When Matthew woke the next morning he was alone in the bed. But he was not alone in the cabin.

He sat up to find the Russian packing up his clothing, shoving it into the sack. S clean set of clothing was left for the Canadian to wear, folded on the chair.

"Good.. morning?" Matthew rubbed his eyes, then swung his legs over the side of the bed. He was surprised the Russian was still there with him. Ivan had never spent the evening before, always disappearing after Matthew had fallen asleep.

He winced at how cold the floor was. The fire had burned out completely, allowing Winter's chilly fingers to sneak inside.

"Ah, good morning my little Mattvey." Ivan smiled, pausing in his packing long enough to place a kiss on the top of Matthew's head. "We are leaving this place today, da?"

"Leaving?"

"Yes. Do what you need to get ready. I want to be back in Moscow by early afternoon."

"Um.. ok."

This was a little.. sudden. Matthew padded to the washroom to clean up. He could scarcely believe what he just heard. Leaving and going to Moscow? Ivan was taking him away from the cabin?

Matthew scrubbed at himself with the icy water, shivering. He wasn't sure what to think. He thought he might feel excited but.. he also felt very unsure. What was going to happen now? He wondered if he'd earned his freedom by agreeing to become part of Russia. Did this mean he was going back to Canada? He felt a little spark of hope in his chest, but it was soon replaced with uneasiness. Would Ivan come with him, or make him go back alone? The Russian promised he wouldn't leave him alone again..

He toweled himself dry and went to pull on the clothes Ivan had left for him. Next was his winter gear. He barely pulled his second boot into place before Ivan was herding him out the door. Matthew thought that maybe he should have one last look around the cabin but there wasn't time. He climbed onto the snow machine, then Ivan climbed on behind him and started the engine. They were flying off down another trail, but Matthew couldn't tell in which direction. He hoped he'd had a chance to look at a map once they got to Moscow. He hated to feel so lost and unsure of where he'd spent the last.. how many months? How long had he been in the cabin?

They followed the trail for well over an hour. 'Did he really come all this way to see me every night?' Matthew wondered, chancing a quick glance up at his.. lover? Was Ivan his lover now? Did he love Ivan?

So many questions rolling through his mind. And no answers for any of them. All he knew was that now he was one with Russia and he was on his way to the capital city.

Ivan noticed his gaze and smiled down at him. Matthew said nothing of his thoughts and watched as the scenery flew by.

They finally came to a stop at a narrow, snow-lined country road. There was a large car parked half hidden beneath the boughs of a huge evergreen tree. Matthew had never seen a car like it before. It reminded him of the cars from the 1950's, but it didn't look old. Ivan left the Canadian standing by the car and went to park the snow machine in another hidden spot beneath the trees. Then he unlocked the car door, tossed the sack into the back seat and ushered the Canadian into the front. He crossed in front of the car, climbed into the drivers seat and turned the engine over. He pulled out onto the road, and headed in the direction where Matthew assumed Moscow was.

Matthew wondered what all the hurry was about. Perhaps Ivan just wanted to get home to Moscow to see his boss and tell them about his new union with Canada. It must be exciting for Ivan. He was always saying everyone would eventually become one with Russia. Now someone finally had.

Or.. maybe he just wanted a hot meal.. or a hot shower.

Matthew began to daydream about the hottest, most wonderful bubble bath he was going to take as soon as he was in Ivan's house. It would be so frothy with suds, and so hot his entire body would turn red. But that was rather selfish of him, wasn't it? He should be thinking about how he was going to break the news of joining with Russia to his boss, not about lounging in a hot tub. How would his Prime Minister take the news? What would Matthew say to him to try and explain that it was ok? They could trust Russia.. Russia would take care of him. He promised.

Aside from the Prime Minister.. how would he break the news to England? To Papa France? To.. to America..?

"Um.. Ivan?" He said softly, "I'm worried. I'm worried that Alfred is.. is really not going to like this.."

Ivan reached across the seat to take Matthew's hand, giving it a comforting squeeze.

"Do not worry about the American, Matvey."

"But what if he-"

"I said do not worry!"

Matthew shrank back from the Russian, startled by the sudden sharpness in his voice. The temper was back. With it came Matthew's memories of being beaten should he step too far out of line. Would it always be this way? Had he traded Alfred's arrogance for Ivan's unpredictably short fuse?

Matthew stared out his window, fields of white snow and forest flying by, but he didn't notice. He did see Ivan's reflection in the glass however, and for a moment he thought the Russian was watching him. For a brief moment he thought he saw regret touch those violet eyes. He kept quiet tho, and so did Ivan, for the remainder of the drive.

