#hws moscow

[words-words-worlds]

Hetalia Capital OC: Moscow

Song I Associate With This OC: Dead Inside - Younger Hunger

Questions For This OC: Open!

A/N: Moscow used to be...very, very mean back when I first made her. So I had to tone her down a bit...a lot.

~Name~ -Nemtseva Arina Tarasovna [Capital Representative of Moscow]

~Age~ -21

~Gender/Pronouns~ -Cis, She/Her

~Sexuality~ -Lesbian

~Appearance~ -6'1 -Purple eyes and long silver hair held with a small black ribbon -Always looks grumpy or irritated -Likes wearing sweaters, laced up jeans, and any kind of black shoes

~Personality~ -Despite her appearances of seeming scary, she's actually a big softie -Used to be extremely scary, like, Russia-level scary. But then she eventually calmed down :3 -Has a ton of social anxiety, just like her siblings -Not a big family person -Will not intervene in matters that don't concern her

~Extra Not Mentioned~ -Dating Jamie (Washington D.C.) -Extra closeted -The youngest of 3 -Her older siblings are Anna (Kyiv) and Aliaksandr (Minsk) -Confides a lot of her secrets to her siblings -Visits the Baltics on a regular basis to bring them baked goods -Has a borzoi named Nola

[snowflakechan6]

[grem-archive]

[ Звёздная пыль на сапогах ]

[glitchinnf]

so. i dont usually post oc content but i think its time to break my fear because this man got me crushing on my own drawings 💀

so here's my moscow oc ‼ his name is aleksandr

[aph-america]

National Anthem - HWS Anthology Zine - SFW Version

In the summer of 1992, Ivan gets sent on a forced vacation to Alfred’s house.

Submission for the 10 year celebration Hetalia World Stars Anthology Zine @hws-anthology Was so happy to be apart of it!

! Warning, the adult version is on my Ao3 !

______

“I’m so happy you’re here!”

An excited voice echoed through the mansion. Ivan was sitting down, legs crossed. A cigarette hanging from his lips, he took it in between his fingers as he inhaled and blew out the smoke. The nicotine sent some relaxation down his stressed body. He had spent the entire plane ride anxious. Hell, he’s spent the last year anxious.

And here he is, sitting upon an overly expensive chair, in the middle of a luxurious home he hasn’t visited in years.

Alfred approached Ivan, with a pep in his step. He had a bright smile, one that lit up the room. Freshly shaven face, perfectly white teeth, and baby blue eyes that were excited. He genuinely seemed thrilled to have Ivan in his house. He took off his suit jacket and put it behind a chair. Alfred walked to Ivan, leaning down to place a kiss on his cheek. He would've kissed his lips but Ivan’s mouth seemed busy with the cigarette.

Ivan didn’t move when he received the kiss. His large, hooded eyes glanced down before meeting Alfred’s baby blues. His tired eyes contrasted with Alfred’s youthful, energetic expression. How Ivan envied Alfred’s full of life energy. He forced a gentle smile, soft lips turning up in the corner.

“I am glad you feel that way… I was dumped on you after all…” Ivan’s voice turned bitter, lifting the cigarette to his lips. A quick inhale followed by more smoke. Alfred playfully fanned it away with his hand, chuckling at Ivan’s response.

“You weren’t dumped on me. I was so happy when Yeltsin called! I was already pretty excited to hear you were coming for the Washington Summit, and now you are staying for the summer…” Alfred's eyes widened with glee, his arms extending. Ivan noted his animated body language. He appeared genuine, and Ivan wouldn’t take that away from him.

‘The entire summer…’ Ivan repeated in his head. It’s been decades since he’s stayed outside his own country for more than a few weeks. The past fifty years his travels were restricted to a time frame. Always expected back in Moscow in at least two weeks, ready to work. And ready to offer any information to his boss.

