Matthew ran.

He had no idea where he was going, how he was going to get there, or even what direction he was headed. All he knew was that he had to put as much distance between himself and Russia's house as he could.

He didn't expect that Ivan would follow him right away. The man must have enough alcohol in his system by now to have him out cold and flat on the floor. And whenever he woke up from his drunken stupor he would be so hung over and sick.. Matthew doubted Ivan would want to move for a long, long time.

But then again.. this was Russia. To him, vodka was water.

Canada ran faster.

His lungs screamed at him to stop. To catch his breath. To find a safe place to fall to the ground and rest. But he kept going, dashing through the winding and narrow back streets of Moscow. He jumped fences and ran through yards. He dodged startled dogs and ducked through shadows to avoid police officers who were patrolling the night.

Finally he made it to a huge park, covered in trees and bushes with a pond at it's centre. Matthew found a secluded spot in some bushes next to the water and stumbled to his knees. He fell face forward to the cold, hard ground.

He lay there panting heavily, for a long time.

The world was spinning circles around him. He was dizzy with exhaustion.

He pushed himself over to lay on his back. His breath exhaled in a fine mist. It was cold outside. Spring was the new season in the air, but Winter had dug in it's heels and refused to release it's icy chill.

He shivered.

I'm still in Moscow..

This city was massive.

Where am I going to go? What am I going to do?

Matthew gazed up at the twinkling stars in the sky. He knew his options were as numerous as those stars, but he couldn't decide which to choose.

He could find a phone and call Alfred. The American would come and rescue him, take him home, and fawn over him with attention.. for a few weeks. Then he would forget all about him all over again.

Nope. Forget that.

He could call England or France.

No.. they still don't even know I was ever gone.

He could find the Canadian embassy and get help from his people. He could make his own way back to Canada. He didn't need anyone else's help.

...I.. I don't want to go home. I don't want to face my boss. I don't want my people to see me..

He.. could go back to Russia's house.

Matthew closed his eyes.

More than anything he wanted to just go back to Russia's house. Go back to Alina and tell her how sorry he was for making her cry. Go back to Koshka, to good food, to a warm bed.. to Ivan..

"Vanya.." He sniffled, but he was too tired to cry anymore.

A groaning sound to his right.

Matthew sat up and looked around in the darkness of the park. Not far from where he sat on the ground was a bench overlooking the pond. On the bench lay an old bum, obviously near passed out from drinking too much. A bottle of vodka was loosely clutched in his fingers. The bum was groaning, his free hand clutching his stomach. He turned to his side and started to vomit.

Matthew hurried to his feet and forced himself into another run.

He found an old pickup truck parked outside a 24 hour gas station. It's owner had gone inside the little convenience store to buy himself something to snack on. Matthew hurried to climb into the truck bed and ducked down. There was an old, dirty tarp laying in the back and he covered himself with it, laying flat and still. The truck's owner returned and started the engine. It pulled out of the gas station.. and Canada was on his way. He wasn't sure where the truck would take him, but he was just so thankful to be off his feet.

Hours seemed to pass and the truck drove on. Matthew pulled back the tarp to watch the sky and the tops of the buildings as they flew by. As the time passed the buildings grew fewer and the trees became more numerous. Gradually the black sky began to light up with a morning sun.

Matthew had fallen asleep by the time the truck pulled into a tiny little town. When the engine slowed and the truck came to a stop he gasped himself awake. The truck driver got out of the cab.. and immediately noticed the stowaway in the back.

"Hey!" He shouted in Russian, "What the hell do you think you're doing in there?"

Matthew scrambled out of the truck and held his hands up, backing away.

Thank heavens for Alina and her Russian language lessons. Matthew had no trouble making himself understood.

"I'm sorry! Please don't be angry! I would have asked for a ride but it was the middle of the night and I didn't know if you were nice or not. I don't have any money to pay you with but.. but here! You.. you can have this!"

He shed himself of his cloak and held it out to the man, who looked at it with confusion.. and began to laugh. It wasn't a friendly laugh, but the man didn't seem overly angry. Just tired after such a long drive.

"What? You think I'm some poor beggar who needs your cast off clothes? So you hitched a ride in my truck. Big deal. Get out of here before I call the police."

He made 'shoo'ing motions at Canada.

Matthew breathed a sigh of relief and wrapped the cloak back around his shoulders. He looked around the landscape, wondering where he was.. and which way he should go. The truck driver had turned was heading towards a nearby house.

