Maybe in another time (Russia Hetalia x Reader)

Chapter 2

It's been three days since the world meeting, and Ivan's days have been mundane. He repeats the same tasks, returning home each evening with the same empty feeling. Tonight, his manor feels particularly quiet and empty. It once buzzed with life, filled with people, but over time, each one left, until Ivan was the only one remaining. The frustration from earlier still lingers—he can't shake the vivid memory of Alfred pointing a gun at your head. Sitting in his dimly lit office, Ivan listens to the ticking clock and the faint sound of the wind outside. The solitude feels almost nostalgic, a familiar ache as he takes a sip of vodka, hoping that if he drinks enough, he might finally fall asleep.

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In the three days that Ivan was alone, you devised a plan to trick Alfred. You made him believe that you were visiting your family back in your home country, and it took you the entire day to convince him. After much discussion, he finally agreed to let you go. You even got your family to lie for you, hoping that your recklessness wouldn't cause them any harm.

Unexpectedly, at the airport, you were greeted by Natalya. She has always opposed your closeness with Ivan, but lately, she has noticed a change in him. "You want to see big brother, right? Then come with me," Natalya tells you. As you walk alongside her, she says, "Big brother hasn't been himself lately. I tried fixing him, but nothing worked. Even when he tells me to go away, it lacks the emotion it used to. It feels like talking to an empty shell... You should be thankful I'm helping you."

You're surprised because you know how possessive Natalya is with her older brother, and she rarely helps anyone. But this time, Natalya understands and hopes that you might be able to help Ivan, even if just a little. She leads you to a private jet where her men are already waiting. "Get in," she says. "But once I drop you off, don't expect me to take you to his house too. You'll have to find it on your own. Besides, my brother won't be happy to see me."

"Natalya... Thank you... I really mean it," you tell her with a soft smile. Natalya scoffs and says, "I'm only doing this because I care and love big brother." You board the private jet, and soon it begins to move.

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Alfred stood by the window, still at the world conference with Ludwig and Francis. Ludwig was busy organizing and cleaning up.

"That brat is definitely going to visit him," Alfred muttered as he stared coldly at the skyscrapers outside. He already knew that you would try to deceive him, but unfortunately for you, he's smarter than he looks. He knew exactly what you had planned.

"How can you be so certain, Monsieur? Perhaps they are simply visiting their family," Francis suggested, as if trying to soothe the anger burning within Alfred. Alfred scoffed. He wasn't a fool—he knew you had broken the rules and chosen to meet with Ivan. He thought you were foolish and reckless, even though he believed he was only trying to protect you. But since you had defied him, he thought it was only appropriate to hunt you down soon enough.

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Returning to Ivan and his lonely manor, he filled his drink once more. After spending hours on a private jet, Natalya finally got you to Ivan's destination. Thankfully, it was only a 30-minute walk to his house, a route you're already familiar with after being friends with him for three years. It was already evening, and the cold was biting as you gently opened the gate and walked further in. The manor looked gloomy from the outside, with almost all the lights turned off except for a single dim light in a room on the second floor. No doubt it was Ivan's office; lately, he has been spending most of his time there when his mind is preoccupied. You tried knocking several times, but there was no response. After all, how could he hear you from the second floor when no one else was inside? With a sigh, you picked up a small rock and some sticks, preparing to throw them at the second-floor window where the light was on.

Ivan was about to fill his glass when he suddenly heard a light tapping on his office window. Curious, he approached the window and looked outside. His eyes widened in surprise as he saw you there, still tossing tiny rocks and sticks to get his attention. He wondered how you managed to reach his place, especially with Alfred keeping an eye on you. Chuckling to himself, he left his office and hurried to open the main door. Even though it was dark, he knew every corner and step by heart, so it didn't matter how quickly he moved. He opened the door and asked, "Sunflower... How did you get here?"

Your face lit up with happiness as you ran to him and hugged him tightly. Ivan had missed the feeling of your embrace, and he wrapped his arms around you, burying his head in your shoulder. The risk didn't matter—what mattered was that you were finally in his arms. Tightening the hug, Ivan whispered, "как я так скучаю по тебе (How I miss you so much)..." Despite the earlier cold, you felt warm in his embrace, realizing just how much you had missed him too.

Ivan gently led you inside his home and turned on the lights. You took a seat in the living room, and he sat next to you. "But how?" Ivan asked, still in disbelief. You sighed and admitted, "I lied to Alfred... I told him I was going to visit my family back in my country. It took the entire day to convince him, and then... there's Natalya. Surprisingly, she helped me get here." Ivan was stunned and nearly speechless—Natalya, of all people, had helped you?

"But what matters is... I'm here now," you said as you hugged him again. Ivan returned the hug, gently rubbing your back. "But why take such a risk?" he asked softly. Your hug tightened as you struggled with the truth, knowing that if you didn't tell him your feelings now, it might be too late. Taking a deep breath, a pink hue rising in your cheeks, you clung to him and confessed, "Because I love you."