Chapter Text
It was a wonderful sunny day as Fiji, a country representing the south pacific at the yearly world meeting held in Moscow, Russia, decided to take her net and go fishing in the river opposite the hotel where her and the other personifications stayed at, in the week they were all there for the meeting.
knowing clearly that the river was half frozen and it was forbidden for her to even fish there, her history of not giving a damn spoke loudly in her mind as she took the roped edge between the walkway and the river and had crossed over it to then land on the stone edge facing the river. Her footsteps sounded on the stone as she threw her small net over her head and into the water. Holding the rope connecting to the net, she relaxed. The boiling tension she had behind her back faded slowly, ebbing as she thought on the ways in which her worries started exactly. First, it was the constant dismissal from other countries during her slotted in time during the earliest meeting not because she was tripping over herself with her words but because she was late.
Late, when Alfred (America) ended up taking an hour of her time talking about some useless defence idea regarding a heroized robot. late when she had advised Ludwig (Germany) in advance that she was sick due to the constant snow and harsh winter winds that she, a tropical country, obviously isn’t used to. Late when he ended up forgetting and didn’t make up for it by telling the other countries of it after, forcing her to hear about it from her big brother Australia, to then arrive an hour after her scheduled time. Late, when no one believed she was sick because personifications can’t be ill, or even killed.
Late... when she can be affected, and she hated being vulnerable.
Late was a word she was now addressed with by the other countries, as well as being weak enough to not face whatever hellish weather the country threw at her. Ironic, she thought. Though it was only recent that her independence was given to her and that was the only reason she could think of regarding physical effects.
Her thoughts turned to her net and the gesture of it being so familiar that her heart ached for home, for the white sandy beaches, the sea extending long after her net, hell, even the sun now covered by approaching clouds packed with another day’s worth of snow. Fishing helped, before and after the hell she’s been through before the independence. Cession to England was a hard blow and it took ages for her to ultimately adapt and gain her own independence, him not even caring after, which left her to deal with the oceanic bonds that had severed when she was under his empire, reconnecting and ultimately becoming family with the other pacific countries.
They may not be connected by land, but are united by water.
That simple saying had been the anchor for her to temporarily replace New Zealand as the representative for the whole oceanic continent which was the south pacific, though admittedly not a continent but an international connection of smaller countries which Fiji is now representing in the yearly world meeting in the capital she was now breaking its laws for a little bit of peace and quiet.
Damn it all, she thought quietly. Her worry turning to simmering anger as she looked to her reflection on the rivers edge, thinking of every country she might wish ill to. first on the list was -obviously- Germany, not even considering her during the meeting. Secondly, was America, for blowing off her one of many chances to speak to all 100+ countries present. Her brother might write it off as simply using her time while she wasn’t there, but damn if her hand doesn’t itch at the chance to simply slap the common sense out of him.
Her mind fully closed off to any and all activities near her, she really couldn’t care less if she was breaking the law by fishing in a river that’s literally in the centre of the capital. Nor could she care less at the sudden cold, freezing breeze that brushed by her, blowing her golden-brown hair past her shoulders.
Nor would the sound of bootsteps against stone approaching her enough to fully bring her thoughts back to reality. A voice might.
“Some parts of the water are still frozen, I don’t think you can catch anything in this river.” A light accented male voice was heard behind her, startling her enough to bring her back from her muddled thoughts. His voice sounded too distant to be next to her, she estimated he was just behind the roped fence. Not turning to look, as to not show the spreading embarrassment on her face, she replied just as politely.
“Its fine, I’m not here to catch anything.” Her voice was light and a little accented to the point anyone meeting her for the first time would immediately recognize her as one of the commonwealth countries. she only ever talks in her original accent to people she’s comfortable with. Realizing she was a bit rude, she turned to face him, meeting eye to eye with the biggest man she has never met nor has the pleasure of seeing. Compared to her cousin, Tonga, even he couldn’t compare to the man now standing before her.
A jolt of fear spread by her, though it quickly diminished as she noted the soft lining of his jaw and the round nose sitting right under his gentle gaze. The voice fitted perfectly with the face, she thought agreeably, though rather the huge build he currently maintained, she figured it was just layers of clothing to fight the weather just like her with her navy-blue cotton dress, with a white grey shawl added in with a scarf. Yes, she might be dramatically dressed, but she learnt from her lesson with trying to dress light in a country that has snow all year round. Noticeably, he had silver white hair, kind of like the snow currently falling as the snow packed clouds finally covered the sunny day she had enjoyed. Even if it were just for a little while.
