One the one hand, Ivan was glad that he had caused Alfred to smile - on the other, he was dismayed by the weary sigh that escaped his friend. For some reason, the thought of a citizen being unable to find their capital city on a map sent icy fingers ticking down his spine - however briefly, and he had an almost inexplicable urge to envelope Alfred in a hug. Deciding that, with someone like this, he could afford to throw caution to the wind every once in a while, he gave in and wrapped his arms around his friend for a moment. He gave Alfred a squeeze, trying to reassure him, then let go awkwardly.

"A drum?" Ivan began, seizing this topic as a means of escaping awkward. "Oh, I see it now. Ahh, and that kitty's scarf is long like mine~" He continued, watching as a flock of birds made their way through the skies just across from the kitty-cloud in question. His gaze was drawn between the shapes in the sky and the blue eyes that beheld them, and he could well imagine little fluffy patches of white drifting through Alfred's eyes, such was their sky-reflecting hue.

"Ah, by the way, where in your house am I to be sleeping?"

Alfred was a bit startled when Ivan hugged him seemingly out of the blue, but the American quickly found himself relaxing into it, like it was something that used to happen often that he missed. He smiled a bit, enjoying the contact for a bit before he looked back up at Ivan. "Well, there's more than one bedroom," Alfred responded with a quiet laugh. "I'd been expecting someone to join me but I suppose my energy was intimidating. But, yeah, you'll have your own bedroom, man. And there's a couch, of course."

Ivan, too, had felt relaxed and soothed by the hug, though he knew not why, and relieved that Alfred had not minded. It had had an oddly nostalgic feeling, for such an impulse decision, but Ivan had decided that it was okay. Even if he didn't know why, it had still been nice, so why let it bother him? It wasn't bothering Alfred. "That is good to know. I didn't really look at all the details on the list, just the names. I was more comfortable with the idea of sharing with someone I had met than someone I had not, whatever kind of house it was. Is there a window in the spare bedroom you speak of?"

Alfred seemed in lighter spirits than he had moments ago, so Ivan deemed his hug a success, and smiled to himself, pleased that he had done something right. "Hmm? That does sound nice, I think I would like that~" Ivan responded, his smile expanding as he heard Alfred referring to him by nickname. It was a warm little wiggly feeling, and he wondered if this was what it was like to have a best friend. It had been so long since he'd had one, he wasn't really sure.

Ivan, noticing that his scarf had started to loosen from him and dangle, wound it around his neck properly again, and stuck the ends in his pockets for good measure. Now, it was less likely that squirrels would climb up it. (Yes, that's what he was thinking) "Which way should we walk?"

((Ahhhh you are the cutest Ivan

((Squishing cheeks is fun~ He would look so puzzled.))

"That sounds like fun~" Ivan responded, thinking it over. "I would like to see as much of the park as I can, so the longest way is best. Oh, and the clearing sounds like a nice place to relax. I would have to put my scarf in my pocket for that part, or there would be all green bits and bugs in it, but that is okay." It was so nice, having someone ask him what he would prefer to do, and actually seeming to care about his answer rather than asking just as a formality. He felt that he wanted to hold onto that, and the feeling that he was actually wanted and appreciated. Therefore, he resolved that he would try to make sure that he did nothing that would make Alfred unhappy. Also, because of the kicked puppy effect.

"A TV as well?" Ivan asked, surprised. He'd been startled out of his reverie, but by answers to his questions, so he had no complaints. He, too, had been mulling over his strange familiarity with the situation, but not getting much further than the warm fuzziness and the feeling of rightness. "It is sounding as though I have been given a nice place to stay indeed~" He had wanted to be sure that there was a window, because he liked to be able to look outside at the sky, and at gardens if there were some in the area. Knowing that he'd be able to do that, he was quite content. The television was just icing on the cake.

Ivan had started to amble in the direction that Alfred had indicated, gently taking his friend's hand in order to indicate that he was ready to move - though he hadn't actually decided to do so.

((Got to go, see you tomorrow.))

((Cuute~ Also quite amusing. Hmm, I reckon that Alfie'd probably have called that cat Hero - what do you think?))

It was good to know that Alfred seemed to understand about his scarf, Ivan mused, before realising that he had Alfred's warm hand clasped in his own. When had he done that? Alfred didn't seem to be objecting, though, and it was nice, so he didn't let go.

Ivan allowed himself to be steered around, gazing at everything he could lay eyes upon. It was rather pretty, and there were many flowers that looked quite nice. There were the raucous-looking dandelions that looked like little sunbursts amid the green, there were the tiny innocent-looking faces of daisies peeking out, there were petunias of various hue turning one patch into a stationary petal carnival, there were the proud golden trumpets of daffodils that seemed poised to herald some Fae ball, and there were other blooms whose names he didn't know, but whose appearance was pleasing.