The sights and sounds of Moscow were dazzling to Matthew. He'd been there once before, when Ivan held a world meeting at his home city. Matthew hadn't been brave enough to wander out on his own to tour. Alfred had already gone off with Kiku in search of fun, and there had been no one left for Matthew to spend time with. So he'd stayed in his hotel room with his polar bear until it was time to leave for home.

His face was plastered to the window as they drove, drinking in all the wonders of this foreign city. He gasped excitedly and pointed his finger at a huge building in the distance with coloured spires. "Is that-?"

"Yes," answered Ivan, keeping his eye on the road, "It is The Kremlin. One day I take you there, da? See it up close."

"Really? That would be great! When can we go? Tomorrow maybe, when we're settled?" Matthew smiled at Ivan, hopeful and glad that the Russian's bad mood seemed to have passed.

"Perhaps."

The car made it's way through the busy city, then turned into a long driveway that was blocked by a huge, iron gate. Ivan undid his window and leaned out, punching in a code onto a keypad. The iron doors creaked as they slowly swung open. Matthew watched as the doors closed behind them with a clatter once they'd driven through.

At the end of the driveway was a huge mansion that almost looked more like a castle. It was dark and dreary, it's glory days long passed. Matthew thought perhaps it might look lovely in the Summer with some greenery around, but in Winter it looked stone cold and lonely. So this was where Ivan lived?

He'd heard that Ivan almost never took in visitors, except for his sisters and the Baltic states. He could see why, tho he doubted Ivan cared to have too much pride.

Ivan pulled the car into a garage who's door was opening automatically. He parked and killed the engine.

A servant rushed to the drivers side door and bowed low as Ivan stepped out. Matthew got out himself and went around the back of the car, going to Ivan's side. He eyed the servant, noticing that the man was shaking. He was clearly terrified.. and the Canadian realized that the feeling was mutual. He was starting to feel overwhelmed. He'd spent months and months by himself in a tiny cabin in the middle of nowhere with only Ivan for company. Now here he was in the heart of a massive city..

He grasped for Ivan's hand, staying close as they entered the house.

"Welcome home, Russia." Another servant, this one female, bowed to them once they were inside. She glanced at Matthew, and he thought her eyes held a touch of pity. "Master Yao is waiting for you in the sitting room."

Ivan nodded and led Canada further into the house.

"China is here?" Matthew asked, curious.

"Yes. He is waiting to speak with us."

Matthew glanced around as they went down a long hallway. There were pictures hanging everywhere. Russia's past bosses, and present. Family pictures of Ukraine and Belarus. The wallpaper and light fixtures looked old. There were cracks in the ceiling. Matthew wondered why Russia didn't take better care of his home, at least for his own sake.

Ivan stopped at a pair of large doors. He looked down at Matthew, and smiled, brushing the blond hair out of his eyes. "Do not speak. Let me explain to him what has happened, da?"

Ivan bent to place a soft kiss on the Canadian's lips. Matthew only felt confused, but nodded. He would stay quiet. Not that it was unusual for Canada to stay quiet anyway.

Ivan pushed the doors open and led the little Canadian in. There, sitting on one of the couches drinking tea, was China.

"Mr. Russia!" Yao set the teacup down and immediately rose to his feet. His mouth opened to begin speaking when he noticed Matthew at Ivan's side. He tilted his head. "...who?"

"Canada." Ivan answered, sounding annoyed.

Matthew's cheeks flushed and he moved to half hide behind Ivan's arm, suddenly feeling shy. He almost wished they were still back at the cabin.. but that was crazy.

"You.. were serious." Yao sounded as if he didn't believe who he was seeing, and was choosing his words carefully. "You really went and took him."

"Of course," Ivan smirked, " I told you I would. And I told you that Canada would become part of Russia." Ivan nudged Matthew to come out from hiding, but Matthew stayed put. His eyes were closed and he was picturing the warm fire and the bearskin rug back at the cabin, with Ivan's arms around him, comforting him. He didn't like being here, being stared at by China. He ducked back even further.

"Russia," Yao's voice was serious, stern, "You can't possibly hope to gain the upper hand by taking Canada."

Matthew felt Ivan stiffen beside him. Suddenly worried, he shrunk away, afraid of the larger man. Ivan was angry at Yao. Would he raise his fists to beat him?

