Ivan didn't lay a hand on him, just as he'd promised.

Russia had carried him into his large bedroom, and Matthew almost forgot his nerves as he was set on his feet. The room was as beautifully decorated as the office. Handsome furniture looked to be a hundred years old or more, and the wood was intricately carved in patterns. Red curtains with gold embroidery framed oversized windows and the four poster bed that looked much too large to be just for one person. Even if that person was as large as Russia.

Matthew gazed around in awe. He felt like he were in a palace rather than in someone's bedroom. His own room back home was nothing compared to this. He lived in a little log cabin far outside of town. Ivan lived like a Tsar. Even America's house was insignificant and dull against the old world beauty that Russia surrounded himself with.

Russia was pulling off his dress shirt, then his undershirt. Matthew shuffled his feet and tried to turn his gaze away when the larger mans pants followed suit and were kicked aside. Ivan's skin looked as white as porcelain against the black material of his underwear. Canada was relieved to see those weren't coming off as well.

Ivan's body was as beautiful as his face. His build was thick and strong, with broad shoulders and long legs. He was muscled, but not to the point where he looked like an oversized bodybuilder. He looked so naturally and wonderfully masculine that Matthew was failing miserably at keeping his eyes away. He drank in every detail.

There were faded scars that crossed Ivan's pale skin, and he longed to touch them, run his fingers over them.. kiss them..

The Russian, seemingly oblivious to the effect his almost naked body was having on the little blond, pulled open a dresser drawer. He glanced back at Matthew.

"You like to sleep in nightgown?"

Matthew felt his cheeks darken. He couldn't help but huff indignantly, crossing his arms over his chest.

"A shirt! I usually sleep with a shirt on."

Russia chuckled and dug through the contents of the drawer. He pulled out a shirt and tossed it to Matthew.

"Thank you.." Canada said softly, then stripped off his own clothing, save for his undershorts. He folded the tunic and pants and set them on a shelf, then pulled the shirt over his head. And then he thought he'd die of shame. The shirt was huge on him! It did seem like a nightgown afterall.

With a sigh he pulled the blue hairband from his head and ran his fingers through his hair. He took off his glasses and set them safely on a shelf. Russia was climbing into the bed. Matthew went to the other side and climbed in too, pulling the covers up to his chin.

"Good night, my little Matvey."

"Night.. Vanya.." Matthew answered.

Russia leaned over to turn off the lamp beside the bed, and all was silent. Matthew lay stiff, his eyes wide open and staring out into the darkness. He fought his body's urge to start trembling. He was in bed with Russia. Russia was less than two feet away from him. At any moment he could roll over, pull up his nightgown - shirt, dammit! - and have his way. But.. Russia didn't move. Not for a long time. And when he did move, it was a simple shift to a more comfortable position.. and he began to snore.

He's asleep.

Matthew carefully moved to curl up on his side, facing Ivan. Moonlight streamed in through the window and his night eyes were with him now. He could see the Russian sleeping, his face as relaxed and peaceful as Matthew had ever seen it.

And he snores!

The Canadian covered his mouth to hold in a delighted giggle. Ivan's snores were soft, like his voice, and oh so adorable.

A heavy weight suddenly jumped up and plopped down on Matthew's side of the bed. It was Koshka. The little blond smiled to see his sleeping companion and wrapped his arms around the cat to pull him under the covers. He snuggled the huge, furry thing close and kissed his soft head. Koshka started his purr motor, almost in sync with Russia's snores.

It was all very soothing.. the soft, warm covers, the moonlight over his pillow, and the sounds of contented sleep. Matthew's eyes drifted shut and he floated off into sleep himself, light as a feather.

When the sky traded the moon for the early morning sun, Matthew felt himself being pulled back from the hazy folds of dreamland. As his conscious mind returned to him, he was vaguely aware that he was pressed against something warm and firm. There was a weight slung across his torso, and his head was resting on something other than a pillow.

