Chapter Text
The date is January 2nd, 1993. The beginning of a new year. Ivan hoped it would be better than the last year, or the last 80 years before then. He was as stressed in the past years as he was when that Mongolian wouldn't stop bullying him when he was just a land of poverty a long time ago.
Well maybe not that stressed but pretty close, not as many people were being brutally murdered in the past few years. But ever since the Bolshevik takeover, by Lenin, he was stressed and even a little scarred, but with Stalin it only got worse. Much worse.
While yes Lenin forced out the influences of western culture in Russia, which Ivan found painful to think about. Stalin changed everything, and if you didn't also believe in his ideals you were killed. The Stalin Purges were a tough time for Ivan, he also didn't like thinking about that either. If he did, sometimes he could hear the agonizing screams of the past.
All those innocent people worked to death or killed…Things have changed though, recently Ivan had so many new friends in his home for a long time. But just like dogs they ran out the door as soon as it was open, abandoning the one who cared and loved them. He didn't need those un-loyal mutts anyway, he was just fine by himself.
Ivan looked out of his once lively mansion. It was snowing outside, it is always snowing. The cold didn't bother him anymore, he long ago grew numb to the sting of ice. Ivan was standing, staring placidly at the strong snowstorm outside the large arched windows in his room. His room smelt of alcohol and smoke from the dying light in the fireplace, which was the only light provided in the room.
His bed was free from any wrinkles, showing Ivan had not even bothered to sleep in it. Or sleep at all for that matter. There were many bottles of vodka and other intoxicating beverages on the ground. Ivan himself hadn't showered in a few days, and has been in the same clothes for the longest time. He knew he looked awful.
Ivan would have felt embarrassed of the mess if someone were to walk in, but at this point he didn't care. He also doubted anyone would break him of his time of solitude anyway. Nobody cared, not even his sisters who were gone as well. Ivan was more depressed, sad to say(no pun intended), than stressed now. At least that was what he self diagnosed from his most recent, and many, drunken stupors combined with lack of sleep.
Tonight was different from other nights though. While yes he still drank and didn't sleep he was thinking of the future instead of the past. Not of his unfaithful friends but of an enemy. In the last 40 years or so Ivan has been at war, well close to it. The tension between he and America in the last half decade had been negative and exhausting. Never would Ivan have thought someone, like America, would ever be able to stand toe to toe with him. Most now cowered, hid away, or obeyed him.
But not that damn nation of freedom. No he did none of those things, only antagonized him. Which Ivan returned with no regrets. It was like they were holding guns to each other trying to get the other to shoot first; thus that person being the cause of their nuclear war. It was so close to happening for a long time, so very close, Ivan could almost see his beautiful cities turned into ruble. But it never happened. While neither of them said this to one another they knew the consequences of a nuclear war, the devastating effects.
The United States of America was to put it simply annoying, audacious, young fool. But one thing he wasn't was weak. Ivan knew this fully well and has been wary of it during their many years of tension, for both Ivan and his fellow russians.
The next morning Ivan got a call to be at his Russian White house by 2pm this afternoon, dressed appropriately, that's all he was told. Not even getting any sleep the night before, Ivan was getting ready much earlier than he needed. He also decided to venture down into his large kitchen and eat something simple. He ended up taking his porridge to eat in his room, not daring to eat alone on that humongous dining table.
The house had not been taken care of, dust and other countries belongings lay all over the floor. Small things his old friends felt they wouldn't need to come back for as they hurried out the door. It hurt to look at the belongings, and instead focused on the old paintings that hung in rows in the long hallways. The rich light blue wallpaper on the walls behind the art seemed to make his eyes focus on the beauty of the art pieces, he was happy he picked that color. It was a lovely color.
Once it was half past 1 rolled by Ivan decided to leave his house. It was below freezing again, which was expected, they ere in the middle of winter. Ivan hasn't left his home in the past 3 months so it was nice for a change to go outside. Moscow was as lively as ever, adults and children alike walking the streets, not even noticing the cold temperature and thick snow falling around them. His people were so strong, he smiled at that thought.
