Author's Note:

Hiya! I think this is the least sexy thing I wrote XD. My life is bearable at the moment, GOD IS MY ANCHOR! :D

GCJakey's Note:

YUP, this shows no skin...no skin at all...this was supposed to be RusCan but I don't know what happened! LOL

Warnings: Nice! Russia ( LOL, that is all!)

-to guest,

The conquistador Spain is top on my priority list once I'm finished some works...XD

Hima-Sama made Hetalia with love. It is not ours.

COMMENT. SUGGEST. FOLLOW. FAVORITE

On the cold side of the War

The humble abode of Russia was anything but simple. It was towering and magnificent, much like him…well, much like how his boss wants to imagine him. It was a typical mansion with a large main hall leading to a wide towering staircase.

In spite of the beauty held in the elegant frames of the building, lies a pungent odor of despair.

Lithuania was dusting a beautiful Chinese vase with a frown of boredom, fear, and depression. Estonia was sweeping the marble floor while Latvia was polishing the marble columns. They wanted this part of their lives to stop. More importantly, they wanted the video cameras off their back.

Suddenly the large French doors opposite the large oblong etched mirror Toris was facing opened.

There step out a middle-aged Russian man with graying hair, carrying a cloud of arrogance. The three Baltics scrambled to hasten their work, wanting those creepy eyes to focus on anything but them.

Luckily, they were.

"Oh Russia, I hope that you have a good day making their lives miserable." He smiled like a child, walking towards the main exit.

"Da. I will." The nation replied with a soft smile. His eyes opened in and his finger resting on his chin, remembering something important.

"Oh, don't forget to be the most menacing person in the world~" he sang waving his hand like a mother waving her child off to school.

"With this scarf, I can do anything!" He bragged, wrapping an identical copy of his nation's scarf around his neck before slamming the door.

There was a brief silence with Russia still smiling. They heard a car door open and shut. Then, there was a sound of an engine waking up, and wheels screeching, moving forward. It trailed off to nothing.

Russia, with his smile still plastered, took out a walkie-talkie and pressed the red button.

"…Wrecking ball has left the building. Over. I repeat. Wrecking ball has left…"he turned around, with his eyes sharp and glistening against the shadow cast from facing away from the light.

"Snow bunny, do you copy?"

Nothing.

"SNOW BUNNY!?" He repeated, sounding worried.

"GEEZ. I hear you. Damn it, if you call me fucking snow bunny again, I will personally tell Mattie how much you've been crushing on him for the past decade and I will totally show him the pictures you have of him hanging on your wall…" Russia felt his heart whirring out of his chest.

"…Oh yeah, and that one night in Venice? MR. AWESOME. OVER" the Prussian threatened.

"Alright, Alright…n-no need to be hasty now." Was it getting hot in here? Or was his scarf just tightening around his neck? Or was it just the guilt of giving the stripping gig a go that one night in Venice?

"…Tomato-lover…So, how's it coming?" he snickered softly, causing the Albino to make very strange embarrassed noises.

"J-ja." Prussia's voice quivered and squeaked. "It's done…in 3…2…1…" the lights went all off.

The three subordinate nations smiled. Just then the lights went back on.

"The tapes are in place…guards sleeping like rocks. Over." Gilbert emerged from the dark halls behind the staircase, carrying his heavy hacking device and used syringes.

"AWESOME!" the Slavic nation greeted his friend with a high-five.

"So, what do you want for breakfast?" Ivan asked the three Baltics politely.

"Anything's fine…I'll help you cook." Like always, Toris was the first to answer as he headed for the kitchen.

"I-I'll go get Nat." Estonia was using a reluctant tone, still not trusting the younger-looking Russian.

"Hey, Latvia…are you alright?" The purple-eyed nation walked towards the young boy who was shivering in fright.

"…Boss'll be gone for the whole week, so there's no need to worry." He hid his sadness with his stagnant smile. Not once has the kid ever warmed up to him, even though he knows that everything Russia does is just an act for the boss…no one ever really gets hurt in the process.

The Latvian nodded shakily, he always did. It was one of the reasons he loses his temper from time to time. Of course he didn't really show it to others, since that would really be scary. He admits that even he gets scared of himself. It didn't help that the people that usually helped him through it were a certain American and Canadian, who weren't allowed to visit him nor was he to visit them.

So he'd go out. He'd take a long drive out of town and to places near the woods or mountains, maybe scream and curse at mountains or crack boulders…then when all else fails, he'd go out for a drink with a lazy-ass Prussian.

