The morning sun peeked through Matthew's tiny bedroom window.

He woke as he did every morning now with Koshka sprawled out over most of his pillow. His face was pressed into the cats furry side.

Matthew suppressed a sneeze, then sat up and brushed the cat hair away from his nose. He yawned and stretched.

"Good morning, Matvey."

The bedroom door opened and Russia walked in. Canada smiled and crawled off the bed. He shuffled into the embrace he received every morning. He rubbed his sleepy face into Russia's chest, breathing in deeply.

Mmmmm...

Ivan leaned down to kiss the little blond on the forehead.

"Did you sleep well?"

Matthew nodded. Sorta. There was head movement involved, but mostly he just leaned into Russia, enjoying the warmth and comfort that surrounded him.

Ivan chuckled and brought out the key that would free Canada from the chain attached to the bed. There was no leash today. Instead, Russia took his hand and Matthew followed him to the bathroom.

The bath was already drawn, as usual. Matthew pulled the nightshirt he'd been wearing from his body, no longer feeling shame in his nudity. Before he stepped into the tub tho, Russia took his hands and unwrapped the bandages.

"Almost better." Ivan smiled, inspecting the little blond's palms. "We leave them unwrapped today. Careful not to stretch skin or cuts will open again."

"Ok." Matthew agreed, gazing at his hands. There were tiny little cuts all over his palms, but now they were scabbed over and clean. His hands were still sore, but Russia was right. It was best to leave them to the open air to finish healing.

Once in the bath, Matthew leaned his head back as Russia washed his hair. His eyes were closed and he was relaxed enough to almost fall asleep again.

"I am going out today."

Canada blinked his eyes back open and he shifted to sit up straight. He tilted his head at Ivan, his eyes filling rapidly with confusion and anxiety.

"Do not look so worried, my little Matvey." Ivan chuckled, dabbing a little soap on the end of Canada's nose.

"But where are you going?" Matthew asked. And when are you coming back? Will you be gone long? Will I be chained up somewhere by myself all day?

"My boss has matters for me to attend to. I must go to government buildings today. I be back before night. Alina will keep you company during day. Koshka too."

Russia rinsed Matthew's hair with the pitcher, and the bath was over. Canada stepped out of the tub and was wrapped up in a fluffy towel. He chewed his bottom lip as Russia handed him his clothing for the day.. a soft white tunic with delicate blue flowers embroidered on the front and sleeves, and a light blue sash. Ivan brushed out his hair and fixed it with a matching blue headband.

Matthew gazed at himself in the mirror. Russia stood behind him, hands resting on his shoulders. He watched as Ivan admired him. His cheeks coloured and he had to look away.

"Promise that you behave and I will leave you free."

Matthew looked back into the mirror-Ivan's eyes. His heart filled with hope at the thought of being free for the day, instead of chained up.

I could escape.. I could run for it!

Conflicting emotions plunged heart in a tug of war inside his chest. The thrill of the thought of escape. The longing to go home. The fear that he wouldn't know where to run to and would get lost before he made it to Russia's borders. The terror of being caught and returned to an angry Ivan. The ache of disappointing the Russian.. of hurting his feelings.. after he'd been so kind and gentle.. and took such special care of him..

Matthew shook his head to clear it. No, no. No running. The thought of escaping brought too many confusing and negative feelings with it. It was easier not to think about it, and instead enjoy the thought of being free to wander the house for the day. Spend time talking to Alina. Play with Koshka. Have a nice nap in the office. Eat sweet honey over blini for lunch and drink tea. Go outside and build a hundred snowmen if he wanted to. Wait for Russia to come home and look forward to snuggling with the man before a fire in the evening. Yes. Those were good feelings. Those were happy thoughts.

"I promise, Vanya." Matthew turned and wrapped his arms around the Russian's neck. Ivan smiled and folded his little Canadian into his arms and bent his head to kiss him softly.

They shared another kiss in the front hall of Russia's large house. This one was goodbye. Matthew watched as Ivan, dressed in ceremonial military clothes, left the house. He felt another emotion tugging inside of his chest. Sadness. He would be without Ivan for the day. All day.

He stood in the hallway chewing his bottom lip. He touched the collar about his neck, feeling strange without the leash attached to it. Now that he was by himself.. he wasn't sure what to do.

"Matvey?"

He turned and saw Alina standing at the entrance to the hallway.

"Would you like some tea?

Matthew smiled and nodded. She took his hand and they walked to the little breakfast nook together.

She had a day full of chores to do, and Canada followed her through the house like a puppy. She told him stories of her village and family, and he clung to every accented word. He tried to ask her questions and talk to her in Russian, and she giggled at his mistakes, but rewarded his successes with smiles.

In the kitchen she was cleaning a silver tea set. Matthew was helping her, polishing the saucers and little spoons to a fine shine.

"Tell me about you?"