Yao, seemingly unaffected by Ivan's temper, watched Matthew curiously. He turned an angry expression at the Russian.

"What did you do to him?"

Ivan suddenly grabbed Matthew's wrist and stalked out of the room, dragging Matthew with him.

"Ivan Braginsky! What did you do to Canada? Why wont he speak! Why is he afraid?" Yao called after them.

"Be silent, Yao!" He snarled over his shoulder, "I will be right back."

Ivan took Matthew into another room located on the other side of the hall. It was a small study with a single, comfortable looking chair, a window with laced white curtains and four cases full of books. The wallpaper in here was shredding from age, but it looked well kept when compared to the hallway. The Russian set his hands on Matthew's shoulders and took a deep, calming breath. Matthew waited nervously, wondering if he'd done something wrong to make China angry.

"I am sorry, Matvey." said Ivan, after a long silence, "It seems that China is not yet ready to discuss our agreement. Will you stay here while I speak with him privately?"

Matthew nodded. He was much happier to stay alone in this room. He had always been uncomfortable being around whenever the other nations were upset. Now he felt terrified. He was glad to let Ivan handle this for them both.

Ivan waited until Matthew was settled comfortably in the chair before leaving the room, closing the door behind him.

The walls were thin in this house. Matthew could hear the muffled voices of the Russian and China talking in the next room. If it could be called a discussion it was very heated. When they started shouting, Matthew could hear every word very clearly.

"Have you gone mad?" Yao shouted.

"You know the answer." Ivan snarled back.

"The entire world is looking for him, Ivan! America was convinced he was kidnapped as soon as it was noticed Canada was missing. He has been threatening all nations to open their borders indefinitely so search parties can find him."

"I am aware. I hid him well for long time."

"Long enough to brainwash him. I saw that. But it's foolishness, Ivan. Alfred will have your neck long before you can think of getting your military anywhere near Canada."

Matthew heard the double doors slam hard enough to shake the walls. A moment later the door to the little study burst open and Ivan stalked in. Matthew tried to stand, but yelped when he was scooped up off the floor. He curled in close to Ivan's body to avoid smacking his head off the door frame as the Russian carried him from the room, like he was a jealously guarded prize. Yao appeared at the double doors and stepped into the hallway.

"Leave my house." Ivan growled at him. Yao nodded his head.

"I will. But I tell you this was not a wise idea, Ivan." He watched as the Russian walked away with Canada in his arms. "The pebble at the bottom looks insignificant and small, but if you pluck it away the entire mountain may come crashing down, ending us all."

"Spare me your proverbs."

And with that, Yao was gone.

Ivan climbed a set of stairs, then opened a door to a large bedroom. There was a huge bed in the centre of the back wall. A large desk with a computer to the right, book shelves everywhere around it and to the left a patio door that led to a wide veranda. The room looked as tho it could have been luxurious once. Now, along with the rest of the house, it looked unkept and old.

Ivan set Matthew down gently on the bed, then went to open the patio and go outside, shutting the door behind him. The little Canadian could see him through the glass, leaning against the railing, his shoulders tensed. His hands fisted against the railing, the knuckles pink from the cold.

Matthew watched him, wondering if it was safe to go and try to talk to the man. He could almost see a purple haze of anger hovering around Ivan, and decided that no, it was safer just to leave him alone for now and stay in here. Stay.. and try very hard not to think about the things he just heard.

He curiously gazed around the room. Spying another door, he got up from the bed and quietly tiptoed over. A peek inside revealed a washroom with the biggest clawfoot bathtub he'd ever seen. Stars glazed across his eyes as he watched little trickles of droplets falling from the faucet. Hot... water...

Matthew glanced towards the balcony, seeing Ivan still standing outside fuming to himself. Well.. there was nothing else to do.. so..

He slipped inside the washroom and closed the door. He shoved the stopper into the drain. He twisted the hot faucet to full and ran his hands beneath the water. Pure bliss. Matthew thought he'd died and gone to heaven.

When it ran too hot and started to scald, he added a little bit of cold and stepped back to wait for the tub to fill. The room began to fill with steam.

Matthew searched through the cupboards under the sink and smiled when he found what he was looking for. Bubble bath! He dumped in a large amount and watched as suds started to form and grow.

When the tub was full he twisted the faucets to stop the water. He stripped off his clothes and carefully put one foot in, then the other. The bottom was slippery and the water was so hot he could barely stand it. He lowered himself in carefully, feeling all the tension in his muscles draining away. The thoughts in his head drained away also..