Speaking of Gilbert.

Russia looked at the ex-nation who was glaring the fidgeting child from afar, probably sensing Ivan's frustrated aura.

"…Morning, little brother…" he was hugged tightly by Ukraine who was always happy to see him. Like always, her boobs were suffocating his face.

"…brother…" Belarus came in, in her pajamas. They were pink with bunnies and duckies on them. Russia wasn't scared at all; it was a Wednesday after all.

"Dobroye Utro!" He greeted with a genuine smile, life was hard before and sure he had a very scary power but having a cheery personality's how he negates that…most of the time.

"So…do you want some Blini or Sirniki…?" Russia asked as he headed for his kitchen, followed by the others.

"Wurst. Coffee. Some cream." Prussia kicked his feet up, placed his hands behind his head, and balanced on his chair. The Russian nodded simply.

"Blini. MAPLE. Please~" Belarus grinned mischievously. Ivan nodded shakily, this time.

"Tea. Chamomile." Ukraine asked for it politely. It was weird but his younger brother made her tea better than she could. What the hell does that suppose to mean, right?

"Are you sure? Sestra, you've been skipping breakfast the past few days…it is not healthy." The middle child asked worriedly. Irina smiled back.

"I think eating too much makes my boobs bigger." The statement almost made Russia fall down to his already wobbly knees.

"T-that's impossible. I'll make some toast for you…orange marmalade?" He asked as he got the pan frying.

"Okay." She just nodded, no point in fighting with her brother…they'd just have a puppy-dog eye staring contest if she does force it.

"I made some breakfast Pelmani for you guys." While the bread was being pan-fried, Russia had time to give the Baltic trio his delicious fried dumplings. Lithuania smiled. Estonia turned away. Latvia trembled.

'It really sucks being the villainized victim.' Russia slouched as he salved away cooking food. Then, he felt a hand shake him by the shoulders comfortingly.

"You shouldn't worry about them, Van, you're a good guy." Prussia said so bromantically. Yes, they could be so bromantic at times…

"…Lemme make you breakfast…" his good friend volunteer much to his glee. He watched as Gilbert got a bottle of Vodka from the cupboards, then a shot glass. Ivan smiled, awesome…some alcohol…he must be doing his Vodka pilaf, but where's the rice? Meat?

"Here." Prussia handed him the shot glass of Vodka.

There was gloom all of the sudden. He turned away and sat in a corner, feeling so hurt.

"O-okay now…I'm sorry…" Prussia started bringing out pots and pans. "..I-I'm gonna make an awesome pilaf now, KESESESESESESE!" he laughed nervously.

Prussia got to work on making some vodka pilaf. It may sound weird but the Russian really liked vodka with rice or at least he likes how his friend cooks it, he could never cook it the way he does.

Ivan went back to the counter to get a bowl of warm borscht. A cold wind swoop by making him smile.

"Ah, General Winter, here's your borscht to keep you warm." His smile warmed the heart of the spirit who felt to proud to admit that he wanted to eat borscht so badly.

"Come on, Winter, you don't have to be shy, we've known each other for an eon at least." Ivan cheerily patted his friend's back. This time the general reluctantly accepted the bowl.

Russia could not help but chuckle, gazing at his happy family.

Sure the Cold War's a fucking splinter on Russia's thumb but he knew how to keep Ivan's life and Russia's duties separate. In fact, he was expecting the North American twins to drop by any minute now.

*DING**DONG*

"They're here." The Russian said aloud, leaving his family to eat.

He opened the beautiful arched French doors with a warm smile.

"...CURSE ON YOU!..." An elderly woman's voice rattled his ears, causing him to frown in irritation. Her skin was droopy and soggy and her white hair was tased to an extreme extent and her bony fingers had black and broken nails that looked sharp enough to cut.

"You again!" He crossed his burly arms. "...I told you to just come back tomorrow. I am expecting guests." He looked around, hoping that the two wouldn't be able to see this.

" CURSES ON YOU!" The elderly didn't faze at all. She shook her hands spookily, this caused the nation to grab his spray bottle and squirt her.

"Bad, Baba Yaga. bad. Bad girl." He continued squirting the old witch who was hissing and next few minutes consisted solely of the woman gagging, since she was too stubborn to yield to Russia and the nation squirting since he was more stubborn to yield to the old lady.

*Some five minutes later*

"Hello, Canada..." Russia trailed off, wondering where his American buddy was. Canada seemed to notice and smiled knowingly.

