Hey I'm back! Sorry to not have updated for a while but summer has gotten to me. So now I will stop procrastinating and start writing again. I'm sure a few more reviews would help encourage me some more though...

Anyway, this next chapter is my pride and joy so I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I loved writing it. Please review!

Disclaimer: I think at this point Hetalia Axis powers owns me.

China POV

September 8, 1939

"Russia, aru?" I called out, opening the door to his house, feeling the relief of warm air as I entered, leaving the bitter chill of General Winter behind me. "I am here, aru."

I took off my coat and laid it gently on the table next to his door. Stepping further into his house, rubbed my arms to try and warm myself more. "Russia, aru?" I asked to the empty space. "I just spoke to America and England; we're to report to another world meeting tomorrow, aru. I swear I have been to more meetings in this past year alone than in my whole life, aru." I smiled, walking into the kitchen, sure that I would be greeted by Russia's big smile and warm arms.

I wasn't. Instead, I was greeted by silence. "Russia, aru?" I called again. "Are you here, aru?"

Well that was a stupid question, of course he was here; this was his house. "Russia, where are you, aru?" I tried again. Nothing.

"Russia, this isn't funny, aru," I warned, walking gingerly into his sitting room. Russia had some sick idea of foreplay and I was only hoping that he wouldn't try and pull a kidnapping scene just to spice things up. I could imagine me turning a corner, only to find Russia's arms pulling me too him roughly, but not too rough, and dragging me up to his bedroom. Despite myself, I smiled at the thought; it sounded like something he would do.

After surveying the whole room, I decided that he wasn't there and started down the hallway and to his conservatory, where he liked to keep his sunflowers. "Russia, where are you, aru?" I called, trying to keep the panic from my voice. "Please come out, Russia, this isn't funny anymore, aru." Not that it was too hilarious to begin with.

The conservatory was empty except for his flowers, which winked at me sadly. "Russia!" I shouted. I was really getting worried now. "Come out now, aru!"

I waited a minute, continually calling his name, before fear overtook me. I burst into a run, sprinting around his house, calling his name. "Russia, aru! Where are you, aru? Answer me, aru!" I continued to scream.

""Russia! Russia! Ivan! Please answer me, Ivan, aru! Iv-" I was cut off by me running into something, the force knocking me down onto the cold, unforgiving hard wood floor.

"China?" a voice answered incredibly. "Are you alright?"

"Ivan, aru?" I asked in a daze, my head spinning and my back throbbing due to impact. I squinted and looked up at my assailant.

It wasn't Russia. It was Estonia, one of the three Baltic Nations that now worked in Russia's house after he took over them a few years back. "Oh my God, China, are you hurt? Please don't be hurt, Russia will kill me if you're hurt. Oh God! Here, let me help you," he rambled in panicked tone, reaching over to help me up.

"I'm fine, aru, really, just let me go," I insisted, even thought the room shifted every time I blinked and my head ached. Grabbing onto the wall for support, I hoisted myself up, the action causing everything to spin. I moaned softly and clutched my pounding skull.

"Are you sure you're alright, China, you don't look so good?"

"I'm fine, aru," I snapped, causing Estonia to flinch. I immediately felt guilty; I'd forgotten how traumatized all three nations were after being abused by Russia for all these years. "Sorry, aru, I'm fine. I just need some aspirin, aru."

At that moment, the remaining Baltic States, Lithuania and Latvia, decided to enter the hallway. Perfect. "China?" Latvia remarked. "What are you doing here? And what happened to you?"

"Estonia knocked me down, aru-I'm fine!" I added, before Latvia could open his mouth. "It wasn't his fault, it was mine; I wasn't paying attention, aru." Then I suddenly recalled why I had been screaming. "Russia! Where's Russia, aru? Is he here, aru? Do you guys know anything, aru? Did something happen to him, aru?"

Instead of answering me, Lithuania looked behind him nervously. "Was that you screaming, China?"

"Yes," I replied. "I can't find Russia and I'm really getting scared, aru. Where is he, aru?"

Granted I was still dazed from my fall, but I was alert enough to notice the look all three nations gave each other. "What? What is is, aru? Did something happen to Russia, aru? What aren't you telling me, aru?" I stared them down with as much intimidation as I could possibly muster, which granted wasn't much, but I had learned enough from Russia to scare them a little, I hope. "Where is he, aru?" I growled.