"Um.. wait!" Matthew called. The man stopped and glanced back at Canada.

"Can you tell me where I am?"

"You're in Idritsa." The truck driver was watching Matthew closely, as if he was beginning to notice something different about him. Something that wasn't quite.. human.

"Oh. Uh.. ok. Thank you. Can you.. um.. tell me a little more about Idritsa? And what way I might head if I were to.. uh.. try and leave Russia?" Canada shuffled nervously on his feet. He wanted to hurry and get away from the man, but he needed more information about where in Russia he was.

"Go a few hours south and you're in Belarus."

Matthew gulped and felt his hair rising on the back of his neck. He shivered and quickly decided that he was NOT going south.

"What if I went west?"

"Then you'll be in Latvia."

The truck driver was openly staring at him now, as if he were thinking very hard about the little blond who'd stolen a ride in his truck and was now standing before him. Trying to place his face..

Matthew knew it was time to go.

"Thank you!" He called over his shoulder, turning to hurry away.

"Waaaait a minute.. you're America, aren't you?" The truck driver yelled after him. Matthew's breath caught in his throat and he picked up his feet into a jog. This was a bad place to be mistaken for his brother.

"I'm calling the police!"

Canada started to run.

People were walking around the town.. early morning risers.. and they looked to see who the truck driver was yelling about. Matthew pulled the cloak's hood over his head to try and hide his face as he ran. He left the town streets and headed into the woods where he knew he could move more easily through the trees and underbrush and be protected. If Canada was almost invisible in a room full of nations, he knew he could altogether disappear in the forest.

I'll head through Latvia, he thought. I'll slip through the border and make my way to Lithuania.

It took him three days to get to Vilnius.

He managed to catch a ride here or there. Thankfully the people of Latvia were friendly and helpful, tho wary of the strange looking boy who resembled America. Once he'd crossed into Lithuania, the people were far more suspicious of him - mostly thanks to the way he sought out people who spoke Russian to ask for directions. He couldn't speak Lithuanian, and very few people knew English. He found himself walking most of the way to the capitol city, and by the time he made it.. he was a mess. And he was beyond exhausted.

He was too tired to avoid the police any longer. He walked into the middle of a street, causing traffic to stop. He stood there with his arms in the air in an 'I give up' posture.. until police officers came and arrested him.

They took him to a station and locked him in a cell. He pulled his cloak back, revealing his face to them. He asked to see Lithuania over and over, in Russian and in English.. and even a few times in French.. until they realized that he was not human. He was a nation. And not any nation. He was America. Or so they thought.

"Are you sure he's America?" One officer whispered to another as he picked up the phone, "He looks awfully scrawny.."

"The face is sorta similar.." Another officer whispered back, holding up a picture of Alfred and comparing it to the dirty, roughed-up looking nation in the cell. "... the hair and eyes are all wrong. But it doesn't matter. Call Lithuania, quickly."

A couple hours later, Lithuania walked into the police station with his guards. He took one look into the cell where Matthew was being held, then turned to snap at the officers.

"Let him out immediately! Show him respect! We are in the presence of Canada."

The cell was opened, and Canada stepped out. Lithuania held out his hand in welcome.. but Matthew hesitated to shake it. He was filthy. And embarrassed to be in such a state in front of another nation and his people.

"Thank you.. Lithuania.." He said softly, "I'm happy to see you.. to be here."

"Please, Mr Canada.. call me Toris. I'm very sorry about the harsh treatment. They didn't realize who you were.. especially when you were speaking Russian."

"I'm sorry.. " Canada's eyes were downcast at his feet. "I wasn't sure how else to get your attention."

"Nevermind now. Let's get you back to my house so you can clean up."

Tho Lithuania's house was small and simple. It was tastefully decorated and comfortable. And had a shower. Matthew had never been so grateful for a shower.

He stood beneath the showerhead, with water pouring over him as hot as he could stand it. He hadn't had a shower in all the time he'd stayed with Russia.. only baths given to him by Ivan himself. He'd almost forgotten what it felt like to bathe alone.

When he was clean and dry and dressed in new clothing set aside for him, he left the washroom and found Toris sitting in an armchair in the livingroom. A little white tea set sat on the coffee table, with a teacup ready and waiting for Matthew to enjoy.

Lithuania immediately poured him a cup of tea as Canada sat down on the couch.