"He had a lot of catering to do and his boss is keeping an eye on him...something about catching him speaking Russian when he was on the phone with you." The American's twin stood patiently on the porch, waiting his invitation.

"That's a shame, I was wondering why his call was short..." He thought to himself, not noticing that his body was still blocking the Canadian's entrance.

Mattie was becoming slightly irritated, sure he didn't hate the Russian as much as before but he still didn't like him all that much. He was actually planning to stay behind as well but his younger twin used the ever effective guilt card.

"Oh...ah please come in..." Russia came back to his senses, snapping Canada out of his own dazed state.

"Spasibo..." He thanked him as he glided his way in, leaving the Russian surprised.

"You speak Russian?" The taller one asked, closing the door softly.

"Da, ya govoryu na russkom umelo." Mattie looked around the beautiful suburban mansion. The chandelier was grandiose and their were pillars of marble and floor of granite, the only things missing were gemstone-encrusted paraphernalia. It was too extravagant for his and Al's taste...

'Europeans...' He whispered to himself.

"Want something to eat?" A big hand was placed on Canada's broad shoulder making him jump.

"Non, mon ami..." Canada almost snapped, trying to calm his heart down.

"Then, I hope you won't mind me eating. I haven't had breakfast yet." The Russian headed towards the dining/cooking area. Canada followed at a very cautious distance.

Ivan couldn't understand why Canada had a hard time trusting him, to think that relations between them are respectably strong. Then again, Russia was best friends with the 'capitalist swine', so he had no right to question the Canadian's personal opinion.

"So, it's only the other twin." The younger Belarusian stood up with a sigh. Canada was her competition for Russia's love, plus she thinks America's the sweeter one.

"Now, sestra..." Ukraine warned calmly, sipping her tea calmly.

"Um...mr. Canada, do you want some coffee?" Lithuania came up with an ambiguously displeased face. He was hoping to see America too.

"No thank you." Mattie smiled, looking around the quiet table. He felt an oppressing around Latvia, other than that everything felt normal.

"Oh...I see maple-head is here." Prussia came in wearing a frilly pink apron and a bowl of pilaf in-hand.

"Bonjour, Tinker bell." Canada smirked teasingly.

"Whatever, at least I can make it work." Prussia was definitely not bothered as he smugly presented his masterpiece before Russia. "Voila."

"Told you, you're the only one who can make it this awesome." Ivan smiled as he shoved a spoonful to his mouth.

"Yup, that's just awesome me." Gilbert felt admired and it made him happy, he knew when to be humble... "thanks."

*DING**DONG*

"I'll get it." Lithuania volunteered, heading for the door. "Oh, mr. Prussia..." There was a playful tone to his voice.

"Hola mi amigos!" The passionate Spain came in wearing a form-hugging trench coat and casual boots, his hair was beautifully messy like always and his eyes were sparkling emeralds. He looked hot...he always looked hot...well he was to a certain blushing Prussian.

"Hola Russia!" He waved at his 'friend' who looked annoyed already.

"Da...whatever..." The Russian grumbled. Canada noticed this and got curious.

"HOLA GILBERTO!" He hugged his friend who had a big crush on him.

"J-Ja." The overheating Gilbert could only falter a coherent answer.

"Bruder!" The taller younger brother of Prussia ran up to hug him, who was still being hugged, tightly.

"Now this is a nice surprise!" The silver-haired man couldn't hold back his watering eyes.

"Canada." The Dutch came in exhaling a thick huff of smoke.

"Lars!" Canada smiled and came in for a hug, which wasn't reciprocated as Netherlands was glaring at Russia.

"Rusland." He greeted.

"Niderlandy." Even the Russian seemed to return the feelings full.

Now there was a staring contest between Spain, Netherlands, and Russia. The youngest nation had an eye on Spain who thought that staring was a friendly game in Russia and an eye on Netherlands who didn't like him.

"Thank you, Russia." Germany smiled softly, stopping the hate fest that even he didn't notice.

"No problem...I know how hard it is to be away from family..." Russia smiled back before snapping back to his previous form.

...tension became even higher, the three competitors sag down and ate some hearty boiled potatoes with a simple béchamel sauce. Spain was cheerily eating his with a spoon and a fork. Netherlands was eating his with his hands. Russia was literally shoving the potatoes in his mouth.

Lars had enough potatoes to fill his cheeks. "...chbbmhh...bhunnhhh..." The Dutch man tried saying smugly, asserting his dominance.

