Karin hummed calmly from her seat in the back of Belarus' car, joining the soft radio song playing gently from the front. She busied herself with looking outside, watching buildings and seeping landscapes pass by in easily seen blurs. She watched the sunny land turn grey and white, and soon it was actually snowing. She pressed her cheeks up against the glass of the window, watching the new white flakes fall and stick to the window.

"Belarus, is that…that snow?"

"Yes. It must be snowing still" Belarus replied, keeping her eyes on the road. Even though she knew the road and she was a professional and master at driving in the snow, she had to be careful.

"Still? Shouldn't it be spring and sunny here?"

"Well…..we're heading for Big brother's place first. If you want to, I can babysit you at his home. His place is colder than mine and in the middle of a mild snowstorm"

"I don't know yet…..I'll decide when we get Russia"

"Alrighty, Karin. We should be coming up to St. Petersburg soon, so look for the pretty buildings"

As Belarus said, they finally arrived in St. Petersburg, and Karin couldn't believe what she was seeing. Over the top of countless buildings, she could see the palace and all of the tourist spots. People wrapped up in thin coats, in her opinion, and people with heavy scarves flowing down their backs and looking like furry people. Some chatted in happy Russian, and the smell of vodka -she learned what it was from her father who taught her the different scents of alcohol- wafted through her open window.

Countless shops were open as well through the storm, and people were content with buying warm goods and tourists bracing through the cold.

"Belarus, it's really pretty! Look at the big building! Is that where we're going?" Karin asked with excited squeals. Belarus laughed, and gave a curt, but happy 'Da' in response. Karin bounced in anticipation, unable to wait any longer to say hello to Russia and see his country. As they pulled up to a gate alongside the Palace, two armed guards waved them in, looking at Karin curiously. She waved at them and then looked out the back and smiled when she saw them wave back, albeit reluctantly. Her charming nature had struck again.

As they pulled up along a chilly curb, Karin could see the ends of a scarf flutter in the wind in front of the large building they were parked in front of. She could tell it was Russia, and pushed to go out and say hello. Belarus was already up and helping her out of the car before her request even finished coming out of her mouth. Karin shivered as the cold whipping of wind hit her, but she fought the chill and ran for Russia. The large nation kneeled down with the largest smile she ever saw on his face and accepted the launched hug she gave. Russia was warm, and she liked the feeling.

"Privet, Karin! You're staying with my sister da?" Russia asked, letting her step back respectively.

"Da, Ja! Mutti and Vati let me be babysat by her! Can you join? Bela, can he join, pleeeeeease?"

Belarus chuckled as Karin walked up into her arms, and she hoisted her up on her hip, carrying her like a true mother. Russia bristled a bit, knowing that she learned such skills for when she forced him to do something like Germany and Italy had.

"Only if Big Brother is okay with it. Is it alright brother? I'll have to stay as well, I was given responsibility over her wellbeing"

Russia contemplated this for a moment, unsure for a moment's hesitation about his decision. He on one hand wanted them to stay, because Karin liked him and was kind and open and saw past his dark past and darkness. On the other, Belarus scares him and doesn't want to get jumped. Maybe, on the rare third hand, Karin could help them and keep Belarus off his back. Russia smiled into the fabric of his scarf, waving them in as he pushed the doors of the palace open again.

"Come on in. You guys can stay in the upper floors; my personal space. I'll find the boys and get them to make something for you"

Karin cheered as Belarus carried her inside the warm, gold and red palace. As they trekked inside the extravagant halls, Karin kept her eyes wide and her mind open, looking at the pieces of art and the whole 'ancient' feel of the place. It reflected the history not so blackened in Russia. It was a beautiful palace, in a beautiful city. She could see the whispers of the past czars as they moved through, passing countless rooms and speaking politicians spilling out Russian as she caught some sound. She did not understand any of it, but it reminded her of the roughness of the German language, though she knew that Russian would be hard to grasp. Belarus let her on her own feet as they ascended up to Russia's private floors of his home. It was equally beautiful and ancient as the floor sprawling below them. Tapestries and flowing lengths of silk lined many of the windows, making the illuminated snow stick to the windows appear pink.

"Boys~ We have guests!" Russia called out as he led Belarus and Karin into a comfy lounging room, fireplace alit in crackling flames. Karin clambered up on the couch next to Belarus, peering from her hiding spot on her side as three more countries, who Kari assumed were 'the boys', ran in, the smallest panting for breath. They looked scared of Russia, and Karin didn't like it. She could see the smallest change in Russia, and he waved her over. Karin sighed, knowing she'd have to meet them, and showed herself to them. Belarus walked along side of her, giving the Baltic with the brown hair a hurtful gaze. Karin squeezed Belarus's hand, signaling her to stop it. She acknowledged it.

"Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, meet Karin, Germany and Italy's daughter. She's staying with Belarus for the weekend, and so they'll be staying here! I want you to meet her and be nice to her, okay?"

"Nice to meet you guys! You…did I meet you guys?"

Latvia walked out of the Baltic pack and kneeled down to Karin's level, smiling. He held his hand out in an offer to shake.

