Hey, again. It's back. I do not own Hetalia, pop culture references, ect. Enjoy.
/Same evening, Paris/
Dmitri cannot sleep.
Granted, everyone went to bed rather early, but they were able to fall asleep relatively quickly, and he can't help but envy them, their great optimism.
Their undying hope.
He turns on his side. Perhaps it is his position. Certainly not the bed. It's large, soft, warm and simply comfortable to lay on. But he was not comfortable. There is a terrible ache in his heart. He lets out a long, pained sigh. His family is not a lucky one. In fact, on a bad day, he could say that they were forsaken for a wrong that none of them are aware of committing from the time they came into existence. Feeling pain, causing pain, witnessing pain.
Oh yes, all of the nations and capitals have felt it, caused it, seen it.
But there is just something unique about he and his family when it came to that topic. Something particularly frightening, depressing and despairingly hopeless. He is glad that neither Stan nor Jason had to feel it to such an extent. But they are young. Their fathers are young. Who knows what can happen in the future? What might they see, feel, or do?
Frustrated, Dmitri kicks the blanket off and stands up, walking over to his coat and taking his father's scarf out. Sitting back down on the bed, he stares at it, idly rubbing it with his thumb
Papa.
Bringing it to his nose, he inhales deeply. The scent hasn't changed since he was a child. It still smells of sunflowers, a hint of vodka, and his father's natural, earthy scent.
A much younger and smaller Dmitri frolics through the snowy forest on a chilly yet sunny day. He giggles as he kicks up the snow and the white crystals fall back to the ground. He is happy. He has every reason to be. His beloved aunts and cousins are coming to visit and play he and his papa tomorrow. And General Winter has not been too harsh for the past few days. It feels nice. He makes some snowballs and throw them at the trees, seeing how far and high he can throw them.
He stops when he hears some rustling coming from the bushes. Dropping the snowball, the tiny boy becomes completely still. An invading country? No, not today. Please not today. But instead of a hostile nation, a large, male wolf comes trotting over to him. His fear melting away, he smiles and giggles.
"Hello Vasily! You scared me!" The wolf merely licks his face and playfully nips at his shoulder-length, ashen hair. Dmitri squeals with laughter and strokes the animal's thick, coarse fur. "How are you Vasily? I have not seen you in days!" The wolf merely barks and licks his cheek.
"Little Wolf?" Ivan calls, looking around for his son.
"Over here Papa!" Dmitri yells. Ivan turns around and spots him with his friend. A gentle, relieved smile forms itself on his lips as he walks over and crouches down next to him. Vasily gives him a look of acknowledgment before focusing on Dmitri again.
"You should stay closer to the house, Little Wolf. You were scaring Papa." he says kindly. A confused look comes over the child's face.
"I thought that nothing scares you, Papa." Ivan chuckles and brushes some snow off of his son's cap.
"That is true Little Wolf. But I do not want you to get lost. Now say goodbye to Vasily for today. You, Sasha and Yurochka can play with him tomorrow."
"Okay!" Dmitri turns and plants a kiss on the canine's nose. "Goodbye Vasily! We will play tomorrow!" Vasily gives his face one more lick and runs off into the forest. Dmitri feels large, strong hands pick him up.
"Look at you! You are all wet!" Ivan says teasingly as he tickles the tiny thing in his arms.
"Stop it Papa!" Dmitri giggles as he squirms about.
"We will get you dried and warm, yes?" Ivan asks as they head back to the house.
"Yes Papa!"
Later in the evening, Dmitri reads a book of folktales by the fireplace while Ivan sits at the table, sipping on vodka and reading a book of his own. It's not long until he feels a small tug at his pants leg.
"Papa?" Ivan, having been ready to take another sip of his drink, sets the bottle down and lifts Dmitri onto his lap.
"Yes Little Wolf?" The child takes one of his large, callused hands and places his tiny, soft one on the palm.
"Do you think my hands will ever be as big as yours?" he asks. Ivan smiles and closes his hand, completely swallowing his son's within it.
"One day, Little Wolf. You must be patient."
"But if I do not grow up fast, how can I protect you like you protect me?" Ivan looks at Dmitri, stunned by such words. The child's large, amethyst eyes gleamed with such honesty, such innocence, and such obvious adoration. Rather solemnly, he gathers the little capital into his arms and hugs him, resting his cheek on his head.
"Papa, why are you crying?" Dmitri whispers, feeling hot tears seeping in his hair.
