I should've been working on my other story but instead, I made another one. welp. This is a Russia x Spain fanfiction. RusAme is my OTP, but thinking about pairing up Spain with Russia is kind of adorable hence this fanfiction was born. I try making this story as accurate as possible - historically speaking. But there will be some headcanons mixed in.
Alexandrovskaya Village, Grand Residence of Grand Duke Vasili III of Russia.
March 21th, 1519
Spain had been sitting down for five minutes, patiently waiting for this country's representation to come and greet him. His eyes scanned around the large room, admiring how beautiful and well-kept it looked like. It was a given as Royals, after all. They had servants to clean their place up and tend to – basically – everything about their daily needs.
He had been pulled out from his thought when someone walked in. immediately, Spain stood up from his seat, wearing a simple smile on his face. Always make sure to make a good first impression; the words from his Boss echoed clearly in his mind.
He was greeted with a sight of a young male looking like in his late teens. Pale skinned, platinum blond hair that was borderline white, and in closer inspection, he had an unusual color of eyes – violet. The garments he wore, a Russian-style clothing made by finest woven silk. Even just by the color of his clothes, one could tell that he was someone important; red as blood long flowing robe with golden decorations in its edges, bleached white shirt underneath (Spain could see it because the robe was untied), black trousers and long boots that reached under his knees.
The season today was spring, he wondered why this young man wore a shawl around his neck. And slightly pink in color to boot. But he did not ask.
"I am deeply sorry for my lateness," The teen curtly bowed. "Work has been keeping me busy lately."
"It's fine! It wasn't that long of a waiting anyway," Spain waved it away with a smile; casually, informally.
It baffled the other, but he managed to keep an indifferent look on his face. Usually, when it comes to meet with another nation, they tend to be stiff and all formal-like, so it was a surprise for the violet-eyed boy.
"So, you are..." Spain trailed off, unsure what to call him.
"Grand Duchy of Muscovy, but many call me with the name Russia." Russia introduced himself, corners of his lips tugged upwards to a thin smile as he extended his hand to the other, offering Spain a handshake. "And you must be Spanish Empire, yes?"
"Si! I'm known nowadays as The Land Which Sun Never Sets, but you can call me Spain." A little bit of boasting wouldn't hurt, would it? Spain was proud of his current Boss. He was a strong and cunning man. Spain gained that nickname because of his Boss' wise decision in wars, which led to victories, which led to more power and land, which really made the Spanish Empire grateful to have such leader as a sovereign.
They shook hands, before Russia politely inviting him to sit back down again. Russia settled on the opposite chair and continued, "What brings you here, Spain?"
"I'm here as a messenger from King Charles," He took out a folded parchment sealed with a royal seal and passed it on the table to the platinum-haired nation. Russia took it and brought it closely to his vision (but not too close, it would've looked ridiculous) as if staring at it could make him see through and read the words inside. Though it seemed Spain knew what he was thinking, so he explained. "It is a notification to Grand Duke Vasili about his ascension to the throne of the Holy Roman Empire."
Russia placed the letter into his pocket, deciding to give it to his Boss after this. "So quick, wasn't it just a few years ago he entered coronation and became King of Spain? He must be a good leader to have such position quickly given to him." News from mouth to mouth traveled fast, believe it or not. It somehow even reached the land of Muscovy.
"Oh don't even get me started. Ever since he became our leader, prosperity has been pouring over my land." The brunet gave Russia a wide smile, looking so proud talking about his leader.
"That must be good." Russia smiled back.
But there was a hint of tiredness on his features.
Now, Spain may be called a dense man, but he knows when someone is stressed. He had been through that phase too, after all. Tired and stressed out because of wars. Spain noticed the bags under Russia's eyes. Dry lips, indicating he did not drink water much, probably too busy working that he did not even bother to take a rest and fill his stomach. Slightly disheveled hair; though it honestly looked adorable.
Oh god. What was he thinking?
The Brown Haired Nation cleared his throat, trying not to think about how Russia looked so... so- even though he was- but still, look at that guy-
Damn, he needed to stop thinking.
"Rough day, huh?" Spain said. Russia nodded in response, running a hand through platinum locks as a tired sigh escaped his parted lips.
"My people have been in many wars with the Lithuanian. This year is the fourth. Lithuania is quite tough, subjugating him will take some time, I suppose." Russia leaned back in his chair, shrugging. "I just want to end the war quickly." And take back my sisters from Lithuania; Russia thought silently.
"That's what a lot of nations – including myself – thinking when we're at war. War is exhausting and it costs a lot of wealth. On top of that, our people's lives are put at stake. I hate to see my men killed."
