Maybe in another time (Russia Hetalia x Reader)

Chapter 1

Note: 

Will probably consist of 3 chapters. This is a short story. 

I'm leaving behind the music that helped me write each chapter. You may essentially listen to the tunes that go with each chapter. I should note that I do not own the song.

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A friend you spent three years with suddenly becomes someone you're forbidden to approach or talk to. Alfred set the rules: you're never to meet with this man again. Now, this man, Ivan Braginsky, sits alone in the World Meeting conference room, his head down and his gaze empty as he stares at his hands on the desk. Feared by most, Ivan's reputation has only worsened in recent years—nearly everyone despises him. Painted as a villain, he's cursed by the perception that he's a cruel and dangerous man. But you know the truth: he's not entirely bad. You find yourself cautiously approaching Ivan, maintaining your distance, aware that Alfred and those on his side will be upset.

"Ivan..." you called out softly. He lifted his head to meet your gaze, but the childish smile he once had was gone. He remained silent, so you tried to lighten the mood. "Hey, how have you been? You look... upset. Will you tell me what's wrong?" you asked, standing still, maintaining a distance. You spoke to him as you did in the days when you two were so close. He finally responded, "Oh... Sunflower, it's nothing." Ivan forced a smile and looked back down. You wanted to hug him, just like before. "Just for a minute..." you thought, taking a step forward. But suddenly, you felt a hand on your shoulder. You turned to see Alfred's stern gaze. When did he get here?

"Not so fast," Alfred said, stopping you from approaching Ivan. Ivan lifted his head again, his expression now filled with pain. You tried to reason with Alfred, "Just for one minute... Let me comfort him!" But Alfred's grip tightened as he replied, "There's too much at stake, and a lot can happen in a minute. This man is our enemy. If he could hurt innocent lives and his own family, he won't hesitate to hurt you." Ivan's eyes widened as he stood up, his hands clenched into tight fists. "You bastard! I didn't want to hurt them! I've regretted it for years!" Ivan's voice rose, anger building within him.

You glanced back at Ivan, noticing the slight tremble in his frame—likely from frustration, irritation, and anger. Alfred scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain, "Regret? Don't give me that crap. History always repeats itself, and you never seem to change."

"Alfred, please... Just for a minute... I don't even know what you discuss with your organization, so what use could I possibly be to him?" you tried to reason again. Alfred shook his head, a look of disappointment crossing his face. "You're my friend, but if a friend is willing to comfort the enemy, then I might as well erase you and tell everyone you're a traitor."

You went pale as you heard the click of a gun, and Alfred pulled out a Glock, pressing the cold muzzle against your forehead. Your eyes widened in shock. Surely, Alfred wouldn't pull the trigger, but in this moment, he looked so cold, with no trace of mercy in his eyes.

Ivan's eyes widened in alarm as he saw the weapon pressed against your head. A wave of dread surged through him, followed by an overwhelming protective instinct. Ivan muttered in a panicked whisper, "No..." He wanted to say so much, to protest against Alfred, but the sight of you being threatened filled him with terror, a feeling he had never experienced before. He felt an intense need to protect you, stronger than anything he'd ever known.

You were heartbroken, your only response was to sob, torn between the urge to run to Ivan and hug him—despite knowing that it would mean being hated by most—and the realization that Alfred was willing to shoot if you made another move. With a sigh, you whispered in frustration, "Very well..." To prevent further conflict and to buy yourself more time, you decided to comply. Alfred grinned, satisfied, as he holstered his gun. You turned your head to Ivan, forcing a smile through your tears, and said, "See you around..."

Alfred wrapped his arm around your shoulder, guiding you out of the conference room. Ivan was left alone again, consumed by his thoughts and feelings. As he watched you walk away with Alfred, his heart broke. He could only blame himself, thinking perhaps it was true—that everything was his fault and always would be. Perhaps he would never escape the curse of being painted as a cruel villain.