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Post by Alfred F Jones on Oct 4, 2010 2:24:19 GMT -5
Alfred could care less if his rival was standing beside them. His tears weren't a sign of sadness or weakness, but a sign of joy. Seeing Matt, healthy, happy to see him, and not zombified, made him a little overwhelmed.
Despite his jacket, he began to feel a lot warmer in the deep snow as he watched Matt walk closer to him, to give him his form of a hug.
He listened as Matt talked to Ivan, slowly pulling his brother into a bear hug, he knew Matt wasn't a very physical touching type, but he was. This was his brother that he hadn't seen in who knows how long, it wasn't time for shyness.
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Post by Matthew Williams on Oct 4, 2010 11:06:13 GMT -5
"My people are... managing." He told Ivan quietly, grateful that the elder nation would even be interested enough to ask about the state of his people. "They've been flourishing rather well in the Eastern half, though I wish I could say the same for the rest, since--"
Matthew cut off with a tiny squeak of surprise as he found himself becoming swallowed up in an embrace from his brother. He should have predicted that it would happen given the affectionate nature of his sibling, but the Canadian was out of practice when it came to Alfred's less reserved nature. His tension eased a few seconds into the hug, Matthew's hands spreading out to lock around the American's torso as he submitted to the hug and gave Alfred a much fuller version.
His cheeks flushed with color, more from embarrassment now than from the cold air, as Matthew ducked his face away into the crook of Alfred's shoulder, far more awkward with these things than the other nation. "Al-Alfred..." He let out a soft, amused snort, teasing his brother with a whisper. "You crybaby."
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Post by Ivan Braginski on Oct 6, 2010 4:56:56 GMT -5
Ivan nodded, watching the brothers get emotional over each other. Would this be the way he acted if he ever found his sisters? He doubted it, as Katyusha would most likely still be uneasy around him and Natalia may be even more clingy towards him, although he doubted that was possible. Even so, he missed them dearly, and would kill any amount of other nations to see them again, to know they were alright.
Those weren't good thoughts to have, seeing the twins hugging in relief just in reach of him. He had to control himself, he had to keep his composure. Beating them would not bring his sisters to him, and it would just strain his relationship with the rest of Europe even more. Maybe even the rest of the world that was still alive. He couldn't tarnish it anymore than he already had. His people needed to live, to thrive, to become stronger.
Ivan was tempted to ask if either of them heard from his sisters, but figured that they haven't. They didn't know if each other was alive, so asking them would be futile and lead to nothing but disappointment. And that was something he could do without.
Feeling the wind kick up slightly, he figured that perhaps they would be...more comfortable somewhere inside. "This would be more comfortable inside, da," he said awkwardly, looking anywhere except at the two hugging brothers. "Would you like to visit my house? It is not as big as my...other one. But it has coffee. And food. And is warmer than out here. Much more suitable place for a reunion, da?"
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Post by Alfred F Jones on Oct 11, 2010 0:41:27 GMT -5
Alfred furrowed his brows at his brother's comment, 'Not a crybaby! Just..happy to see you man," he said, pushing Matty back with a light blush. Not that it could really be seen on his face, since the cold had already made it red.
He perked up at the Russian's word, "Ah yea! Please! I'm freezing my balls off out here man.." he said rubbing his arms to generate heat inside of his jacket. "I never did understand how you could stand living here. I mean, I like snow man, but..living in it almost all year around?" he shook his head, "No way. Not for me."
He removed his glasses to clean them of the gathering and melting snow that had accumulated, "So where's this house?"
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Post by Matthew Williams on Oct 11, 2010 3:22:36 GMT -5
"You hate to visit Alaska even in the summer." The Canadian murmured to his brother, pointing out the fact that he still recalled Alfred's intense dislike of winter conditions.
Matthew shifted his gaze to Ivan, giving the other arctic nation a wry, private smile. Other nations rarely understood what it was like to live in the conditions that they did. To people like them, snow was snow no matter the season. Considering his own territories and their similarities to Russia's, the Canadian could identify all too well with the other frozen nation.
He ducked his face down quickly after his violet eyes locked with Ivan's, retreating first from that visual connection. "That's very generous of you to extend such an offer. I for one would be more than happy to get out of this weather and into a place that's dry, warm, and domestic for a change."
The Canadian shifted in place, settling into the shadow cast by his brother out of sheer old habit. He eyed Alfred's jacket with a critical examination, gloved hand reaching over to tug at it. "And we should probably find you a thicker jacket at some point. It feels like the weather is turning and that just isn't going to cut it for long."
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Post by Ivan Braginski on Oct 12, 2010 22:06:27 GMT -5
Ivan chuckled at Alfred's obvious dislike of the cold, however the climate was getting more and more agreeable as the years past, at least in his opinion. And they weren't even within his old borders anymore, but he could still hear General Winter whisper through the Ural Mountains, to come back. Even though he knew that there was nothing there for him or his people, he would just have to wait for the land to become more agreeable again. Which he hoped would happen soon.
