XD Here it is everyone! I did it! The sequel to An Innocent, Stolen Heart. If you have not read that story, this will not make much sense. Just saying. I hope you all enjoy this story :) (Btw, I found the picture on Zerochan.)

I do not own Hetalia

Japan straightened the already perfectly straight name-tag and brushed away some invisible dust on one of the chairs. When meetings were held at his place, he liked to have everything in perfect order. His hard work never lasted long, thanks to the nations of the meeting, but at least there was some order at the beginning.

Giving a small sigh, he forced himself away from the table. Now there was nothing to do except wait. The first of the countries should be appearing any time now. If he was honest, Japan wasn't really looking forward to this meeting. Most of the tension wouldn't be there—because Russia probably wasn't going to come, so America would be his normal loud self—but he knew that the nations couldn't do anything without bickering. And bickering always turned into brawling. He'd probably distract himself by drawing some of his mangas. He had hidden some at his spot just in case.

He heard the door open and turned to greet the first nation. He assumed it would be Germany, because he was always the first to arrive, so his mouth was prepared to say hello to him. It froze open when he registered who it was, and it wasn't the German.

It was Russia.

He was surrounded by the usual, his sisters and the Baltics, but the feeling of the group was different from what Japan remembered. Instead of Russia being at the head, leading them with a smile that sent the Baltics shaking, he was in the center, surrounded protectively by the rest. He stood taller than all of them, but held no air of intimidation. In fact, he seemed . . . scared. He was hunched into himself, fiddling with his scarf.

He met eyes with Japan and attempted a smile. Japan stared. This was not the smile he was used to seeing on Russia's face. This one was timid, shaky, but genuine. What happened to the scary fake one? Japan saw Belarus's glare and closed his mouth, straightening.

"Welcome, Russia," he greeted politely, if not a little stiffly.

Russia stepped out of the group and came closer to Japan. Japan's face remained calm, but he couldn't help but tense a little. He never knew what Russia was up to. He was one of the few nations he couldn't read. The thing that worried him now was that he could, completely. He could see every thought running through the big man's mind just by looking at his face. He didn't know what it meant.

Russia seemed to sense his discomfort and stopped short, keeping a safe distance between them. "Privyet, Japan. I just wanted to apologize for not telling you I was coming. I understand if you did not make a place for me, seeing as I haven't been here for quite some time."

Japan blinked. Russia apologized to him? What was going on? Japan could see that Russia was being completely honest, staring at him with big, open eyes. Japan honestly didn't know how to react, so he automatically reverted to the polite host.

"Oh, no. It is I who must apologize," Japan said, making Russia blink at him. He rushed to get an extra chair, putting it up between Lithuania and Ukraine's seats. "I should have been prepared for your arrival, even if it has been a long time."

Russia didn't say anything for a moment, just stared at Japan with shock. Then he glanced at the group he came in with, and they all smiled at him encouragingly. Japan cocked his head. He didn't understand what was going on. And now he really wanted to. Pressing his lips together, Russia turned back to Japan.

"Thank you," he said, lowering his head a little.

Japan bowed slightly in return. "It is my job as the host to make you comfortable. You can all sit."

They all made their way over to their seats, except for Russia. He stayed standing, looking nervous as he messed with his hands. Japan stood in front of him, waiting for him to say what he wanted to say.

"J-Japan?" he asked timidly.

"Yes, Russia?" Japan replied. This was so strange. He didn't feel at all intimidated by the tall man in front of him. It hardly seemed like Russia. This person was innocent, shy, and not the Russia he knew. What happened?

"I-Is China coming to this meeting?" Russia continued.

Japan felt his protective side appear even with the bad history between him and his brother. He knew that Russia had been eyeing China since forever. "He is. May I ask why?"

"Good." Russia stands a little straighter, gaining a confidence that surprised Japan. "I'm going to talk to him. Apologize for what I've done."

Japan's eyes widened. This certainly was not Russia, but, at the same time, he knew it was. This was Russia. The . . . right Russia. He couldn't explain it, but he knew that this Russia was the true one.

Russia walked to his seat and sat down among his friends. Actual friends now. Japan stayed where he was before, staring at the wall. After a moment of taking things in, he turned, a small smile gracing his lips.

"Russia," he called.

Said nation looked up at him. "Da?"

His smile grew. "It's good to see you again."

"America, promise me you will behave in the meeting today," England told America as they rode in the elevator.