He didn't need to worry. Ivan would take care of everything. Ivan had it under control.

"Can I join you?"

Matthew jumped. The little Canadian hadn't even heard the door open! Ivan was in the washroom with him, gazing down at him. The smile was back in place on the Russian's face. Matthew relaxed, feeling relieved. All was well again.

"Of.. of course!"

Matthew watched, astounded, as the Russian began to remove his clothes. The jacket had already been removed and left outside. Ivan pulled his sweater over his head and Matthew sank lower into the bubbles in hopes the Russian wouldn't see him staring. His chest was sculpted and pale. It was covered in old scars. So were his arms and back. Matthew wasn't sure he wanted to know the story behind all of them. His own body had a scar here or there, but he wasn't nearly as old as Russia. His past not so checkered with blood and violence.

Ivan unfastened his pants and let them drop from his hips. Matthew had already seen that part of the Russian, but it was still a sight to behold. He blushed, but then his eyes were drawn to the scarf that Ivan was unwrapping from his neck, leaving him completely bare. So he DID take it off.. from time to time.

The scarf was carefully folded and put on a shelf. Ivan stepped into the tub and sank down into the water with a sigh. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.

Matthew set a small glob of bubbles on the end of the Russian's nose. He snickered.

Ivan suddenly grabbed the little Canadian and pulled him across the tub. Matthew yelped in surprise, water sloshing over the sides, then he found himself straddling the Russian's lap. The larger mans' hard arousal poked up between his legs. Ivan fisted his hair and pulled him into a searching kiss that was as hot as the water.

"You are mine, little Matvey," he said softly, then nibbled on Matthew's bottom lip, "Never be forgetting that, da?"

Matthew nodded. "Da."

The Russian reached down into the water between their bodies. He placed himself at Matthew's entrance. Matthew braced himself with his knees, his arms around Ivan's neck, and lowered himself slowly with a shuddering sigh. Ivan had been right.. it did not hurt. He was not sore at all from yesterday, and now with the help of the heat to relax his body and the slippery soapiness of the water the Russian slid into him easily.

Fully seated in Ivan's lap, Matthew squirmed a bit to position his legs just right. He leaned forward and up, the throbbing hardness inside him sliding out nearly all the way. Then he sat back down in a rush that caused them both to shudder and gasp.

"Yeessss.." the Russian hissed out the word through his teeth, "Ride it.."

Matthew rocked up and down in Ivan's lap. He began to pant, the heat of the water and the air making his hair stick damply to his face and neck. When he lost the rhythm, Ivan grasped his hips and pulled and pushed the little Canadian, urging him on.

"Ah-!"

Matthew made mewling cries of pleasure. Ivan groaned low in his ear.

The water sloshed around in the tub, spilling over the sides. Their movements were frenzied, out of sync. Matthew whined when Ivan pushed him off, then pulled himself out of the tub. He motioned for Matthew to follow. Careful not to slip, Matthew did as Ivan directed him to, bending over the cupboard. Ivan grasped him from behind and the little Canadian gasped out a cry when the Russian slid back into him, slick and hot.

He pushed back against the Russian's thrusts, meeting them eagerly. Their bodies made slapping sounds against each other. Matthew's fingers gripped the edge of the cupboard and he looked up into the mirror. He saw the mighty Ivan mounted behind him, driving into him with such a fierce look on his face that it sent Matthew spiraling over the edge into bliss.

Ivan followed suit, burying his hips as deeply into the little Canadian as he could. He finished with a grunt, then collapsed over Matthew, his forehead resting on the sink beside the Canadian's face.

He panted, sweat dripping from his silver hair that hung in clumps. Matthew bore his weight, tho he felt very shaky, his legs like rubber.

"Wow.." The little Canadian whispered. Ivan opened his eyes and smiled, looking very spent.

"You are amazing, my little Matvey." Ivan kissed his cheek before easing himself free and standing to stretch. He bent to pull the plug from the tub, then turned the water back on for a shower.

Matthew joined him. They took turns washing each other, then wrapped each other up in towels.

"What about the mess?" Matthew motioned to the water all over the floor. Ivan shook his head.

"Servant job."

Matthew let himself be guided back to the bedroom where he was pulled into the large bed and buried under thick covers. The little Canadian savoured the feeling of laying naked with his Russian, their legs tangled together, Ivan's arms draped around him. He slipped into a peaceful slumber, free of stress and fear and without a hint of loneliness.

All his worries were far away.

Or rather.. they were fast approaching... in a black, unmarked helicopter.