This is my gift for altertalian-doodle for the 2017 Rusame Secret Santa event on Tumblr! I hope you like it!

Prompt: heterochromiasoulmate AU with rebel ivan and noble alfred

For those who don't know, heterochromia soulmate AU means that a person is born with two eye colors: right their own, left their soulmate's. If they make eye contact with their soulmate and recognize their eyes, the left eye will change to match the right (natural one).

Ivan's arms and shoulders tensed with the effort of pulling the arrow back. One shot. If he was very lucky, he might get one shot. If everything played out right, he might get one attempt at Lord Matthew's live.

Ivan watched in disgust as one convicted after the other got executed. He couldn't see well from the building he was positioned on, but he failed to recognize any remorse in the Lord's eyes.

A guard came around the corner and Ivan quickly hid himself. His time was running out. The longer he stayed up here, the bigger the chance he'd get caught. When the coast was clear, he got back in position. "Hurry up, Natalya..."

Shouting erupted from one of the alleys leading to the square. Not long after, a runaway horse appeared, forcing the crowd apart. The guards responded immediately, trying to change the horse's direction, away from their lord.

A heavy stone dropped from a building forced their ranks apart.

This was Ivan's cue.

In the midst of the chaos, there was a split second where his target was exposed, and he took the shot.

Come on!

The arrow drilled itself into Lord Matthew's shoulder.

No!

He saw Natalya run away from the chaos, and he decided to get away as well.

Failed again.

Matthew stormed through the castle halls. "Find them! I want them brought down to their knees!"

"Brother?" Alfred came running towards him. "What happened?"

"Al. Don't worry, I'm okay."

"Was it the rebels?" He looked at his brother's shoulder. "Did they attack again?"

"Yes. But we've got it under control."

Alfred checked the bandage. "I've been doing some reading. Come, look!" He dragged Matthew along to his bedroom.

Said room was always a mess. Clothes were tossed around carelessly, cups forgotten everywhere. But there was one thing which was always perfectly organized: books. Wherever there were books, there was perfect order. Right now, a neat collection of books lay on the decorated wooden desk, not abandoned, but opened so they could be observed at any moment Alfred saw fit.

"You've been to the library again?" Matthew asked. His brother was a living, talking ball of energy, never sitting still, never silent for long. But that changed when he entered the castle library. The only words he spoke there, were words of excitement to the staff, holding up something new he'd read. Matthew was glad his brother was so easy to please. It would've been a pain in the ass if he'd been noisy, whining to see the books in the restricted section. Which were only really restricted because Matthew didn't want him to read them. His brother was better off with a little less knowledge. Sweet and innocent, that's how he would be kept.

"I saw all the guards coming with you to the trials. I've been wondering if there isn't a more effective way to protect you, with these rebel attacks happening more and more often. That wound on your shoulder only proves I'm right." He searched through his notes, which were categorized just as neatly as the books.

"It's very kind of you to worry about me." Matthew placed a hand on his brother's shoulder. "I'm sure you'll make Lord Kiku very happy as well."

Alfred blushed ever so slightly. "Do you think so?"

"Definitely. He'll adore you."

Alfred let his fingers slide over the edges of a book. "When will I meet him?"

"Impatient, are we?" Matthew ruffled his hair. "But I understand that you want to meet him before you two get married. I'll send him a letter."

"Thanks." He bit his lip.

"What is it, Al?"

Alfred pulled open a drawer and pulled out a book. The leather binding was starting to tear at the spine. "Don't you ever wonder?"

"About what?"

He opened the book. It was filled with drawings of eyes, with descriptions scribbled all around them.

"Oh, Al," Matthew sighed. "Have you been reading about soulmates again?"

"I'm just curious. Somewhere out there…" His eyes looked out the window; the right one a rich blue, the left one a soft violet. Somewhere, deep down, he longed to meet the person that violet belonged to. Did that person look at his own blue eye in the mirror, wondering about Alfred? Would they be sad if they found out he'd married someone else?

"Alfred, come here." Matthew led Alfred to his bed and they sat down on the edge. "Didn't we talk about this?"

"I know. But maybe they're not all like Gilbert? Or father?"

"Alfred, trust your big brother. Besides, you have a ball to prepare for! You don't have the time for such silly things as soulmates."

Alfred nodded absent-mindedly. "Hey, Matt?"

"Yes?"

"Can I write Lord Kiku a letter? To ask if he'll come to the ball?"

Matthew smiled. "Of course. I'm sure he'll be delighted that you think of him so much."

Alfred smiled back. Maybe that will stop my wondering, he thought.

"We need to find some other way," Natalya said. "We can't keep trying and failing."

"We need to get closer," Ivan said. "We need to get so close, that no arrow can possibly miss."

The other rebels at the table nodded.

"We need to get physically close," Natalya said. "And Lord Matthew needs to have his guard down."

Ivan thought. "Not outside. Too many guards. Too much paranoia on the lord's side."