"Do not worry Little Wolf. Just let Papa hold you for a little while." Ivan tells him softly. Dmitri can hear the faintest hitch in his voice. Like a hairline crack on the ice of a frozen lake.
"Okay Papa." He clutches his father's shirt and buries his face into the scarf he wears so often. Though saddened that Papa is crying, he feels safe and warm knowing that they are here together. That Papa is so strong, and he will be strong like him one day. That no one can ever take his papa away…
Dmitri lifts his head and realizes that his eyes are filled to the brink. Cursing himself, he wipes the tears away before they have the chance to fall. He folds the scarf up neatly and puts it back in the pocket. Someone softly knocks on his door. As he opens it, he sees Yuri and Sasha standing in the hallway with their pillow tucked under their arms, looking exhausted yet restless.
Just like him.
"Did we wake you Dima?" Yuri whispers.
"Nyet Yuri. I cannot get to sleep." he whispers back.
"Would you mind if we stayed with you tonight?" Sasha asks. Dmitri smiles.
"That would be nice." He steps aside and his cousins walk in and climb into bed. Dmitri quietly shuts the door and joins them.
"Thank you Dima." Sasha says with a soft smile as she pulls the blanket over the three of them.
"Do not worry about it." he answers. Honestly, he feels much better now, not having to brew alone in his own doubts. He should think more like Stanley. They will find the nations, find Papa, Tetya Natalya and Tetya Katyusha.
"I feel horrible." Yuri mutters. His older cousins look at him with concern.
"Are you feeling feverish Yurochka? Pierre may have some medicine." Dmitri offers. The youngest of the three frowns at him.
"You know that I do not like nor go by that nickname anymore Dima. And I do not feel physically ill." he says. Dmitri sighs softly.
"Da Yuri. I apologize. Then what is wrong?" The Belarusian turns onto his stomach and hides his face in his pillow. This alarms his cousins and they sit up.
"Yuri, what is wrong? Please, you can tell us." Sasha gently presses, placing a loving hand on his shoulder.
"The last time I spoke to Mama, we fought. Terribly. The four of you were not there to witness it." he mumbles. "I-I regret it. So much. I told her, the morning they were taken, that she wastes her time trying to get Dzaidźka Vanya to marry her, that she should move on. Because he will never love her more than a brother loves a sister, dy? She started to shout at me and I shouted back. You know that is what usually happens. Or I may not have the nerve that day and I will just leave until she calms herself. But, this time, it went on far too long. It had gotten far too deep. It got to the point that I-" he stops, trembling.
"Yuri, it is fine. Please do not stop now. What happened between you and Tetya Natalya?" Dmitri whispers kindly. His younger cousin looks up, tears streaming down his cheeks and a look of absolute self-loathing on his face. It makes him look painfully small and young. Like a wounded child.
"I told her that she was disgusting, that she was the worst mother that ever came into existence, that I hated her. I did not mean it, but I was so angry. Mama started to cry, and I left her there. I said such horrible things to my own mother and I walked away. Those were the last words that I said to her and now she, Ciotka Katyusha and Dzaidźka Vanya are gone. And now, I fear we will never find them, that Mama will believe that I despise her, simply because I decided to lose my temper that day." he finishes. Dmitri and Sasha stay quiet, their hearts aching for both Yuri and their aunt. Finally, Dmitri speaks.
"We understand that you were angry Yuri. I cannot say I am pleased with Tetya Natalya's actions myself. I also know that between the two of us, you are the one who feels the hurt the most. At least I get to speak to Papa about general topics more often than you get to with your mama. And you are willing to speak up against her behavior while Sasha and I cannot, or anyone for that matter. But you must remember that we are going to bring them back. And you will have your chance to apologize to her." Yuri manages a small smile.
"You speak to Stanley far too often." he comments. Dmitri smiles back.
"Perhaps. But we have only started our journey and, as you have said, the three of us know Siberia. As well as Papa, Tetya Katyusha and Tetya Natalya. We cannot allow ourselves to lose hope yet." Yuri snorts, but the smile never leaves.
"That is true." he admits.
"Dima is right Yuri. The others need us as much as we need them." Sasha says. "Right now, we cannot let our past misfortunes control our actions now." And her younger cousins know she is absolutely right.
"Then we will go to sleep now, da? We have a long day ahead of us."
"Dy."
"Tak." They lay down and, as soon as their heads hit the pillows, they are out like lights.
/The Next Morning/
"Stanley? Stanley!" Stan yawns as Eva calls him and knocks sharply on the door.
"Comin' Eva." He opens the door and, as expected, sees the German girl looking a bit irritated.
