The Warmth of Russia

~12~

Time had seemed to stand still. The battlefronts went quiet after three days. The group itself had seemed to disappear, but they were still on edge. Wondering what next was coming from the group. For the last month, the Axis and Allies waited for any movement from them, just a sign to say that the war was still going on.

"It's been too quiet on the lines." Yao stated to them.

"Hai, I agree." Kiku nodded, "Something is going on and we cannot see it."

Ivan nodded along with the others, knowing that it was true. "I think they are assessing what power we have. Weighing pros and cons for their next attack."

"I think so to Ivan." Ludwig said, glancing over the last movements, "Might be gathering more people and followers as well. Any words from the Middle East nations?"

"As of now it's quiet on their end as well." Francis said.

"Sadik and Hercules have said there's very little movement from anyone." Feli added.

"Well if it stays like this, I'm not fully complaining." Arthur explained.

"That's for all of us." Francis said.

"Yes. However, it would be wise to keep our troops ready for anything at all cost." Ludwig stated.

The men all nodded. Ivan watched as they moved on from subject to subject, wanting the meeting to end. He wanted to go home, to see his wife and son. That, and the melancholy feeling within the room didn't help the mood either.

"What about the thought of having a counselor and a nurse within the building for the nations?" Feli brought up.

"Why do we need them?" Arthur asked.

"Why not? A pretty nurse to treat our wounds and a counselor to make us feel better, I don't see anything wrong with it."

"We will think about it." Ludwig said, "Although I don't think it'd be a horrible idea, now that there are little ones running around. That and, well."

The silence was suffocating at that moment, they all knew it was bad. It was something that Ivan dreaded deeply, he couldn't even imagine the pain.

"How is Alfred?" Kiku finally asked.

With a heavy sigh, Arthur stood up, "He's still rough. He's doing his best but it's still hard on him. Matthew and I have been helping as much as possible. Even Carlos and Juan have come up and helped."

"Lien said she was there the other week." Yao added, "Said he was practically hollow."

"Not to be an ass, but wouldn't you be? That being said," Arthur stated, looking at Ivan and Francis, "It would be best if you both avoided him. It's nothing against you or the girls, but the very thought at times..."

Arthur didn't have to finish, Ivan knew. He could practically feel Alfred's despair, Francis probably did too.

"We understand." Francis said.

"Alright, everything has been said. Dismissed." Ludwig said, shuffling his papers together.

Ivan didn't wait for the others. Gathering himself, he went out to the hall, attempting to hurry out as fast as possible. The cheery giggles of women caught his attention. Looking in the small parlor room he watched as the female nations swooned over Brie and Jeanne. Donning little bows within the tot's hair and playing with her, as they awed over Brie's now visible bump. She practically glowed as they all talked with her. He, himself, was smiling widely at the sight. Slightly missing Lily's round belly with Alexei, he always enjoyed feeling him move around and reading to him within.