with simple, ascetic furniture. However, Lithuania had never complained for the lack of comfort. He even considered his master very generous, and was completely devoted to him. He tried to be useful and helpful every single hour of his free time.

“What are you reading?” Ivan asked when he entered the room.

Because Russia rarely visited him, Toris felt pretty surprised.

“Oh... I'm reading a medical book I borrowed from the doctor. I thought that if I understand your state better, I’d be more helpful,” he explained, blushing slightly.

This time he really impressed Ivan, who didn't expect Lithuania to be so committed. Russia suspected that Lithuania started feeling useless when Arthur's people had taken over some of his chores. Probably, he didn't know what to do with the additional free time.

“Don't worry, I need you to do something for me.” He smiled and handed the other nation a piece of paper. “There's a list of things you have to get. You have two months... well, a bit less, I need to be prepared.”

“I'll do my best,” promised Toris. “What do we have here, baby's clothes, a cradle...” He suddenly stopped when he realised something.

Was Ivan so deluded? He didn't need all those things if somebody else was going to take care of his child. Lithuania felt so sorry for his master that he didn't even know how to react. However, he didn't have to say anything, because Russia had already predicted his thoughts.

“I know what you're thinking. You're wondering if I gone completely crazy. I assure you I know what I'm doing. You see, I won't let England take my son away from me, and I already have a plan.”

“Re... Really?” Toris was almost speechless.

“Listen carefully, because I need your help. There are still many secret passages in this palace. We could use one of them. You have permission to leave this place anytime so you would go out using some kind of excuse and come back for us with a carriage. Then we would go far east to Yao's relatives. They would hide us.”

Unfortunately Toris didn't like the idea.

“But they'll immediately realise something's wrong and chase us.”

“I know, but I was thinking abut that, and I guess I know how to deal with it. We'll wait till the nights get long, and the snow falls. It should happen before the baby is born. Those islanders are not used to such conditions, but we are. You could ride in blizzards even with a blindfold on. And they probably won't go far.”

“But isn't it too risky?” Toris was still sceptical.

“Just do what I tell you, and the leave the to me.”

---

“That's crazy!” Yao was also sceptical about Ivan's idea. “Even if we make it, do you want to spend the rest of your life hiding?”

“And do you want to spend the rest of your life knowing that your child calls your enemy ‘daddy’?”

Russia didn't even consider giving up. He was determined to carry out the plan.

“We should rethink it. Maybe there is another, safer way?”

“Yeah, like what?” Ivan asked mockingly.

“We could try negotiations.”

“We've already done, and look what happened.”

Since that'd always had good relations, Yao decided to stop the upcoming argument.

“I just want you to do it only if there isn't another choice. Such a long journey, in your state, in winter... it's very risky.”

“I'll be fine. You know the low temperature is not a problem for me.”

No matter what Russia said, China couldn't stop worrying.

“We still have time, just keep this conversation in mind.”

Ivan didn't want to drag the discussion forever, and he decided to end it in the most pleasurable way. He kissed his lover and embraced him tenderly.

“I think we need stress relief.” He whispered.

“Here?”

There were currently in a sitting room and China was afraid that one of England's people might enter at any time. However Russia didn't seem to care. He sat on a sofa, dragging his partner towards him.

“You can be on top today, if you want.” He said, unbuttoning Yao's shirt.

The smaller country said nothing because he instantly felt the blood flowing to his member. Ivan really didn't have to do much to make him aroused. The way he was looking at him was enough to drive China crazy, and when Russia laid on the sofa, pretending to be submissive, Yao started feeling too hot.

“Won't you undress me?” asked Ivan with false innocence. Even as a passive receiver he was always in control.

When China unbuttoned his lover’s shirt, he licked his lips, seeing pale, smooth skin. He loved admiring Ivan's body, especially now, when he was in this unusual state. His nipples became hard and swollen, and his belly was rounder then before, but still not to big.
This time they didn't care about the foreplay; they were too impatient. They would still have many opportunities for slow, sophisticated techniques. Ivan didn't even take off his shirt, he just got rid off the other garments, and Yao only lowered his trousers. There wasn't much space on the sofa, so Russia lay on his side and China knelt over him and prop one of his partner's leg against his shoulder. He liked this position.
As always, lovemaking turned out to be the best stress reliever, because after a minute they forgot about their previous argument and other issues. The pleasure was growing so rapidly that Ivan didn't even care when one of England's men entered the room. China seemed more embarrassed because he stopped for a moment, not knowing how to react, but Russia helped him to overcome the shock.

