Russia loved summer. Even if he was more accustomed to the cold that didn't mean he liked it. Summer had so much to offer: warmth, sunflowers, limitless opportunities, and new friends to make.
And that's why he decided to get up bright and early, so he could enjoy the day to it's fullest now that he didn't have any government work to do. Maybe he'll even invite over the Baltics or China, that would make the day even better.
Merrily he skipped through the halls of his house, surprisingly quiet despite his size and the heavy boots he always wore.
Skipping past a particular room Russia began to slow down, raising a brow as he looked back at a closed door. It's his little sister's room, but why is the door closed? She's been gone for weeks.
While he could assume it was Ukraine's doing, something just didn't feel right, even if she was cleaning there would be no reason to close the door.
With his curiosity getting the better of him he decided to open the door, peeking his head inside the room. To his surprise he found Natalya, her hair and bed disheveled as she slept face down into a pillow.
Strange, she's usually always up to watch the sunrise. Then again she was gone dealing with protests and her government so her tiredness could be justified.
Not wanting to bother her he quietly closed the door and walked normally down the rest of the hallway. Entering the living room he noticed his other sister, who seemed to be getting ready to head outside and do some yard work.
Noticing him enter the room she finished in slipping on a gardening glove then gave him a large smile. "Good morning brother, you are up early."
"Da I am wanting to enjoy the weather," he responded while walking closer. "When had sestra been arriving?"
Ukraine raised an eyebrow. "Sestra is here?" She looked just as confused as him. He answered her question with a nod. "I was noticing her asleep in her room. So I assume you had not been seeing her either?"
"Nyet. It must having been when we slept," she guessed. "But it is the most wonderful that she is back, she can be joining us once she wakes."
He nodded with a bright smile. "You are right sestra. And she can be telling us of all she's done while we relax in the shade of the porch."
Ukraine clapped her hands together in glee. "I can get us some kvass to drink, oh it will be the most splendid time!"
Nodding once more Russia placed a hand down on her shoulder. "That it will be. But for now let us be leaving her to sleep."
Letting go of her shoulder he allowed her to finish getting ready. After getting on a pair of work boots she bounced back up to her feet and led her brother outside.
Natalya opened her eyes into the darkness of the pillow, haunted by a nightmare of last night. Her head felt completely numb, like her brain had completely shut down.
She couldn't will herself to move, only enough to raise her head and stare blankly at the wall. Why couldn't she just go back to sleep and dream of an Alfred that will accept her? There's nothing for her here in the real world.
Hugging the pillow weakly she could feel her eyes moisten at the memory of being rejected. Her emotional health was so broken, it's felt like she's cried more times than she has in the last few centuries.
Forever it felt like she laid there, not wanting to face the world and stuck trying to get her emotions under control. Only when hunger and the need for a bathroom took over did she finally make a move to get up, sliding out of bed and dragging her feet across the floor as she made her way through the house with her head down.
Luckily it seemed that the house was empty, she wondered if her siblings even knew she was here. Stepping into the bathroom she passed in front of the mirror, pausing to turn and look at herself. She looked like an absolute wreck. Hair was all over the place, snarls all throughout, she must've yanked off her bow at one point she can't remember. Not to mention her face looks like she's been through a damn war.
Even while feeling miserable and lazy she still found it in her to pick up a brush and begin fixing her hair. After yanking out the snarls she slowly brushed through it, gently pulling it along her bangs and the long pair of strands at the sides of her head.
As she started brushing out the back, however, she began to remember Alfred. His gentle yet strong hands pulling and twisting the hair in its fingers in order to make the elegant braid that made her look so pretty.
Setting down the brush her hands moved to grip the sink top, nearly enough to make it crack. Biting her lip hard she stared down in fear and anger at not being able to stop the painful memory from resurfacing.
Feeling a breakdown about to come on she hurried to go to the bathroom then ran back to her room while covering her face, completely forgetting about getting food as she slammed and locked her bedroom door.
Throwing herself onto the bed she wrapped up in the blanket and covered most of her face just as a burst of tears started raining down.
From in the large blanket mound a muffled cry was heard, and then a few choked sobs as the whole mound started to shake. "A-A-Alfred..." she called out in a ragged breath. It's all she could think about, his smile, his laugh, his eyes. She just wants Alfred.
"Damn fucking tears. Enough!" She sniffed while wiping her eyes, but it didn't do much to make it stop.
After a few hours of toiling in the gardens and yard around the house Ukraine stood up and wiped the sweat from her brow. "I can be using some of that kvass now, it is quite hotter than I had been believing."
"You are the one telling me," Russia heaved while fanning out his shirt. "I am still not knowing how you can be handling the heat."