Matthew was in the middle of rubbing off fingerprints from a spoon. He almost dropped it when Alina asked the question and he looked at her as tho she had two heads. She wanted to know about him? How strange! No one ever wanted to know about him..

"I like being outside.." he started, hesitating over his words. "...and I don't mind snow and ice. I love hockey and maple syrup. I don't say 'aboot' or 'eh' as much as people think I do.."

"No no," Alina giggled, "Tell me about Canada. Your home."

"Oh." Matthew blinked. That was an even stranger thing to be asked to talk about. Didn't everyone think Canada was completely boring? Except for those hardcore eco-types of course. "Um.. well.. what would you like to know?"

"Tell me what it's like there. Tell me about your people."

Matthew was quiet, wondering if she was really serious and truly wanted to know about his land and his people. He couldn't believe someone was actually interested in him.

Well.. I guess Russia is interested in me..

Matthew blushed.

"Um.. well.. Canada's people come from all over the world.. but when I was very little it was mostly filled with aboriginals, French and English.."

He began to explain his history to her. He told her about his traditions and holidays. He told her about the things his people loved, and he told her how upset he was that everyone mistook him for America. He carefully explained that while he looked like America, he was completely different.

"I don't think you look like America, Matvey." Alina smiled at him.

Matthew smirked back at her. "You're just being nice."

"No, really. Look."

She held up a silver plate so he could look into it as tho it were a mirror.

"I have seen pictures of America. You do not look like him. Your face is younger. Your eyes are kind. You are quiet and soft."

Matthew gazed at his reflection in the silver plate. He saw that she was right. He didn't look like America. He looked more like a girl with his hair pulled back by the blue headband. He wondered how hard Alfred would laugh at him if he saw..

He found he didn't care.

He took the plate from her and set it aside. He picked up another spoon and began to polish it.

"Let me tell you about my mounted police.."

Alina grinned and listened intently.

The day spent in Alina's company was pleasant, but as the hours passed by Matthew began to feel anxious. Normally by this time he would be sitting down to dinner with Russia in the dinning room.

Where is he? What's taking him so long?

Matthew was sprawled out over one of the loveseats in the office. Koshka lay on the floor in front of him, half on his back as Matthew tickled his tummy. Alina sat in the armchair, reading aloud in Russian from a classic fairytale book. She stopped when she noticed the blond nation wasn't listening to her. He was distracted and fidgeting around.

"You must be hungry by now. Would you like something to eat?"

Matthew looked up at her sadly and shook his head.

"He's not home yet.." he said softly. He wanted to wait for Russia to come home so they could eat together.

"Don't worry, Matvey.. he will be home. Russia is always late when he has to go and see president."

Matthew sighed and reached down to pull Koshka up with him on the loveseat as he flopped over onto his back. The cat sprawled out over his chest and purred happily when Canada hugged him and nuzzled into the fur at the top of his head. Alina continued reading, telling the story of the Firebird.

An hour later Matthew's stomach was growling too much for him to stand it anymore. Alina led the way back into the kitchen. Canada followed, carrying Koshka along with him.

"It is silly, to carry cat around like toy." Alina giggled as she began to prepare something for the blond nation to eat. "Tho it doesn't seem he minds it."

She prepared a bowl of borscht for him, and he'd eaten halfway through it when they heard Russia's familiar voice calling through the house that he was home.

Matthew disappeared from the kitchen in a hurry, leaving his soup behind. Alina smiled as he went, then turned to find something for herself to eat.

Russia was brushing snow from his shoulders when Canada hurried into the front hallway. There was no hesitation, no pause, before the Canadian had run straight into him. Arms wrapped about Ivan's chest, and Matthew breathed deeply of his scent. He smelled of the city, of the outside and the snow.. but mostly he just smelled like Vanya, his Vanya, and he was home.

I'm like a dog.. greeting it's master after a long day..

Matthew pushed his faced into Ivan's chest. The Russian wrapped him into a tight hug and he felt his narrowed-down world falling back into place. He really was like a dog.. and Ivan was his master.

A servant entered the front hall and Canada stepped away long enough for Russia to take his jacket and boots off and hand them over so they could be properly put away. Then Ivan picked up a package he'd brought home with him and headed to his office. Matthew followed.

Russia closed the door and set the package aside. Now that they were alone he pulled the little blond into his arms and kissed him. Matthew was tense only for a moment, but then relaxed. He opened his mouth when the Russian brushed his tongue along his lips. He twirled his tongue with Ivan's, feeling warmth beginning to pool in his belly the same way it had the day before.

Ivan's hands were wandering over his shoulders and back, then lower. Large palms cupped his rear and pulled him close and Matthew could feel a hardness digging into his stomach.

He broke the kiss with a gasp and wiggled out of the Russian's grasp. His face was flushed hot and he was breathing heavily. His eyes were focused on the front of Russia's pants. The evidence of arousal was there.. and it frightened him.