Once reaching his destination after some slight delay by traffic at the crosswalks, he was on his way to Boris Yeltsin’s, the new “President” of the Russian Federation, office near the middle of the building. He admired how this new government building looked, bigger and more powerful than America's white house, which he pointed out to America whenever national landmarks were brought up. Not to mention the buildings interior was so much more pleasing to look at.
The white and gold features complimented one another, the architecture making it look even more sophisticated than possible. The floor was a lovely type of granite, easy to clean and matched the red row of carpets that covered most of the floor. He took a turn down the hallway to his destination, security guards didn't stop him on his way knowing exactly who he was, even after not being seen for 3 months.
He was almost happy to be needed again, since the fall of the USSR Ivan hadn't been really needed government wise. Not that Ivan would have given them help, his attitude was not the best after his friends left. But it was nice to be needed again, god only knew Ivan needed to get out of the house.
He came to the heavy oak double doors and opened them himself smoothly, letting himself halfway in the office before he froze. What he did not expect to see once he entered the room was the face that he despised the most for 40 years. Ivan hasn't seen him since before the fall of the USSR, not really looking forward to the mocking he would receive.
The American was standing stiffly and tense. On guard? He was standing next to President George H. W. Bush, who was seated in a elegant red arm chair across from Yeltsin. Ivan was happy he did end up showering and dressing nicely this morning before coming. It would have been embarrassing to come looking disheveled. Ivan inwardly thanked Yeltsin's personal secretary who told him that he needed to look presentable.
This morning Ivan decided on a simple black suit, with black tie. With, of course, his precious white scarf. It also made sense on why they didn't tell him about the meeting, he would have not should up if he knew who would be here. Ivan was not happy about this at all.
“Ah Ivan, please come in. We have been awaiting your arrival,” Yeltsin stated from behind his large brown desk, it looked like he cleaned it since all the papers were in neat piles on the sides. He motioned for Ivan to come beside him. Ivan had other plans though.
“What is he doing here?” Ivan asked quickly changing his shocked expression to his usual smile, he hoped nobody noticed. He walked in, taking long strides toward the American who seemed to be staring back at him with an angry look, but also standing his ground. Ivan walked close enough to be in America's personal space, the two locked eyes in a small fight for dominance. It was hard with Ivan being so much taller than the American; causing him to look up some. Ivan’s face remained calm, violent eyes staring into a pair of determined blue ones that were behind pairs of glass.
“You would know if you weren't so busy being a crying bitch to actually pay attention to the world around you,” Alfred exclaimed smoothly not backing down, looking proud of the last comment. Ivan smiled more, he liked this game. It was so easy to rile the American up, and he knew exactly how to respond.
“You dare call me condescending to my own surroundings. That's hypocritical don't you think? When all you do is carry around the North American map.” Ivan could see America's proud face turn sour.
“T-that was one time! I swear to god Ivan if you bring it up again i'll-”
“That's enough Alfred!” President Bush stated pulling America's suit sleeve back from Ivan to where he continued sitting.The Russian smiled at yet another chance.
“Yes, could you please control your mutt Mr. Bush.” Ivan said smirking, pausing their game, and walking next to Yeltsin who was giving Ivan an exasperated look. Ivan didn't care, he did not fear this leader of his country unlike his former ones, and could do what pleased him.
There was also the fact that Ivan intimidated Yeltsin very much so. But who wasn't, only idiots weren't. Ivan knew he was strong, the strongest, although he wished he didn't intimidate everyone. He enjoyed companionship, it was only human nature to. His human side caused so many problems as of late, it's why he was conflicted, and most recently depressed.
America gawked at Ivan and motioned madly with his hand at the russian, all the while looking at his president frustrated. There was a silent conversation there Ivan didn't understand. That was also an odd gesture, just like a kid, Ivan thought while standing next to Yeltsin, hands lazily moving to rest behind his back. The American president simply shook his head after a while and turned back to Yeltsin.