“Just ignore him. Don't stop...” He moaned.

In one moment Yao forgot about the confused man, who quickly apologised and left, embarrassed. He focused fully on his lover, bringing them both to completion.

---

Another month had passed and time of next NUNC member's visit came. Ivan was absolutely sure that it will be Arthur as always, but he was surprised to see Ludwig.

“What happened to England to have him not make it today?” he asked with a chuckle.

“He is indisposed.” Germany answered, emotionless.

“Humour me and say that's a mortal disease.”

“Watch your tongue. You don't want me to report you, do you? I have to spend a few days here, and believe me, it wasn't my choice.”

Germany clearly wanted to indicate that his visit had nothing to do with personal grudges.

“Toris will show you your room,” Ivan explained and left the guest with the servant.

Soon Russia realised that Germany's visit might turn out to be very beneficial for him; he only had to pull some strings. He and Ludwig used to be in good relations, and even now, after so many unfortunate events, they still weren't hostile to each other. If Ivan managed to find a real friend among NUNC members, especially someone as influential as Ludwig, he might change his situation a bit. However persuading Germany required a lot of alcohol and big charisma. Russia had to do his best. When Yao heard about his idea, he didn't mind, apart from one thing.

“I hope you won't be drinking?” he said with a frown.

“Of course not. Just trust me, it might be our only chance.”

China had to agree, there was nothing more important than finding someone who would be on their side. When the evening came, Ivan took the bottle of vodka from the cellar, and headed to Ludwig's room.

“I dropped by to accompany you.” He announced at the very beginning.

“Why are you so nice to me?” Germany asked suspiciously.

“Do you think I don't know what good manners are?”

Russia placed a glass on the table and filled it with alcohol.

“It's our custom to greet the quest with vodka. Don't tell me you forgot.” Ivan sat at the table and smiled encouragingly.

“Actually I'm at work, I shouldn't drink.” Ludwig explained calmly.

“You'll be OK after one shot. Don't worry, I didn't add anything there. I can even ask Toris to try it, if you want.”

So far Ivan was doing pretty well. He persuaded Germany, because he quickly grabbed the glass and emptied it. He grimaced feeling how strong the alcohol was, but soon the pleasant warmth spread through his body, and he smiled. Not wasting any time Russia filled the glass again. He felt weird seeing that somebody else drinks while he can't, but this time he didn't mind a small sacrifice.

“You want to get me drunk?” Germany was suspicious again.

“I'm trying to be polite. You can stop drinking any time.”

“Very well, I can have one more, although people shouldn't drink alone.” He grabbed the glass.

“This time I can't join you, sorry.”

In Ivan's opinion alcohol was the easiest way to make people honest, and after only two glasses Ludwig was already eager to talk. At first Russia didn't mention any problematic topics, and stuck to trivial ones, trying to show that he wanted to rebuild friendship. They talk about the old times, about all the good things that had happened so the atmosphere was less tense. From time to time Ivan refilled the glass, watching Ludwig open even more.

“OK, this time it's really my last.” Said Germany a bit dizzy, although he was telling the same thing every time Ivan poured him.

“You seem quite thirsty. Is something bothering you?”

“To be honest... yes.”

Ludwig's answer surprised Ivan. He needed to know more.

“You can tell me, we're pals after all.”

“I think... I shouldn't.” Said Germany and hiccuped.

“I promise I won't tell anyone.”

“Eh... fine.”

It wasn't difficult to convince a drunk person.

“It's about Feliciano.” Ludwig sigh and emptied the glass.

“Love problems?”

“No! Of course not!” Germany raised his voice, pretty disturbed, but after that he blushed.

“It's about... damn, it's so embarrassing. You see, how should I say it... he felt pretty bad recently so I took him to a doctor and... and it turned out... that he's like you.”

“Pregnant?”

“No!!! Thank God no! Don't even say that. I mean he can have kids, just like you.”

“So what's the big deal?” Russia smiled. “You don't have to use his ability, right?”

“I know.” From the look on Germany's face it was easy to tell there's something more. “But he wants to.”

This time Ivan wanted to laugh. He wished he could see Ludwig's face when Feliciano announces with his sweet voice that he'd really like to have a bigger family.