Ivan gazed at him for a long moment, then cleared his throat. He turned away to pick up the package, then held it out for Canada to take.

Inside of a bag was a medium sized box. Inside the box was..

"A fiddle?" Matthew asked. He carefully took the instrument out of the box and cradled it like a baby.

"Not fiddle." said Russia, "Violin. The finest I could find."

"Thank you.." Matthew said softly. He was so shocked by the gift that his fear was completely forgotten.

Ivan put his hand on the little blond's shoulder and steered him to the love seat. Matthew sat down and admired the violin as the Russian went to start a fire in the fireplace. He traced his fingers over the carved wood, admiring the craftsmanship. It was beautiful.

Once the fire was crackling away in the hearth, Ivan sunk down into the armchair. A great sigh left his lips, as tho he were exhaling the weight of a country that had been bearing down on his chest. His eyes closed, and he breathed deeply.

Canada chewed his bottom lip. Whatever Russia had been through that day had clearly caused him stress. He could see the tension in the way Ivan's brow couldn't seem to unknit itself. He wasn't sure what Russian internal politics were like, but they must be very difficult. He felt guilty for having spent the entire day with nothing to do but pester Alina.

"Play for me." Ivan said, his eyes still closed.

Matthew smiled. His own fiddle - violin - at home was nearly worn out. He'd hauled it all across his land to play with any and all of his people who could and would. from Nova Scotia, Quebec, the Ottawa Valley, the people of the Metis, to Saskatchewan, Alberta, and B.C. His people loved to fiddle and step dance and Matthew loved to do it with them.

He was so happy to play for Russia! And he was so happy to think that Russia would be calmed and cheered by the trills and twines of a peppy Canadian tune.

He rested the violin between his shoulder and chin and slung the bow carefully over the strings a few times. He made small adjustments to tune it. When he was ready be began tapping his foot to kick off a beat and started off into a favourite jig straight from the Maritimes.

"No!"

Matthew almost dropped the instrument from the startle of Ivan's sudden objection. The song was cut short with a stringy screech and the little Canadian's eyes were wide as Russia stared at him in dismay.

"No.. no. Not.. not like music you played at Vancouver Olympics. Is too.. loud."

Matthew blinked at Russia, confused. Ivan sighed again and pressed the bridge of his nose between his finger and thumb. He gazed at Matthew in earnest.

"Soft music. I want soft music. Matvey knows how to play violin.. gently.. da?"

"Gently?" Matthew tilted his head at Ivan, who nodded.

Gently.

Matthew perched the violin back on his shoulder and leaned his chin against it. He gazed at the man who'd kidnapped him. The handsome face with sad eyes. The huge nation who would inspire fear, but instead had left Canada longing for his presence. The voice, as unexpectedly soft and gentle as his touch..

Matthew lifted the bow and began to play.

He played his feelings. The bow drawn over the strings spoke of his thoughts and of his heart which was lost and torn between his love for his home, and these strange emotions that Russia was stirring in him. His fingers danced over the long notes and his eyes closed as he lost himself to the music.

He played of the mountains and the moon in the sky which were both lonely and only had each other to talk to at night while the world slept. He played of the snow and the cold which took all the colour from the land and left it grey for almost never ending winter.

He played of himself. Forgotten and silent, alone in a crowded, busy world.

He played of Russia, strong but lonely and heartbroken.

A tear slipped down his cheek, and he played on.

The song came to an end when he heard a sob. Matthew opened his eyes and saw Ivan bent forward with his face in his hands.

He set the violin and bow aside and quickly knelt on the floor before him.

"Vanya?" He whispered. He pushed the Russian's hands away and watched in awe as the mighty Russia wept.

"Everyone leaves." Ivan whispered back. "Everyone. And no one wants to come back."

Matthew felt his heart ache. He pressed his forehead against Russia's and placed his hands on either side of the larger mans face.

"I'm here. I'm yours."

Russia gathered Canada up into his lap and held him, crying. Matthew wiped the tears away and kissed Ivan's cheeks, his forehead, and his lips. He stroked back the silver hair and whispered over and over again that he was there. It was alright. He was there.

Gradually.. Russia relaxed.. and his sobs quieted. Matthew fell quiet too, and they both sat in silence, watching as the fire slowly died away.

Finally, after what seemed like hours, Russia stood. He held Matthew, who wrapped his arms around Ivan's neck and snuggled in close.

"Matvey will sleep with me tonight."

Canada couldn't help but tense up. He wanted to wiggle away again, but Russia held him more tightly as he walked towards the office door.

"Only sleep, little one. Nothing more."

Only sleep.

Matthew was still nervous, but he hardly had a choice in the matter as Russia carried him up the stairs. Besides.. sleeping warm with Russia in his bedroom would be much more.. cozy.. than sleeping chained to his own bed by himself.. right?

Right.