"Do we have a reason to be inside the castle?"

A young boy came running in. "News from the castle! News from the castle!"

"Ah, Jimmy." Ivan lifted him up so he could sit on the edge of the table. He pushed a piece of bread in the boy's hand. Lord Matthew had taken his parents' lives and the orphanage wasn't treating him too well. "What did you hear?"

Jimmy munched on the bread. "I listened in on some old servant. 'Despite the attack on Lord Matthew, the ball will be held as planned.'"

"That was to be expected," Natalya said. "So, we—"

"That might be a chance for us," Ivan said. "The ball. Sure, there'll be lots of security, but the chaos and light-heartedness of the setting should give us some cover."

"You want to kill Lord Matthew at his own party?"

"Do you have a better idea?" Ivan placed his hands on his sister's shoulders. "Those people today didn't have to die. If we had succeeded already, they would still have been alive. How many more innocent people are we going to fail?"

Natalya looked away. "I don't like this plan. If something goes wrong, we won't be able to get you out."

"Natalya, listen to your big brother. When have I ever let you down? Mm? When have I ever abandoned you?"

"Never." She looked at him. "Don't make this the first time."

Ivan smiled at her. "You just get me a distraction so I can sneak in. You're brilliant at that."

Natalya pouted. "Fine. But under one condition."

"Yes?"

"If they have those tiny cakes, take one for me."

I am very honored to be here," Lord Kiku said. "I do hope I'm not distracting you from your other guests."

"Oh, don't worry about it." Matthew handed him a drink. "I don't particularly enjoy these parties myself. I hold them because Alfred likes them and because they keep some important people on my land entertained."

"I understand."

Matthew spotted his brother on the other side of the ballroom. Alfred eyed them nervously, adjusting his clothes over and over. Matthew smiled and beckoned his baby brother over. So adorable. So innocent.

Alfred approached them and half hid behind Matthew's back. "Mattie?"

"Ah, Al! Lord Kiku, may I introduce you to my brother, Alfred."

Kiku bowed. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Why are you bowing?" Alfred asked.

"Alfred," Matthew said, reprimanding, "Lord Kiku is from a different place. They have different habits where he lives. Surely, you can understand that?"

"Yes." Alfred bowed, hoping it was a polite gesture. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you."

Kiku smiled, bemused. "You are even taller than your brother."

Alfred blushed. "Mattie says it's because I always have my head in the clouds."

"Then you and I are alike in that matter."

Matthew was pleased to see the two getting along so well. Soon, Alfred would be taken away to Lord Kiku's domain, far away and secluded, no longer something to worry about. "Al, why don't you ask Lord Kiku for a dance?"

"I'm afraid I'm not much of a dancer," Kiku said. "But perhaps with someone to teach me…"

Alfred blushed. He was getting all giddy. "I'll do my best!"

Ivan twisted the rings around his fingers. They felt foreign, like something from another life. He couldn't think about it too much. It had to look natural. Everything about him had to look natural. He had to dig up some arrogance and attitude from somewhere deep inside him. He had to convince everyone that he belonged at a fancy party. Perhaps he needed to convince himself first.

"Name?" The doorman was obviously tired after checking name after name, guest after guest.

"Ivan Braginsky."

The doorman checked the list. He frowned when he didn't find what he was looking for. "Braginsky, you said, sir?"

"Yes. From the good side of the family." He added a little smile to hide the venom in his voice. He should have been over it by now. On the other hand, the grudge did help him move forward. Yes, he was Ivan Braginsky. From the bad side of the family. The traitors. The dead.

The doorman checked his list again. Ivan tapped twice with his highly decorated cane.

One of Natalya's many strengths was appearing on time. Ivan's cane had barely touched the ground a second time before she strolled into sight, a wild brown wig on her head, a bottle in her hand, swaying from side to side. "Oh, Matthew!" She went straight for a woman standing in line behind Ivan. They had planned it all out: this woman was so familiar at the castle, that her name wouldn't have to be checked. Ivan had managed to slip right in front of her, and now he was going to accompany her inside.

"I'm going to marry him!" Natalya clutched the woman's shoulders. "I'm going to marry Matthew! Me, not any of you silly turds!"

The doorman tried to get in between, but Natalya knew how to put up a fight. "Let go of me! Matthew's waiting for me!"

"Let me," Ivan said. He gently grabbed Natalya's shoulders. "You should go home, miss."

"I don't want to!"

"Are you sure you have put on enough makeup? And are those really your best jewels? You might want to check again."

"Oh… Yes… I will..." Natalya turned around and swayed away, drinking from her bottle.

"Thank you, sir," the doorman said. "Would you mind escorting the poor lady inside?"

"Of course." Ivan held up a hand for the frightened woman to take. "Are you okay, miss?"

"Yes, thank you, sir."

Ivan smiled, though not at the woman.

He was inside.