Ukraine let out a small laugh and tugged at the scarf wrapped around her brother's neck. "Maybe if you were not wearing this at all the times you would not have the problems."
"You know I can not be doing that sestra," he said while subconsciously tugging up the scarf, only to pull it back down due to the heat on his neck.
Standing akimbo she gave him a playful grumpy face. "I am knowing what you are looking like without it. Besides it is only sestra and I."
With a sigh he nodded and loosened the scarf more. "I am supposing you are right. It will not be helping much though."
"Then go be sitting on the porch, I will be back with drinks. Oh and checking on sestra, I'm sure she is probably awake by now," she said while strolling away to the house.
Entering the house she made her way over to Natalya's room, discovering too that the door was closed.
Knocking on the door a few times she began to speak while reaching for the doorknob. "Sestra we were not knowing of your arrival. Come be joining us and relax in the warm weather."
As she started to open the door, however, through the crack that had appeared she could see a blur go by then slam into the door, keeping it pinned in place.
Confused, she pushed on it harder, but it wouldn't budge. "Sestra what are you doing?" She asked, to which Natalya responded. "I'm not in the mood to go outside right now. Go away."
Her voice sounded hoarse and shaky, making Ukraine deeply uneasy. "Are you feeling alright? It is sounding like you are coming down with the sickness."
She tried forcing the door open, but she could barely move it an inch before it was pushed back to nearly closed. "I said... go away!" Natalya screamed as she slammed the door in her sister's face.
Ukraine stood there stunned for a moment, before she began to cry and ran back to Russia. Sitting on the porch he turned his head curiously at the noise approaching him, that was until he realized it was his sister crying.
"What is wrong?" He asked once she had reached him. Through her sniveling he could make out "sestra... mad... slammed door... something wrong."
With a lot of effort he managed to get her calmed down, enough to where she could properly explain what happened.
"Hmm. She may be dealing with the migraine from the protests in her country, it may be in our best interest to be leaving her alone." His sister could be scary at normal times, he can't even imagine what she's like when her country is in this much turmoil.
"Ok," Ukraine agreed sadly. She wanted to hang out with both of her siblings today. Seeing this Russia patted her head gently and flashed a warm little smile. "Do not be worrying, we can try again some other time."
Nodding along she wiped her tears and smiled the best she could. "I'll go get the kvass now." Slipping away she began walking to the house, but Russia decided to follow along just in case she started crying again. So mature yet a crybaby at the same time.
For the rest of the day the two hung out outside, enjoying the sun, talking about current and past events, and even dragging out a grill to make themselves some shashlik for dinner.
At one point Ukraine went inside with a plate of food to bring to Natalya, but with her still being blocked out she was forced to leave the plate by the door.
When night came and Ukraine had long since gone to sleep Russia decided to check up on Natalya himself. Stepping up to the door he took the doorknob and turned it, slowly pushing the door open and peeking his head in once more.
Like before he found her asleep, this time with her back to him as she slept on her side. Entering the room a little more he noticed the empty plate of food on a nearby nightstand. At least she was eating.
Grabbing the plate he turned and began leaving, pausing to take one last look at her. She's had a very rough few months, he needs to do as much as he can for her, he owes her that much.
Finally he turned and left the room, closing the door and heading down the hall. Making sure she couldn't hear footsteps anymore Natalya raised her head up, having been up the whole time.
Quietly she walked over to her closet and slid the door open, hiding within it as she got down and crawled over to the corner. Turning on the flashlight of her phone she opened her secret safe and removed the onesie to look upon her shrine.
Setting the onesie down on the ground she sat on top of it and reached forward into the shrine, pulling out the circular star patch she stole previously. It still had a piece of jacket on it from where she had grabbed it when tearing it off.
Holding it delicately in one hand she reached out and picked up the now framed picture of Alfred eating a burger. With two of her prized possessions in her arms she collapsed onto her side, using the pajamas as a bed as she's lost the will to move.
Holding out the picture in front of her she took a long hard look at Alfred's face. It crushes her every time she sees or thinks of his face, he looks so happy, while she's left here to wallow in her sorrow and regret.
Turning off the phone's light she hugged the objects to her chest, forcing her eyes shut as she tried her hardest to fall asleep. It felt like hours until she finally had succeeded, now she just hoped she would have a nice dream of her and Alfred together at last.
Days were becoming slower and harder to go through for her. Without Alfred there to entertain her the world seemed so boring. She wanted to forget it all, to skip all of these droning days. Apparently she can't even do that.
With her brother being Russia, he has a hard time getting really drunk, so he has a personal cabinet full of specially made vodka. When she tried to sneak over to it and steal some, however, she found that it was nearly empty. Obviously caused from when Russia was dealing with the first time Natalya left.
