A/N: The first ten of 100 fifty-word stories all related to Russia. The 100-themes-challenge is an interesting thing to do, and Russia is such a darling I decided to fill it out for him. Pairings are pretty much Russia/anyone, but if it isn't stated clearly, assume whoever you like.

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1. Introduction

That they should be introduced to each other like this is terribly embarassing.
He stammers an apology, feeling silly and inadequate next to this rail-thin, graceful creature covered in embroidered silk from collar to ankles.
"I think I will have to keep an eye on you, Rossija." China says.

2. Love

Do you think that there is no heart in my chest and no soul behind my eyes?
Do you think me incapable of love?
As long as I have any breath left in me, I will love.

I destroy those who I love, and I love those who destroy me.

3. Light

There is light.
It shows everything for what it is.
It shows that his people's shoulders strain and their knees buckle and they curse him, themselves, fate. It shows their malnutrition. It shows that they do not have anything left.

Does it show the thoughts of revolution in their heads?

4. Dark

There is darkness.
Every crevice is filled with it, and it blocks everything out. No keyhole, no window, no crack in the wall to let in a sliver of light. Nothing.
It has an upside.

He does not have to close his eyes to pretend he is in a palace.

5. Seeking Solace

There are walls of books all around him, dusty curtains blocking out the world, the smell of paper and leather. He curls up in front of the fireplace with an old volume, seeking comfort in his own thoughts written down, as bitter-sweet poetry.

Thoughts he didn't know he had.

6. Break Away

Something is crumbling, being torn away and apart by too many hands, all over him, breaking off bits and pieces and claiming (reclaiming?) them as their own.
It hurts, but the pain makes him feel free, he is free again.
He is breaking away even as he is broken apart.

7. Heaven

Russia has lost his Heaven.

If he does not believe in it, he will never reach it.

But if he doesn't believe in it, what does he care that it is gone?

What does he care for a delusion, something made to control malleable minds?

Hell is gone as well.

8. Innocence

It is gone, gone, gone and will never return, and if he clutches onto flowers and ruffles and laces and thin white limbs, it's not because he wants to destroy their innocence, he only wants to reclaim a little piece of his own that he has lost an eternity ago.

9. Drive

The engine sputters and dies for the third time today. It's barely even noon.

The road stretches before him – he'll just have to push. He's thankful for his gloves when he sets both palms flat against the rear window.

Maybe I really ought to have heating installed in the glass.

10. Breathe Again

The air feels colder than ever, his coat is missing and the wind cuts, sharp, but there's something around him, humming like electricity, millions of minds that are his, all his.

That means he's still alive.

He is breathing again – while their hearts are still beating, hope is not lost.

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A/N:
Some explanation is probably needed.
1 - In the 17th century, teen!Russia tried to attack China several times. China was more annoyed than anything. Then the ruler of Russia decided that diplomatic negotiations were in order. Cue embarassed Russia and mature!China.
9 - In the RFSR, the only available car was the Lada. It wasn't exactly a muscle car, and there was a joke that ran like this:
Why does a Lada have heated rear windows? - So your hands don't freeze when you push it.