It wasn’t until the 80’s he got to travel more freely. Less questions on where he’s going, the figurative leash Ivan wore got loose. But now, this was an entirely new situation. His boss had looked him in the eyes and told him he needed a vacation. A break from the chaos surrounding him, and said vacation would be in America, because he had ‘such a good relationship with Alfred’. Nevertheless, Ivan saw right through all of this. Ivan hadn’t been sent on a three month getaway out of the kindness of his boss’s heart. Every act had a motive, including this.

“I think it was a good call for him to let you have a break. Your boss’s are usually so strict and never let you relax. You deserve a few months to pretend you're just some guy named Ivan Braginsky!” Alfred winked, chuckling as he walked to Ivan's suitcase. He gripped the handle, pulling it close to him. “I’m gunna put this in my room, okay?” He said, wearing a smirk as he quickly walked off with his luggage. Alfred had energy Ivan envied.

‘His room…’ Ivan thought to himself. He sighed and took another drag from his cigarette, the smoke leaving his pink lips slowly. He had to think of a way to gently tell Alfred that he’d prefer his own room. He couldn’t recall the last time he shared a bed with someone for months . A few weeks, yes, but months? He’d need a few nights by himself here and there. This is the exact opposite of Alfred, the bubbly extrovert. He could spend every waking moment with Ivan and not feel the same emotional exhaust.

Ivan put out the cigarette in the ashtray and stood up. He felt a pain in his lower back, causing him to stretch and let out a small whine before he followed behind Alfred. He’d been here countless times before and knew where the master bedroom was. His eyes lingered to the rest of the house. Large, luxurious, and decorated beautifully. This home in particular had an antique look to it. Ivan enjoyed the dark wood, velvet furniture, and oil paints that were displayed in the living room. Walking up the staircase, he eyed the details on the railing, and the glass chandelier above their heads.

Although in Ivan’s eyes, it’s unnecessary big. Other than the little girlfriends Alfred would entertain, he lived alone.

Alfred caught Ivan’s eyes wondering. “Heh, beautiful, isn’t it?” He questioned.

“Of course.” Ivan replied.

“Funny since last time you said my house was a ‘gross display of capitalism’.”

“Both things can be true.” Ivan retorted, rolling his eyes. Alfred got a glance of his facial expression and snickered. He took glee in their constant back and forth, more so than Ivan.

Up the stairs and down the hallway, they arrived at Alfred's room. Ivan’s hooded eyes scanned while Alfred pulled his suitcase near the closet.

“I cleared some space in my closet for you!” Alfred’s hand extended towards the walk in closet. “If you need anything, let me know.”

If Ivan hadn’t been emotionally drained, he would have asked to simply put his belongings in one of the spare bedrooms. It would have given him the opportunity to have his own personal space away from Alfred. Nevertheless, the American was keen on keeping them as close to each other as possible. Ivan couldn’t decide if it’s out of clinginess, distrust, or a mix of both.

“Okay…” Ivan let out a defeated sigh, walking to the bed and collapsing. The velvet sheets pressed against his face felt promising of a good night's sleep. He caught himself imagining being in someone’s arms while he slept, but he ended up pushing that thought deep away.

Alfred chuckled at Ivan’s display, getting on the bed with him. Laying next to him, one hand went to his neck tie to loosen it. A raised brow with a smirk placed on his face. “Ha, you’re tired? Didn’t sleep on the plane at all?”

“No, not at all…” in a weak voice Ivan confessed. “I am going to take a nap…” Heavy eyes closed, his body giving in to the chance to rest. He couldn’t be bothered to change out of his clothes. The bed smelled like Alfred, which he found comforting. A fact he despited. His mind blocked any disturbance as he fell asleep.

What was supposed to be a nap turned into an over twelve hour slumber. Sun shining down on his face, his eyes opened to the sight of a bare chest. Surprised, he flinched while his eyes trailed up a tan chest to meet baby blues. He sat up, looking around, confused and disheveled. In his underwear only, and he couldn’t remember changing out of his clothes.

“Mornin’ baby.” Alfred sweetly talked, arms folded behind his head. “You slept for a loooong time.”