Sighing she swung the cabinet door closed and began thinking of what else she could do to pass the time. What would Alfred do when he was bored?
She could think of a few things. Video games, movies, working out, traveling somewhere, hell he'd even eat a bunch of food or candy just to amuse himself.
Unfortunately with despair came a massive lack of motivation to do anything, so she didn't want to nor could do any of those things. Actually... getting food could possibly work, she'll inevitably have to eat at some point.
Then again what could she even eat? She wasn't in the mood to cook, she wasn't even sure what she wanted to eat.
Grumbling at her indecisiveness she stormed off back to her room, hiding in her closet once more. She's been doing that a lot in the past days, it's her safe place where all outside troubles disappear. She's even made new additions like adding a lock to the closet door from the inside and setting up a small place to sit and sleep.
Staring at the shrine she thought of more memories, of all the times her and Alfred had food together. The candy, making each other breakfast, his surprisingly competent cooking ability... no thanks to England.
Picking up her favorite picture she looked for inspiration on what to eat, bringing her attention to the burger in his hands. But it's so... greasy. How can he eat so many of those things? Just looking at this picture of one made her stomach flip.
On the other hand it's not like she's ever tried one, and if Alfred loves it so much then it must be good. Then again the foods and colors she's seen him eat is downright disturbing.
Whatever, worst case scenario she tried a burger and doesn't like it, he's been trying to get her to try one forever anyway.
Leaving the closet she grabbed what she needed for her day out then moved to leave the house. But as she left her room she could hear a couple pairs of feet and voices coming from down the hall.
Listening closely she could tell the heavier steps and deeper voice were her brother's, but the lighter steps didn't sound like her sister, it sounded like. . . China?!?! Why the hell is he here?!
Fleeing back to her room she closed the door and desperately looked for a place to hide. Her closet could work, but if her brother realizes she's in there a little lock won't be able to keep him out, then he might find her shrine.
With the footsteps getting closer and with nowhere to hide she just hoped they were passing, it's not like they have any reason to see her anyway.
"Do I have to? But she's so creepy, aru!" China complained while walking side by side with Russia. "Da, you are just as much at the fault as I am. You are needing to apologize to sestra otherwise things will never be getting better, for any of us."
China sighed to himself, because deep down he knew they were right. He doesn't like Belarus but if he doesn't do anything to fix their problems they could have a repeat of last time, which would be most unpleasant. He couldn't stop himself from rubbing at his throat from the memory.
Hearing this Natalya panicked, they really were about to enter her room. As if it were life or death she searched for an escape, spotting her window across the room. Running to it she opened it and scrambled through, closing it behind her as she sprinted away from the house and into town.
Immediately following the window shutting Russia opened the door to her room slowly. "Sestra? I am knowing you are not in the best of moods but there is someone who is wanting to-." Opening the door fully he was shocked to find the room completely empty. That's strange. She hasn't left her room in days, where had she gone?
"Sestra?!" Russia called out. "Da?" Ukraine responded from another room. "Have you seen our little sestra anywhere?"
Poking her head into the hallway she looked at him in confusion. "Nyet? I thought she was in her room. Oh no is she gone already?" She asked fearfully as tears pricked her eyes.
With a soft exhale he closed the door and faced his sister. "It is appearing so. I am hopeful she will be returning to us soon." Turning to China he continued. "It is seeming you got lucky for now. Let us be waiting for her, surely you are not too busy?"
"Not at the moment no. Though I still wish I didn't have to talk to that psycho," China responded with a shiver.
Beginning to walk down the hall he was suddenly stopped as Russia made a noise, a laugh to be exact. A terrifying little tight-lipped giggle. Yes China knew that laugh anywhere.
Whirling around he stared at Russia, who still stood in his initial spot near the room. He wore a small smile as always, but his eyes were utterly hollow, it was the type of look he would give America or someone else he was trying to scare off. It certainly made China feel afraid, and he's dating the guy.
"I like you China, but I will not be standing for your cruelty toward my sestra anymore. I made that mistake once and am not intending to be doing it again."
That disdainful glare and spiraling tendrils of dark aura made China want to shrivel into nothingness. "Aiyah! Ok ok I won't insult them anymore just stop looking at me like that!"
Quickly Russia's anger vanished and his smile spread out into a satisfied grin while he walked forward. "Good. I would hate to be having the problems."
With both now walking down the hall China turned and scowled up at the taller nation. "Don't scare me like that again." Russia could only laugh and nod along. "Of course. As long as you are keeping your promise."
While those two were busy doing whatever at home, Natalya had made it to her destination.
McDonald's.
It stood intimidatingly at her from across the street. This enterprise that terrified the world as it spread like a plague, fattening up and clogging the arteries of all it passed. The place that caused the whole world to believe Alfred was some fat, disgusting slob. He's always eaten mountains of food yet for some reason now it's different, all because of this accursed place.
