Title: Russia's wife
Disclaimer: I own nothing.
Author's note: I will be gone for a couple of weeks…
Chapter 7: Halloween Party
A few days later, they were in Canada's capital city; Ottawa, to attend the Halloween party. Amelia decided to go as Cleopatra while Ivan was dressed as Mark Anthony. Everyone knows that Halloween was one of her favorite holidays of the year so she always goes out of her way to pull off the most fabulous Halloween costumes. This year was no different.
From the gold snake head piece and black wig to the black shoulder-less wrap dress adorned with several pieces of jewelry like the snake arm bands, gold wrist bands and large turquoise collar down to her strap heels. She was truly the queen of the Nile personified. Her husband was also dressed to the teeth. He wore a white tunic, shiny gold breastplate and cape like a boss. They stole the spotlight when they arrived at the party.
A true power couple that fascinated their peers and also unintentionally feared their being together. It did not surprise her that her marriage posed a potential threat to their existence. They were two of the most powerful nations in the world. No one would deny their military might and their strength to put the world into another world war if they wanted. Many fear that with their union, they would look past their differences to wage war against their common enemies. It is a possibility but highly unlikely.
There are many countries that hate Russia but are allied with America and vice versa. It was a delicate tapestry and to ruin it would cause a nuclear collision course for all countries of the world. America shook her head to bury the very idea of Russia intending to invade one of her allies. Surely, he would not be so foolish to do that.
Looking at her husband, he has a round, childish face with a more prominent nose. He has beige-blond hair lighter than hers and violet eyes that she loved. Some of the features that made her fall for him even as child-colony.
Walking around the room, first, they paid their respects to the host before passing a group of common friends. Matthew dressed as a werewolf. He even had the paws, ears and tail. The couple would politely join the conversation and share anecdotes before passing to the next group of allies. A few minutes later, Ivan went to get them some drinks while Amelia went to greet Japan who came by dressed in a frilly Lolita dress. She wore the alice bow, blouse, jumper skirt, over knee socks, mark janes and even held an umbrella on one hand. When Ivan returned, he was accompanied by China who was dressed as a zombie.
Japan silently groaned as she was forced to greet China. She looked at America for help but the latter merely shrugged. They talked about the events of the world before China asked Japan for a dance. She was forced to accept and they left the couple on their own.
"I really don't think your plan will work, babe?"
"What do you mean, podsolnechnik?"
Amelia gave him a teasing grin, "I mean China and Japan babe? Seriously?"
Russia shrugged, "I don't know what you mean?"
"I think you do and for the record, China should just give up."
"What? What do you mean?"
"I mean China has more luck reconciling with Taiwan than Japan."
"Don't you think you're underestimating China?"
"Ha! I knew it! You were trying to set them up," said Amelia cheerfully. "But you know, China would still fail."
"Da. I know. Too much bad blood on both sides, I think."
"If China wants a chance with Japan. He should relinquish his claim of the Senkaku Islands."
Russia internally sighed. It was common knowledge that the eight uninhabited islands located in East China Sea was the root of their problem. Those piles of rocks may not look significant but they were close to important shipping lanes, offer rich fishing grounds and lie near potential oil and gas reserves. Thus, the talks between their respective bosses were often filled with tension and distrust.
Assessing the matter with a cool head, Russia finally answered his wife. "I highly doubt, he'll do that, da."
"Then he should kiss his chance at her goodbye," said Amelia solemnly.
At that, Russia remained silent. They watched the two dance. It was an awkward affair where Japan tried to ignore China as best as she could without rudely shunning him as best she could. They excused themselves from the dancing couple, Amelia trying her best to evade her friend's glare.
The couple later found Finland dressed as a Viking already drunk at the bar, rambling and raving how Amelia grew up too fast and how he regretted giving her up to England. Good thing, Sweden who was also dressed as a Viking was there to take care of him. Belarus dressed as Snow White was also there at the party. Russia held her protectively hindering Belarus' approach. They encountered various nations playing Halloween games, dancing or drinking as the night progressed.
America got separated from Russia when he needed to take a private call from his boss. As a fellow nation, America knew that she needed to respect her husband's privacy so she left him there to speak with his boss.