His hair reminded her of the Nordic countries she had the pleasure of meeting that she couldn’t help but think if, incidentally, he might be one of them. Even the bright violet eyes meeting with her own ashy brown, added to the conclusion she thought of. Clearing her throat after realizing she probably have been staring too long, she reluctantly replied with an apology.
“I’m sorry for being rude. The cold is rather annoying.” She smiled sheepishly before standing and pulling her net back to her. It took a bit of time for him to reply back, probably was surprised at the apology.
“It is alright. There’s nothing for you to be sorry over. You are not used to this weather, da?” he replied, leaning towards the rope separating them, as his soft smile was directed at her. All she could think however, is how different the gesture was compared to the warm smiles of her own people. Where as the people’s smiles were meant for welcome and exaggerated warmth, his was comforting yet cold, a hidden sharp edge beneath that calm, innocent demeanor.
“Yes, I wish it was more of the weather like it was in the morning, not how it is now. You’re probably used to it I guess?” she inquired, removing the sudden emotion of fear crawling up her spine. As a result, her smile brightened further, as to hide the possibility of that emotion appearing above the surface.
“no one is used to the ruthless season that is general winter.” He replied softly, pulling her up to the rope to let her up from the edge of the walkway as he turned his head to the side, his attention focused on the group of officers who were discussing whether or not to arrest her for fishing in an unauthorized area. One look and a flash of a threatening smile from him to them ended up in the officers scattering to find something else to attend to. His attention focused back on her as thoughts went through his mind on where he had heard of her accent before. The meeting perhaps? He had thought it a fine day to go around without his favorite metal pipe, silently thanking himself for thinking that way as now the woman he had met would feel alright and not the opposite if he did have it in hand.
“Thank you,” she said gratefully, referring to the help he had given her just now by pulling her up from the stone edge of the walkway as they both started heading for the hotel opposite the walkway beside the river, a road between them.
“And, general winter? Honestly a good name for a season as harsh and cruel that one can’t help associating it with the army,” she continued, trying to strike up conversation as she can’t bear the silence any longer, as it slowly dawned on her that if she doesn’t, she might just run away screaming.
“You are a tropical country, yes?” he asked suddenly, switching topics like a lever.
“What gave it away?” she replied, looking up at him and also moving more forward to be ahead of him. If there’s something that she’s learned about being shorter than everyone else is that she has to be ahead to eventually catch up-
“Look out!”
she heard suddenly before the sound submerged in a loud horn from the car that nearly barreled into her as she was yanked hard by the wrist and crashed onto a hard chest. Apparently his.
Her heartbeat nearly flew out of her as she covered her face in his coat, trying to calm herself down. Breathing heavily as he stilled completely. Not letting her wrist go as his other hand hugged her waist, drawing her closer.
“It is alright, you didn’t get hit.” He said, resting his head at the top of hers as she gradually started to calm down.
“t-thank you.” She managed to speak through the shock as she still was gathered in his arms. Slowly, the snow fell on them both, picking up speed as the wind blew past, her hair free and flowing in the direction of the wind as she reluctantly pushed away from him. Her wrist still held by his hand.
“It’s not a big deal, da? You didn’t die at least.” That familiar smile she has now grown accustomed to showed again, brighter than the glittering snow falling above them.
“Haha, right I didn’t die, did I?” she let out a light laugh as she turned to the direction of the hotel, but is suddenly dragged back by her wrist, and into his arms once more.
“You are alright? Not shaken or anything?” he asked concern shown on his face, his smile turning into a thin line as he held her out to check for any injuries. She couldn’t help but be surprised that he felt the need to check on her, so she reluctantly replied.
“I’m fine, uh...” realizing she didn’t know his name, she stared up at him, confused.
“I never got your name...” she inquired, earning a smile from him.
“...you don’t know who I am?” he raised a brow in astonishment that she actually didn’t know who he was. Of course he suspected it, though he dismissed the idea as simply her being surprised to see the great personification of the Russian federation advising her on the condition of fishing in the river of his capital. Interesting... someone who does not know who I am. Very foolish. He thought wondrously.
“Ah was I supposed to? And its Siana, my name I mean,” She looked at him expectantly as he committed the name to memory, realizing she won’t be telling exactly what country she is, two can play that game.