Sliding on a pair of sunglasses and wrapping a babushka scarf around her head she crossed the street discreetly, keeping to herself and putting her head on a swivel to confirm nobody would see or recognize her, as unlikely as that is.
Entering the building she took note of the few people eating at the tables, lowering her head as she passed them and stepped up to the counter.
A young man standing next to a cash register raised his head and grinned at her. "Dobro pozhalovat' v Makdonal'ds, chto ya mogu vam predlozhit'?"
Eugh why does he have to talk to her? Turning around she double checked that no attention was brought to her. Seeing there wasn't anyone listening she answered the man by slipping into Russian. "Could I have a uhhh... a burger?" She requested in just about a whisper, growing more uncomfortable with being here.
"Miss you have to be more specific, what type of burger?" The man asked politely, yet it pissed off Natalya regardless.
Staring up at the menu overhead there were a lot of other foods such as wraps and other Russian exclusive items, which admittedly looked better than the burgers but that's not what she's here for.
"What does it matter? Just get me a burger, I don't care," she spat, angry yet still remaining quiet. The man could only stare at her strangely, the way she kept looking over her shoulder and whispering left him to assume she was up to no good. However that scary face of hers wasn't something he could say no to.
Shaking off the fright he felt he tapped on a tablet to fill out the order. "I'll just get you a number one. Do you want any fries or potato wedges with that?"
"Sure whatever, fries are fine," she grumbled while crossing her arms and rubbing her upper arm in paranoia.
"What size?"
"Medium."
"Do you also want a drink?"
"I guess a soda is fine. Small."
"Dessert?"
". . .sure. I'll have whatever that strawberry pie thing is."
"And is this here or to go?"
"To go."
"Alright. Here's your total and a cup, I'll be back in just a second with your lunch," the man said while setting a cup down and walking away.
Staring at the cup in her hands she wasn't sure what to do for a moment, until she noticed the soda dispensers to her left.
Taking her cup over to it she looked at all the flavors to choose from, deciding to pick whatever she thought Alfred would choose.
By the time she returned to the counter the man was standing behind it and holding a large bag with her food inside. "Would you like a receipt?"
"Nyet," she stated as she snatched the bag and handed the man her money. Spinning on her heel she walked to the exit, not even reacting as the man wished her a nice day.
As stealthily as possible she made her way back home, dodging crowds of people and ducking down in alleys all the way through. It's ridiculous the lengths she's going just to not be seen eating fast food.
Back at her bedroom window she slid it open and reached through to set her food on the ground, then climbed in herself before plopping down onto the floor.
Now back inside she made sure everything was shut and locked. Sure that was all in order she sat on her bed and finally took a look at her lunch. Despite the amount she got the portion sizes were actually normal, so what's wrong with America?
Removing the wrapper of the burger she examined it for a moment. It wasn't the worst thing she's ever seen.
Setting that to the side she tested out some of the other parts of the meal first. The drink was nothing special, just normal soda. The fries though, those were glorious. Obviously with her being Belarus she loved all things potato, and these had the perfect amount of salt, balance of crunchiness and softness, and a mouthwatering flavor.
Forcing herself to stop from devouring them she moved onto the burger again. Holding it in her hands she turned it around and flipped it all over. Despite seeing Alfred eat burgers plenty of times she found herself struggling to figure out what to do. It looked so greasy and messy, was she really supposed to eat this with her hands?
Raising it up she opened her mouth and took a sizable bite out of it. Holding it on her palate for a bit she took in all the flavors of the ingredients.
Swallowing the bite she let it settle in her stomach before finally giving her opinion on it. It wasn't... bad... per se. It was certainly better than she was expecting, just wasn't really anything to write home about.
Even with its mediocre flavor she could easily imagine what Alfred would say.
"Woah you ate a burger, aren't they the best food ever or what?! Oh my God I've been trying to get you to eat them for so long! Hey, I know an awesome burger place near here, we can eat them while you tell me about how awesome your first time was."
With a wave of sadness hitting her she took another bite and slowly chewed as her mouth wobbled. 'Why does that idiot love burgers so much?!'
Later when she was done with her food she left her room and snuck her way through the house, disposing it deep down in a trash can where hopefully no one would look.
Thinking she was in the clear she walked normally to her room, but unbeknownst to her Russia turned a corner and caught sight of her just as she entered her room.
Skipping after her he reached for the door she closed and opened it up. "Sestra! You are already back. Come, there is someone that is wanting to-" he paused, a chilling breeze passing over him.
In front of him Natalya stood with her back to him and completely still, billowing snaps of cold darkness radiating off of her and pushing into him, trying to force him back out of the doorway.
