It was a strange arrangement, but it seemed to work for the both of them and this strange friendship that they had developed recently. France lounged along the emptiest couch within Russia's study, idly watching the ceiling in a semi-asleep trance, his fingers twitching slightly from nicotine withdrawal. It was the Russian's one rule for his stay that needed to be spoken aloud: no smoking within this room. Something about damaging his many books, and it was getting nearer to that point when he would need to excuse himself for a smoke break outside.
Russia never looked up, the silence of the room only broken by the occasional page turn of the thick volume he was currently engrossed in. It was what made them so attracted to one another that they could rest in silence within a room together and not bother the other and it was one of the few places France was willing to travel to any more these days. There was also an unspoken rule to the others to only interrupt these moments of solace if there was a dire need, though with Russia's surrender and that France hardly contributed they didn't expect much for visitors.
Russia was reaching the end of a chapter and France had just gotten to the point where he really was going to leave for that cigarette that the sound of the front door being slammed open echoed through the Russian's empty house. The scarf clad nation sighed, laying his book on the desk and the other groaned while pressing a hand to his head. Loud footsteps stomped closer and they knew to whom they belonged long before the dirty blonde nation threw open the study door. "Canada…" they both grumbled in turn at the intruder.
"I've done something that change things for the better for us." The Canadian announced to the room, glancing at them awaiting more of a response. Unfortunately he had chosen the wrong audience to gain more of a reaction from; France grunted and Russia looked on in stony silence.
Canada huffed at his lack of enthusiasm before starting in with his speech. "Now that my brother has felt the need to abandon us, I have devised the perfect plan to get more power and control over the Axis."
France could only deal with the following silence for so long before he growled, "Get on with it. I don't want to put up with you all day."
The blonde grinned and reached for something behind the door frame, easily hoisting it and holding it at arm's length for the occupants to see. "I plan on using this!"
Russia raised an eyebrow looking over the nation held within the Canadian's grip but said nothing more while his companion fell back against the sofa in frustration. Canada blinked and looked between them. "You don't get it?"
"I believe," Russia started softly, fingering the page of his book with longing, "that you plan on using him for leverage on the others in a despicable move based on their desire to see him returned."
Canada blinked. "Uh…? I was going to see if I could use him to get stuff out of his family." He beamed as he set the frightened looking Prussian on the floor where his wide maroon eyes flickered between the three nations around him. "Don't you want to hear how I got him?"
"No." France quickly responded.
"Actually, he pretty much followed me here…" The Canadian admitted, looking down at the cowering nation.
"Canada," Russia began again hoping that the other would take the hint, "should you not have gone to England with this information?"
The blonde hummed as he tilted his head in thought. "Maybe I should. The two of you haven't been putting anything in but he's still giving some effort." He grinned as he made his decision and started back out the door. "Come on, Prussia! We need to go speak with England." Prussia, after a quick glance and deciding he still wasn't sure about these two nations, got up and followed after his captor leaving the other two to return to their previous activities. France stood grumbling how he was definitely in need of that cigarette as the Russian turned silently back to his text.
Once outside, Canada walked them quickly away from the house looking for the nearest public transport to take them back the way that they had come with his silent Prussian companion a few steps behind. This plan seemed only too perfect for the blonde and he couldn't help the large smile that overcame his face. Finally something was going his way despite all of his team's shortcomings and he felt he should be proud of this moment.
Thoughts of triumph continued to circulate through the nation's mind that he nearly forgot the reason for his certain victory, or that said reason was suddenly not following along behind him. The blonde paused, quickly scanning the vicinity with dark violet eyes and growling in frustration. "Prussia? Where are you?"
The albino's head popped out from behind another building and with a grin came skipping up to his captor. Canada frowned at his happy demeanour. "Where did you go?" Prussia smiled and held up his hand, a small brightly coloured flower clasped between his fingers which he offered without a word and Canada was less than impressed. "I don't want that."
The hurt was evident as the Prussian slumped, downcast eyes misting over. Canada panicked slightly, already seeing where this was headed and muttering quick prayers of "Please don't cry. Please don't cry. Please don't cry." which were being ignored as soon as the albino sniffed. "Okay!" the blonde tried to amend to avoid the emotional outburst, "I'll take it!" and as soon as the words left his mouth his kidnapee smiled again, holding out the plant.
With a sigh Canada turned a grim expression at it. "What do you want me to do with it?"
At least for the Canadian he did not have to worry about being recognised here and feeling embarrassed for his appearance as he stepped into the railcar and led his companion into a seat. Hopefully he could take the flower out of his hair soon.
AN: Firstly I would like to apologize for my failures to update on time this past month, though I am sure everyone if feeling a bit similar this time of year? I am hoping to get myself together and updating regularly again very soon. And second, for those who asked, begged, or threatened, this chapter is for you (to hopefully make up for my absences lately).