All three nations trembled, but Lithuania was the first to crack. "He's upstairs in his room," he blurted out. "He's been locked in there for days. He's refusing to see anyone."

Instantly, Latvia and Estonia started attacking him with their fists, pounding on his head, despite the protests from the latter. I went and pulled Lithuania out of the fray. "Why's he up there, aru? What's wrong with him, aru?"

"I don't know," Lithuania whined. "Russia just came home one day all somber and furious, said that he'd be upstairs and told us not to admit any visitors. That's all I know; I swear!"

I released Lithuania with a simple thank you, and started up the stairs, until Lithuania grabbed my arm. "You can't go up there! Russia doesn't want to see anyone."

"I don't care, aru. If Russia is upset then let me go to him, aru, I might be able to help."

"But-"

"I promise that you won't get in any trouble for this, aru," I lied. Honestly, I had no idea if Russia would punish these guys, even with my intervention. It's not like I could stop him.

Lithuania sighed and released my arm. I turned around and bounded up the stairs, not even bothering with a thank you this time. I briskly walked down the hall, past every doorway except the last one on the left; Russia's room.

I took a deep breath, repressing any fear I had, and rapped on the door. "Russia, aru," I said softly. "It's me, China, aru. Do you want to let me in?"

I heard no movement from the other side of the door. "Russia, aru," I repeated. "Open the door please; I want to talk to you, aru."

Still nothing. "Russia," I said, a little more sternly. "Open the door now, please, aru."

After a few seconds, a still heard nothing from inside his room. Lithuania's voice popped into my head: He's been locked in there for days; he's refusing to see anyone. "Ivan Braginski!" I yelled, my concern for him taking over my fear of him. "Unlock this door right now, aru!"

To prove my point, I jiggled the handle, only to have it turn in my palm. It was unlocked the whole time. Feeling foolish, I opened the door modestly and let myself in.

I had been in Russia's room countless times and have stayed the night here quite a bit to know how he usually kept it, clean and cheerful, used to set off his dark demeanor. However, everything I had once known and loved about Russia's room had been torn apart.

The room was trashed: the dark, stuffiness of his usually bright room was emphasized by the stream of light let in by the open door. His curtains were drawn, even though it was the middle of the day, and his bed was unmade and messy. I could barely see his hardwood floor, for it was littered with bottles of vodka. Every step I took into the room, I had to kick an empty bottle out of my way. But as horrifying as his room looked now, it was nothing compared to how Russia looked now, sitting on the edge of his bed, a half-empty bottle in one hand, his eyes red and bloodshot, his pale hair rumpled and unkempt. He was the very picture of depression.

My heart immediately lurched in my chest from the pain of seeing a usually happy Russia so miserable. I crossed the room and stood a few feet away from him, enough to give him his space, crossing my arms over my chest. "What is wrong, Russia, aru?" I asked bluntly, knowing that the direct approach was the best way to deal with him.

He didn't answer me; big surprise, but I didn't expect him to at first. Daringly, I leaned in closer to him, my face inches away from his. "Ivan, aru," I spoke to him as softly as I would Japan. "It is not good to keep things bottled up inside, aru. You will make yourself sick, aru. Talk to me, what is wrong, aru?"

He shook his head and took a long swig of Vodka, grimacing as the burning liquid ran down his throat. Frowning, I yanked the bottle away from him and set it on the cluttered dresser behind me, already filled with other half-empty bottles just like that one. "No, Ivan, no more, aru," I said. It was no secret that I strongly disapproved of his drinking habit, but since when had the larger country ever listened to my teachings? "Please tell me what is bothering you, aru. You are really scaring me, aru."

Russia finally lifted his head up enough to meet my eyes. "I did not wish to make Yao scared," he stated.

"You do when you act this upset, aru. I am your lover, Ivan, it isn't right for you to keep things from me, especially things that are causing you much pain, aru." I sat down next to him and took his hand in mine, cautiously, and gave it a soft squeeze. "If you are angry or upset about something I want you to tell me, aru. I don't care what the problem is; just tell me, okay, aru?"

Sighing, Russia rested his head on my shoulder. "I'm sorry," he mumbled.

