"Braht...it hurts...," Natalya whimpered as tears ran down her cheeks. Even in the dull lit room I could see her pain. And it killed me to see that she woke up because of it.
"I know, baby girl," I cooed, holding her gently and reaching to press the call button. "I'll call the nurse."
Dr. Dmitry came on the speaker, sounding very considered. "Is she wake? Does she need me?"
"Yeah, she woke up crying in pain and it seems to getting worse," I sighed, looking down at my suffering sister. "See? He's coming and he'll make it go away."
She squeezed my hand harder than she had been earlier. And I'm not sure if that it was a good thing; either she's getting stronger or the pain is worse.
Dr. Dmitry came in with a clipboard and went over to Yekaterina; pulling her blanket over her head so turning on the lights wouldn't wake her.
"Can I take a look, sweetie?"
He tried to look over my sister but she wasn't co-operating. I think the pain and fear is more than she can bear. "Please, darling? I won't hurt you, I promise."
But still Natalya struggled; crying a little louder now. What could I do? How can I stop her suffering?
Oh! I know! The one thing that always makes her feel better!
"Hush, baby," I cooed again, kneeling down to her so she was facing me, not the doctor and the equipment." If you're good for him, I'll buy you some candy. One of everything in the shop."
Her eyes lit up but they still appeared very dull. "No...three...so I can...share...you and ...S-ses...tra."
"You got it," I whispered, nuzzled her hand to distract her from the pain of the doctor looking her over. "I'll even make you a sundae."
"With...all...the t-toppings?"
"Da, all the ice cream flavours, whip cream, cherries, chocolate sauce, caramel, chocolate chips," I listed, trying to think of more toppings. "Strawberries, sprinkles, brownies, cookie-"
"You're going to put her in a coma!"
Dr. Dmitry interrupted me but I ignored it. Why would he do that? She's finally cooperating!
"Sh! It's calming her, isn't it? She loves sweets."
His face looked puzzled as he paused for a moment. After a minute of staring absently, he reached into his medical bag. "Can you keep her distracted for a minute?"
I nodded, turning back to Natalya. "I know. When I take you home, we'll bake cookies together then snuggle up with hot chocolate and a fire."
She smiled a small smile as squeezed my hand slightly tighter than before. "Just...like...we used...to."
"Yes, just we used to." I leaned forward and giving her a little kiss; the needle in her arm going unnoticed.
And that was the last thing I said to before leaving for Germany. No matter how much Yao begged, anal Germany wouldn't let me out of the meeting. It sucked immensely having to leave her but it wouldn't be good if I skipped out on meetings. Maybe Estonia could go for me next time? He's good at note taking. We'll see later.
I only got to talk with Yekaterina once before I arrived in Berlin. Natalya hadn't woken up since the night I spent with her. That worried me but at least she's getting the rest that she needs.
I looked at my watch while I walked to the hotel where the meeting is being held. Sixteen after ten' o'clock. Great...I'm late and Ludwig will already be having a fit about trying to skip the meeting...
I felt wet drop fall into my hair as I walked on. Is it going to rain today?
And within a quick instant the rain poured down, completely soaking me. I don't have an umbrella and the hotel is still a bit away. Can this get any worse?
In heavy rain, I dashed off toward the hotel with no chance of being dry.
As soon as I walked in the conference room, all eyes were on me.
"Ivan! You're late! It's bad enough that you tried to miss this meeting!"
Ludwig starting yelling at me but I toned him out; focusing my eyes on Yao.
"How come you're all wet, honey?"
"It's raining," I sighed, sitting with my head on the table.
"Bring a towel," Ludwig barked at an employee before turning to me. "Let's get started."
Within a few moments of opening my laptop to take notes, I got a webcam request from my big sister. I left my spare laptop with her just in case.
"Really, Ivan? that's not appropriate for a meeting," Ludwig sighed as he started to turn red. Boy, he's had it with me!
"It's could be important," Yao barked at him, standing up for me.
"I don't care," I yawned, trying to act nonchalant but really I was worried. Accepting the request, I took a deep breath and waited to see my sister on the screen.