Matthew's eyes fluttered open and he took in his surroundings. Somewhere in the night he'd migrated to Russia's side of the bed. Koshka had taken over his pillow as usual, and Matthew had secured himself a spot snuggled up against Ivan. His head was resting on the Russian's chest. There was an arm around him, holding him, and his own arm was slung across the larger mans waist. Their legs were even tangled together.

Matthew sucked in a sharp breath, fully awake. His body quickly betrayed him. He felt himself grow hard. With horror he realized that hardness was pressing against the Russian's thigh.

Russia's arm moved and his hand came to rest on Matthew's belly. The shirt was bunched up around his chest from sleep, leaving him exposed. Fingers began tracing over his navel and up along his ribs. Matthew bit his lips together and closed his eyes, fighting the need to burst out in giggles. It tickled, but he didn't want to make any noise that might wake Ivan.

Those fingers continued upwards to his collarbone and neck. They touched the metal collar, then traced along his shoulders, and back down again. They stopped at a nipple and drew circles around it. Matthew sucked in another breath and did his best not to arch his back into the touch. This didn't tickle.. this felt good. His skin was heating beneath the light touch and he felt himself getting uncomfortably aroused. It took every last once of willpower he had not to rub against Ivan's thigh for the friction.

When those fingers pinched his nipple and rolled the little pebble of flesh between them it was his undoing. He let out a gaspy moan and shivered from the touch. He heard a chuckle and looked up to see the Russian had been awake the entire time.

"My pretty little Matvey." Ivan said, pushing Canada down against the mattress and leaning over him.

"Va.. Vanya-! N-n.. no-ahhh.."

The little blond moaned again when Ivan lowered his mouth to his chest, taking that same nipple between his lips. He licked at it and nibbled, then kissed his way to the other one, giving it the same treatment.

Now Matthew arched his back, his head thrown back against the pillows and his mouth open in a series of moans and gasps. He buried his fingers in Ivan's hair, keeping the mans head in place, only allowing him to go back and forth between the two overly sensitive buds on his chest.

Ivan's hand trailed down Matthew's stomach, his fingers teasing up gooseflesh as they went. The palm spread out flat against the little blonds flesh and Matthew couldn't keep his hips from rocking upwards, seeking the contact he knew was coming. Russia's hand closed over his hardness, squeezing it gently beneath the material of his underwear.

Matthew jolted and cried out. He quickly squirmed away from Ivan and retreated to his own side of the bed, pulling the covers around himself as he did so.

His eyes were wide with nervous tension as he stared at Ivan, who gazed back at him with surprise.. and then disappointment.. and hurt.

A brief moment of silence passed, and then an all too familiar smile returned to Ivan's face.

But his eyes..

They were so full of sadness. The same expression Matthew could remember seeing during world meetings. The smile that Russia wore for a world that didn't like him. A world that didn't want to be around him. The smile that Matthew knew was false.

I rejected him..

He'd acted as tho he'd been disgusted by Russia's touch. But.. he wasn't! He was just.. he'd.. he'd never done these things before.

"Va.. Vanya.. I'm.."

He was..

A virgin.

A cellphone rang somewhere.

Russia pushed the blankets away and went to find where he'd tossed his pants the night before. He fished his cellphone from a pocket and answered the line. He spoke in Russian and his voice deepened in an authoritative tone. Matthew could only understand a few words here and there.

He sat quietly, idly picking at threads on the blanket as Russia conversed with whoever was on the other end of the line. Judging by the angry sounding words being spoken Matthew guessed it was Russia's boss.

Ivan hit the 'end' button on his phone and threw it across the room, spitting out some Russian curse word. Matthew jumped and watched as he tore open dresser drawers and pulled out fresh clothing. He thought the material might tear from the way Ivan was roughly pulling an undershirt over his head, then pulled on fresh underwear and a pair of pants.

Canada wondered if now was a good time to try sneaking out of the room.. but all he could do was cowar on the bed, frightened that Russia might turn his temper on him.