"Whatever mom," America said, not looking at the Brit. He was distracted by jumping when they elevator sped up or slowed down. His loud laughter shot straight into England's ear.

"I am not your mother—And would you stop that!" England rubbed his fingers across his temple where a headache was forming. The meeting hadn't even started and his patience was already fraying. "I'm serious, America. Behave yourself."

"Okay okay. I promise." The doors opened and they stepped out. "It's not like it's ever me who starts it. I mean, if everyone would just agree to being my backup then—"

"The world would explode," England finished for him. It earned a glare from the younger nation, but England just stood taller. "You need to get over yourself, Alfred."

"Who's the superpower in this conversation?" America pointed out with a smirk.

Britain bristled with anger, but he couldn't deny that. America was powerful. Even after the Second World War. He was competing with the Soviet Union. That was no small feat. England's once small colony was now stronger than him. Bigger than him.

He swallowed down his pain and said harshly, "Shoving that in other nation's faces is not going to get you anywhere good. Alfred, people are not always going to tolerate you and how boastful you are. If you know what's good for you, you'll gain some humility and—"

"You say you're not my mom, but you're always giving me these lectures." America successfully changed the subject, because England's eyes sparked with a different anger. America grinned. He had learned how to distract the Brit years ago. He gave a fake yawn to annoy England more. "Why did you make me come so early? The meeting doesn't start for another ten minutes!"

"Honestly America, this is not that early," England said as they came to the door they needed. He pushed it open while still talking to America. "If you hadn't slowed us down we would have been here twenty minutes ago. Really, you have no idea how much better it is to . . ."

His words died off when he registered what was happening in the meeting room. It was completely silent. Granted, this was a smaller meeting with only the "main" nations taking part, but it still should have been noisy with at least some conversation. The air in the room was completely devoid of sound though. England looked around and saw Russia, who had been missing meetings for awhile.

The Baltics and his sisters were sitting around him defensively. This in itself was very strange. Usually the Baltics were shaking next to Russia, wanting to be anywhere but where they were. Now though, it looked like Russia was the one shaking. England narrowed his eyes. Yes, Russia was really shaking. Instead of the big, intimating nation England remembered, Russia was slouched into himself, looking at the hands in his lap.

Everyone in the room was as confused as England, that was why it was so quiet. Too late England realized: America was right behind him. Just as the thought occurred, America stepped inside. Upon seeing Russia, being the person he was and ignoring the atmosphere, he completely ripped apart the silence.

"Russia?" he said loudly, his head tipping forward and his mouth staying open a bit.

Russia jumped at the sound of his name. "O-Oh, America. H-Hello."

He swallowed and wouldn't look at the American. Instead he looked at Ukraine, who nodded her comfort. The other nations stared at him. Did he just stutter?

"What are you doing here?" America asked, his eyes narrowing.

"He's a Nation," Belarus defended her brother. "He has every right to be here as you do."

America's eyebrows drew in and he opened his mouth, but England pushed him forward before he could speak. He shoved the stronger man to the table and sat down. He gave the still standing American a glare until he sat down as well. America continued to stare at Russia, tension building, but only from his side. Russia was timid and looked at him with slight confusion.

Germany cleared his throat. "Should we begin?"

"There are still some nations missing," Japan said.

Germany just sighed. "Is that ever going to change? I even reminded him this time."

Just then the door opened and in came the two Italies.

"Great, now we're late," Romano was saying. "I told you we shouldn't have stopped at that restaurant. Now we're going to get yelled at and it's all your fault, idiot!"

Italy frowned pitifully. "But you said yourself the food looked delicious."

"And now because of it we're late, stupid!" He whacked Italy on the back of the head, making his brother hold it in pain and tears came to his eyes.

"Ouch, fratello." Then he looked forward and met eyes with a scary nation's violet ones. "Ah, fratello! It's him, he's back!"

Romano spotted Ivan too and began to shake. "Ah man, I was hoping he wouldn't come back."

They split up and fled to cower behind their usual nations. Italy gripped onto Germany's armrest and crouched behind the big man. Germany gave a nervous glance over to Russia, worried that this might annoy him. As it had done so in the past. Instead he saw Russia looking down at his hands in shame. He seemed utterly ashamed that he was scaring the twins so badly. Germany blinked.