"Apology accepted, aru. Now will you please tell me what has caused you this pain, aru?"

Against my boney shoulder, I felt Russia's head shake. I groaned inwardly; he was going to play this game now, was he? "Did something happen in your country, aru?" I guessed.

His head blond shook, his hair brushing my collarbone lightly. "Did someone pick on you, aru?" Lately, America and some of the other countries have been putting Russia down for his conversion to communism. Even though Russia handled it well enough, though usually with violence, every once in a while someone says something that cuts a little too deep, making him more unstable then he usually is.

He shook his head again. "Is it family troubles, aru?" I knew, as everyone did, about Russia's younger sister, Belarus, and her sick obsession with marrying my Russia and becoming one with him. If anyone could make Russia act like this, why not the person who scared him the most?

Again the head shook. "Is it about the war, aru?" I asked.

Finally, I got a head nod. I threw my arm around Russia's broad shoulders and gathered him closer to me. "Ivan, it's just a war, aru. You are an expert on war, Ivan, judging by the many ones you've been through many of them in your lifetime, aru. This is just another conflict that will be resolved in a few years, aru. You have made it through lots of wars before and they have only made you stronger, aru."

"This one is different, da," Russia replied gloomily. "We're at war with the world."

"Yes we are, aru But we have been through this once before and we came out okay, aru."

"This is different, da," Russia repeated. "This one will be worse, Yao, I can feel it."

I shook my head and tsked at him. "You've been listening to England and his ramblings about witchcraft and voodoo too much, aru. This will be just another war, just like all the others, aru."

Russia's hands wrapped themselves around my waist. "How can you be so sure, Yao?"

"I've been around for a long time, aru," I stated. "I've fought in more wars then I care to think about, aru. They may have different names and have been fought in different lands between different people but at the end of the day they're all the same, aru. This is no different than the first World War, aru."

Russia picked his head up from my shoulder to gaze at me with his amethyst eyes. "All right," he answered with a bit of brightness in his voice. "If Yao says that it will be alright then it will be alright."

He bent down and touched my lips lightly with his, the kiss growing more passionate with each passing second, with every beat of my heart. But when we broke away to get some air, I saw a small gleam of sadness in his eyes. Damn. "There is something else bothering you, isn't there, aru?" I accused.

Looking away, Russia shrugged, refusing to meet my eyes. I pulled myself away from his grip and crossed my arms. "Tell me, aru," I commanded.

Instead of listening to me- when does he ever?-he just shook his head again. Oh, so we're back to this, are we? "Oh for goodness sake, Russia, will you just tell me, aru?" I cried, exasperated.

Russia shook his head again and I let out a heated sigh. "Okay, fine, aru. Is it something else about the war, aru?" I asked.

He shrugged. At least I was close this time. "Are you worried about the Axis Powers, aru?"

Blond locks blew around as he shook his head. "Do you have a problem with the Allies, aru?"

Another head shake. "Is someone hurting you, aru?" I asked cautiously.

Nothing. This time there was nothing: no head shake, no shrug, no nod; nothing. "Who is hurting you, aru?" I inquired. I was furious now. Who would be such a monster as to harm my sweet Russia like this? Briefly, the notion of murder crossed my mind. Russia would be so proud. "Answer me, aru."

He shook his head, refusing to say who. I clenched my fists. "Is is America, aru?" I asked immediately.

His head shook. "France, aru?" No. "England, aru?" No. "Germany, Japan or Italy, aru?" No, no and no. "Hungary or Austria, aru?" No. "The Baltic Nations, aru?" Hell no. "Switzerland, Prussia or Poland, aru?" Not at all. "Ukraine or Belarus, aru?" No. "Well, who is it, aru?" I cried out.

Russia continued his childish refusal, which was only infuriating me more. It wasn't like Russia to not talk to me. We told each other everything. Out of all the countries in the whole world, Russia was the one I trusted and turned to the most, even more than my beloved Japan. And I thought he felt the same way about me. Unless…

"Is it me, aru?" I asked softly.

Russia hesitated for a moment and then gave me a defeated nod before burying his face in his hands. Stunned, I stood up and walked away from him, over towards his shrouded window. "Oh."