Russia stalked to a wardrobe and yanked open the door to look for a fresh jacket to wear.. when he seemed to remember the little blond sitting in his bed.

He looked at Matthew, who looked back with wide, nervous purple eyes.

"Matvey.." Russia took a deep breath and calmed down a bit. He gave Matthew another smile, but it had an apology in it this time. "I have to go."

"All day again?" Matthew pouted. He found enough nerve to climb out of the bed and went to where Russia stood. Ivan hesitated for a moment, then pulled Canada into a hug. He buried his nose into the blond hair and sighed.

"Da. There is trouble."

"Vanya.. I'm.." Sorry. I'm sorry. Please touch me again. I promise I'll let you this time.

Matthew couldn't say those things.

He hid his face in Ivan's chest instead.

The Russian kissed the top of his head.

"I will take you out tonight."

"Really?" Canada gazed up at Russia, excitement crossing his features.

"Da."

"Where?"

"Is surprise."

"Tell me!"

"Patience, little one."

Matthew huffed, then Ivan tilted his face up with a finger beneath his chin and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

"Be good, Matvey."

And then he was gone. Matthew was left to himself in Russia's bedroom, with Koshka still snoozing on his pillow.

He spent the day wandering around after Alina as she did her chores, same as the day before. This time she told him about herself, and her life before she came to work in Russia's house.

"I am from small town called Vyazniki. Is far away from Moscow, but near enough that I can take train at New Years to see family."

She was folding freshly laundered clothes, and Matthew was helping her by matching socks.

"Do you have a big family?" He asked, and she smiled, nodding.

"Da, very big. Many aunts, uncles, two sisters and a brother. My mamka and papka, and of course Babushka. I miss them very much."

"When did you meet Russia?" He was missing a sock. Even in Russia, it seemed, there was always a missing sock.

"I wrote him letter. I say 'Father Russia, my family is poor. I am strong young woman. I want to come work in your house.'"

"And he wrote back?"

"Da. He send train ticket and ask me to come as soon as possible."

Matthew smiled. He felt a warmth spreading in his heart. So Ivan had taken this girl in and paid her enough money to send back home to her family. How many other nations knew how kind Russia could be to his own people? Certainly not his brother. America thought Russia was the devil incarnate. England did too.

"I have been here for two years. I love Russia so much. He is so.. wonderful. "

Alina's eyes lost their focus and her hands stilled in their job of folding a pair of pants. A familiar expression touched her pretty features. One that Matthew knew all too well. Sorrow.

"But he is sad.. very sad. He is lonely."

Matthew thought of the hurt he'd caused Russia earlier that morning. He felt a pang of guilt aching through his chest.

"But now Matvey is here."

Aline's face lit with a happy smile and she took Matthew's hands between hers.

"Russia talked about you coming to stay for long time, and now you're here. He is happy with you."

Er.. does she know he kidnapped me?

Matthew wondered if it would matter even if she did. Her loyalty and love for Russia was genuine, and he couldn't help but smile with her. She said that Russia was happy because of him. No one had ever been happy because of him, other than his own people. No one had ever taken such special interest in him before. But Russia was interested. A little more than interested.. and Matthew still wasn't sure why.

Russia came home earlier that evening than he had the day previously. He dressed Matthew warmly in a jacket, cloak and mitts, then took his hand and led him out the front door and into the Russian outside world.

There was a car waiting for them. A long, black car that reminded Matthew of the same sort that America's presidents road around in. The driver opened the door for them, and Matthew climbed into the back. Russia climbed in after him, and the door was closed behind them.

Canada pressed his face to the window to watch as they began their journey to.. wherever they were going.

Moscow was everything Matthew had never heard of or even thought about. He hated to admit it, but he'd never visited the grand city before. He'd learned alot about it, and about Russia because of his foreign relations with the nation, but he'd kept his distance. His boss never asked him to visit Russia personally - they always sent a Canadian diplomat - and he'd never had any interest in going. Now he was sorry he'd missed out.