“Alright now that everyone is here, shall we start with negotiations.”
Ivan didn't listen to the meeting. He didn't care, he could easily assume it was for their country's tensions and their hopes of easing them. Instead Ivan continued staring at the man across the desk. America faced him had his arms crossed and locked eyes with the Russian, his ocean blue eyes unwavering.
America's head was held high, chest puffed up, making him seem slightly bigger than before. This contest of theirs was almost tradition, it started right after WW2 when problems started arising. Of course when asked a question they would answer and make eye contact with their inquisitor; they both had manners.
Their battle for dominance resumed yet again that afternoon, the tension in the room growing as per usual. As Ivan beamed he couldn't help but take in the appearance of his now “former” enemy, which he always seemed to do, he wore a navy blue suit with a simple darker blue tie and a sky blue dress shirt. It looked like the american air force uniform but less complex. Ivan couldn't help to think it was a nice choice of color since it brought out the younger country's eyes.
They bore into each other for what felt like hours but maybe was only 30 minutes, Ivan wasn't exactly sure. Sometimes they would break away to agree or disagree with something one of their leaders said. Today's meeting their dignitaries were talking of the “STATE II.” A bilateral treaty that in hopes would calm the fear of nuclear weapons from one another.
The plan made since and both personified countries and leaders agreed on the same thing for once. It was odd agreeing with America, usually they did opposite to whatever the other wanted. But his large empire fell a year ago, and things changed. While their delegates kept conversing, specific negotiations for the STATE II, America and Russia kept glaring at each other. Until something that has never happened before in their long mental battles occurred.
America sighed, letting out a long breath through his nose and steadily turned away, towards President Yeltsin who was talking about future goals. To say Ivan was confused was an understatement, he was flabbergasted. It took all of his strength to not open his mouth in astonishment. He knew this game was petty, yet he couldn't believe America was mature enough to end it.
Nobody kept score, but whoever gaze wavered first lost, it was an unstated but accepted rule. While whoever won got the satisfaction of doing so. Ivan maybe even sometimes looked forward to this simple interaction. But America lost on purpose.
Why was it different now? Was it because their cold war had died down? I guess there really wasn't any reason for them to compete all the time now, but it made Ivan's nerves stand on end. It was too quick a change to be comfortable.
They played their game plenty of times before, mostly at meetings both the countries were forced into. He remembered that one time at the Potsdam conference, Russia, America, and England had been sitting around their table next to their delegates who were arguing. There was a lot of conflict between their leaders during 1945. They were of course not paying attention instead going through their silent contest.
Only occasionally giving their opinions on a matter. It was the first time they did this. America just kept staring at him and Russia felt the invitation for competition and immediately agreed. He wasn't one to back down. It lasted one of the longest, neither one of them refusing to break eye contact, not even when the meeting was dismissed till the next day once the hour got to late.
Ivan remembered England asking America to leave with him, but America refused telling the brit he would he meet up with him later. Neither talked, but yet there was conversation. Silent promises of violence. But there was something else too, something only America knew of and didn't share.
Ivan figured it was his imagination. But those sparkling eyes held not only hate and competition, but also dismay? America’s eyes were determined and angry, but his eyebrows were slightly up. Almost regretful looking. His lips were pulled taught in a line. While Ivan always gave off his usual smile, something that just came natural to Ivan now.
After a few hours, it must have been very late, America changed positions to rest his head on his hands, it didn't take long for America’s to eyes to start fluttering. They looked heavy, and soon after his eyes finally slipped shut. His face fell forward on his hand, but didn't fall. Neatly cut golden locks hung a little over of his long eyelashes. His glasses were on the tip of his nose, dangerously close to the edge.