"That makes two of us. Seeing my people dying is the most devastating thing in my life." Russia responded. This conversation reminded him of the battles he had had. Like the previous Muscovite-Lithuanian wars, or even the older ones such as Battle on the Ice with Teutonic Knights. It made him even more tired and stressed. Not wanting to talk about wars anymore, he changed the topic immediately. "Anyway, would you like tea?"
"Ah... no, thank you." From here Spain could see through the window that the sky was starting to darken. If he were to stay here any longer, it would be dark before he could even reach the shore to go back to his ship. "I should go back now. It is a pleasure to meet you, Russia." The green eyed nation said, beginning to stand up to leave.
"You know, you should just stay here for a night." Russia stood up as well, then he cleared his throat. "The road is not safe when it's dark. Not that I doubt your strength, but I want my guests to leave this place unscathed. I have heard there were bandits roaming around the roads outside the village. I haven't been able to take care of it because of the war, so I suggest you spend the night here." Vasili the Third would not mind anyway. And if he did, Russia would reason with him.
Because letting Spain leave just like that did not sit right with Russia. And besides, Russia enjoyed Spain's company. He seemed nice. From the first time he had laid his eyes on the green-eyed nation, he became interested. A little secret he would never tell anyone.
Spain looked like he was contemplating about the offer. After almost a minute of waiting, he finally had an answer. Spain nodded, showing the slightly taller nation a smile. "I'd be happy to accept the offer, thank you."
Russia smiled back contentedly, then made his way to the door. "I will notify the servant to show you to your room. Please excuse me."
There was a sound of someone rapping the door. Spain answered without leaving the comfortable bed in a sleepy voice. "Yes...?"
"Sir, the dinner is ready. Mr. Muscovy is waiting for you in the dining room."
"Alright, be there in a sec." He groggily woke up and went to the bathroom to wash his face, fixing his hair and clothes before stepping out from the bedroom. Outside the door the same servant from before had been patiently waiting for him. Seeing Spain was ready, the servant led the way to the dining room. "Please follow me."
Without being told twice he followed the servant closely behind. It took them a few minutes to actually arrive at the dining room since the hallway was stretching wide and long.
"Glad you can join us for dinner, Spain." Russia said in a barely concealed happy tone when he saw Spain appeared after the servant.
"Oh, so this is Spanish Empire, huh?" A new voice spoke up. Spain looked at the head of the table and saw a man in his late thirties – possibly already in his forties, wearing expensive looking clothes only Royals wore. He was smiling politely. On his side sat Russia.
The man's face was similar to the one painting he saw in the hallway before. Spain guessed this was Grand Duke Vasili III. "Yes. It's an honor to finally meet you, sir." He slightly bent his body forward.
The Grand Duke nodded and said; "The honor is mine. Please, have a seat."
Spain sat on the opposite chair of the Duke, and it honestly felt a little awkward for him. The table was long, and by long it meant very, approximately there was a seven meters distance between heads of the table. And Spain sat alone at this end while the Duke had Russia beside him.
The thing about eating with Royals always made him feel awkward with the stiff formalities and quietness. He began to miss eating in the ship with his crew, where they could be loud as they want, being friendly with each other without the need to worry about regulations and such. While here, he had to watch his manners. Spain kept his mouth shut the entire time, only speak when the Duke asked him questions. Russia... well, he was content with being silent until the end of the dinner hour. Silently watching the exchange between Spain and his leader.
When they had done with their foods, a servant came in and approached the Duke, whispering something in his ear. Probably a news. The Duke nodded in a thoughtful manner, before sending a smile to Spain's direction. "I still have matters to deal with, so excuse me for leaving early."
"It is alright, sir."
Before disappearing to the hallway, Vasili stopped at the door and looked at Russia. "Muscovy, treat our guest well."
"I will." Russia nodded, smiling.
The room was silent once again. However, it was only momentarily before Spain broke it with a comment. "Well, that was a nice dinner. The foods were delicious too."
Russia smiled as he looked at the other nation. "I'm glad you liked it."
Both nations were walking down the hallway to head back to their respective rooms. Russia's bedroom was in the same direction with Spain's, which was why they were walking together. Not liking the silence, Spain brought up a topic.
"Russia, do you have a guitar here?"
"No, why?"
Spain's shoulder slumped a little. It didn't go unnoticed by the Slavic nation. "I've been wanting to play guitar. And I don't feel tired anymore so I want something to do to spend time until I feel sleepy."
Russia was tired after signing a lot of papers and trying to come up with good strategies to win the war against Lithuania. He'd rather sleep, but he also wanted to spend as much time as he could with Spain. He wondered why. Maybe because it had been a long time since he had someone – a nation – who could actually talk to him at ease without any negative feelings. Persia could be considered as a good friend, but they were too busy to contact one other anymore. Therefore, he offered Spain an option to do something to pass the time. "It's not really a good time for me to ask since it is night already... but if you want to, I could show you around the Palace?"