Russia shoved more potatoes in his wide mouth. "Chubbhh...Bunnih..." He said a lot clearer, making Lars shove so many potatoes that he was practically tearing up.

"SHUUUBHHH...BUNNNJKHHHHH..." He felt the root crops hit the back of his mouth.

"Que? Is this a game? I wanna play!" Spain stood up, practically bouncing in excitement.

"NHHH..." Both men gave a sound of disagreement.

"Aw...why are you two mean? Why can't you be more like Prussia?" The statement made Gilbert's heart skip a beat.

Canada couldn't help but smile, it reminded him of his own family...well not that much but close enough.

Russia felt his mouth try its best to curve into a smile as he glanced at the smiling man. Through the hardships of his life, he never thought that succumbing to darkness was the answer. As long as he had his family and friends, he'll be happy. What more can a simple man ask for?

1991

The Cold War has ended...it was supposed to be a happy moment but it didn't feel like it. Russia threw a huge fit, something his family should not have seen. He saw the fear in their eyes as they were forcefully escorted out. Irinya and Natalia were shaking and hyperventilating through their tears. Lithuania did not even dare to look at Russia. Prussia was too happy to even realize what was happening. Estonia and Latvia had more dignity and left expressionless.

The windows were smashed and everything breakable that would not destroy the foundation of the house was broken. He didn't bother to turn on the lights anymore. All he wanted to see was the gloomy light that came from outside. It made the world gray and dull like his heart.

He should've fought for his friends instead of faking their torture to his boss's glee. He should've fought his boss, knowing that it was the right thing to do. He should've been braver...why couldn't he? Why couldn't eons of living make his heart stronger? Why was he weak?

It has been months since the end of their union. It has been death in his part...but did they feel the same way? Were they still mourning?

He took a long hard swig of his vodka, loving the feeling that made his eyes water, his nostrils open, and throat burn. He didn't bother going to the meetings anymore, seeing even Latvia would've reduced him to tears.

Was it really true when they said happiness would never last? Was it true that love never really mattered?

He tucked in his powerful legs closer to his body, his muscled arms desperately pulling on his almost-white locks as tears streamed down his face torrentially.

"Ivan..." A soft voice made his eyes snapped open. It was one of his best friend, one of the people you'd least expect to sympathize him. But to Ivan, he was the first person outside his family he'd expect to.

It was America, the person who made him feel that the war didn't matter and that the world always had a bright side. He was the main reason why he was never compelled to let go of his human identity, the one that saw Americans as friends...the one that's saw tyranny in his own land.

He didn't want him to see him like this, weak and vulnerable. It made him feel worthless. Russia tried to push himself up, wanting to show America that he was perfectly capable to handle this situation.

Wordlessly, he stumbled upon his shorter friend feeling the comfort of his warm hold. The gloved hand swept by his back over and over until he could have enough strength to form a sentence.

"Pochemu ty zdes', Amerika?" He asked weakly, his voice sore from hours of alcohol and crying.

"U menya yest' syurpriz dlya vas, moy drug." The American's hand made its way to his face, sweeping away the stray strands of hair that covered his eyes.

"BRAT!" Two female voices said in unison as Alfred pulled away from the hug. Just then, his two sisters squeezed him warmly, exuding the warmth that has been missed. They combed his hair softly and patted his back assuringly. They made shushing sounds and small hums to help him calm down. As much as he wanted to run away from them, he wanted to stay put more. Did he look weak? Was this pity? If it was, he didn't want it.

"Nyet..." He pushed them away. He had a monster inside him called pride and his sisters knew it.

"Mr. Russia..." Liet stood behind his sisters, helping both up. Embarrassment overtook Russia who was wobbling On his two massive legs.

"Ivan...it's okay to cry...we're your family...you don't have to look strong for us..." Irinya let her thumbs to brush his full cheeks that was wet from tears.

"It is never enough to cry without someone to cry with..." Natalia stroked his back lovingly.

"It is totally unawesome of you!" Prussia also stepped in with an annoyed tone. His face was scrunched up and scratched his moonstone head.

"You should have opened up to somebody, it was selfish of you...asshole." Gilbert blushed. "Even awesome guys like us need to cry once in a while." With that said, Russia pulled everybody near him in for a bone-crushing, tear-filled hug. He lifted everybody as they tried their best to comfort him through the physical pain.

"Spasibo..." His coarse voice was softer than a ball of cotton but as happy as any voice could get. His family was still his and nothing would ever change the love between them.