Natalya's head began turning... incredibly slowly... to the side, until she was glaring at him with a single, very narrowed and shadowed eye. Russia swore he could hear her own version of his kol kol kol.
With a smile stuck on his face he gradually backed up and shut the door, then stood awkwardly in the hallway for a while.
With his mouth bending down into a grimace a strong shiver crept up his spine. Maybe she'll come around and be open to talk later.
As even more days passed Russia and Ukraine began to notice that there was something... off about their sister. This was no longer a migraine or some other side effect of the protests, emotionally she just... wasn't there.
They would barely see her anymore, somehow she was perfectly avoiding them at all times of the day, even managing to take showers without being found.
She would occasionally join them for dinner, only to make small hums at any questions they asked her before quickly eating and heading off to her room.
The only other times they would see her was if they specifically entered her room, which would more than not be locked but if not then they would receive one of the most disheartening looks they've ever seen. Little to say they avoided going in her room from then on.
They were doing so good before this, their relationship seemed to be improving above what it's been in years, but now it was severed once more. Something must've happened when she was in Belarus, something far worse than any headache, and only she would be able to tell them what.
She's been able to avoid them this long, but now she had no choice, because today... was her birthday. And in celebration of their previously strengthened relationship they were going to make this one extra memorable.
"Seeestraaaaa," two voices sang out. Natalya grumbled sleepily, reaching out of her blanket for a spare pillow then throwing it where she heard the noise.
Hearing it hit the wall she sighed to herself, then pointed slightly to the left of that with her index finger, signifying she wanted them to leave.
"But sestra it is your birthday!" Ukraine squealed in excitement. "We are needing to celebrate!"
"Go," Natalya demanded, but her siblings refused. "Nyet. We already had been making the special breakfast for you," Russia said while holding up a tray of food.
Turning her head Natalya looked over at her brother, spotting a tray piled up with draniki. If that was made by Russia and Ukraine it was bound to be some of the best ever.
Looking directly at Russia she noticed that him and Ukraine were wearing party hats on their heads and giving her massive grins. "Are those the same party hats from sestra's party?"
Laughing bashfully Ukraine played with the party hat on her head. "Well our birthdays are only the day apart. There is no reason to be having to get new ones."
Twitching her nose Natalya's bored expression soured a little. "So I assume those pathetic former slaves of big brother's are still here?"
"Of course they are. It would be the rudeness to attend my birthday but not yours," Ukraine argued, to which Natalya sighed.
Seeing they weren't going to leave she grumbled more and finally began to move to get up, muttering curses under her breath the whole time. Might as well get this over with.
After Natalya passed them the two older siblings looked and smiled at each other. They were going to make this the best birthday ever.
And they followed through on that promise. They did all the things Natalya would enjoy: made her favorite foods, decorated the house all green, red and white, gave her all sorts of expensive and personal gifts, being a sort of mission for Ukraine as she wanted to 1-up her sister on the gift they gave her the day prior, and they made extra sure to keep Lithuania away from Natalya as much as possible.
The small family spent the entire day enjoying each other's company, something they haven't been able to do in countless years. If Natalya weren't so moody she'd be able to admit that she had a good time.
And so with the day and celebration over she returned to her room for the night, feeling a little better than before. Alfred still weighed heavily on her mind, but maybe spending more time with her siblings could ease the pain.
After getting ready for the night she crawled under the sheets of her bed and pulled them up to her neck, her delighted mood mellowing out the need to cry for once.
Pretty soon she was falling asleep, satisfied with how this day turned out, but as she closed her eyes for the last time suddenly a bright light came out of nowhere. From that blinding white light a large box appeared in its place, which dropped from the air and collapsed onto her stomach, making her curl forward and wheeze out all the air in her lungs.
Coughing hard she sat up on the bed and stared down at her lap. Picking it up she eyed it in wonder and immense confusion. 'How the hell did this get here?'
As if the universe could read her thoughts another bright light shined above her head, but as she looked up to see it a piece of paper floated down and covered her face.
Setting down the box she grabbed the paper and held it out in front of her, her heart stopping as she realized it was a note from Alfred.
Belarus,
I guess it's been a while, huh? I know this is probably a little weird and coming out of nowhere given... well you know. Anyway you're most likely wondering how I even did this, yeah for a while Tony's been making me work on this teleporter thing. Building alien technology is not an easy task let me tell you, even if I was following a blueprint he gave me. I'm not even sure if you gotten this, I could've sent this to the middle of a field for all I know, haha.
. . .