Ivan rubbed his eyes, looking around the room. He noticed his clothes on the floor. “I don’t remember getting undressed…”, confusion lingering in his voice.

“You woke up in the middle of the night and just started to take off all your clothes. You were mumbling that you didn’t feel comfortable… And then you went and snuggled against me, it was super cute, man!” Alfred bragged, grinning ear to ear. Ivan’s own cheeks went red as he turned to look away. “Oh, stop lying…” He accused Alfred. Giving Alfred satisfaction through cutesy or needy behavior isn’t his prerogative.

“Heh, I’m not lying… But anyway, speaking of clothes, I was planning on taking you shopping.” Alfred sat up, stretching his arms until he heard a crack. Ivan’s eyes went to his abs, noticing the toned muscle. Alfred caught his staring and patted his abs, “Wanna feel?”

This only caused Ivan’s face to burn harder, his eyes rolling as he shook his head. He didn’t understand why his eyes had lingered, it only brought embarrassment. Ivan couldn’t let Alfred swoon him, let him win whatever game Ivan had imagined in his mind.

“Why do I need new clothes? My clothes are fine.” Ivan stated, raising a brow.

“Eh, if you’re gunna be here all summer, you’ll stick out a lot…” Alfred attempted to approach the topic with grace, at first. He looked to the side, avoiding eye contact for a moment.

“Why would I stick out?!” The statement felt like an attack in Ivan’s head.

“How do I say this nicely… You dress like an old, sad, gay, Soviet bookkeeper.”

Ivan scoffed, officially offended.

“Also, you’re super tall. If you don’t want people to notice who you are, you gotta dress a little less… Soviet …”

____________________________________________________________________

“I told you Alfred, I don’t like jeans, they are uncomfortable.” Ivan said, shaking his head as he held up the pair of Levi jeans picked out for him. Picky and dismissive, he couldn’t stand the idea of wearing a pair. It’s all so American.

“You don’t like Soviet jeans. Ours is better because we use way more cotton than yours.” Alfred explained, pulling at the jeans to prove their stretchiness. “Soviet jeans barely use enough cotton.”

Ivan’s face twisted into annoyance, as he began to defend the reason. “We have rations for cotton. We cannot use it just for fashion…”

“Yeah, we don’t have fucking cotton rations, sugar.” Alfred spat back, leaning into his ear. Ivan could hear Alfred’s smirk; it made him want to vomit. “We don’t live like it’s still World War II.” The air of condensation of Alfred’s voice irritated Ivan. Alfred could care less if he offended Ivan; the Russian had nothing to say back. Nothing that mattered at least.

“... I wonder how you get such a cheap abundant supply of cotton-” Ivan attempted at a comeback, but Alfred quickly cut him off.

“Save it for your manifesto.” Alfred sighed, walking back to the chair in the dressing room. Sitting down, he leaned back and took in a deep breath to relax. He’s not in the mood to argue with Ivan over ideals that he found silly.

“Now, just try them on. Just once, for me?” Alfred’s voice went from exhausted to sweet. A soft smile on his face, he used it to butter up Ivan. There had to be sugar thrown into his offensive and condescending commentary.

Ivan wanted to say no, but emotional exhaustion got the best of him. Putting the jeans down on a chair, he undid the dress pants he had on. Once they were pushed down, he could feel Alfred’s gaze on him. He didn’t dare to look, as acknowledging it would cause Alfred to be cocky and let a slick comment slip from his lips. He could already hear “But you’re so hot, how can I not stare?” In Alfred’s boastful tone.

Grabbing the Levi’s, Ivan put his legs through them. He had to jump to get them past his hips, and a snicker hit his ears. Ivan rolled his eyes, buttoning it together. Standing straight, he looked at himself in the full length mirror. He looked…

“Yeah, those look so good!” Alfred praised, his smile wide as he watched Ivan. It was an award to see Ivan in jeans; a piece of clothing Ivan swore he’d never own. To Ivan, jeans were a symbol of America and its capitalism. Consumerism, all the aspects of the West he hated. And while his country had embraced the free market and all its commodities, Ivan still attempted to keep his original communist values. That fashion was bourgeois and decadent, an obsession of the West. Clothing shouldn’t be used as a status symbol, but those values were hanging by a thread. He adored how the soft denim fit his body, but couldn’t bear to admit it to Alfred.