What a splendor it would have been to watch this magnificent city grow through the decades.. tho Canada was much too young to have seen all of it's history.

Their car passed modern buildings that stood shoulder to shoulder with ancient monasteries. Matthew had never seen anything like it. The onion domes of the old churches caught the light of the setting sun, and he stared wide-eyed as they passed.

He was pleasantly surprised to see how many trees there were. They were bare of leaves due to it being in the middle of winter, but he could only imagine how green and beautiful Moscow must be in the summer.

Tho night was falling fast, and it was bitter cold outside, there were people everywhere. Normal, every day Russians, going to and fro, out for the night or heading home after a long day of work.

Their car drove on, twisting and turning through the city streets.

Finally they came to their destination.. a large brick building that Canada immediately recognized to be an..

"Arena!"

He turned excited eyes to Ivan, who'd been sitting quietly next to him for their entire trip, allowing the little blond to drink in the sights of his city.

"Da, my little Matvey. You are pleased?"

"Yes!"

When the car stopped Matthew didn't wait for the driver to open their door. He bounced out and hopped from foot to foot impatiently as Ivan followed him. Russia gave instructions to their driver, who bowed and got back into the car to go and park.

He grabbed Russia's arm and tugged him along, wanting more than anything to put on a pair of skates and get onto the ice. Maybe they'd play a little hockey!

Ivan chuckled and allowed himself to be led into the arena. Once inside, he directed Matthew to a locker room where he took a pair of skates in Canada's size and handed them to him. He sat down on a bench to take off his boots and put his own skates on. Before he even had his second boot off the blond was already ready to go.

"Hurry, hurry!"

Then Matthew was out on the ice.

Total freedom.

Canada was in another world when he was on ice.

He'd thrown off his cloak and jacket and left them behind in the locker room. He was flying as soon as his skates touched the rink. He shot across the length of it like a bullet, fast as any speed skater in a race. His hair flew out behind him and he drew in as deep a breath as he could, savouring every second. This wasn't as nice as skating outside on the Rideau Canal at home, but it was still wonderful.

Blissfully wonderful.

He'd done a full ten laps around the rink before he noticed he was alone.

Matthew skidded to a stop and glanced around the empty arena.

Where is Russia? Did he leave me?

The Canadian was about to step off the ice to go check the locker room when music started over the loud speaker.

Russia stepped onto the ice a few moments later. He too had shed his jacket, leaving him free to move around the ice without restraint. Matthew skated off to the side as he watched Ivan warm up.

The larger nation was unthinkably tall on his skates and was very intimidating. Matthew knew because he'd faced off against Russia in hockey games in the past.. but Ivan hadn't skated like this then. Graceful and smooth, his arms outstretched and his long legs moving in time with the beautiful music filling the arena.

Matthew stared in awe. He slipped and almost fell, unable to pay attention to his balance as he watched Russia. He moved to the side of the rink and pulled himself up to sit on the wall. Ivan picked up speed and Matthew gasped as he jumped and did a triple axel.. right in front of him.

Russia arched his back and went into a spin, stretching his leg out behind him, then pulling it in, spinning so fast that Matthew had no idea how he didn't end up dizzy.

The song that played over the speaker ended, and a new melody began to play. Russia skated to where the little blond sat.

"That was.. amazing!" Canada said, his eyes still full of awe.

Ivan smiled and held out his hand.

"Is nothing. Come."

Matthew quickly shook his head.

"No way, I can't skate like that. I just play hockey."

Russia took his hand anyway, and pulled Matthew from the wall. He skated backwards, leading Canada out onto the ice.

"Noooo.. Vanya, I'll just look silly and fall!"

Russia ignored his pleas and held Matthew's hands, simply leading as they skated around the rink. Gradually the little Canadian got used to moving on the ice with a partner, and he tried to match Ivan's graceful movements. When the Russian turned him into a slow, easy spin he closed his eyes and tripped and fell backward... but was caught before he hit the ice. Ivan chuckled and straightened him up, and Matthew tried again.

