The Lonely Sunflower (Hetalia Russia Story)

Mending

Ivan always had a soft spot for snow. He had a love and hate relationship with it. Of course, he loved the warmth and sun a lot more than snow, but that didn't mean he completely hated it. No, he loved the fluffy flakes that littered the ground. Those flakes that piled into soft piles of chilly ice. The Russian loved that quite a bit. It was significant to him in his life and stuck with him for as long as he could remember. When he was first born as a nation, he awoke on a tree stump in the middle of a white wonderland. When his numerous leaders came and went, he fled and wept to the snow as it comforted him by freezing his tear streaks on his cheeks. When the USSR fell, he collapsed into the snow in defeat and curled up into its freezing embrace. The snow had always been there for him. It was the only thing Ivan could count on.

Hey, Ivan.

Ivan felt something in him flicker. Darkness surrounded him and nothing could be heard. Where was he? Who was that calling him? What was going on? What happened?

How are you doing, big guy?

Who are you? The voice didn't answer.

You've come so far, da? Don't you remember when you used to hide out in the trees when boss came to speak with you? Do you remember when sister would chase you into your room till you cried? Do you remember when the Union fell and everyone left?

Ivan felt something warm slide down his cheeks, which he now started to feel, in droplets. Yes, he remembered all those horrible things. Before he could question as to why those were being brought up, the voice continued.

You've come so far since then. When the Union fell, you were a mess. A complete mess! No friends, no family, no nothing. But, is that how you are now?

At the end of the Union, that's when Ivan really did breakdown. With the loss of his companions and family, he had been alone- completely alone. No one wished to aid and be with him then. But, that wasn't so now, right?

No, it isn't. Look at yourself now. Look at everyone who has forgiven and befriended you. Alfred. Toris. Francis. Arthur. Yao. All those who once turned their backs now face you again, but not as enemies. But as friends.

This was true. It was all true. However, Ivan was weary on accepting that truth.

Stop holding onto the past, Ivan. That isn't you anymore. Your past does not define your present. You're a new person. A new nation, da? Maybe not physically new, but you certainly are mentally. Turn your focus from the past and focus on what's happening in front of you.

Voice, real voices, were beginning to surround him in a muffled tone. However they were too distant for Ivan to make out.

You must go now. Your friends are waiting for you. Don't worry, your future is bright. Pain shan't come easily to you now. You're going to be okay.

...

[ Ivan's Point of View ]

The first thing I heard was laughter. Not an abundance of it, but just a little chuckle. That was an odd thing to hear. Hearing that made it clear I was in a place unknown; I've never been here. No where I would be would have laughter. That human sound was nonexistent in the places I know.

"Will you stop eating his food? The nurse left it there for him, not for you!"

"Fuck off, will you? He ain't awake is he?"

Voices. They were distant but I could still barely make out the words. Eating food? Am I sleeping in a kitchen? Wait, did someone say nurse? Hm... Where am I?