The trees, too, captured Ivan's attention, and he took in the sights of gnarled bark, tall trunks, smooth bark, dark wood, light wood, twisted trunk, thin reedy branches, strong thick branches, and many shapes of leaves. In some trees, he could see the nests of birds up above, while others seemed quite perfect for climbing. Squirrels, fleet-footed little bush-tails, darted here and there as they strolled, and Ivan watched their antics happily.

"It seems quite peaceful here, da?" Ivan murmured, taking in the sight around him. A slight breeze was playing with his hair, and that of his new friend, and tousling the longer blades of grass and the leaves of the trees within sight. He felt glad to be here, and somewhat thankful that he hadn't had to let go of Alfred's hand before they'd arrived. It had been somehow reassuring, and pleasant to feel another hand in his. "It seems perfect for watching the sky~" This said, Ivan carefully unwound his scarf, rolling it up gently, and stashed it in one of his pockets - which, thankfully, was deep enough. He didn't often go without a scarf, particularly outside, but it was so nice here and so suited to what he wanted to do that he did not mind at all. Sitting himself down, as a first step, Ivan patted the ground next to him absentmindedly, smiling. He'd smiled a lot that day, he reflected. It looked as though Alfred was good for him.

((Possibly yeah xD))

When Alfred leaned back onto the ground, Ivan did likewise, copying what his friend did with his arms. "Well, I see a big birdie of some kind, with big wings, but I am not sure what sort it looks most like. It is over that willow, see? Oh, and there are some over there that look like bear cubs~" Ivan answered, before considering the rest of what Alfred had said to him. "A kitty? I do not see it yet, but I will look for it. Is it near the big fluffy elephant?"

Alfred looked totally at ease in his surroundings, which Ivan took as some kind of internal cue to do the same - if Alfred could relax here to such an extent, then so could he. "Or maybe it is near to the wonky bat?" He speculated, peering around the sky. He wasn't sure if he'd spotted the kitty - it was entirely possible that he'd interpreted it differently - but he felt sure that he would spot it if he looked hard enough.

Moments like this were the sort that seemed as though they would stretch into forever, as though they existed in a completely different world to that of deadlines and bustling, hurrying people and all their worries - it was quite nice, a refuge of sorts. True, the idea of it spanning indefinite amounts of time was only an illusion, but it was one that could be dipped into at need. Perhaps on weekends?

There were wriggly squirrels of happiness inside Ivan - or at least, that's how it seemed. He was simply somewhat gleeful about being able to relax so completely with someone who seemed to both understand and accept him, and in such a pretty place, that it felt as though there was something dancing inside him. Squirrels seemed pretty apt, considering how he'd seen them move, so they were the metaphor he'd chosen for himself. Another way of putting it would be to say that he felt like a kid who'd managed to scrape together enough cash for a toy like the one he really wanted, only to be given the one he'd had his eye on totally out of the blue. The Sunflower State was really agreeing with him, for all that he hadn't seen any yet. Well, unless Alfred counted, but he didn't have any petals.

After a little bit Alfred let out a soft laugh, lightly tapping Ivan's arm so he could point to where he'd seen the cloud kitty. "There," he stated, looking over at the Russian. "That's where the kitty is." He grinned before he moved to stretch out, letting his arms flop behind him as he relaxed completely. "You know, I'm pretty sure this is the longest I've sat still for a good long while," he stated with a soft laugh. "I don't usually spend a huge amount of time in the park since I play a lot of video games and such." He shifted a little bit.

"Ohh, I see it now - it looks like it is jumping~" Ivan responded merrily, watching the cloud drift in the wind. By now, he paid no mind to the occasional contact between them, such as tapping, as he had somehow accepted them as normal. Things like handholding were a higher order of contact, though, and would still generate a reaction. "I tend to spend time in parks when I can, though not usually on regular basis - more like semi-regular, I suppose. I do not play as many games as you do, nor do I have comics. I do like to read, though."

"Mmm, it is, isn't it?" Ivan sighed, finding Alfred's little noise quite adorable. It reminded him of cute little baby animals again, and he had to smile - it just fit Alfred so well. It also was not lost on Ivan that Alfred was comfortable enough in his presence to relax so far that he seemed about to snooze, and he looked on in wonderment. The other young man was stretched out against a background of grass and clover, his clothes a counterpoint to the green, and his hair like uncounted threads of sunlight glowing in the light of the star they reminded Ivan of - like a spilled skein of gold. His face was a study in tranquillity, peaceful and trusting, and his easy smile was the finishing touch that made the masterpiece. If this relaxation was a new thing, Ivan had to wonder - did it have something to do with him?

"If you would like to take a nap, then that is fine. I might do the same thing. It is very peaceful out here, so why not?" Ivan murmured, not wanting to speak too loudly, in case he disturbed his friend. "It is a nice day for it, too."