“I assume you're not as eager as he is?” Asked Russia trying not to giggle.

“One pastard in our household is enough.” Germany paused for a moment, sigh again, and looked at his glass. “On the other hand it made me think. I admit I voted against you, but... recently I changed my perspective.”

That's what Ivan hoped for. It seemed Ludwig was already on his side. He only had to make a little suggestion.

“Couldn't you vote again?”

Well... maybe that suggestion wasn't so little.

“My opinion is nothing against all of them. I would help you... but it already... is... beyond...” His last words were almost completely incoherent, and after that Ludwig hiccupped.

Russia realised that further conversation wouldn't make any sense, but he didn't lose hope. He had a friend among the NUNC and that was of the most importance.

---

That morning Ivan was late for breakfast. Of course nobody minded it, but he himself felt displeased.

“Why did nobody wake me up?” He grumbled, pulling out a chair at the table.

“You went to sleep late yesterday, so I decided it would be better for you to stay in bed,” explained Yao, taking a sip of his tea.

When Toris noticed that his master came, he immediately put breakfast before him. With slight disgust, Russia started picking at a little bowl full of something unidentifiable.

“What's that?” he asked, surprised that he didn't get pancakes or scrambled eggs as usual.

“It's musli,” Lithuania explained. “Doctor's orders, you need more variety in diet.”

“Great,” muttered Ivan and left the spoon. “I can't eat anyway.”

“You aren't sick, are you?” Yao said with such fear, as it was a matter of life and death.

“No, it's just the kid, he won't give me a break. He's moving and kicking all the time, and it's kind of tiresome. I'll just have some tea.”

“I'll make you green tea. The doctor advises against black tea, it's too stimulating,” lectured Lithuania as he went to the kitchen.

“So now you know why the kid won't give you a break,” added China with a giggle.

“You know what?” Russia whispered to his partner. “I think the doctor has nothing to do with it. Toris made it up. He reads to many medical books recently.”

“Humour him this time, he cares about you so much.” Yao smiled. “At least try a little.”

“Fine, but if the kid kicks me in the stomach and I throw up on the table it will be your fault,” said Ivan with a grimace, putting a spoonful of musli in his mouth.

The door to the dining room opened, and sleepy Germany stumbled inside. His expression proved that he had a huge hangover. He sat down and moaned like a wounded animal, as if even air hurt him.

“What would you like?” Asked Toris when he came back with tea.

“Only a glass of water and aspirin,” muttered Ludwig, groaning as he clutched at his head.

He was clearly reluctant to any kind of conversation, and Ivan also wasn't in the mood for a chat. He decided that maybe having some rest wasn't a bad idea. He got up to get to his sleeping chamber, Yao following him. The Chinese man seemed to worry every time Ivan looked sick or tired.
“Would you like a feet massage?” he offered when they entered the bedroom.

“They don't hurt.” Answered Ivan, sitting on the bed.

“But I'll do it anyway, I promise you'll like it.”

When Russia laid comfortably, China took of his socks and caressed one of his partner's large feet. Yao's hands had always done wonders. Ivan started purring from pleasure caused by the delicate touch.

“I've got the message from Hong Kong. He said he could hide us.” Said China, continuing his passionate massage.

“Maybe it won't be necessary. Ludwig is on our side,” commented Russia and moaned happily.

Yao paid as much attention to the right foot as to the left one, making sure his subtle touch helped Ivan forget the discomfort. Seeing his efforts work, he decided to go to the next stage.

“Lean on me. I'll make you feel really good.” He said, sitting at the head of the bed.

“I'm already feeling good.”

“But after that you'll feel even better. Come!”

Russia didn't hide his curiosity, he sat down in such position that China's shoulder was like a pillow for him. Then he felt China lift his shirt and trace his belly with his fingertips. Ivan didn't need a lot of time to relax, every time Yao touched him he felt a nice shiver running through his body. At first China only teased him with his fingers, but later he started stroking him with his hands, which where so delicate, it was hard to believe they belonged to a man.

“Feels good?” Yao whispered to his lover's ear, now using different techniques.

The only answer he got was Ivan's soft snoring. China's ministration turned out to be even too relaxing, but it wasn't a problem. He gently got up, helped his partner lay on the pillows without disturbing his dream, and covered him.