Look, despite all that happened I wanted to wish you a happy birthday. Think of it as paying you back for coming to mine, I hope you like it. Oh and wish you sister a happy late birthday and give her her own present for me! I was busy yesterday and couldn't really tell her myself so I just stuffed her gift in with l
- Alfred F. Jones
Natalya wasn't sure whether to feel relieved or saddened that he had finally talked to her. It was nice to hear from him after weeks of nothing, but at the same time it was obvious he was still thinking a lot about that night as well.
Done reading over the note she grabbed the large box again and set it in her lap. Taking off the tape she opened it and peered at the contents inside.
At the top there was a small black box with a sticky note on it. Taking it out she read the note.
This is Ukraine's present. I had Japan custom make it for me but the manufacturers for some reason had to over-sexualize it so it took a while to get right. :P
Opening the box Natalya stared at a small figurine that looked like Ukraine, shockingly so. It even had different faces for expressions, hands, and accessories such as her pitchfork and a military uniform.
On the front of that was another sticky note.
Isn't it awesome?! Don't worry I'm getting everyone one. Ukraine's was just the first and I didn't have time to make yours.
Taking the sticky note off she closed the box and set it to the side to give to Ukraine later. The next thing in the box was a large metal box with a handle. Lifting that out she could feel that it was the brunt of the entire present's weight.
Before she opened it something at the bottom of the cardboard box caught her eye. Looking inside she found a big pile of all her favorite candies. Of course he'd include that.
Turning back to the metal box she flipped off the locks and opened it, seeing it was actually a large tackle box, but rather than fishing lures inside it was dozens of knives.
On top of the stacked layers was a third and final letter, which she picked up and began reading.
Here's your present, pretty cool right?! I'm sure you can already see it but this is a box full of knives, every type of knife to be exact. You have no idea how many types there are. Tactical, hunting, pocket, butterfly, push dagger, tanto, khukuri, karambit, you name it! It's all there. And those are just the ones that came with the purchase, I added my own few custom and joke knives throughout for you to find. Just a head's up there's one knife I made before things went downhill, so it's kinda inappropriate to give to you now but I felt it would've been weird to leave out of the set. So watch out for that because it's a little awkward.
Oh and hey I also got some of your favorite candy, it wouldn't be a birthday without some sugar overdose.
Taking a look at the box Natalya began picking up and inspecting all of the knives. Alfred was telling the truth, there was every knife and more: multitools, scalpels and razors, throwing knives, bayonets, trench knives, drop points, and all sorts of fixed and folding knives.
Then there were the custom and joke knives Alfred mentioned. A Civil War knife, a replacement for the jagdkommando Russia destroyed, an original 1840s Bowie knife, butterfly versions of a fork and knife, and an ancient-looking Native American knife made out of a deer antler and a flint shard tied together with a leather strap.
Then there was one final knife. All the way at the bottom of the box she could see there was another butterfly knife. Knowing it was the knife Alfred warned her about made her anxious, what could it be that he worried would be too awkward?
Slowly reaching inside she grabbed it and shakily pulled it out. Staring at it in her hand she was slightly confused for a moment, it was a normal butterfly knife but on the handle there was a painted on chibi face of Alfred with a word bubble that said "violence isn't cool brah!"
Playing with the knife a little she saw that on the other side there were halves of her own face painted on opposite ends. Flipping open the knife and putting the handle together it revealed her own complete face, which had her signature glare and had a word bubble that said "I'll cut your balls off!!!"
Observing the knife a little longer Natalya began to giggle to herself, but that quickly broke down into wet sobs as the knife left her grip and she brought both hands up to cover her eyes. "Always so childish."
She tried wiping her eyes but the cries only got louder and stronger, all because for a single moment Alfred had made her happy again. Now she was paying the price for it, that spark of what once was came and left and now she was left to drown in her own tears.
Russia and Ukraine didn't know what was wrong. They thought they were doing good, Natalya seemed like she was getting better, but now they were back at the beginning and even worse.
Natalya didn't even bother hiding from them anymore, she just stayed lying face down on her bed all day.
She wouldn't eat, she wouldn't shower, they weren't even sure when or how she went to the bathroom. She'd grown so quiet they couldn't tell if she was awake, asleep, or dead.
They weren't just worried for her anymore they were scared, scared that something was happening to her sister that could possibly kill her.
They called her boss, tried to figure out what was wrong, pleaded with him to do something to stop the protests. Crackdowns, arrests, martial law, anything! The way the saw it this political unrest was killing their sister, and there was nothing they could do to stop it.
At first they wanted to keep it solely a family matter, but when they couldn't hide Ukraine's distress anymore they had no choice but to get the Baltics involved. And with Lithuania being who he is, he was the first to act.
Walking to Natalya's room he knocked on the door, expecting it to be locked. To his surprise his knocking pushed the door open with a loud creak.