“... They look fine…” Ivan said quietly, turning his hips to check himself out in the mirror. The black turtleneck was fitted, as his entire outfit let the viewer see his figure. He had a tendency of wearing baggy sweaters, long coats, and ill-fitted dress pants due to the size of his hips.

“Fine? Baby, they look great. Better than what the fuck you usually are wearing…”

“Don’t call me baby!” Ivan snapped back, his hands balled into fist out of frustration. “And try not to insult me constantly.”

“First of all, you love that I call you baby.”

“No, I do not-“

“Second of all, I love you but… I don’t even think it’s you being a Commie with how you dress, I think it’s just a you thing.”

Ivan took a deep sign before turning around to face the mirror. “I know you hate how I dress, you don’t need to throw it in my face how ugly you think my clothes are…” he complained, a hint of hurt in his voice.

Alfred sighed and attempted to repair the situation. He had a habit of having zero filter, which conflicted with Ivan’s more modest talk. Standing up, he calmly walked over and placed his hands on Ivan’s hips. Standing behind him, Ivan’s expression would have been out of view if it wasn’t for the mirror.

“I just think that you hate your body, so you try to hide it through clothes. That’s all.”

Ivan couldn’t help but to pout, as he had no response. Constant talk of how much he hated his figure, there’s no point in denying it. But he despised giving Alfred any props for being correct.

“… I like the turtleneck.”

“Get it, and get another color too.”

______________________________________________________________

“I’m glad you took my suggestions, you really look great!” Alfred boosted, grinning as he watched Ivan. After their shopping trip, they explored and went out to eat. Alfred insisted they go out for dinner as well, but Ivan pleaded that they stay in, as he felt jet lagged still. He had changed his outfit to one Alfred had bought him. The American sported a smirk the entire time.

Ivan smiled softly, turning his head to look at Alfred. “Thank you.” He took the compliment, agreeing that he did look dashing. Nevertheless, he’s cautious to admit it.

“Wanna cuddle and watch T.V.? I can throw a frozen pizza in the oven for dinner later.” Alfred asked, expanding his arms. Ivan chuckled and nodded, “Sure, why not.” He agreed, following behind Alfred. His eyes wandered as they went up the stairs. “Thank you for taking me out and showing me D.C… It was nice…” Ivan stated, truthful. Alfred had a habit of spoiling, and it’s challenging for a man like Ivan to get used too. But he saw the love behind it, and is aware that it’s Alfred’s love language.

Alfred’s head turned, matching the smile Ivan had. “Of course… Anything for you.” He spoke truthfully, pleased to receive any compliments from Ivan. Once they were in the room, Alfred remembered how thrilled he is for the next few months.

“I’m so excited for you to figure out where you wanna go after the Summit.” Alfred said, sitting on his bed. In a week, Ivan’s boss would come to meet with him regarding aid and future plans. Alfred promised to take Ivan anywhere in the country for a week or two afterwards. Going back and forth between different locations and D.C. were Alfred’s plans for the both of them.

Ivan shrugged, glancing around the room. His eyes went to all the gadgets and possessions Alfred had. In fear of being viewed as materialistic, he held back interest in such items. “Like I said, I really don’t mind where we go… You can just… take me where you think we’d have fun…”

“But that’s so many places, Ivan!” Alfred exclaimed, laughing boastfully. “America has so many great places, babe. Don’t worry, we’ll figure out where to go.” He reassured.

Ivan snorted, leaning against the wall. He crossed his arms, his eyes lingering to a watch Alfred had on a dresser. “I just… take everyone to either Moscow or Saint Petersburg…” His previous bosses were strict on where he could have peers visit.