Ivan shook his head at Matthew's smile, understanding completely what the other nation was getting at. They both lived in the cold, and knew it well enough to where they wouldn't notice it too much, although he often wondered how Matthew seemed to still be so warm towards others, even if he was forgotten about most of the time. Maybe it was because his southern territories were able to get a true summer? Not that he didn't mind his cooler summers. The ones in this area were getting a bit too warm for his tastes.
"Follow me," Ivan said with a smile, leading the way through the narrow and winding streets. He did stop to talk to a few of his children, in Russian, asking about the slave routes and such. He wanted to make sure that his two...guests did not know about his "shady business" until they met the rest of the Europeans. It would make things so much simpler.
He finally led them to a modest looking house, much smaller than the one in Moscow, but it was better than nothing. It was also in much better repair, the wallpaper fresh, the furniture looking slightly used, but in good condition, and seemed much warmer than the large mansion.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable," Ivan offered. "Would you like something to drink? Something warm?"
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Post by Alfred F Jones on Oct 15, 2010 1:58:55 GMT -5
Alfred barely notice Matty moving into his shadow. Until he said something about his jacket being too thin, "Really? You think? It's lasted me fine through out many winters though.." he sighed, "But I guess you're right..it's ridiculously cold out here."
He followed Russia as the other nation began to move, stopping when other stopped to talk to some of his people. During their stops he took a look around at the regrowing nation of Russia, it looked sad mostly, in his opinion.
Though, he supposed they were doing the best they could with what they had, despite the chilly set backs.
He continued to follow all the way to Russia's new home, "Whoo..man you down-graded a lot huh?" he commented nonchalantly as they stepped inside.
"Oh? A drink would be great man thanks. Warm would make it better," he said rubbing his arms to generate more heat for himself. Smiling at the Russian he asked, "So I heard you speaking to your people..still using that commie language huh?" he chuckled, joking with the other.
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Post by Matthew Williams on Oct 15, 2010 11:55:56 GMT -5
The Canadian that trailed with them had fallen silent while they ventured to Ivan’s residence. He sort of shimmered in and out of their line of sight, like something only half-tangible. Matthew stood nearby as Ivan spoke to his people, face softened as the Russian had the chance to interact with his citizens. Not having been able to enjoy that same privilege for some time it left him with a pang of longing and a sliver of envy.
As they arrived at the home, Matthew went in with them and felt an immediate relief from the cold. The young man started to tug off the thick gloves covering his hands, flexing them to return the circulation back in their lengths as he curiously studied Ivan’s modest home. It reminded him very much of one of the houses he used to own a long time ago. There was something sort of amusing about finding so many similarities despite the nationality changes. He tore his eyes away from scrutinizing the home to look at Ivan. “Yes. Something to drink would be lovely. I’ve been traveling non-stop for a while and haven’t really had an opportunity to stop and refresh.”
When it seemed polite enough to get comfortable, the Canadian sat down upon Ivan’s sofa, the worn cushions feeling wonderfully soft underneath his body. It was astonishing how much the simple comforts like this made all the difference to his morale. He immediately felt more at peace; that cheerfulness creeping up onto his face as Matthew smiled silently at the both of them. Though that fell flat with a wince when Alfred described Ivan’s language in such unflattering terms, knowing that his sibling intended it as a jest but unsure of how the Russian would take it.
Oh God. He had walked right into the Cold War, hadn’t he?
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Post by Ivan Braginski on Oct 16, 2010 18:16:56 GMT -5
Ivan felt his eye twitch at America's offhand comment of his home, thinking of beating the smart ass right out of him. But then again wasn't that what led the world to be in such a state anyway?
"And don't you still use that barbaric language you still spit out on a regular basis," Ivan asked, feigning curiosity.
Heading straight into the kitchen after his comment, he somehow resisted the urge to down a bottle of his precious vodka and making some tea. That would be better revenge anyway, for America not able to get truly warm. He only hoped that Canada would like the tea, as he held no malice towards the other nation. Plus, it had a bitter taste, which suited him well for this somewhat bitter reunion of the two faded superpowers that started this mess. Maybe he'd go "hunting" later. Take out some more aggression.
Walking back into the living room a few minutes later, setting the two cups of steaming tea on the coffee table, he took a seat in a old recliner, hoping in the back of his mind he didn't sit on Canada. Again.
"I hope you enjoy tea, gentlemen," Ivan smiled, glaring at his old rival.
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Post by Alfred F Jones on Oct 18, 2010 23:06:35 GMT -5
Alfred blanched, "B-Barbaric?! Hey! It's like one of the oldest languages around! Older than your commie language for sure! Not barbaric at all, give some respect to English here man!" he yelled at the kitchen as Ivan left.
He mumbled to himself and stared at the floor for a bit while waiting for Ivan to return, hopefully with some kind of alcohol. He jerked his head up when he heard Ivan returning.
He stared forward at the tray in Ivan's hand. That wasn't..was it? No, it couldn't be. He wouldn't. He wouldn't dare...