She wandered through the crowd meandering to the food table to get a bottle of beer. The music was blaring through the function room. The ballroom was large enough to accommodate more than a hundred people. There were full of party balloons, confetti and glittered all around. Canada went all out this year.
"Amelia!" A voice called over the loud music.
Startled, Amelia looked around to see a familiar blond. It was England. He was headed straight towards her. He was dressed as a vampire. A gentleman vampire.
"Iggy!" She felt her spirits lift immediately. At least he was talking to her again. She gave him a warm hug.
"For the last time, Amelia don't call me that!" England chastised.
"Do you prefer, Artie, instead?"
"Hell no. Is it so hard for you to call me Arthur?"
"But that's so boring, you need a nickname, dude?"
"Amelia."
"Fine!" Amelia said glumly,
"Anyway! Its been a while," Arthur said.
"Yeah," Amelia replied. "A lot's changed."
"I know." Arthur answered, glancing out of the dance floor, "Is he here?"
"Yeah but he's talking with his boss. I'd rather not talk about that. So how are things with you?"
000
After talking to his boss, Ivan made his way through the dancing bodies of the people around him. He finally made it through and began to inch his way along the perimeter of the room, his eyes looked for a certain blonde.
He stopped dead in his tracks the moment he saw her. There was England at her side, talking to her. Despite himself, he grew angry. What were they talking about, was he trying to win her? His rage swelled when England leaned over and brushed off a piece of confetti out of her hair and they laughed at their continued intimacy. Russia had enough. He marched over to them.
000
America laughed at some of the stories that Arthur told him. How Australia fell into quick sand and he had to be fished out by New Zealand. He told her stories of China coming to visit just to hit him with a wok because he failed to teach Hong Kong manners. They laughed at France failed attempts at flirting with Japan which earned him a slap. Those were the days when she would sit beside Arthur and talked about family.
They sat at a corner watching as the countries danced on the floor. They were content as silence ensued. The conversation turned serious when out of the blue, Arthur quietly said. "I'm sorry you have to do this."
"Do what?" America already had a couple of beers so she was not really focused.
Arthur's eyes hardened, and he glared at no one in particular. "I know it must be hard for you, being with him every night."
Amelia blinked. "Well, I appreciate the thought but I'm actually fine, Arthur."
As she thought about it, she realized she didn't mind it all. Russia could be sweet, charming and fun to be with when they weren't both worrying about their own people and their bosses. He was also the best opponent she could remember when they played games. When she broke out of her train of thought, she realized Arthur's eyes were still on her, a fervent look in them. He reached out and grasped her hand. He darted a brief, precautionary glance at the noisy crowd. "If you want I can nullify your marriage."
"I don't think the Russia would take that kindly," she lightly chuckled but stopped when she saw the anger in his eyes.
"Arthur?"
"You've always been my ward. I took care of you when you were little. We're closer than we were after the American Revolution, you're a sister to me." He paused. "And I understand what you must be feeling being under the authority of others you hate." He remembered how his brothers treated him unkindly. He feared that Russia was maltreating her just as his brothers have done to him.
She could feel his anger. She was suddenly worried about him. She reached up to touch his cheek. "Arthur is there something wrong?"
He looked away. He looked so sad.
"Talk to me, please! I'm here for you, dude you know that," she said..
His hand came up and wrapped around hers. "It's nothing."
"Oh good because it's not advisable to steal another's woman?"
The harsh voice behind them startled them both. Amelia and Arthur spun around to see Russia staring down at them, his eyes flashing with rage.
"Relax, Russia. It's not what you think," Amelia said quickly, releasing Arthur, feeling him do the same.
"And what do I think it is?" Russia asked, his lips twisting into a cynical smile below his hard eyes.
"What does it matter what he thinks it is?" Arthur practically spat as he swept to his feet. " This bastard has no claim on you. Just because he married you doesn't mean anything!"
"Arthur, stop it!" Amelia said sharply, her voice rising up to hide her urgency behind slight anger.
All of a sudden, Russia blindly punched poor England on the face in his anger. "I have every right because Amelia is my wife, my woman and even my whore."