((Have a Season!AU RusAme interpretation ))

Winter woke a-creaking,
his frozen skin like ivory seeming,
his mist-fine hair like platinum spun.
Ageless eyes,
like round orbs of frosted lavender glass,
gazed out across the snow-gowned plains and cloud-draped sky,
ever roaming in search of the Sun.
Tall he stood,
peering wistful past noble nose,
scarf-wrapped and alone in the scintillating white.
This wraithlike youth,
though of healthy flesh,
held no warmth to touch,
striding deathless and strange amidst the ice.
Struck by a notion,
that he might see better from above,
Winter did make haste to mountains,
from which Summershome was ripe for his eyes so wide.
Greens and golds and more marvellous colours than he knew,
it up by the beloved Sun,
stretching out further than vision could venture.
Creeping closer with velvet tread,
Winter edged as near as he dared,
taking refuge behind a large heap of stone.
The air was sweet and fragrant,
bursting with the silent songs of the flowers,
children of hue and graceful scent.
It was heady and intoxicating to one used to snow's sharp aroma,
greys and whites abounding,
and gloomy skies that paled before the resplendent azure reigning here.
Then,
amid blooms reaching for celestial fire with its likeness worn proud,
a figure lithe and tall could be seen,
tending to the flora with his voice raised in song.
Sun-caressed skin and flower-bright garments,
more high-spirited than any Winter owned,
and a voice filled with laughter and warmth.
Hair like filaments of Sun's shine mesmerised,
though more dusted with life than the genuine blinding radiance,
and Winter could not look away from him.
This was his counterpart and opposite,
heat and light in the ascendant,
full of life and Sun.
Summer's eyes,
filled with the ever-soaring sky so very blue,
flickered upwards and met those of his equal.
Ice met Flame - Chill met Heat - Sun met Moon -
Summer smiled.
He turned and strode to Winter's stone,

((I have so many happy feels about all of this

((I'm so glad you like it~ ^_^))

"Mmhmm~" Ivan agreed wordlessly, drawn into a yawn himself after seeing Alfred's. "Ahh, that is so nice of you~ That sounds lovely, Alfya, thank you~" He fairly crooned, delighted, upon hearing what his drowsy companion had to say. What he had wanted for so long that he could not recall the wish's origin, Alfred was offering to him with no strings attached - a gesture of friendship, pure and simple. "I must be the luckiest transfer, to have made friends with a nice American like you~ That wish I told you of, it has been my fondest dream longer than I have memory for - this is something that means a lot to me."

Ivan wasn't sure whether Alfred heard him or not, as the other fellow looked so serene that he could easily be slumbering. Deciding not to ask, Ivan slid his own eyes shut, taking a deep lung-full of the sweet-fragranced air they were surrounded by and allowing himself to lull into a doze. Never before had he felt safe enough in the presence of one not family to fall asleep by their side, nor had he been comfortable with the idea of sleeping out in the open, where he was exposed, but he felt as though no harm could come to him so long as he was with Alfred.

Ivan awoke to a tickling sensation on his nose, and he opened his eyes gradually to peer up at whatever-it-was that had woken him. To his astonishment, it was a butterfly - a blue one, perched on the tip of his nose. He dared not speak, lest it fly away, and he marvelled at its iridescent wingspan in silence. He didn't know how long it had been, but the clouds above had changed significantly, and it was looking a touch shadier.

Alfred yawned softly as he began to wake up as well, subconsciously turning his head to look beside him as he started to go to rub his eyes, only to end up staring at what had to be the /bluest/ butterfly he'd ever seen. He blinked once looking at it with wide, almost equally blue eyes before he reached into pocket to pull out his phone, taking a quick picture and grinning.

(Ehh, no worries, it's still enough to respond to, and contains Al-Puppy cuteness.))

Ivan heard the vague yawning sound beside him, realising that Alfred too was venturing into wakefulness, and wondered what the other little sounds he was hearing were. The answer soon became evident, as Alfred's words reached him. He smiled up at his friend, finding the picture both cute and amusing. He didn't see as many butterflies as he might have liked to, but he probably did see them more often than his friend. It was interesting and, to use Alfred's word, cool to see one that had wings the same hue as the other fellow's eyes, but he did not know what type of butterfly was to put a name to it in his mind. It wasn't important, though.

The resplendent insect wafted lazily for a moment or two, then took wing and was taken by the breeze, and Ivan sat up to watch it go. "Thank you, I think that would be quite nice. I have seen butterflies before, but none of them so blue, nor on my nose~ Was it funny to see that?" He hadn't seen such a blue butterfly before either, but it could simply be that it was indigenous, and not found in Russia. "Ah, do you know what time it is?" He asked, looking around to see if he could discern the time from some clue or other. He'd left his luggage in Alfred's car, so he couldn't check to see if he had packed a watch after all, and he would have probably forgotten to adjust it to this time zone anyway. "Oh, and what is for dinner?" He asked, giving Alfred a cheeky smile.