“Yeah, but Russia has a lot of other cool places, right?” Alfred complemented. His eyes watched Ivan’s, noticing him staring at the watch. “Wanna try that watch on? It’s a Rolex.” He offered.

Ivan twitched and shook his head, embarrassed that his staring had been noticed. “No, no, it is fine.”

“Are you sure? You can have it if you want. I have like, a lot.” Alfred laughed, shrugging. He’d hand over any material possession to Ivan if he so much as showed interest.

“I own a watch. It is somewhere in my bag… It tells time. It works.” Ivan stated, sighing as he crossed his arms. It isn’t a fancy watch, but he cherished it since a human he’s fond of gifted it to him years ago. “Not a fan of luxury watches…” Ivan whispered to himself. Nevertheless, Alfred of course still heard him.

“Why not? I think they look cool.” Alfred stated, tilting his head. He adored watches, and had amassed a collection too many to count.

“Watches are for telling time. Not as status symbols.” Ivan bluntly stated. He couldn’t hold back his opinion, even if Alfred would have a snarky comment to say.

“Oh my god…” Alfred groaned, rolling his eyes. He got up from the edge of the bed and went to the side. Sitting back down, he hunted for a cigarette and lighter in his pocket. “Are we still doing this?” he asked. Finding the cigarette and lighter, he lit it and took a drag. He leaned back against the bed, eyebrow raised.

“Doing what?” Ivan asked, shaking his head.

“This act.” Alfred used his free hand to make a circle motion in the air.

“What act?” Ivan questioned, his voice defensive.

“This commie act.” Alfred stated, his expression not amused.

“Excuse me?!” Ivan scoffed. He isn’t going to let Alfred get away with such a response. This isn’t the first time Alfred had made a similar comment, questioning his morals and integrity.

“Yeah, you heard me. This ‘I’m too good to wear jeans’ act.” Alfred used his fingers to make quotations. “Your boss isn’t going to throw you in jail for liking pretty things anymore… We can drop it now.” Another drag, Alfred thought Ivan had begun to deprogram himself from Communism. He’s discovering that those beliefs were still ingrained somewhere.

Ivan blinked, appalled but not surprised. “I am sorry, do you think my morals and beliefs are an ‘act’?” He questioned, raising a brow with a disgusted expression on his face.

“A little bit, sometimes.” Alfred confessed with a lack of shame. “Communism is dead, the Soviet Union died with it, why are you still talking like a mouth piece for the CPSU?” He looked around, faking a confused expression. “When is it going to end!” He dramatically cried out, rolling his eyes.

Ivan stood in silence for a moment. He had to deal with Alfred’s little jabs all day, and they were getting to him. Only for so long could Ivan be insulted on his status as a nation and values from Alfred. His heart racing from anger, he attempted to control himself. For now.

“When is the act of you being an arrogant asshole going to end?” Ivan spat out, tilting his head. His voice is tense, but quiet. He rarely yelled and kept it that way. He handled a desire to yell by going quieter in his tone. “When is that going to end?” He clenched his teeth, his fingers digging into his forearm.

Alfred took no offense to being called an asshole. “Yeah, I’m an asshole for living in reality.” Another drag from his cigarette, he sat up. Ready to argue, they both had this problem. The pair could go from lovey-dovey, to attacking each other at a split second. A cycle that plagued their relationship for the past few decades.

“Communism doesn’t work. Let it go.” The harshness in Alfred’s voice triggered Ivan. The American kept up an act of being happy and go-lucky, but Ivan knew the real Alfred. He could just as easily be cut throat, rude, and arrogant.

Ivan closed his eyes. He snorted, shaking his head at Alfred’s carelessness with his feelings. “You… Are…” Ivan fought to find the words to describe his emotions. His pause is taken advantage of by Alfred.

“Right? Yes, yes I am. I’m glad you finally are admitting it.” Alfred said in a calm voice, taking another drag. Ivan wanted to punch the smugness off his face, but he barely had the energy to argue. He’s tired. Emotionally and physically, in every way. The usual back and forth they’d do, he’s lost on the words for a comeback.