"Thank you," Matthew smiled, taking the cup and sipping. It tasted like heaven. There was a tray with crackers, cheeses, and little sandwiches as well. Matthew couldn't help but begin to eat from it greedily. He was starving.

Toris sipped his own tea, watching as Matthew ate, and the two naturally shy nations sat in awkward silence. There were obvious questions that needed to be answered, but neither the blond nor the brunette knew how to start the conversation.

Matthew had finished his tea and eaten most of the contents of the tray before he worked up the nerve to say something. The ball was in his court, afterall. He'd shown up in Lithuania seeking help.

He leaned back on the couch, took a deep breath.. and told Toris the entire story. Every detail that wasn't too personal or embarrassing to share - like being led around the house on a leash. The lie about the G8 summit, the kidnapping, being held against his will, and the feelings he'd developed for Russia over the long months he'd spent with him. The kindness, the gentle way Ivan had treated him.. up until Mathew had found out about the stolen laptop. America's visit, the agreed upon closer national relations with Russia by their bosses, and then finally how Ivan had become drunk, hit him, and told him to get out.

"I.. I don't think he meant for me to leave the house altogether. He just wanted me out of the office."

Matthew's bottom lip trembled. He was swallowing back a lump in his throat.

"He's probably so angry now.. and hurt because I ran away. But.. I didn't know what else to do."

Lithuania cleared his throat and Matthew looked up to see the man was trembling. The brunettes hands shook as he leaned forward to pour them both another cup of tea.

"That's.. quite a story.. Mr Canada." Lithuania said softly, "But I have to be honest with you. I wish you hadn't decided to come here."

Matthew stared at Lithuania with wide eyes, full of hurt. Toris blinked and waved his hands, almost spilling his tea.

"I'm sorry, Mr Canada! I didn't mean it like that. I'm always happy to welcome another nation to my country... especially you. It's just that.. you're right. Mr Russia is most likely very angry that you're gone, and I'm worried he'll quickly figure out where you went. Did anyone see you on your way here?"

Matthew felt guilt quickly gather up in his chest. Of course he'd been seen on his way here. The truck driver he'd met a few days ago had probably made good on his threat and called the police.. which meant it would be easy for Ivan to find out he'd gone east. Russia would know he'd never set foot in Belarus.. and so would have headed into..

"Latvia.." Matthew whispered, then turned worried, violet eyes to Lithuania. "He'll find out I went to Latvia!"

"Yes.. and he'll muscle his way in and question anyone he can get his hands on until he figures out you came here." Toris sighed and set his teacup down on it's saucer. He leaned back in his armchair with his hands clenched together. His eyes were closed, and his brows knit together with stress.

Canada felt horrible. For Lithuania, and for Latvia.. who might have an angry Russian knocking on his door very soon. The last thing the peaceful, quiet Baltic nations needed was their former oppressor coming after them. They were already nervous enough as it was. And it was all Matthew's fault for being selfish enough to run away from Ivan and cross their borders.

"Oh Lithuania.. I'm so sorry.. I'll leave right away!" Matthew got to his feet. Toris quickly stood too and blocked his path.

"No. No, Mr Canada. I want you to stay here and rest. You've been through alot."

Lithuania motioned to his couch and smiled at the blond nation, his green eyes warm. Matthew couldn't bring himself to smile back, but he sat down anyway.

"I'm going to assume you came here because of my history with Mr Russia." Toris said as he settled back in his armchair. Matthew nodded.

"I.. I did. I don't know exactly.. what you had with Va-.. uh.. with Russia. But.. I was told that at one time he.. he loved you."

Lithuania's eyes unfocused and drifted away into what Canada knew must be the past. Into the history Toris shared with Russia. The brunette's cheeks flushed with memories, and it was many moments before he spoke. When he did speak, it was quiet and slow.

"I suppose what he felt for me could be called love.. tho Mr Russia could never understand 'love' the way other people do. To him, love is about possession.. dominance.. force."

"So.. he did force himself on you?" Matthew felt so rude for asking, but he had to know.

"No, he didn't." Lithuania shook his head, "I went to Mr Russia's bed quite willingly. And often. He is a very.. um.. desirable.. bed partner."

Both nations couldn't bring themselves to look at each other. Both had cheeks the colour of crimson.

"He took my entire country and kept me very much the same way he's been keeping you, tho at the time he also took Latvia and Estonia. He loved them too, I'm sure, but I was his favourite. And I felt very.. warm.. towards him for all the affection he showed me."