"Iggy!" She turned towards her brother but Russia grabbed her wrist in a bone-crushing grip, and hauled her behind him.
"Are you out of your mind! You hurt Iggy!"
"He'll survive. That should teach him not to take another's wife."
She tried to tug her hand to release his hold on her but his grip merely strengthened. "Ivan, your hurting me."
Russia chuckled blithely. "Oh believe me, podsolnechnik, I am exerting a lot of restrain."
Seeing her husband's fury she tried to placate him. She tried to pacify him. "Ivan, please! It's not what you think. He didn't mean that. It was just a spur of the moment, he was just drunk!" She explained.
Russia spun on her, and the look in his eyes froze her blood. "We're leaving," he said shortly and began to usher her away towards the exit.
"Wait," she said trying to struggle out of his grip, "Hold on a minute."
"Nyet."
"Please, let me at least say goodbye to my friends." She reasoned but he refused. By that time, they were outside standing by Ivan's car.
"What the hell is wrong with you!" Amelia demanded. She wasn't happy when he dragged her away. Everyone saw the exchange, the last she saw was Belarus smirking face.
Russia opened the passenger door and said shortly, "Get in."
"No."
"I will not repeat myself, Amelia."
Russia came over to her side and gave her a small push, making the girl fall into the passenger seat. He slammed the door and walked around to his side. He got in and turned the engine on.
Ivan was still angry when they reached their hotel. He silently grabbed her arm and began to drag her again. She had to run to keep up with him as he charged through the corridor of their hotel. He pulled her into their room and threw her down onto the ground.
She wondered if he was going to be violent? It made her almost reluctant to stand up. But America was never one to cower so she stood up. He was pacing furiously back and forth. Speaking in Russian so fast she could not decipher what he meant. Then he turned to her and spoke in perfect English. "You are never to see him alone again."
It was ridiculous to have him this mad over something so trivial! "No! He is my friend!"
"You are my wife, Amelia. You will do as I say, da."
Amelia grew suddenly very angry. She was a free woman. Damn it. She may be married to him but he had no right to restrain her to be with friends.
"You asshole! You piece of shit!" She picked up a lamp from a nearby table and threw it at him. He ducked at the last minute and it shattered on the wall behind him. She threw another and another.
Russia evaded and charged towards her. He tried to hold her still. She raised her fist and box him across the jaw. "That's for Iggy, you jerk!"
He stumbled back but he was right in front of her again in a matter of seconds. She pounded her fists against his chest. He was too close to punch. It was like hitting solid rock. He grabbed her wrists in his hands and pinned her back against the wall.
"Enough, Amelia."
"I hate you!" she screamed. She fought to get her hands free. She fought like a wild cat, scratching and screaming.
In his anger, he pressed his lips to hers furious and bruising. She resisted at first twisting her head to stop the kiss but he followed her. He tightened his hold that made her gasped. His tongue snaked its way into her mouth and it plundered its depth.
It was like something took over her mind. She returned the kiss with equal force, and wriggled her hands free to claw at his back. They stumbled back towards the bed, kissing, biting and fighting each other for dominance.
It was like a haze. She wanted to tear him apart, she wanted to hurt him, she wanted him more than anything in her life.
They lay intertwined a few hours later. Amelia was sated to lay in the bed with his arm wrapped around her. She noticed that Russia can be very jealous and be prone to bouts of anger towards the way she interacted with her male friend. She hated how they ended up in bed but she was satisfied like a cat. Finally, they consummated their marriage.
Still, she needed to do some damage control so she turned to look at her husband. "England is merely a friend, Ivan. A brother and a father who raised me. To be with him would practically be incest."
Russia frowned but he conceded. "I understand but you are still not allowed to be with him alone, podsolnechnik. You may remain friends but never alone."
She rolled onto her stomach, burying her head further on his chest, while he held her in his arms. Ivan laid on his back as she laid on top of him. "Why does it matter so much to you, Ivan?"
"Because you are mine, Amelia. I do not care if I have to fight the world but know that you are mine."
"You scare me sometimes," she muttered before raising up to kiss him again. He may be a little rough and hard but he shows her how much he cares about her.