"You met me. The others were at home dealing with big things. I'm Latvia, if you didn't remember"

Karin's face lit up. "I remember! You smelled like olive branches! You were really nice and spoke kindly of your fellow Baltics"

"H-He did?" Lithuania stepped up as well. "You did?"

"Yup! You three seem really nice! Russia, Belarus I don't think you'll have to worry!"

The former USSR members relaxed into a calm and quiet setting as Karin explored and learned from them. She was a curious little girl, wanting to know about them and their history, their personalities and hobbies. She even asked to try their individual cuisines. Russia took the high honor of having her favorite dish out of them all. By the time it had grown dark out, they had bundled up in front of the fireplace, blankets around each one of their shoulders, and telling stories and fairy tales to the ever-curious Karin. They told of fair princesses and their journeys, of men and beast fighting, of mystical beasts and their riders. Russia even told the story of Anastasia and her family's demise and journey. Karin took in every story and soon was making her own to entertain them all, weaving a story of sadness, wisdom and at the end, fulfillment. Her main characters had their final wishes granted, and they faded with clear minds and peace. The story brought them all to tears. All the while, Estonia had written it down and copied it to his computer for safe keeping.

By the time the clock struck nine, Karin had grown sleepy, yawning wide and long, stretching out sore muscles. She eventually fell asleep in her night dress, curled up in Russia's lap, leaning into his chest. As she dove deeper into her sleep land, Russia, tucked her close, smiling. He was ecstatic to know he had a friend, at last. And Belarus was glad to find out that she was welcome to join him in sleep tonight. By the time the others checked in on them, Russia, Belarus and Karin were fast asleep tucked into each other on the floor, Karin between the larger nations. The Baltics let them sleep, and threw a large quilted blanket over them all, quietly tucking pillows under their heads. As Karin accepted her stuffed bear into her arms, the Baltics gathered up in the living room and joined them, quickly following. Though before he could fall asleep, Latvia got up and took to the kitchen, dialing Hungary's number using Belarus's phone.

"Bel, there you are! How is everything?" Hungary answered. " I was about to check in like I said but I got caught-"

"Hungary, it's Latvia. Sorry it's not Belarus but she's asleep with Russia and Karin"

"….did you say she was asleep with Karin and RUSSIA?!" Hungary exclaimed. Latvia nodded, giving a sound of confirmation.

"Yes. I can assume that with Karin here, Russia started to become unafraid of her. They're asleep in his living room. Everyone's bunking down at Russia's now, and I'm not sure if Karin will be going to Belarus's place. I just wanted to update you so you could fill in Germany and Italy"

"They're listening in now. How did everything go?"

"Amazing! Let me explain…" For a full ten minutes, Latvia wove the tale of the day's events. He spoke calmly and grew enthusiastic by the end, smiling from ear to ear. From the noises and words from the other end of the phone, Latvia could tell Germany and Italy were ecstatic about this progress.

"Latvia, thank you so much for calling" It was Germany thanking him. "We appreciate it"

"It's no problem you guys. Someone will probably call you in the morning our time or later tomorrow, okay?"

"Okay, Latvia!" Hungary answered. "Good night"

"Good night" Latvia hit END CALL and set Belarus's phone next other again, smiling as she cuddled Karin closer, and at the same time getting close enough for Russia to hold her closer. Latvia had to admit it was sweet of a thing to see. He hadn't seen them so nice and calm to each other ever. It was a nice change. Latvia quickly snuggled into his sleeping bag and fell asleep in no time flat. As silence mixed with the soft pattering of wind and snow reigned, Karin woke to the beat of two hearts in her ears. She looked up and Belarus's peaceful looks and then to Russia's, feeling her pride swell. She had done what she set out to do.

"Yay…" she cheered as she yawned, sinking back into her sleep cycle.

Their hearts sound good when synched, Karin thought absently as she settled into her dreams, feeling Belarus's arms push her closer to Russia until her head rested on his chest.

Belarus blinked away the drowsiness in her eyes as she slowly woke up. She was met with the soft breathing of Karin and the warmth of Russia. She blushed instantly, seeing how close she was to him. Thoughts bubbled from every corner of her head until Karin yawned out of her slumber, rousing Russia as well in her return to the day.

"Good morning Belarus, Russia"

Russia blinked away sleepiness as well and as soon as he caught sight on how they were positioned, her froze. The three of them froze and stared, unable to compute how it happened. Well, Karin did but she stayed silent and even wiggled her way out, smoothing out her night gown and walking into the kitchen, leaving the two siblings to work it out. She found Estonia in the kitchen, and warmly greeted him. He helped her up on the table in the kitchen and continued cooking with her audience.

"It smells good Estonia" Karin sighed, smiling dreamily. She was really hungry. Estonia chuckled and set a few apple slices and a cup of grape juice. Karin drank her juice slowly.

"How did the wake up go?" Estonia asked, turning to face Karin.

The shouting and screaming, coupled with some calm talk answered for her.

"That's how its going right now Estonia~" Karin said sweetly. Estonia sighed, hoping it wouldn't last too long.

Hey sorry for the short update but I know people are probably jumping at the bit for an update! I hope you enjoyed this!