"Hey, braht. She wanted to see you before she has to go in for surgery," Yekaterina sighed, trying to sound strong for my sake. She put the laptop on the little side tray and moved it so I could see Natalya. At the same time, the other nations came behind me to see the screen.
"Hi, baby. How are feeling?"
I didn't really want an answer to that question. She looked a lot worse than when I left. Her eyes were even duller yet bloodshot so I know she had been crying. Somehow she looked paler than before; her bruises appearing darker and more visible. I could see the pain in her face; knowing it was hurting her further. Oh why did I leave her?
"Wh..ere...did...you...g-go?"
Even her speaking was getting worse. I could tell it hurt her to talk more than before.
"I'm sorry, little one," I cooed to her, trying not to break down and cry. "Mean old Germany wouldn't let me out of the meeting."
She cracked a tiny smile before wincing in pain. "H-hit him."
"I will," I forced out with an artificial laugh; moving my hands as if I were actually hitting him. "Pow!"
The sound I so desperately longed to hear didn't turn out so well. She tried to laugh and it clearly caused her pain. Tears ran down her cheeks; nearly breaking what is left of my heart. Is that even possible?
"Oh, baby! Don't cry," I heard Yekaterina trying to comfort her off-screen.
I think they shut the laptop since I no longer could see them. Even if Ludwig tried to restart the meeting, I would wait for them to come back; staring at the black screen. Surprisingly, no one moved or said a word. They stood behind me, waiting also. Yao kept his hand on my shoulder; his loving touch the only thing helping me not break down.
A few minutes later, they came back and my sister's eyes were even more red than before. It seems that they had adjusted her bed so she could rest her head on our sister's chest but not touch any of Natalya's injuries. And that must have been uncomfortable for Yekaterina.
"She's a little better now," Yekaterina sighed, moving Natalya's hair ever so gently. "Once they take her, she'll be totally out."
"My poor baby," I cooed to her, reaching out as if I could touch her.
"The…doc...tor…he said…I get...ice…cream…," Natalya tried to say but struggled.
"He said she could have ice cream but she wants to share it with you," Yekaterina filled in for her. "He wants to see if she can even get any kind of food down."
Hmm…he must have remembered she loved sweets…
"Don't worry, little one," I whispered softly, seeing Natalya starting to fade out. "I'll share it with you."
She managed a tiny smile before turning her head to see some nurses entering the room.
"Natalya, it's time to go."
Natalya hesitated, still frightened and turned to me. "Bra..ht…I'm..scared."
I felt a sharp pain in my chest as my heart dropped. I knew she'd be scared yet I left her. How could I have left? I should be protecting her!
"I know, baby girl. You're safe. Big sister will protect you. We wouldn't let you go if we didn't think it's okay. Besides you won't get better if you don't go."
"I…wish…you…were here. I…love you…"
Yeah, that officially destroyed me.
"I love you too, my darling baby sister."
I watched as Yekaterina waved and exited the chat; with no doubt walking Natalya to surgery.
My eyes filled up with tears as I stared at screen; feeling the world crash down around me.
"Come on, my lovely one," Yao cooed to me, taking my hand and helping me up. "Let's go wash up."
He led me to the bathroom so I could cry it out.
-(Germany)
Meanwhile, the guilt started settling in my stomach; making angry noises at me. Of course, I liked order and proper attendance but how could I have made Ivan come? He's not the type of man to cry yet he just broke down in front of everyone. How could I have been that awful?
I sank in my chair, putting my head in my hands. Italy came over to me and patted my shoulder but I took little notice. Even I wanted to cry after seeing Belarus suffer like that. She's just a loving little girl who didn't deserve that. After all, she's only ever wanted her big brother and I took that away from her when she needed it most. How could I even look at myself in the mirror?
Taking a moment for myself, I put my head in my knees and tried not to cry.
After a good ten minutes of an emotional breakdown, we returned to the conference room.
"Are you ready to get started, Ivan?"
England addressed me softly like he was trying to comfort me or maybe distract me from my thoughts.
"Yes."
Not really.
Wow this chapter got long so I separated the next smaller part for a separate chapter. Poor Ivan!