“Siana... you can call me Ivan. Ivan Braginsky. And, nyet, you don’t have to know me, though I noticed it wasn’t the name of your nation you had mentioned.” He introduced himself as he let her go completely before heading for the hotel. She followed behind closely, craving the warmth he had just given her now inside the reception of the hotel. They both crossed the road, now reaching the trees that separated the building from the main road.
“I don’t usually give it, so apologies if I seem rude. What you said earlier about me being a tropical nation is true.” She said reluctantly, stopping under a tree as snow filtered in through the gaps of the bushes over them.
“The question is which nation, da?” he reminded her gently, brushing snow off his scarf as the piece of clothing moved. not with the breeze that blew by them but of its own accord. Distracted, she took time to reply.
“Uh... yes, I suppose.” Snapping back to reality by focusing on anything but the scarf, she turned her gaze to the rose bush near them, taking in detail of the snow covering the tip of its red roses.
“Its Fiji... I am, I guess. Sorry, I’m not used to this, being able to call myself that. Recent independence and all, haha” she sheepishly laughed as she focused on him again. Noticing a curious expression from him.
“When was your independence?” he asked, fidgeting with his glove as he asked politely, that dangerous edge revealing itself as he sized her up. Even if the war has passed, colonism eradicated, instinct still remained as he considered what form of help, she could be to his own country.
Trade maybe? Even a pacific ally, or, dare he thought it, as a territory of his nation should his threat- pressurization work, as his ties with his big sister Ukraine are falling short. Belgium, however, never could be part of his closest ally, no matter how badly she does want it. Lithuania could have time to crawl back to him, as long as his new interest doesn’t stray away.
Ugh, choices, choices. Normally vodka would work wonders, though lately his mind focused more on dealing with 200+ countries that stayed for a week upon his land, causing a lot of chaos as he dealt with laws being broken, hotel rooms being wrecked, even one of exotic animals such as a lion being allowed to be let in the hotel simply because he authorized it.
Damn did he need the distraction the brilliant, yet foolish woman before him caused. Maybe the cancelation of the winter ball won’t happen after all, he decided right there and then.
“55 years ago, actually.” She replied, breaking his train of thought. Very recent indeed, in their measurements really.
“That is close. I suppose you still haven’t earned the abilities yet, da?” he inquired, eyeing the group of men crossing the road beside them, heading for the hotel. Recognizing them as the Nordic countries supposedly entering inside for the meeting an hour as of now.
“If you mean not dying nor getting hurt then yes, I haven’t.” Following his attention her gaze travelled to the men now crossing the entrance of the hotel, whispering closely while looking towards their direction. Clutching her net in her hands, a drifting thought came to mind at the fact she’s talking to someone regarding her problem.
“Do you want to head inside? It’s a bit cold.” She changed the subject, turning to the hotel as he nodded in agreement, following beside her.
“I noticed you didn’t ask about mine.” She turned her head to the side, narrowing her eyes to him as he smiled softly at her.
“It seemed like you did not want me to know, even expected it of me.” She said, shame coating her tone as she crossed the automatic doors of the hotel, the warmth of the reception immediately affecting her enjoyably.
“Haha, you might find out later, in the meeting. I wouldn’t be the one telling you, it... spoils the fun.” He said the last words in a whisper, as she was busy with getting her keys back from the lady behind the counter. The lady noticed him, immediately focusing her gaze elsewhere as she returned to her job.
“Oh, sorry what were you saying? I didn’t catch that.” Siana apologized, waving her key at him to prove her point.
“Nyet it’s nothing.” He replied before smiling widely, considering the act childish.
“Ah alright then. before I go however, I wanted to give you this.” She showed the clam in her net before giving it to him.
“I am not sure what I am supposed to do with this.” He looked at the object curiously, noticing the distinct swirling patterns on the shell.
“Open it. Or maybe even use the shell as decoration. I wanted to show my gratitude for saving me in the road just now. I can offer something else if its not enou-“
“You don’t have to. Its fine, this clam... ill find a way to make use of it.” He placed the clam in his pocket before turning to leave out the door of the hotel.
“До свидания, Siana. Goodbye.”
“Bye then! Wait you haven’t told me who you are- and he left, great.” she replied reluctantly, not sure if she heard the words in the beginning correctly as she said goodbye. wondering if she would see him again.