It was a bit awkward, dancing with someone so short. But Alfred found he didn't mind it too much. "What's your land like?"

"It's very beautiful. I look forward to taking walks with you through the blossoming landscapes." Kiku struggled with the foreign dancing.

"Matthew doesn't let me out of the castle much. He says it's too dangerous."

"You will be safe at my place. It's peaceful there. You won't have to fear."

A turn. A twirl. "Do you think your people will like me?"

Kiku smiled. "I'm sure of it."

Alfred looked at the guests around him. He loved hearing from people outside of the castle. They always had so many stories to tell. He searched for someone new, with new stories. Yes, there, a tall man with pale blond hair. His clothes were chic, but not entirely of the season. Perhaps he didn't frequent parties often. A long scarf rested on his broad shoulders. Alfred's gaze lingered on the stranger's stern face. If he had to guess, he'd say Braginsky. That light hair and those sharp features ran in that family.

"How's the weather at your place?" Alfred asked Kiku. "I'd love to feel the sun more often."

"It's quite pleasant. However, it does rain a few months of the year. But I'll make sure you're entertained during the indoor season as well." He reached up and cupped Alfred's face. A bold move. "I will do my best to make you happy."

Alfred blushed. "I look forward to it."

Kiku smiled. "If you don't mind, I will rest for a bit now. It seems like we will have to practice dancing more often if I want to keep up with you."

"It'd be my pleasure."

Alfred talked to some ladies which came over more often. One of them had gotten married. Another had inherited a cottage by the grand lake. "You should really come over sometime, dear."

"I'd have to ask Matthew. You know how protective he can be."

He drifted from guest to guest, until he was faced with the back of the unfamiliar Braginsky.

Ivan clutched his cane. He had to get close to Lord Matthew. Once he did, the cane would reveal itself to be a dagger, and it would pierce the tyrant's heart. At last.

Could this be it? Did all their effort lead up to tonight? Would it be Ivan freeing the people here and now? Would he walk out as a hero?

No, he wouldn't walk out of the castle.

But they could put it on his grave.

I'm sorry, Natalya.

"Hello, stranger."

Ivan flinched. Relax, he thought. He'd make people suspicious like this.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

Ivan glanced over his shoulder. "It's okay."

"You're a Braginsky, right?"

"Yes..." He looked at Lord Matthew, who was talking to a short foreign man.

"I'm Alfred. As your host, I wanted to make sure you're enjoying yourself."

"Host?" What would happen if he just walked over there? Would someone stop him? How quick were those guards?

"Yeah, I'm Matthew's little brother."

Alfred. Lord Matthew's little brother. "Wait... Lord Alfred?"

"That's me!"

Now Ivan fully looked at the person next to him. He was shorter, and his wild blond hair caught Ivan's attention first. He moved his gaze lower and noticed Alfred's eyes.

It was like looking in a mirror.

Ivan would recognize that beautiful blue anywhere. He would look at it in the mirror, swearing he could see actual stars in it. He used to wonder who that beautiful blue of his left eye belonged to. But that time had passed. He hadn't wondered about it anymore, until now. Until he saw this Lord Alfred with his own violet eye.

Alfred watched with open mouth as the stranger's left eye changed color. The familiar blue melted into an equally familiar violet. "You're..."

Ivan breathed heavily. This…

Alfred grabbed Ivan's face so he could look closer at his eyes. "Did… did mine change too?"

Ivan nodded, unable to speak.

"What's your name?"

"Ivan..." No, he wasn't supposed to answer that!

"Hello, Ivan. Are you my soulmate?"

"I think so." He grabbed Alfred's hands and his gaze fell on Lord Matthew, who had noticed them. The lord didn't seem pleased at all with what he saw.

He's going to remember my face.

Ivan turned around and hurried to the grand doors, trying to cover his face with his scarf.

"Wait!" Alfred tried to go after him but was stopped by his brother.

"Guards, catch him!" Matthew yelled. "Alfred, what were you thinking with that man?"

"He's..."

"How can you flirt with strangers in front of Lord Kiku? Have you no decency?"

"Matt, he's… Look!" He pointed to his eyes.

Matthew's face turned cold. He gripped Alfred's arm.

"Ouch!"

"You will show this to your fiancé and explain to him that this doesn't change a thing. You will still marry him."

"But—"

"Do it. I'll have a word with you later."

Alfred nodded and shuffled over to Lord Kiku. He couldn't stop himself from looking in the direction the stranger had fled.

Ivan.

Ivan Braginsky.

Ivan panted. Lord Matthew's guards were well-trained and he could barely evade them. Deeper into the woods he allowed himself to catch his breath.

Lord Alfred was his soulmate.

He started laughing; the whole situation was too absurd. The tyrant's little brother. It was like something right out of a theatre play.

"Ivan!" Natalya ran towards him. "What happened? Did you succeed?"

They made eye contact and she saw. "Ivan? Is that…?"

"I am in so much trouble."