My head started to pound again and my stomach felt as if it were filled with poison. I placed a hand against my ancient heart; it was hammering my sad tune so strongly in my chest I was wondering if it were possible for it to give out due to strain. "I'm sorry, Russia, how did I hurt you, aru? What did I do, aru? Please, you must tell me, aru. Tell me what I can do to make this right, aru." I could feel myself panicking, but really, who could blame me? I just found out that my lover, the man I cared about the most, had been feeling destroyed for days and it was my fault! "Please, Ivan, talk to me, just this once, aru. Tell me what I can do to fix this, aru. Ivan…" my voice trailed off as I stifled a sob.

Dropping his hands, Russia threw his head back and stared at the ceiling. "You didn't do anything, Yao," he said.

My head snapped over to face him. "Then why did you tell me that I hurt you, aru?" I demanded as I whipped away my tears furiously.

Russia sighed. "You misunderstood me; you haven't hurt me at all. How could you, Yao, you love me? And I love you, da. No, I'm not upset because of anything you did. What scares me is what might happen."

"What are you talking about, aru? What do you mean what might happen, aru?"

"This war is going to be big, the biggest the world has ever known. And here we are at the forefront of it. Now, I know I will make it through this; I am strong with a good army and General Winter backing me up. It's not me I'm worried about, Yao, it's you."

I raised my eyebrows. "Me, aru? Why are you worried about me, aru?"

"It's like you said, China, you're old. You're, what, three thousand, four thousand years old? That and you're not as strong as you used to be; look at you, you're so thin! You've been through a lot over your lifetime and this war is going to be huge. I just don't know if you're up for it."

My eyes narrowed with anger. How dare he question my importance, my strength, my will to fight? It was a loving thought, I knew, for him to be worried about me, but at the same time he was questioning my role as a country, my status as a nation. And all this was coming from my lover! That was what bothered me the most. "So you believe that I should step aside and let the future of the world be decided by you toddlers, aru?" I stated coldly.

"No! No, Yao, that's not what I want. I just want you to be safe. I don't want you to disappear."

I let out a hard laugh. "That's not true, aru. You've been trying to get me to 'become one with mother Russia' since we first met, aru."

"That's different."

"How, aru?"

"Because if you become one with me you might disappear but you'll at least be alive. You wouldn't die," Russia replied harshly.

It took me a second to process what he meant by this. "You think I will die, aru?" I asked.

His silence only confirmed my suspicions; that and the sudden shadow that crossed his handsome features as he looked down at his big feet. "Oh Ivan, aru," I muttered softly, crossing the room. I took his hands as he lifted his sad gaze to meet mine. "You shouldn't worry about me, aru. I have been around for four thousand years; one more war will not break me, aru. I am stronger than you give me credit for, aru. Besides, I have made it this far, aru."

Russia stood up and engulfed me into his arms, except it was me holding him, as he buried his face in my neck. "Things can change easily. Look what happened to the great Roman Empire, he just disappeared one day, and he thought he was invincible too," he muttered. "I don't know what I would do if Yao was to die."

I tightened my grip on him, my hands squeezing his back as I rested my cheek against his chest, listening to his steadily beating heart as he placed his chin on my head. "You will forget about me and move on, aru," I said firmly. "I refuse to cause you any more trouble, aru. But that does not matter because I will be fine, as will you, aru."

He moved his head; I could feel the slight stubble on his face scratch my forehead lightly. "Yao has had many close calls before," he commented.

I stiffened, that was true. It was creepy how much Russia knew about my past history, but then again, stalking me for years in a panda suit had to have given him an edge. "The past is past, aru. Besides, I have something now that I didn't have in the wars past."

Russia stepped back and looked into my eyes, though our arms were still interlocked with the others. "What is that, da?"

"I have you, aru," I remarked with a smile.

Satisfied and smiling again, Russia bent down and kissed me hard on the mouth. I felt my body respond to his touch. He rested me gently on the bed and followed me down, kissing every inch of visible skin that he saw, his hands holding my waist tightly. "Stay with me tonight, da?" he pleaded as he kissed my neck.

I brushed his cheek softly, enjoying seeing his eyes closing with pleasure. "Of course, aru," I replied. "Although we have to report to the meeting with the allies in a few hours, aru."

Grinning devilishly, he pinned me down. "I think we're going to be late," he growled into my ear, kissing me again.

Hope you enjoyed this one! Please read and review!