After a moment of nothing happening, Italy straightened up a little and risked a glance at the big nation. Russia met eyes with him, and Italy habitually flinched, but Russia held none of the malice he had before. His eyes looked at Italy with guilt and he seemed sorry. Truly sorry. This confused Italy.

He shook Germany's arm to get his attention and spoke in a whisper, "Germany, why isn't Russia smiling at me with that scary smile?"

Germany took a moment to answer. He didn't really know what was happening. "He's in a better mood today," he guessed, then looked at Italy sharply. "Don't ruin it."

Italy nodded silently and slid into his seat, still looking at Russia. Russia kept eye contact with him, nothing but guilt in his expression. His stare was absolutely apologetic. Italy's own eyes widened with realization. He was asking for forgiveness. Forgiveness for what he has done.

Italy couldn't believe it. A nation had never asked for forgiveness, especially not from him. Italy smiled at Russia, excited and happy for this opportunity. And he really did forgive Russia. He seemed truly sorry. Russia blinked at the smile, his eyes narrowing in question. Then his own, relieved smile lifted his lips. Italy looked at it. It was nothing like the scary one Russia had always worn before. He found he liked the look of Russia with this smile.

Japan cleared his throat. "It seems that we are all here. I will begin this meeting. Our first topic is the Cold War, because it is the biggest thing going on right now. What is happening America and Russia?"

"Ask the guy pointing the nuclear weapons," America said acidly, glaring at his competition.

Russia looked hurt. And they all saw it. He didn't cover it up with his smile. "Actually, America, I'm not building up my military like you. It's too expensive, and I'd like to focus on my political and economical liberalization right now." America faltered the tiniest bit. He wasn't expecting that. In America's silence Russia turned to the rest of the nations present. "I'd also like to start setting up better trade with the Western countries. I thought maybe we could—"

America found his voice, and needed to counter Russia. "That doesn't mean you're not a threat." England almost growled at him for being so rude, but decided against it. America wouldn't listen to him anyway.

Russia faced him again and frowned, sadness mixing in with the hurt. Not the slightest bit annoyed. They could all read him so easily now. "I thought we were starting to get on better terms."

America blinked. That was true. Tensions were beginning to thaw between their leaders. Both sides were beginning to focus on other things. But America and his country were still wary, still kept their defenses up. And America himself just didn't like Russia.

"That doesn't excuse what you've done before," he accused, looking for reasons to make Russia deserve the dislike he felt towards him. "You're separating Germany with the Berlin Wall." Russia winced, his hands clenching into fists. "Remember the Korean War? The Vietnam War?" Now anger was starting to trickle into Russia's face. Everyone but America saw the danger. "Your own people are suffering and you just—"

"Stop blaming every bad thing on me," Russia said, standing and pressing his hands on the table. "Yes, I have done bad things. Things I'm not proud of, but I've done good things too. I hate to bring this up, but I helped in the Second World War." Everyone shifted uncomfortably, but no one interrupted. "I helped, England helped, every Allie helped win that war, America. It wasn't just you. And guess what? You know the flood of technological advances you've been having? I'm part of the reason why that's happening. If I wasn't here to egg you on, you wouldn't be half as far as you are. If you didn't have me as competition, as something to beat, you wouldn't be where you are now. I am not just the villain, America."

There was silence as Russia gave America a hard stare. America's voice flew from his throat and words couldn't form. He felt as if Russia's stare was burrowing into him, but it wasn't gutting him. It was digging and bringing out things America didn't want to confront. Then Russia sat down and looked away, satisfied about what he said.

England held back a smile. Finally, finally, America learned. At least for the moment. He couldn't believe he was thinking this, but thank you Russia. He watched as America's stunned expression turned subdued. Finally someone got through to the daft idiot.

Whatever had happened to Russia, England certainly didn't mind.

Yeah, this is happening. Gah, I'm so excited for this story guys, you don't even know. I hope this got all of you excited too. I'd like to thank Aabluedragon for encouraging me to do this :) Anyway, this story will be a historical one, and I will be trying my best to keep it accurate. (Historical facts are already in it :) So happy right now.) I hope you all will be patient as we journey through this. Updates will be irregular thanks to school. I will try to be fast.

Please leave your reviews. I love to hear your opinions, and it helps me so much. Tell me what you think so far. What did/didn't you like? Anything to improve? Anything you absolutely loved? Let me know! Favorites and follows are also very much appreciated. It makes me feel awesome.

Have a good day :)