Ivan was shocked but he laughed softy, he thought the american an idiot, who would fall asleep next to their rival so easily. America was young and just finished half a war, Ivan forgot sometimes that he was also fighting the Japanese at the time too, he must have been tired. Still how he was able to let his guard down surprised Ivan the most.
It was the time right before their tensions actually grew to hot to burn, so Ivan didn't take advantage of the younger country then. Years ago, if he was in the same situation, he wouldn't have hesitated pushing the american’s arm where he rested. That way his head would fall on the desk painfully with a lovely bang.
Instead Ivan smiled contently at the satisfaction of winning, knowing it would drive America crazy for weeks, and left grabbing his long overcoat on the way out. He remembered seeing England in the corner of his eye going in right after him to check on America, he was standing outside the room waiting for them.
England said he wouldn't get involved in this potential war and he really meant it. But he obviously still cared for his former son. Ivan thought it was sweet, and was a little jealous. He wished someone truly cared about him that much.
This time his winning was different, America gave up. Maybe he realized this contest was foolish, that Ivan was just appeasing him. If America turned and listened in on their presidents it must be important.
“And that's why I would like to recommend that the Countries of America and Russia learn to coexist passively to strengthen relations.” President Bush stated to Yeltsin. This quickly caught Ivan’s attention. Where was this going? Ivan looked to America confused, but America kept looking straight at Yeltsin, face emotionless. He figured the american knew about this, it's why he started paying attention more. It also explained why he wasn't freaking out as much as Russia right then.
“Hmmm, please elaborate for me President Bush,” Yeltsin asked obviously interested.
“Well America and Russia for the past 46 years have had high dangerous tensions as you know, and still do somewhat. The United States of America would like to prevent this still potential war in anyway, especially nuclear war. This could be prevented by increasing interaction; thus leading to peace.” Bush took a large breath before speaking again.
“We believe it would be an excellent idea for Russia and America to reside together in the same household. Hopefully the interaction between the two will lead to the pacification we need.” Ivan's eyes widened. Countries did this quite often for the same reasons, but Ivan was more shocked about the stubborn american accepting this.
“...I understand what you are thinking Mr. Bush, can you please excuse me and Mr. Braginsky here to talk it over?” Yeltsin asked while getting up, he was nervous.
“Of course,” Bush answered a smile on his face. It was his idea for them to coexist in the same environment. Ivan could see America looking away now, eyes scanning the room, looking everywhere but Ivan. Unlike most moments, this time he couldn't tell what America was thinking. Ivan didn't like the idea one bit, and could guess America was probably forced into it. It was the only way America would ever do this. Ivan on the other hand would not be forced into anything, he was stronger than that.
Ivan closed the large double doors behind him as Yeltsin started to sigh and turn to ask Ivan's opinion.
“What do you think?”
“No,” Ivan answered swiftly. He really just wanted to go home at this point. This day was turning out to be more exhausting than expected.
“..Ivan, think about it. The offer we just received it a fantastic idea. It will no doubt help our relations. We can use that to our advantage more peace means we can trade more with America; which leads to more money,” Yeltsin reasoned enthusiastically.
Yeltsin was correct in this matter. But Ivan's pride held strong. The idea of living with America made him almost want to vomit right there. He would be much too close to his enemy for comfort; he would never be able to relax. He would have to live in a messy home (not like Russia’s home wasn't messy, he was just depressed, It would be cleaned eventually) he would never get a break from that annoying laughter either. Dear god he could only take so much of those ear splitting guffaws.
“No, I don't want to,” Ivan stated again, this time more firmly all the while moving closer with an intimidating smile, hoping to make his leader back down. Which Yeltsin did immediately after a sigh not even making eye contact with Ivan, the man was smart.
“Alright. Alright. If you feel you really can't deal with him that much, I understand.” With that they walked back into the large office. The large windows behind the desk showed the snow, which was now slowing down. They were quicker to return than anticipated by their guests, whom were talking among themselves quietly. Alfred sitting on the arm of the chair President Bush was residing in casually.