Alfred smiled, pleased that the other had enjoyed the picture. "It was, yeah. Considering that you could come off as intimidating to some people since you're so tall and stuff, it was kinda funny seeing you with a butterfly on your nose," he responded, laughing softly before he pushed himself up into a seated position as well, stretching out his arms. "And it's like, around six or so I think."

He looked around the park, blinking once before he stood up, offering his hand to Ivan. "As for dinner, you get to choose from what I have at home because I have literally no idea what to make for you," he responded with a grin. "And besides that my cooking skills aren't the greatest, man. I usually live off ramen and frozen dinners and...well, that's it really." He rubbed the back of his neck with a laugh. "So unless you have skill making food it's probably ramen or something tonight, man."

"I have noticed that my height seems to make me scary to some people." Ivan nodded, considering this point. "I have come to expect this, it is normal for people to see me and be worried - I am used to it. To see me with a butterfly, is dissonant with that, da? I find it amusing." He took note of the time that Alfred mentioned as he spoke, taking the hand that Alfred offered with a tiny smile. It seemed that they both had traits that others might consider intimidating; Alfred had that boisterous personality, while Ivan had his size. In that respect, perhaps they were not such an odd duo - after all, they were managing not to intimidate each other.

"Hmm, it does sound as though you could use some variety." Ivan mused, thinking this over. "Well, if you have ingredients necessary, I will make something to show you. Otherwise, I will find out what ramen is like, da?" He suggested, wondering how Alfred would react to Russian cuisine. "I can make pirogi easily, if there are things to make pastry or yeast dough, and things to put inside - is like pie, but not big, so more than one. I can put in chopped meat, rice, mashed potatoes, boiled egg - things like that, only not all at once. Does that sound nice? I can also make pelmeni, which are made of minced meat that is wrapped in a thin, simple to make dough. Spices can be put in those. Ahh, or maybe you would prefer soup? I know some types." As he didn't know what food items Alfred possessed, beyond what had already been said, he was just throwing ideas out at random, but perhaps something would intrigue his friend? He liked to make food by hand, and it would be even better to have someone to share it with.

Alfred's hand was a warm weight in his, and this time he didn't know why it could be there, but he was most definitely not going to argue. After all, doing so could cause Alfred to let go, and he didn't really want that to happen because of anything he said. "My nap was quite relaxing, by the way, I am feeling quite at ease - how about you?" He asked, figuring that they would be heading to Alfred's house about now - if they actually wanted to have a non-potted or packaged meal. He was curious about what it would look like, but didn't ask - he would find out soon enough.

Alfred tilted his head a bit. "Well, ah, what do you need to make the doughs?" he asked, smiling sheepishly. "I haven't bothered buying too much stuff since I'm not really great at making it, but I mean, we could run to the store really quick to get what you'd need. All that sounds a lot better than frozen dinners and ramen noodles," he told him with a quiet laugh. "So whatever you need to make real food I'm willing to get."

"For pirogi, flour and water and butter. For pelmeni, flour and eggs, maybe milk or water." Ivan answered, viewing Alfred with mild bemusement. It sounded as though it had been a long time indeed since Alfred had last eaten proper food, if what he said was true. "I am glad that you would like to try my cooking, I enjoy making food~" He continued, pleased, before considering the hamburger option. "Hmm, well, I could use cut up patty in the pirogi and pelmeni - it doesn't matter that it was burgers before." He mused, "That would mean less things needed to get, unless next time is considered. Is it really okay? If shopping now is not convenient, I can wait." He offered, feeling that - as the guest - he should consider what Alfred wanted first.

Ivan was wondering about Alfred's metabolism with considerable confusion, until he got to thinking about the coffee. That, and whatever sugary drinks his host also favoured, added together with the famous American sweet tooth, probably went some way to explaining things. Speaking of that sweet tooth, Ivan was also considering the possibilities afforded by dessert. As his friend wished to have a movie night, making dessert could wait until tomorrow - a nice surprise to prepare - but going shopping now would allow him to get what was needful. After all, it did not sound as though there was much in the way of supplies where he was going.

Alfred nodded, laughing lightly. "It's no trouble, man. I'd do just about anything to have real food for once, Vanya," he responded as they made their way back through the park towards his car. "And I don't have any classes tomorrow, but I'm not sure if you do or not?" He looked up at the Russian, having already forgotten that he was holding his hand since it was such a simple action that seemed to come so easily with him. "And I'm sorry for not being really prepared with actual food, but uh, like I said...not much experience in the actual culinary field. Making caffeinated drinks on the other hand, that I can do."