Russia sat in an easy chair in the library, a glass of vodka held loosely in his hand, he sipped lazily out of. he was visiting France currently and found he couldn't sleep. The Russian nation had problems sleeping outside of his own country... homesickness taking him harshly. He had already given up on the idea of finding an entertaining book and was just considering going outside to walk the grounds when he heard the spot padding of feet drawing close from behind him.

Spinning his head around he looked, nothing was there. Then a tiny squeak drew his eyes down, standing a few feet from his chair was Francis's boy.. what was his name? candi? candia, ah! Canada! he tilted his head at the boy, who now stood staring at his own feet, a hand clutching a small white stuffed bear to his chest, while the other twirled his curls nervously, "Hello little Canada... Should you not be in bed?" Ivan said, working to be as quiet and soft as he could. He had no desire to scare away such a small child.

The small boys head snapped up when he heard his name, Ivan raised an eyebrow, but couldn't contain a smile at the familiar hue of the large surprised eyes. A tiny voice barely over a whisper broke the boys silence. "I... I c-couldn't sleep... I had a nightmare " he sounded on the edge of tears... The poor thing.. "And I can't get papa to wake up."

Russia was confused as to what he should do... Surely he was already scaring the boy, so trying to comforting him himself was out. He made to stand up grabbing his pipe "I could go wake your papa for you da?" he said brightly. If anyone could wake France, Russia could.

"No no! " said Canada hurriedly as Russia took a step towards the door. The boy moved towards him, holding a small hand out, and closing it around Russia's ever present coat in an effort to stall him. The Russian looked down at him in confusion and mild surprise at the easy touch. "I..." the boy looked down bright red, his other hand still clinging to the white stuffed bear . He suddenly spoke very hurriedly, eyes squeezing shut as. "Would you read me a story Mr. Russia?" There was a pause filled with silence before he barely more then whispered once more "I can sleep if I have a story..."

Russia was slightly taken aback, but smiled at the boy non-the-less. Other nations or colonies were afraid, running scared at the mere sight of him, however this little colony, confusingly, seemed to hold no fear of him.. It warmed the Russians northern heart. He was powerless to answer another way when the violet eyes peeked up hopefully from behind impossibly long blonde eyelashes. "Da little one, I shall read to you. What would you like me to read?"

Canada looked up fully, a smile brighter then the sun it's self lighting his face. He trotted towards the selves without a pause and pulled out a small red book. He then moved back to the chair with it "This is my favorite" he said quietly hugging the book to his chest.

Russia Sat back in the chair, and smiled patting his knee in invitation, "Well then, come get comfy"

Canada didn't hesitate for a second scrambling onto the offered knee. Snuggling in against the large Russian country, tiny hands holding loosely to his sweater after handing the book over. "Thank you Mr. Russia..." He muttered as he leaned his head against Ivan's chest.

Ivan smiled affectionately at the boy "You are welcome little one" he cooed before opening the book and starting "Once upon a time, In a land far, far away..."

A short time later, Before the story was even over, moonlight hit the windows spilling across the floor and chair. In it laid two northern personifications, sound asleep curled up comfortably. The book lay forgotten on the arm of the chair while Russia held Canada close and protectively, the blonde colony in turn clinging and snuggling into the comforting warmth. Neither stirred the rest of the night, there were no more nightmares, homesickness lost in dreams.

It's a bit sad that I just realized this is the only piece I've written that can be rated K. No swearing or anything in this! o.o I surprise myself! go me! Thank you to anyone who favourites or comments, you're all wonderful! :)