"Did you love him back?" Matthew asked.

Toris drew in a long breath and exhaled slowly. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

"No. I didn't. I desired him, but I couldn't love him. My heart has belonged to Poland since long, long ago. He knew it, and he was angry over it."

Matthew began to chew on his bottom lip. His gaze left Lithuania's face and fell to the floor instead. He wanted to ask if Ivan had hit Lithuania.. beaten him in a drunken rage.. but he was too afraid to know the answer.

"Mr Russia is a frightening, jealous, and angry nation." said Toris, "He doesn't understand things, or act the way others do."

'He has mind of child'.. Alina's words echoed through Matthew's thoughts.

"But.. he is also kind, gentle, generous and so very passionate.. it would be very easy for someone to fall in love with him.. if there were anyone brave enough to forgive his many faults and misdeeds."

Matthew kept his eyes on the floor. His hand slipped into his pocket and he brought out the little snowflake pendant that he'd kept safe throughout his journey. He gazed at it as it rested in his palm, it's blue topaz stones and diamonds twinkling.

"That is very beautiful." said Toris.

Matthew closed his hand and shoved the pendant back into his pocket.

"Thank you for the food and the tea, Lithuania." he said, "I'm feeling very tired.. I was wondering if I could lay down and sleep?"

"Of course!" Toris smiled as he stood, and showed Matthew to a small spare bedroom. "Please have pleasant dreams."

The spare room door closed, and Canada was left to himself. He walked to the window and drew back the curtain, looking out. It was late afternoon. Night would come in a few hours.

He lay down on the bed and closed his eyes.

Toris spent the evening scanning the news both on his television and computer. Just as he'd feared, there were reports of Russia making an appearance in Latvia. He wasn't at all surprised when Latvia himself called, terrified after a visit from their huge next door neighbour.

"He said he knows Mr Canada was here.. or maybe is STILL here. He's out there scaring my people half to death, asking questions. He brought his army with him, Lithuania! I have no idea what he's talking about!"

"Have you called NATO?" Toris asked, his hand shaking as it held the receiver.

"Of course I did.. as soon as he left. But I'm scared, Lithuania! I don't want a war with Mr Russia!"

"Try to calm down, Latvia. I think I can put a stop to this."

"How?"

"Mr Canada is here. With me."

"What? Why?"

"I.. I can't tell you the details. But.. I think once he's rested, Mr Canada will help us prevent this from turning into war. Just.. hold on for now, ok?"

"Ok.. I will."

Lithuania placed the receiver back in it's cradle. He glanced at the spare bedroom door and sincerely hoped Canada would be willing to calm the Russian storm that was coming his way.

At the first sign of morning, Lithuania rose and turned on the news. Russia and his army were headed towards the southern border of Latvia. NATO was scrambling to contact him - to order him out of Latvia, and to stay away from Lithuania. Russia was ignoring their protests.

His voicemail was overwhelmed with messages from his boss, from Estonia, from NATO officials, from England and even one from America. Alfred himself had called and offered to fly in right away.. as if he knew the reason behind Russia's sudden invasion.

Lithuania tried to keep his wits about him. He did his best to stay calm as he went about making a nice breakfast for two. He hoped the smell of food and morning coffee would rouse the blond nation who was apparently still asleep. He didn't want to return or answer any calls, or talk to anyone before he had another long discussion with Canada.

When Canada failed to appear even after breakfast was laid out on the kitchen table, Toris went to meekly knock on the spare bedroom door.

"Mr Canada?" He called, "I'm sorry for waking you if you're still sleeping. I.. I've got news about Mr Russia and.. I'm hoping you'll be able to help us before something bad happens. If.. maybe.. you could just call him and talk to him? Let him know you're ok?"

No answer.

Lithuania knocked again.

"Mr Canada?"

Lithuania turned the knob and peeked inside the room.

It was empty.

The window was open. There was a light breeze blowing the curtains inward. The bed was still made. No one had slept in it. Canada had slipped out sometime during the night.

Tucked half beneath a pillow was a small sheet of note paper with a message neatly written on it.

Toris went and picked it up to read.

Dear Lithuania,

I'm so sorry for the trouble I've caused you.

I'm going back into Russia in the hopes that you and Latvia will be safe.

Thank you for your hospitality and your words.

Canada