"There is no time to sleep in. We have to catch a train to Germany. There is fresh coffee and Jason is making breakfast."
"Okay, okay. Thank you. Is D, Sasha and Yuri up yet?" Again, she gets that irritated look.
"Nein. I am about to do that."
"I'll help you out." Stan stumbles to the room Yuri is staying in and knocks. "Yuri? Buddy, it's time to get up." No response. He tries again. "C'mon man, wake up and smell the coffee." Again, complete and utter silence. Eva's irritation gets to him and Stanley swings the door open. Unfortunately, there is no scowling Belarusian in the bed. Stan raises an eyebrow. "Yo, Eva, Yuri's not in here."
"Ja. Sasha is not in her room either." she answers with concern. They look over to Dmitri's room. "Do you think they left without us?"
"Naw, they're not like that." They quietly go over to the last door and Stan carefully opens it. The American and German look in and, while a bit surprised to see them sleeping in the same bed, sigh in relief. "See? They wouldn't take off without telling." Eva rolls her eyes before turning her attention to the sleeping Slavs.
"Hey, you three! It is time to wake up!" They groan and get out of bed as quickly as possibly.
"Dobroe utro." Dmitri and Sasha greet in unison with tired smiles.
"Crazy German girl." Yuri grumbles as he cracks his back. Eva shoots him a look.
"I resent that." Yuri waves his hand at her, as if to say 'Yeah, yeah.' Stanley chuckles.
"Yuri, dude. You got major bedhead."
"Zatyknisia." he mutters.
"Anyway, let's get some breakfast and coffee. Jay's probably making pancakes." Dmitri smiles bright.
"That sounds delicious. They are nothing compared to the blini Papa makes, but I do enjoy Jason and Mr. William's pancakes." Yuri smiles a little.
"Dzaidźka Vanya has always made the best blini in Russia. Perhaps the best in the world." Stan and Eva become a bit interested. They have had it when world meetings were held in Moscow, but never Mr. Braginski's. Eva's uncle Gilbert did though, while East Germany was under Soviet control.
'The one thing that Ruski can do right', if she recalls his words correctly.
"It is that tasty, ja?" Eva says. Sasha smiles warmly.
"Oh, tak! In fact, during the Soviet era, there would be days when Dyaďko Vanya would wake up before the rest of us and cook blini for everyone." Her eyes sadden a little. "Those were some of the happier times." The Cold War. Not a good subject for anyone.
"Hey, you think after we bust him out, he could make some of that famous blini for the rest us? Because it's sounding pretty damn good." Stan says, which isn't a lie by any means.
"Da, of course! Papa would be honored."
"Hey!" Mary calls from the bottom of the stairwell. "Jason finished making breakfast. Come down while it's still hot!" They head downstairs, in desperate need of food and coffee.
/
After breakfast, everyone cleans up the kitchen (Well mostly Eva, as obsessive-compulsive as she is) and gets showered and dressed. Jason gets the collar and leash on Kumajiro, who promptly crawls onto Dmitri's shoulders and starts nibbling on his head again. Eva lays a map of Europe on the table.
"Alright, I say we make our next stop in Berlin. After resting for a while, we will head to Prague in the Czech Republic and head to Warsaw from there."
"Eva-chan, what of your Oji? What should we tell him?" Akiko asks. Eva snorts.
"Onkel Gilbert is on a pleasure trip, the last time I spoke to him."
"Si! He and Zio Lovino. It is strange because Zio Lovino is scared of Zio Gilbert, though I have no idea why." Giovanni adds.
"What if they attempted to contact Mr. Vargas and Mr. Beilschmidt?" Mai questions. Eva smacks her forehead.
"Verdammt!" she snarls. "Well, what is the worst that could happen if we tell them?"
"They tell our bosses. Our bosses panic, our people panic, and every single living thing dies in a nuclear holocaust." Dmitri replies. Everyone looks at him, aghast, including Kumajiro. "What? You wanted the worst case scenario. Oh no, I did it again, did I not? I suck! I am so sorry! No one needed to hear that! Like no one needed to know about Stalin and the broom closet!" he cries out.
"Calm down Dmitri. You're correct, though horrifying and blatantly put." Mary assures him, unhappy about the possibility.
"We can go to a hotel then, just avoid them altogether." Jason suggests. Eva nods, still recovering from Dmitri's earlier comment.
"Ja. That would be best." Everyone agrees, relaxing. Stan checks his watch.