He returned her kiss and Amelia was content. He was gentle with her the second time around. When they finished, she rested next to him on the bed. She pushed any worries or thoughts of tomorrow in the back of her mind. She didn't want to worry what the world thought for the moment, she just wanted to appreciate what the rest of the night had to offer.
The next couple of days the couple stayed in bed. Russia made love to her several times always considering her wants and needs. He turned off his cellphone. They decided to stay in Ottawa for a week to enjoy their well earned honeymoon as husband and wife.
000
Japan was again in the balcony enjoying the city lights. She saw America and Russia leave the party while she stayed behind with England. The strong punch made England unconscious. When he regained consciousness, she had to listen England rant on what Amelia gotten herself into.
Japan had to coax England to drink just to let the other forget his worries for a little while. She worries for England. It might not seem it but like America, he was a superpower that tries to make sense of the world. The poor personification once had to carry the problems of the world within his shoulders just as America was doing now. He confined to her, his worries that his sister may not hold such power for the coming years to come. He also worries that her government is too corrupt to let that happen and she would be pulled to war because of it.
Even now he knew the weight of the CIA's meddling and how it affects the world. America may have good intentions but her bosses had other things in mind. It was why he wanted to put a stop at the couple's alliance.
Japan understood that but even she knew that it was for the best. She'll need to speak to Arthur seriously about this but not when he was already half drunk and decided to fight Russia of all nations. Was he out of his mind? Thus, she poured him drink after drink always nodding her accent at what he said.
France who was dressed as captain Jack Sparrow chastised him for starting a fight while Canada merely asked about his condition and some of his former colonies came by to see if he was alright. They wanted to stay but England insisted that they enjoy the night instead. They were reluctant but he assured him that Japan was right there beside him. This soon became a subject of teasing that resulted in England blowing up again. Cheerfully, they left him knowing he was in Japan's capable hands.
Finally after an hour, England was down for the count. Everyone knew he could not hold his liquor. It was best for the male country to rest after his fight with Russia. Good thing, France was there to take him to his room.
In all honesty, distracting England, for the last couple of months, was such a tedious affair. He was hellbent on questioning the validity of America and Russia's marriage. She sighed, England was so focused on their marriage that he can't see the forest for the trees! He must look at the bigger picture instead of letting his emotions blind him.
The union, although a surprise one, guaranteed the prevention of another world war. Although financial analysts saw it as an economic boost to the U.S. recession for it brought new blood to flow into the economy, it was also a calculated move on the part of Russia to do so. The U.S. Government would forever be grateful for the hand of friendship extended to them.
The economic boost also gave her reason to believe that it was the very cause as to why Amelia would have no choice but to accept Russia's proposal of marriage. Like a maiden in a tower, Amelia was rescued by her Prince Charming. Ironically, her Prince Charming was none other than Russia. Japan cringed at the fact. She always thought England or even Germany to fit in America's criteria as her perfect mate but it looks like Russia volunteered for the job.
The two bitter rivals turned lovers. She laughed at fate's sense of humor. But in the political arena what is it but a change in perspective. Yesterday's enemies are today's allies. She noted the changing times. She remembered how they fought during the Cold War and all the cloak and daggers. Always trying to topple each other and the paranoia that resulted in Amelia calling her several times a week. A bitter cat and mouse relationship that span half a century of distrust. No wonder many disbelieved such a union. It was a union that was doomed to fail right from the beginning.
At first, she was incensed. Just like England she vehemently opposed the alliance. She was hell bent in taking Amelia away from Russia. But as she calmed down, she remembered the saying of the crone.
"Protect the union of the kingdom in the east and the kingdom of the west and you will save the world."
She later realized that the kingdom in the east symbolized Russia and the kingdom in the West was America. Thus, even if she hated Russia, in order to prevent a world war, she had to safeguard their marriage from any opposition. She, therefore, became a silent defender of their marriage. She would often subvert any action England made in order to do so.
Seeing them now, she didn't mind America with Russia. They would often be affectionate in their actions towards each other. One time, America leaned on Russia's shoulder to sleep. She just tilted her head and rested it on Russia's shoulder as if it was the most common thing in the world. She also saw her kissing Russia on the cheek and heard them calling each other pet names.