Slowly opening the door Lithuania peeked his head into the dark room, feeling the freezing cold air rolling out of the door and over him.
"Miss Belarus, are you alright?" He called out, growing nervous when he didn't receive a response. Not even a "fuck off catshit bastard!" or "I'll fucking kill you you big brother stealer!"
Stepping all the way in the room he closed the door behind him and turned on the light. Across the room Natalya laid on her bed, not reacting to the bright light due to being face down and having her messy hair in the way.
Taking a step forward he called out again a little louder. "Miss Belarus?" Again there was no response. He was beginning to believe she was asleep.
As he was about to leave, Natalya lazily raised up her hand and gestured for him to come closer. He followed without hesitation, nervously rubbing his hands to try and get some warmth back into them.
Standing to the side of the bed he looked down at her hand, which was still extended toward him. Unsure of what to do he stood there unmoving, until suddenly her hand shot out and grabbed his.
Gasping quietly he stared at their interlocked hands, making him blush immensely. Gradually she squeezed down on his fingers, more and more as they creaked and grinded together. It was only then Lithuania understood what she was doing, she was about to break his fingers again.
She was squeezing as hard as she could, her hand shaking with the strain she was putting into it, but she couldn't do it. She was too weak, too tired. When her hand grew weak and she was forced to let go she had only managed to lightly fracture one of them.
Lithuania looked at her in bewilderment, she'd usually never leave a finger unbroken. Grunting angrily she waved him away. "Useless piece of shit!" She yelled into her pillow. Rubbing his finger Lithuania turned and began walking away, something really was wrong.
From outside the room a pair of dark brown eyes watched as Lithuania exited and walked down the hall. Only once they were sure he was gone did the person make a move toward the room.
Behind her Natalya could hear the creaking of the door once again, accompanied by a gentle gust of warm air. In rage she shot her head up and spun around. "What the hell did I just-" she paused, seeing it was no longer Lithuania but a dark-skinned woman with jet black hair and a soft smile... Alfred's mother.
Trading eye contact for a few seconds Natalya lowered down and laid back on the bed, giving the older woman a flat, emotionless gaze. "If you're here to kill me for hurting your son just do it, I don't care anymore."
Turning her face back into the pillow she left herself exposed to what the woman wanted, content with whatever punishment they chose.
Native America's smile dropped a little, staring at the miserable young girl in front of her. Gliding lightly on her feet she came to the side of Natalya's bed, lowering down to her knees and cautiously placing a warm hand on the girl's shoulder.
Natalya flinched at the touch, but didn't make a move to remove the hand. Rubbing the spot tenderly Native America spoke. "I don't wish to kill you child."
"Then why are you here?!" Natalya snapped. "Shouldn't you be off comforting your son?" Exhaling calmly Native America continued. "I would if I were able to. Unfortunately it's a very long and complicated history between our people so I can't do that."
"Well have no business here, go away," Natalya said as she shifted away from Native America's hand, wrapping herself up in her blanket and hiding.
The ancient made no move to leave, staring solemnly at the girl as she curled in the fetal position. "I'm here because you're grieving. You made a really bad mistake, but I know you didn't mean any harm by it."
Standing up she moved forward and sat on the edge of the bed, reaching forward and using her fingers to brush out some snarls from Natalya's hair. The girl tensed some more but couldn't find the energy to remove herself, only enough to mumble, "so I assume that annoying bird that kept stealing the book was yours?"
Native America cracked a smile. "The eagle is technically Maska's, I only tasked it with protecting him, which means protecting his secrets as well."
"You sure did a shit job," Natalya insulted, but Native America brushed it off with a laugh. "Well you are quite the tenacious one. I wasn't expecting you to be able to keep up with an eagle."
The younger nation was unamused with the jovial mood, wanting to get back to what she was doing, even if what she was doing was crying and dreading life.
While she was petting the grumbling girl's hair, Native America couldn't help but feel nostalgic. She would do the same thing when Alfred was grumpy. "Much like Maska you are very stubborn, so I don't expect that you'll listen to me, but I do have something important to say..."
Natalya didn't move, so Native America spoke. "You messed up badly, that is true, but that does not mean you should give up hope. At least not yet."
Immediately she had gained Natalya's attention, as she was now turned slightly more toward the ancient and glaring at them with intense hatred. "Is this some sort of sick joke to get back at me? Trying to get my hopes up just for them to be obliterated... again."
"It's nothing of the sort," Native America was quick to shoot down. "I am being serious. Despite the few exceptions Maska is a very forgiving person, just take Japan for example, those two went from arch-enemies to best friends in no time. As you know you and him were able to become best friends despite your history, so what's to say it can't happen again?"