He furrowed his brows when he heard Ivan announce what the liquid in the cups was, just as he had suspected. Tea. He frowned at the cups, "Not that much respect to it.." he muttered.
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Post by Matthew Williams on Oct 19, 2010 12:48:26 GMT -5
It was revealed to Ivan that he had done no such thing when there was sudden movement on the couch and Matthew managed to materialize back into sight again. He bent in to take one of the cups off the coffee table with a grateful murmur to Ivan, settling back while balancing his beverage in both hands to keep his fingers warm. “I haven’t had tea in ages.”
He’d been trained not to take anything in the bitter liquid through years and years of disapproving complaints from Arthur. That’s why he made no request for it to be sweetened, sipping it in silence as he got himself familiar with the taste again. It certainly was bitter. Then again, everything in the world these days was either bitter or sweet, or a painful blend of both. Similar to how he felt when he glanced aside towards his brother, seeing the American scowling at the other cup as if it were some toxic poison. “It’s warm, Alfred. It won’t kill you to drink it, now will it?”
Matthew smiled faintly. His brother could be so stubborn. The Canadian looked between the two former superpowers with a cautious gaze, trying to figure out how to keep the tentative peace from dissolving completely. “So, brother – are you staying here in Ivan’s land for very long?” Hopefully it would provide some reassurance to Ivan that the American wasn’t going to trespass for too much time in his territory.
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Post by Ivan Braginski on Oct 22, 2010 18:45:45 GMT -5
Ignoring America's complaints, wishing that perhaps he spiked the tea instead as a sort of revenge, Ivan looked at Canada. It would always amaze him how different the brothers were, especially growing up together. He decided that he would leave the less agreeable of the two to his tea, as that was perfect revenge. Besides, he had to pretend to be hospitable to both his guests, even if one of them he wouldn't mind leaving out in the frigid cold.
My people have acquired a taste for tea since we migrated here," Russia replied with a small smile. He would always be proud at how strong his people were. And how he looked forward to them prospering. "They have taken to growing it, although it has nothing on Austria's old tea. His was always the best, da?"
Ivan raised an eyebrow at Canada, curious about how America would answer his brother, as well as how long he would be expected to entertain. He wouldn't mind for a while, but he wouldn't be able to hide his...undesirable trade forever, and he was sure that America had other pressing needs. He always had to be where he was not wanted, which usually meant other countries. Even if Ivan himself didn't know exactly where they were nor how long it would be before the brothers found them, as he was sure wherever America would go, Canada would follow.
"Da, how long are you planning to stay," Ivan asked, giving America a large grin. "Or would you like to stay and become one with me?"
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Post by Alfred F Jones on Oct 27, 2010 2:26:54 GMT -5
Alfred flopped down into a nearby seat, still glaring his cup of tea down. He listened to the two of them talk for a while, pouting a little at being ignored by Ivan. He glanced around the room, taking in all of the things Russia still had from his old home..he wished he could have saved as many of his things..but then again he didn't exactly have a house to keep them in anymore.
Ever since the White House was made into a radioactive crater in the ground, he had just decided to wander around his lands helping his people as much as he can.
He perked up when he heard Ivan ask him how long he was staying, missing Canada ask it, "Oh uh..probably not long..I actually came looking for someone..I just had to pass through your lands first."
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Post by Ivan Braginski on Nov 9, 2010 3:41:30 GMT -5
((Sorry about this being so late...I guess. I was waiting to see if Canada would pop back up.))
Ivan nodded, figuring that was the case. He was actually surprised that America was drinking the tea and even allowed himself to be invited to his house. Well, after 200 some odd years of seeing what it was like before all the technology that caused all this had to be very eye opening. Although with the added elements of radioactivity and the after effects of it most likely didn't help anything. He was just glad that they could somewhat put their differences aside and talk like civilized nations without dissolving into a screaming match like they did before. Like they did when this whole mess started.
He needed to stop. When he became depressed, he became angry, and nothing ever good came out with him being angry. Sipping his tea, he wondered just who America was searching for, even if he most likely already knew the answer. The countries that had raised him and his brother when they were just wild little things, when the whole empire building phase was large and the world was still so brand new.
He almost missed those times.
"You are looking for England and France then, da," he asked, trying to keep the conversation pleasant. "I have not really heard of anything from anyone else. I will keep an ear out if that will help. I know...they were important to you, da?"
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Post by Alfred F Jones on Nov 30, 2010 2:08:40 GMT -5
((As was I...))
He blushed lightly and looked down at his tea, "I hate to admit that I am looking for the old man, but yea..and I guess I should find France too for Matty," he said glancing at his brother. It was the least he could do anyways, to redeem himself as a hero to his brother after forgetting him in the wasteland.
He glanced back up at the Russian, "Thanks, I'll need all the help I can get...have you gotten word of your sisters..?" he asked cautiously, not wanting to touch a bomb on the minefield of the Russian's mind, but /slightly/ wanting to at the same time. 'Old habits' he chuckled inwardly.
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