Japan cringed at their public displays of affection but she didn't mind. It was sickeningly sweet but for as long as he makes her happy and not trigger a world war, she was content with the status quo.
She often wondered. With her friend finally getting a chance at love. When would she get her chance? Didn't she also deserve her own happily ever after? She shuddered to think that she was fated to end up with China. I mean, did it have to be China? She cringed when she remembered her old teacher's face.
She supposed that China also has his good points but there were also differences that she could not accept. One of them was her islands. The islands that were apart of her and he is claiming it as his own. It's bad enough that he was so big. Did he have to take things that were never his?
And even now, he had the audacity to try and woo her?
She was not blind. She knew China's attempts but her distain for him remains. If he wants to get even a slightest chance with her. He should stop his political expansion in Asia and relinquish his claims over her islands.
Japan was so lost in thought that she didn't notice China come near her until she felt him placing a jacket on her shoulders.
"A penny for your thoughts, aru?" Asked China.
Japan turned to see him at her side.
"Hello again, teacher." Japan gave him a wry smile.
"Hello, yourself. You should not be drinking here alone," chastised China as he saw the champagne float on her hand.
"I am just looking over the city. I find watching the city lights calming. You should take care of yourself, teacher the wind is cold and it would not do well for you to be outside in this weather." A figurative attack at his ego on his age.
"I could say the same thing, aru?"
China smirked as Japan frowned. Not many countries knew it because she looked young but she was also quite old. Not as old as China though.
"Anyway, I just came to thank you for defending Russia and America's marriage."
"Whatever do you mean, teacher?"
"Stop being coy, Japan. It does not become you, aru."
"Fine. Unlike others, I am merely securing a future without another war, teacher." Another hit at China.
If he was affected, he did not show it, "You are doing a marvelous job, aru."
"If only some people would do the same." The implication was not lost to him.
Silence was his only answer for a while.
"Anyway, you should go inside, teacher."
"Trying to kick me out? I did not know you hated me that much?"
She narrowed her eyes and turned to see his jovial face. He was merely teasing. If only that was the case. She remained quiet after that. They were left again in awkward silence.
"I see that my presence offends you."
She remained silent. It is common knowledge that silence means yes.
China sighed. "Japan, will you stop playing games. I have lived long enough to know that you hate me."
"I do not hate you, teacher, but we both know the cause of our problems and until that dispute is over. I do not think it is wise for us to be in the same room together."
"Do I pose a threat to you?"
Yes. "No. You are not a threat but I will stand by my people's conviction and I will protect what is mine."
"If I relinquish my claim to the islands, will you give me a chance?"
Japan raised a brow. "I highly doubt that. Your superior is just like Russia's. They crave too much power. Even now, I could feel the ire of my people towards yours."
"But assuming, I would withdraw. We could be strong together, Japan. Just be with me."
"That would never happen. I refuse to be tied to you or to anyone." She worked hard to establish her sovereignty. Amidst political turmoil and foreign interferences, she held her own and establish herself as a foreign power. She will not relinquish it just like that. "It is a foolish notion, teacher, just as I, accepting your affections would also never happen. I suggest you quit while you're ahead. Good night." With that she threw the champagne into the balcony. She tried to leave but he held her arm.
"You foolish girl, I am giving you a chance to be at my side and you shun me away like a plague. I can wipe out your people with a flick of a hand if I wanted to and your precious America cannot save you.
"Even so, if you do that, China. I vow you will never have me. You may chain me, claim my body as yours and take me away from my lands but know that I will never love you, if you do that. You will never rest easy even if I am at your side." She tugged her arm away from his hold and defiantly stared right in his face.
China paused at her vehemence. He saw the tints of red in her eyes. Showing her fury and the appearance of her alternate self, the imperialist Japan during the world war. He did not fail to notice her defiant stance.
China merely shook his head and sighed. "Is it hard to love me, Japan. Surely our shared past would make it easier for our shared future."