Rolling her eyes Natalya sat up more and gave the ancient a condescending look. "Uhhh, maybe because he thinks I've been faking our friendship this whole time and have been using him and his secrets as a pawn to get big brother back? He completely..." she choked, warm tears building up in her eyes as the dreaded words appeared in her head.
"H-He hates me now!" She cried while covering her eyes, biting her quivering lip to keep it held in place.
With a sympathetic and saddened "awww" Native America leaned forward and wrapped Natalya in a warm embrace. Natalya didn't want the hug, not from this stranger, but she was so broken and the hug was so motherly and comforting, she couldn't refuse.
Rubbing Natalya's back Native America held her tightly. "He doesn't hate you. He's just confused, and afraid. His first and only relationship ended badly so he's become paranoid and distrustful, not to mention he's very inexperienced."
Detaching herself from the hug Native America held Natalya by the shoulders, giving her a serious and determined stare. "What you need to do is show him you can be trusted, that what you did had nothing to do with hurting him or reconciling with your brother. And above all else... show that you love him."
Mistrustful of this strange supportiveness Natalya backed away from the woman and guarded herself. "Why are you doing this? I hurt Alfred, you should hate me!"
Tilting her head Native America smiled fondly at her. "Because I can see it, there's something special between you two." Hearing that made Natalya blush, it felt so strange hearing this coming from Alfred's mother.
"You make my son happy, happier than I've seen in nearly a century, and I know it's the same for you. Even if I don't agree with your often times brutal nature, it's obvious you two need each other, now more than ever."
Hearing heavy footsteps coming down the hall Native America turned her head away, mumbling to herself "it seems my time is up." Then she brought her attention back to Natalya, now much more in a hurry. "I know you may not believe me and that it's too early to make amends, but I urge you to try. If anyone has the determination and perseverance to accomplish something like this, it's you. It's not too late to fix this, to finally get what you and my son want and need, all I ask is that you consider this."
Getting up she sped toward the door, grabbing the doorknob to leave but not before turning around to face Natalya one final time. Now she had a wide smile on her face, but much like her son there was something menacing behind it.
"I am giving you this chance because I believe you can redeem yourself. But if you mess this up and hurt my son again, then I will have no choice but to follow through on a punishment."
Making sure Natalya understood she gave a nod and exited the room, seemingly vanishing from the house before anyone else could spot her.
Sitting on her bed Natalya remained staring in awe at where Alfred's mom once stood. She wasn't sure if she could trust what that woman said, this could all still be a trap to lure her into a situation to humiliate herself further.
Whether they were being truthful or not they left a lot for Natalya to think about.
Ukraine stood outside her sister's room, fear creeping up through her as she hesitated to reach for the doorknob. What if when she entered her sister threw a flurry of pillows at her, or got up and began chasing her throughout the house? That would be horrifying.
Today was the day she usually went around checking to see if there were any dirty clothes need washing, and for the longest time she had avoided Natalya's room, but no longer. It probably looked liked a pig sty in there, and she also... kind of secretly wanted to use the opportunity to check on her sister.
Building up her confidence she grabbed the doorknob and barged in, darting her eyes around for where her sister was hiding. To her disappointment and puzzlement her sister was nowhere to be found.
Walking further into the room she looked everywhere, but she still came up with nothing. Natalya's room wasn't dirty, in fact it was spotless, though that had less to do with keeping it clean and more the fact that she hadn't changed clothes in days.
As Ukraine was about to leave she noticed Natalya's opened closet from the corner of her eye. Maybe she was stuffing the clothes in there, or simply hiding, you could never be sure with her.
Creeping over to the closet Ukraine opened it wider, finding neither clothes nor her sister inside. What she did find though was a small opened door far into the back of it.
Getting down onto her knees she crawled into the closet, making her way over to the bizarre door in the wall.
Sitting in front of it she peered into what was inside, shocked and growing unnerved by what she's seen. It was a new shrine, a shrine of... 'America?!?!' She thought in horror.
Why would her sister have this? Sure she had hung out with him for a bit but it's not like she was now obsessed with him, right? The countless Alfred memorabilia said otherwise.
Reaching inside she picked up some of it, looking over what her sister had collected. Countless pictures, sentimental items, and disturbingly a piece of his hair. How had she even managed to get a piece of his jacket? Oh no did she hurt him?!
Before she could think too hard on it a rush of dense cold air blew up her back, giving her an unsettling feeling that she wasn't alone.
"Sestra..." a chilling voice called from behind her. Flinching in fear Ukraine slowly turned around, trembling violently as she looked up at the shadowy figure of her sister, whose face was unreadable yet shook Ukraine to her core.
"What are you doing in my closet?"
Dobro pozhalovat' v Makdonal'ds, chto ya mogu vam predlozhit' - Welcome to Macdonald's, what can I get you?