"The next train to Berlin leaves in a couple of hours. Let's pack up and head out." Everyone goes to do so, the bear climbing down to follow his owner to the pet carrier. Stan feels someone grab his arm. Turning, he raises his eyebrows at Dmitri's ashamed expression.
"D, what's the matter?" he asks.
"I am deeply sorry about my words from earlier. I did not mean to frighten everyone." he says softly.
"Dude, don't sweat about it. It happens sometimes." Dmitri huffs and lets go of his friend.
"It happens often enough that everyone aside from you, Sasha, Yuri and perhaps Jason cannot fully trust me. I do not think that they really like me. I think the only reasons they are nice to me is because I am your friend and they are scared of not only me, but more so, they are scared of Papa." he says solemnly. Stanley is in shock of his confession. Of course, he should have suspected that Dmitri is still harboring such doubts and fears. Damn. He hates drama, but he understands why it happens.
"D, none of us are that nice! Yeah, your dad scares people and we all, including you and your cousins, understand why. Hell, tell me that he has never scared the three of you before." The Russian sighs.
"I cannot." he admits.
"Exactly. But other than your dad, you're pretty intimidating. You dress like a punk-metal rocker, you're taller than the rest of us, you do that 'kolkolkol' thing, and you're not gonna let people push your friends and family around, which means you get really scary. But dammit, we know you. Not Moscow, we know Dmitri. You like cute things, all kinds of rock 'n roll, sunflowers, vodka and books. You only chain-smoke whenever you get the chance to. You're funny in your own weird way, and you're only one of the most genuine and sweetest guys ever. And you don't sugarcoat things. Case in point, earlier, you told us how it is. Humans become hysterical, desperate and they are willing to do horrible thing to one another and we do them. Us and our parents. Even if we know it's wrong, that it's not right, we do it for the good and for the interest of our people. And you didn't become this super cool, if sorta creepy guy by yourself. If Dmitri Braginski is this awesome, how bad can Ivan Braginski really be? Am I through to you yet, D?" He smiles.
"I think so, my long-winded friend." he replies. Stan laughs and gives Dmitri a playful punch on the shoulder.
"Now that's the D I know. Hey, I got something to show you in Uncle Francis and Pierre's garden. Close your eyes."
"Are you going to kiss me now, Stan? We are in France." The Russian says teasingly as he shuts his eyes.
"Pfft. You gotta buy me a fancy dinner and a drink before even thinking about that. Now shut up and follow me."
Stan leads him outside and around back. They crouch down before a certain bed of flowers.
"This is just in case you're still bummed out. Open your eyes." Dmitri obeys and gasps.
"Sunflowers." he whispers.
"Yeah. Just so happens that they decided plant some this year. You like dwarf sunflowers best, right?" Stan asks. He nods as he reaches out and carefully rubs one of the petals, a look of nothing less than childlike happiness glowing on his face.
"You are very kind to show me this."
"Hey, it's what friends do. Right?" Stan says, glad to see that dark clouds no longer hover over his buddy. Dmitri grins and nods.
"Da."
"Well, we better get ready, unless you wanna get chewed out by Eva."
"Her yelling will ruin the mood, so that is best." They begin back to the house. "Oh, and Stan?"
"Yeah, man?"
"Do you find me sexy?" Stan punches him in the shoulder, a little harder this time.
"Keep that up and I'll never do anything nice for you again."
But they laugh.
Whoo! This was a long one, but I had fun with it. Man, that family has a lot angst. I almost teared up twice writing that flashback, though you personally might think it sucks.
I do like Natalya very much and she loves Yuri with all her heart. Deep down, I see her being a very caring individual. But she can be kind of thoughtless (and nuts, obviously), but never truly intends to hurt him, Ivan or the rest of her family. None of them do.
The end? I apologize (or bring good news, it depends on the reader) that there won't be any yaoi in this story.
(I love it myself, but it would fit awkwardly at this point and I never intended this to be yaoi. And I think it would be insulting, especially to fellow yaoi fans if I suddenly went *BAM* BL! Don't lie. Everyone reading this would be thinking 'What?! Why didn't you put up a disclaimer?! Where were the implications of the attraction in the prior chapters!? Why did you not do ANYTHING to develop this concept until now?! Do you think we're idiots or what?!')
But there will be slightly bromantic (Is that a word? I don't think so.) moments here and there. But not too often.
Sorry for the long note.
Translations:
Belarusian-
Dy- Yes
Zatyknisia- Shut up
Italian-
Zio- Uncle
German-
Onkel- Uncle
Japanese-
Oji- Uncle
Russian-
Dobroe utro- Good morning.