“Alfred…” Ivan began to speak, opening his eyes. Suddenly, without a warning, his throat dried up. A lump formed and he fought by tears. Swallowing it, he took a deep breath and held it together. For the moment at least.

“I get it. You think Communism is stupid…” Ivan took another breath, looking to the side. He’s tired, truly is.

“You think my ideals and beliefs are stupid. I get it. You won.” He emphasized. His teeth clenched, holding back the urge to scream. “The Soviet Union ended. The Berlin Wall fell. Everyone wants to join NATO…” He listed off, walking slowly towards the bed. “My economy is in shambles, my government is in ruins, there’s no food on the shelves… Thugs are running the streets…” Ivan let out a sad laugh, shrugging and shaking his head in defeat. “I couldn’t compete with the free market… I get it. I get it… I get it all, so please, it would be nice…” He inhaled, feeling out of breath as he wanted to shout on the top of his lungs. Repeating all the terrible things that had gone on in his homeland since the introduction of capitalism broke his heart.

“It would be nice…” His voice cracked, as he couldn’t hold back anymore. “If you didn’t throw it in my face constantly! I get it Alfred! I get it!” He yelled, shaking his hands above his head. It wasn’t overly loud, but it’s loud enough to be unusual for him. Fighting back tears, he took additional deep breaths. It’s a battle to deal with Alfred’s mix of love bombing and constant degrading comments. How is he supposed to cope with one minute Alfred expressing his love, and another relaying back all his failures to his face?

Alfred sighed, eyes expression appearing tired. It hid the shock of hearing Ivan yell. Perhaps he’d gone too far, he was simply annoyed in the moment. His lack of filter bit him in the ass. Aware that he needed to change his approach, he knew just how.

“Listen, I- I’m sorry. I love you. Come sit next to me, baby. Please?” Alfred’s tone changed to gentle and sincere, a contrast to earlier.

“Don’t call me baby! And no, I’m leaving!” Ivan yelled, anger and pain in his voice as he turned on his heels and headed towards the door. His heart raced, the pounding in his chest made it hard to breathe.

“Nobody loves you like I do, so why are you trying to leave?” Alfred kept his voice calm, knowing that yelling would trigger Ivan more. He needed his lover to cool down and feel less attacked. When Ivan feels defenseless, he’s the type to flee.

The statement had Ivan pause, his chest tingling for the first time in a while. He gave into the urge of defending himself against Alfred’s manipulative words. “That’s not true. You don’t love me.” His tone hurt as he shook his head. Ivan had enough awareness to know that statement isn’t true, but debuffing Alfred’s claims of love were his only defense at the moment.

“That’s a fucking lie dollface and you know it.” Alfred retorted, taking a drag from his cigarette before putting it out in the ashtray next to him. His expression unamused, he changed it to a more sympathetic look.

“Name someone who would have happily taken you in for months? Who? I was so fucking happy when your boss called. All I could think was how I’d get to wake up next to you everyday, all summer. Who else loves you like that? Who else wants to be around you like that?” Alfred raised a brow as his manipulative speech was presented as a declaration of love. “Other than your weird ass sister… Who loves you, like I do?”

Ivan had nothing to say, his mouth opened but no words left. No names came to mind. Not even Yao, they were on rocky terms at the moment. Ivan lacked an argument, and he despised it. No comeback to Alfred’s mind games.

Ivan backed up, his eyes wide. He shook his head, as if he’s shaking out Alfred’s words from his mind. “No, no… I’m not falling for this again…” Ivan whispered, talking to himself more so than Alfred.

“You aren’t falling for anything, because it’s the truth.” Alfred replied, shaking his head back. “Listen, I’m sorry. You’re stressed out and tense, and I’ve made it worse. Let me make it up to you, you need it.” Alfred offered a soft smile, tilting his head as he pointed to the other side of his bed.

Ivan’s breath hitched as he backed up again. Shaking his head more, he fought back the temptation of being in his arms. The idea of having a warm embrace around him, the allure of being loved. But to him, it’s a fantasy that he needed to escape.