The music played on.

He was starting to get good at it. He skated around in sync with Russia. He lifted his arms and began to feel the music dictating how they danced together on the ice. It was nothing like playing hockey.. but Matthew found he was really starting to enjoy it.

That was.. until Ivan grabbed him around the middle and tried lifting him.

"Wait no!" He yelped out a laugh and jerked in Ivan's arms. Russia tripped and fell back with Matthew crashing down on top of him.

They slid to a stop and Canada winced at how his wrist had hit the ice and Ivan's knee had caught him in the thigh. He pushed himself to his knees and felt guilty for ruining their dance.

"I'm sorry, Vanya! I'm.. ticklish."

Ivan sat up. Matthew stared as a strange expression crossed the larger mans face.. and then he burst out laughing. Canada blinked at him, then smiled and started to laugh too. After a moment they picked themselves up off the ice and began the dance again.

Eventually Ivan did get him to the point where he could be lifted without laughing and squirming. He was afraid, but Russia was strong and held him carefully in the air as he skated around the rink.

He'd never had so much fun on the ice in his life.

When the music finally stopped.. it was time to leave.

In the locker room Matthew pulled his skates off sadly. He put his boots back on and waited for Russia to do the same.

"Thank you.. for tonight." He said softly, and Russia tilted his chin up. He gazed up into the Ivan's eyes and felt disappointed to see the sadness was still there.

He took Russia's hand in both of his own and placed a kiss on the inside of his wrist. Then he raised himself to his toes and pulled the Russian down and met his lips. He sucked Ivan's bottom lip into his mouth, then nibbled it. He grasped the silver hair and moaned when Ivan's arms were around him, pulling him tight against his body. Russia backed them up against a wall of lockers, and Matthew lifted his leg, wrapping it around Ivan's hip. He pushed his growing hardness up against the larger nation, drawing out a gasp from the mans lips.

Ivan suddenly stopped and backed away. He looked at Matthew suspiciously.

"What does little Matvey want?" He asked.

"...You." Matthew answered, his cheeks flushed with colour.

"You push me away."

"No.. I wont. I.. I only did before because.. I'm.. I've never done this before."

Now the Russian looked surprised.

"Never? Not with France? Not with America?"

Matthew shook his head, blushing furiously. He lowered his gaze, feeling horribly embarrassed.

"Not with anyone?"

Canada lowered his head further, his hair hiding his face.

"You'll.. be my first."

Silence filled the locker room. Matthew was afraid for a moment that Ivan would start laughing at him.

He gasped when he was pushed back against the lockers and was crushed into such a forceful, dominating kiss he thought he might die.

He was lifted and he wrapped both his legs around Russia's hips. He moaned out a gasp when Ivan ground his pelvis against him. He felt the larger nations erection through his pants, thrusting up against his bottom. He fisted Ivan's jacket, trying to push it from his shoulders. He wanted skin. Bare skin. He wanted Russia naked. Now. He wanted that god-like, alabaster body covering him, thrusting into him, taking him to that place he'd never been before.

Ivan broke the heated kiss. Canada whined and tried to pull him back, searching out his lips.. but he was carefully set back on his feet.

The Russian was panting. His cheeks were flushed and his eyes shone as he gazed at Matthew. The little Canadian reached out for him, but Ivan held him at arms length.

"Not here." He shook his head. "I will not take my little Matvey here. Not in locker room."

Canada frowned, feeling pained. He was so hard it hurt.. but he had to admit to himself that having sex for the first time in a stinky arena locker room would not be nice. Not when there was a huge bed and the rest of the night waiting for them at home.

Home..

Russia's house was home now. Wasn't it?

Ivan took his hand and they walked out of the locker room together, then towards the exit. Their car was waiting outside for them. The driver opened the door and they climbed in. Once they were moving, Russia pulled Canada into his lap. They shared a sweet, searching, longing kiss that lasted the entire trip home.

Home.

Russia is home.