Natalia couldn't believe her ears. "Wh-what?" She was in complete and utter shock. Ivan sighed before repeating his words.

"I will marry you." He was utterly defeated, but that didn't phase Natalia. Ivan would be hers. She launched herself into his arms and hugged him tightly.

"Spasibo, spasibo, spasibo!" She gushed at him, "I promise I will be best wife you ever want." Ivan only gave a small nod and kissed her head gently.

"I know you will, Little One. I know."

The wedding was beautiful. It was in a beautiful church filled with their favourite flowers and people. Standing behind the doors Natalia shifted nervously. "Shh," She spoke to herself, the wedding party had all left and it was only her waiting for her cue to start, "He'll be there. And this is going to happen." She was still worried that Ivan would bolt, or leave her at the alter.

Then the march began and the doors where opened for her. As soon as Natalia caught sight of her Ivan standing there, an exuberant smile lit up her face. He's really there. He's really going to be mine forever. It seemed to take a long time to reach the alter, but it was only moment before she was holding his hands in hers and staring into his eyes.

When it came time to exchange rings, Natalia nervously took Russia's hand in hers and slid it on, Russia on the other hand was completely calm and slid the band over her delicate finger. With that the had their final vows.

"You may now, kiss, the bride." The preacher spoke with a deep and gravely voice. Ivan leaned down to Natalia's level and pecked her lips sweetly.

Natalia kept her promise to be the best wife. She cooked amazing meals for Ivan, kept the house spotless but look lived in. She tended to his every want and need, she was ridiculously happy. Smiles were a constant. She even brought him fresh sunflowers most every day.

Ivan did his best to appear happy. He smiled at Belarus when ever she was near him. And truth be told, he was happier for the most part. There was only one problem. He didn't love his wife the way he should have. Sure, there was some love, but not what she deserved. No matter how hard he tried to love her, he couldn't bring himself to do it. If Belarus ever knew that, it would have broken her heart. So he kept silent and enjoyed her company. It is better than empty house, da? He would think to himself.

Of course, Natalia couldn't be around Russia all the time, he needed time alone and time to do his paper work. With her dictator, she had much more free time. So she began to speak to the other countries. Since she was hardly Psychotic any more, they gladly became her friend. She talked to Alfred and Elizaveta the most, talking to them over the phone, going out to eat. Her and Elizaveta even went on shopping trips every now and again. She enjoyed her new life immensely. She had friends for once, they weren't afraid of her. Most of all, she had her Russia. They were married. Sleeping in the same bed, she got kisses from him. What she lived for most though, were the nights that he would hold her as he slept. Those nights she did her best to stay up so she could remember every, single, detail.

любовь

However, as the months turned to a year, and year turned into two; Natalia noticed a few things. Russia was quieter than he had ever been. He hardly ever threatened anyone. His pipe lay in their hall closet, gathering layers of dust when Natalia forgot to clean it. Theses things found their way into Natalia's mind and buried into her subconscious. They would pop up whenever she had a moment to herself. Constantly nagging at her that something wasn't right with her Ivan.

Then one day while he was out, she was cleaning the window in his office. She was humming the melody of an old Belarusian lullaby when it struck her.

"He is miserable." Her hand stopped swiping the cloth across the damp pane. Her eyes froze on the landscape, the realization eating her heart like bonfire flames.

That is how Ivan found her. Staring at the barren Russian landscape, the only clue to her epiphany were the streaks on her cheek.

"Natalia?" He asked, worry colouring his voice vividly. That was all it took to bring her back.

"Da?" She asked, as if nothing had occurred. He eyed her wearily, but decided it was nothing.

"Never mind. I must be tired." She smiled softly and sat the rag down.

"Da, sleep now." She took her cleaning supplies down to the kitchen and pushed her earlier thoughts away for now. When she returned to the bedroom, Ivan was already stripped of his day clothes and wearing a pair of sweats she had gotten him a few months back. She smiled as she walked over to him. Covering him she kissed his cheek and padded to his computer desk.

любовь

A few months had passed and Natalia was heading up the stairs to Russia's study to bring him lunch. But today was different. Da, she had his lunch as usual with a small sunflower, but she also had an extra item in her apron that weighed her heart. She lightly knocked on the door, entering when he called. Shaking, she sat down the tray.

"Ivan." Her voice just barely audible. He looked up from his paperwork, surprised at his wife's tone.

"Da?" He rose an eyebrow.

She reached into the folds of her apron and took out papers with unsteady hands. "These, these are for you." Her voice broke a few times, but she manage it as she dropped them on top of his current work.

A few words jumped up at Ivan as he stared in shock. . . . Uncontested. . . Divorce. . .

"What is this, Natalia?"

"Di-divorce papers." She chocked out. A few tears began to fall from her pale blue eyes. She was struggling to keep a firm hold on her emotions. It had taken her a long time to convince herself this was what was best for Ivan. He isn't happy. . And that is all I want; him happy. . Ivan stood up and walked around his desk to take his wife into his arms. There she stopped holding the sobs back and let them wrack her body.

"I-I-I could te-tell," Her words were broken by the sobs, "Th-that you weren't ha-hap-py. And I didn't know why. But I f-figured it out." She took a deep breath and buried herself closer to him, knowing it would be the last time, "And this is t-the only way, I knew to f-fix it." She wrapped her arms around his strong frame and held tight, like her life depended on it.

Russia nuzzled his face into her platinum locks, unsure of how to comfort her. He did love her, very much. But he knew it wasn't enough and it seemed she had finally figured it out too. "I am sorry, Natalia." He hushed. Her hair tickled his lips as she shook it side to side.

"Net, do not be. I-I know you can't fix it. I k-know." His heart broke at her desperation, but he was going to take this chance. He was tired of wanting to be free. He picked her up and carried her into their bedroom. He placed them both under the sheets, as it was starting to get dark, and held her. Letting her cry herself to sleep.

Once he was satisfied that she was asleep, he disentangled himself and went back into the study. He stared at the papers for what felt like hours. And he really did consider shredding them, but he didn't. He signed them. Put them in the manila envelope Natalia had brought with them and walked them down to their mail box. He was a mess of relief, joy and something he couldn't quite place.

любовь

Natalia stayed in bed that day. Putting his lingering scent firmly into her memory. She thought back to every memory that involved him and she thought them over and over until she knew nothing would be forgotten.

Eventually she got up, but avoided Ivan. She began to pack her things away. Putting her clothing into bags, anything she deemed hers alone, went into some form of packing.

Before the day finished, she had all of her things packed away and sent to her old house in Minsk, Belarus. She made her way to his study; to say goodbye.

She knocked. He answered. Without looking up, she hugged him as he sat. Placing a delicate, sweet kiss to his lips, she murmured a few words in a broken voice.

Ivan could do nothing but sit there shell-shocked. He hadn't expected her to leave tonight. He stared after her as she walked with dead steps out of the study. Out of the house, and most likely, out of his life. Her last words rang in his ears. The broken tone of her voice would haunt him, he already knew.

"I love you, majo serca. I always will."