“You don’t know what I need.” Ivan replied, returning to walking towards the door. Alfred is getting inside his head, and he’s desperate to leave.

“I do, because I know you, baby. I know that even though you tower over most people, and have to be strong and cold in nearly every aspect of your life- you wanna feel loved.”

That statement made Ivan freeze in his tracks. His eyes lingered at the doorknob, but he couldn’t find the strength to grip it and walk out. Alfred didn’t have to look at him to know.

“No one’s gentle with you, but I’m gentle with you. I love you. I’m sorry for being such an asshole earlier. You’re right… I… I don’t want to fight, baby, please. Just sit next to me.” Alfred pleaded. Ivan stayed in his spot, his mind and body at war on what to do. Alfred is being kind, but Ivan had a gut feeling that this was all an act. That Alfred desired to pacify him rather than genuinely make up for such arrogant behavior.

“I love you. You’re breaking my heart, don’t leave.” Alfred pouted, leaning back against the headboard. He didn’t want to have to get out of bed and chase after him. He’d do it, but he rather have his moody love come back to him.

A guilty sensation grew in Ivan’s chest. “You are the one breaking my heart by being so cruel…” Ivan replied, standing up for himself.

“And I’m sorry. Let me make it up to you.” Alfred pleaded, lifting up the blanket to reveal the empty spot next to him. “I promise I will if you let me.”

Ivan stared at the bed. He had several choices. He could leave, and teach Alfred a lesson. It would be in vain since he knew Alfred wouldn’t change as a person any time soon. Or he could give in. Sit next to him and forget this argument happened. His pride desired revenge, and hated the concept of rewarding Alfred. Who would he be if he ran into his arms? Is it weak?

‘I love you.’

‘No one loves you like I do.’

‘You’re breaking my heart.’

Alfred’s words echoed in Ivan’s mind. Such rare phases, they stuck out when said to him. And the only person who did was Alfred.

‘I’m gentle with you.’

Ivan felt so tired. His body ached, and his heart hurt. He looked at Alfred’s face, and the idea of turning his back on such a smile began to torment him.

“Please?” Alfred begged, looking like a puppy who’s just been kicked.

Ivan rolled his eyes, sighing but still walking over. He couldn’t stand this. But yet he sat next to Alfred on his bed. The mattress creaked when he sat down.

“Fine. You want to make it up to me? How so?” Ivan asked, placing his hands on his waist. His expression annoyed but had softened.

Read the rest here on Ao3! Warning it is adult content!

[eruverse]

As someone who focuses on HWS Russia/Russia personifications, I know of this phenomenon regarding certain headcanons in which natives simply don’t agree with foreigners:

Foreigners: yeah HWS Russia should’ve only begun as Moscow

Russians: that doesn’t make sense, Russian history started in Novgorod

How do you deal with this? But tbh if some foreigner tells to my face that my country’s history only began from Majapahit onward I would want to slap them kinda. Because the heck is foreigner’s place to do this, as if they’re more valid than me who is a native and who likely knows more than them.

1) History isn’t only about a set of facts but also how these things are perceived. So the differences are also valid to an extent

2) If you want to focus on a country in nationverse I think you should be prepared to learn the natives’ perspectives on how they see their own country. A nation isn’t only about strict history but also myths culture beliefs ideologies etc etc

3) Yes yes this is Russia and there’s a righteous limit to land grabbing and perceiving history but tbh I have a hard time understanding why whether Russia began as Moscow or Novgorod (which is now Russia anw) is contested and this is politically driven in a lot of ppl

Tbh this is why in my own hcs I have Ivan being different from other principalities and I have my own for Moscow. Ivan represents the whole principalities on the Russian side and he was Novgorod at the same time he was Moscow Tver Ryazan etc etc. Also less headache for me that way

Also my own understanding of Russian history of this time period: the principalities were too intertwined for me it’s kinda too tricky to disentangle them and that’s why having Ivan representing all of them while at the same time these principalities were having their own personification is a nice middle ground