"Really? That'd be great!" The Spanish Empire beamed, and it made Russia's heart flutter. The picturesque sight of Spain smiling captured by his eyes, forever be engrained in his brain. Thank God the light from the candles on the walls weren't bright enough, he didn't need to hide his slightly blushing face.
"Then, let's start from..."
After went around, showing every location available Russia decided to show the best spot they had in this Palace for the last.
"It is basically a place where I mostly spend my time when I want to be alone." Russia said.
"Can't wait."
He tapped Spain's shoulder. "Actually, we've arrived already. Look in front of you." Russia pointed to the large garden in front of them. The lush green grass beneath their feet. Beautiful flowers in full bloom with different colors strategically placed in a big circle, each layer with different type of flower. In the middle of the circle were a fountain and large statue of a man holding a scroll. The bright moonlight shone down the place was even made it more beautiful. Mesmerized by the sight, Spain walked closer to the flower garden in awe.
"Wow, Russia. This is beautiful." Spain said, trying not to step on the flowers as he made his way to the middle. Thankfully there was some gap between flowers that had different type and color, so he put his feet in that gap. Russia followed from behind, chuckling lightly. "I know."
"How do you guys keeps this garden? I mean, I've heard the winter here is harsh. And these flowers are unlikely to last in cold temperature."
"I do not really know, I'm only here when spring comes. Other than that, I'm either at other rulers' place or back at my own home in Moscow." Russia responded, shrugging. They sat on the edge of the fountain when they had arrived in the middle, in close proximity and shoulders almost touching. Russia had mixed feelings about this. Between nervous and excited, uncomfortable but also comforting in a way, and it confused him. He shouldn't be feeling this; especially toward someone he barely knows. He should move away, put some distance between them. But he didn't. As much as he hated to admit, Russia didn't want to lose the warmth of the warm nation beside him.
Spain however, seemed unaware of Russia's trouble and also unaware of how close they were. He was struck with amazement of how beautiful the flowers were.
"This is really beautiful... thanks for taking me here, Russia." The brunet smiled from ear to ear as he looked at the young man beside him. Russia suddenly felt lost all of his confidence, intimidated by the beauty beside him. Really, what was wrong with him? He could not look at the other in his eye, preferring to stare down at his boots. Wow, look at the speck of dust at the tip of his boot. Fascinating.
"Y..You're welcome."
"Mhmm. Hey, can you tell me the name of this flower?" Spain pointed at the yellow colored of flowers in the first layer. Russia scrutinized the said flowers, trying to remember the name of it.
"It is called..."
They spent hours talking outside. Spain always had something to talk about, it seemed. From flowers to tradition, then to languages et cetera. Although, it was more like Russia listening to Spain's endless babbling, only added comments right there and there when needed.
"And then I fell down to the mud because I was so panic!" Spain laughed out loud, followed by a chuckle from Russia.
"You should've never done that. Dogs are scary when angry." The taller nation said, shaking his head in amusement.
"Lesson learned; I don't think I'd ever want to mess with stray dogs anymore."
"It was silly of you to even do that."
"I know. I wasn't in the right mind at that time."
"Why wasn't anyone stopping you?"
"Because they thought it was..." Spain paused momentarily to let out a yawn. Apparently he was getting sleepy. "...amusing to see me being chased down by dogs."
"Such friends they were." Russia commented, and when he saw Spain was yawning he asked; "Want to go back now?"
"No, just a little more. I don't feel sleepy yet."
Russia doubted that. "If you say so..."
Spain tried to wipe away the sleepiness from his eyes. He blinked rapidly, eyes unfocused. "So, Russia. Tell me the funniest moment that's ever happened in your life."
"Well... it happened a long time ago. Once, big sister Ukraine was searching for firewood in the forest–" The Grand Duchy of Muscovy ceased his talking and stiffened when he felt a weight on his side. He looked down and found Spain, who was resting his head on his shoulder.
"Spain...?"
"Hmm?" Spain replied. "Keep going. What happened after that?"
Russia could practically hear the drowsiness in his tone. But since Spain wanted to hear the continuation of his story, he carried on.
"Well, I didn't want to be left alone in the shack. And I couldn't leave Belarus by herself, so I took her with me to find our big sister. And..."
Russia paused again when he heard the soft snore coming from beside him. An amethyst pair of eyes looked down, trying to discern anything from Spain's facial expression. Too bad all he saw was brunet hair. He couldn't see Spain's face when the other was facing downward. Another light snore told him that Spain had already fallen asleep. He smiled serenely, slowly (and cautiously) brought a hand up to the brunet man's back, rubbing soothe circles on it. Spain sighed contentedly as he unconsciously shifted closer to Russia. The small action brought warmth to the Slavic nation's heart. He whispered;
"Goodnight, Spain."