She paused before answering him. "No. It is not hard to love you, China-san. If that is the only thing you ask of me but you are taking the islands that are apart of my very being. How can I stay silent as you walk all over me?" Japan reasoned. "If I allow myself to accept you. I fear that you will take the first step at destroying our future."
"Is it wrong to claim my heritage?"
"The islands are not yours. You are treading in a road towards another war. Just as I have once walked. Even innocent countries cry out because of your showing of military might."
"I am not establishing my power, aru!"
Liar, thought Japan.
"I am merely taking what was once my own," claimed China.
"And you are foolish to think that I will not oppose you." Japan frowned.
"So you will you defy me, aru?"
Japan sighed aloud. Just like America, she could not afford another war. She was not ready to start one nor equipped to arm herself against him. Although she had far superior weaponry, it was not enough to fend off the largest army in the world. To fight him openly would only result in her loss.
"No, China-san, I will not. Do what you want with the Pacific. Burn it to the ground, if you wish but leave me be. I want peace so if you walk this path of destruction, I can only pray that you leave me alone."
"And you will do what? Initiate another isolation policy, aru?"
"If that is the only way to avoid you then yes, China I will."
"Like you will ever really do that. I seem to recall that you had friendly relations with the Netherlands for the last 150 years even during your isolation."
Japan glared at him. "What I do is none of your business."
China smirked, "Did I hit a nerve?" He was angry that Japan had friendlier relations with the Netherlands than him.
"My relationship with the Netherlands is strictly my own. You have no right to meddle in my affairs."
She tried to walk away again but he took her wrist.
"I have if the Netherlands is fucking my woman."
"I am not yours!" cried Japan.
"Oh but you will be, aru. But the way you become mine is entirely up to you."
Suddenly kissed her on the lips. Japan struggled to break away but he firmly held her and didn't let her go. She twisted and turned her head but he persisted. She did not open her mouth so China bit her lips. She gasped and he used the opportunity to thrust his tongue into her mouth. At first she resisted but she relented and returned his kiss. When she returned it, he smirked and continued kissing her.
When he ended the kiss, Japan frowned at China smirking face. "Never again."
China merely chuckled. It seemed that she is not immune to his touch. "Do not count on it, aru. You are mine even if you deny it."
With that he left, leaving a very conflicted Japan. She was astonished how an effeminate China would be so forceful when he wanted. Still, she was angry at herself for allowing the kiss. She had to find a way to put China's relentless infatuation of her at bay. If he will not stay away then it would be up to her to do so.
She may not control her body when it comes to China but she was determined to oppose him. He may lay claim to her islands but he will not lay claim to her entirely. She will be firm in her resolve. Thus, she made a plan in order to evade China.
000
For the next few months, Japan tried every way possible to avoid him. She would arrive late and leave early during the world meetings. She would also stay by England's side. When China tried to speak with her, she would run away or hide. Even America noticed her best friend's hesitance when China comes to speak to her husband. She smirked at their cat and mouse game but she neither allow nor deny China's pursuit of her friend. She merely watched at their exploits.
China, on the other hand, was so furious at Japan that he often voiced his anger towards America or Russia stating his disapproval that she clings to England too much. America merely laughed.
"Relax, dude. England's not interested in Japan."
"How do you know, aru?"
"He's dating Seychelles. Just keep going, you'll tire her soon enough."
"I think I saw Japan running through the corridor," said Russia. "You can still reach her before she escapes." Russia added.
"Thank you old friend," said China. "If you will excuse me." He run off to the direction Russia pointed.
America looked at Russia, "Is she really in the corridor."
"Nyet, but I doubt he'll ever leave us if I didn't tell him that."
"Russia, you little liar."
"It's not a lie, podsolnechnik. It's just a little fib to let us go, da?"
Just then they saw Japan run away as China was in hot pursuit. As luck would have it, she was in the corridor talking to Taiwan when he found her.
America and Russia soon placed bets when China would finally get the girl. Russia claimed it won't be long when they would attend their marriage. America, on the other hand, claimed that there won't be a wedding until he relinquishes his claim on her islands. It was a stand still and they both knew it. Still, it was fun watching Japan evade China while he does everything to get to her.