“I'm sorry, but i'm afraid we have to decline your offer Mr. Bush. But I believe we can still go through with the START II treaty we decided on,” Yeltsin stated while walking in and taking a seat now in the matching arm chair next to President Bush instead of behind his desk.
“Hey Ivan,” America turned towards Ivan, getting up from the side of the chair.
“Can we, uhh, speak in private?” America asked, his face was serious while walking over to the door Ivan just entered through opening one of the doors up and waiting for him. He didn't even wait for Ivan’s response.
“...Da,” Ivan answered warily. What is he planning? Ivan thought walking past America's smaller form, who held the door for him. Then after they both went through he closed the door quietly behind him with a sigh, not bothering to turn around and look Ivan in the eye.
“I get why you don't want to do this, hell I didn't want do it either. But just listen alright, to be honest our citizens need this.”
Ivan was surprised by the youngsters handling on the matter. America was full of surprises today.
“How do you know what my people need?” Ivan asked accusingly.
“Alright maybe I don't know exactly what they're thinking but I assume they are worried. 45 years of our intense bickering, and my people want some rest. I can only expect yours does as well.”
“My people are not scared nor weak, America, they are doing just fine.” Ivan lied casually, his people were worried just like everyone else. America didn't need to know that.
“Argh, I swear it's like i'm talking to a brick wall right now! I get you don't want to look weak, that's cool whatever, but relay your pros and cons for a second and think again!” America exclaimed frustrated. His hand going through his shining blonde locks at the same time. He seemed to do that whenever he got stressed. England did the same thing, only more often; it's why the english mans hair could get so unruly.
Ivan for once took some of America's advice, only to shut him up. The pros he first included were peace, trade, and prosperity. Obvious and easy choices. The cons were... living with America.. He still wished to say no, but America was right for once. The positives outweighed the negatives.
It was simply Ivan's pride and selfishness holding his country back… Ivan felt like somewhat of a dunce. Although America had overcome his selfishness for his country much quicker than Russia. That was the “hero” thing to do, Ivan thought.
“Well?” America asked impatiently while leaning against the wall, arms crossed again. Ivan took his time, thinking more about it. But really already knew what side he would have to choose.
“... Da. Fine, I will have to accept your offer,” Ivan said almost regretting it the instant it came out of his mouth.
“My god, Ivan think about it. Doesn't your old man brain ever think!”
“I said yes America,” Ivan explained with no fluctuation in his voice. He was pretty sure America had selective hearing and was not surprised by the rude comment. It happened on more than one occasion before.
“...oh, my bad. Okay super,” Alfred said quickly opening the door, holding it open for Ivan again as he walked through it. He dreaded more and more what he was agreeing too.
“I have changed my mind, Mr. Yeltsin. I will agree with this interaction method of yours Mr. Bush,” Ivan said clearly, strolling over to Yeltsin, who was sighing with relief and the news.
“That's great Mr. Braginsky! We thought the plan would be more comfortable if you two took turns staying in each other's homes, i'm sure you two can work out a schedule. But the advancement will begin the first of next month.” Mr. Bush said excitedly.
“I think we should go to my place first, it's too cold this time of year for me to stay in Russia!” America quickly yelled. He obviously thought this through. Ivan didn't want to agree with the american, but there was also the matter of Ivan's house being a wreck and he didn't really want to stay in it any longer either.
“Yeah I guess we can have it your way this time. But it will not happen again.” Ivan didn't want to seem like a pushover. He could hear America thank the lord after Ivan's comment quietly to himself.
“President Bush and I will have to sign a few papers, but you are free to go,” Yeltsin told Ivan. Getting out papers and a pen for both Bush and him to sign, setting them down on the small mahogany table between the chairs.
Ivan turned and walked out the grand double doors. Not bothering to wait for America to talk more. He had no desire to speak to anybody in that room anymore. Instead favored leaving, walking through his own house of government to the exit, back to his lonesome cave. To think of the past once again, but now, as well as the future.