Anyway this isn’t the only thing in which Russians and non-Russians disagree on on Russia headcanons/history portrayals and things to my observation (they disagree on a lot obviously) but for me this is a funny one

[mariacallous]

Unless polls, pundits and precedents are wildly wrong, Democrats will crash and burn in this week’s US midterm elections. Given the problems he inherited, Joe Biden’s presidency was always likely to end in tears. Expected Republican gains on Tuesday herald a descent into bareknuckle political fisticuffs and legislative gridlock before the 2024 White House race.

The Democrats appear odds-on to lose control of the House of Representatives. They could possibly cling on in the Senate but that, too, looks increasingly uncertain. Biden has had less than two years to implement his policies. Now his domestic agenda may be stymied at every turn. Internal party recriminations have already begun.

Inflation, recession worries and pessimism about the nation’s prospects appear to be the key, unsurprising factors influencing voters. When Biden insists recovery is under way, he sounds like the similarly unpopular George HW Bush in 1992. The fact Bush was right did not save him from Bill “It’s the economy, stupid” Clinton.

Deepening instability in Washington, exacerbated by the looming return to the fray of the ever-divisive, ever-destructive Donald Trump, is bad news for the US. It’s bad news for the world, too, unless you are Russia’s Vladimir Putin. If the GOP gains the whip hand, war aid to Ukraine may take a beating.

Republican Kevin McCarthy, in line to replace Nancy Pelosi as House speaker, warns there will be no “blank cheque” for Kyiv. Other Republicans complain, with some justice, that US military and financial aid to Ukraine exceeds that of all the European allies combined.

JD Vance, Republican Senate candidate in Ohio, typifies this view. “I think we’re at the point where we’ve given enough money in Ukraine, I really do … The Europeans need to step up,” he said.

Misguided Democratic “progressives” recently urged Biden, in effect, to cut a deal with Putin – and focus on problems at home. Meanwhile, the cold-blooded strategic case for reneging on US commitments is debated with growing intensity within the foreign policy establishment, irrespective of right-left standpoints.

“Nearly all wars end in negotiations,” wrote Georgetown University professor Emma Ashford. “Moscow’s escalation this fall raises the twin spectres of a broader war with Nato and of the use of nuclear weapons. The global economic costs of the conflict are already enormous and will almost certainly increase …

“Even if a negotiated end to the war seems impossible today, the Biden administration should begin to raise … the difficult questions such an approach would entail. It must think through the right timing to push for negotiations and at what point the costs of continuing to fight will outweigh the benefits.”

A Republican takeover of Congress has alarming implications for other foreign policy issues, especially in the highly charged context of a confirmed Trump attempt to unseat Biden. Stepped-up congressional action by Republicans to punish China and arm Taiwan is on the cards – and potentially confrontational. A freshly emboldened denialist right can be expected to renew attacks on the Paris climate agreement and the UN-run Cop process, which Trump egregiously abandoned. They will oppose any renewed nuclear deal with Iran, urged on by their electorally rehabilitated Israeli confrèere Benjamin Netanyahu.

But consensus is not entirely dead. The Saudis’ ridiculously politicised decision to cut oil production has achieved the seemingly impossible, turning everyone against them. Mohammed bin Salman: master strategist.

More broadly, defeat for the Democrats would be interpreted, not entirely fairly, as a personal rejection of Biden and a blow to his second-term prospects. By damaging his international standing, such a perceived vote of no confidence could undercut his grandest ambition: championing democracy worldwide against aggressive, Putin-style authoritarianism. Denouncing political violence and far-right lies, Biden admitted last week that America’s own democratic traditions were at existential risk.

The crucial importance of US global leadership becomes truly evident only when it is lacking. After a brief respite when Biden revived Washington’s leading role, the western democracies may soon find themselves heading back down a dark tunnel, lacking coherent, unified positions. Ukraine strains, EU-US trade friction and German chancellor Olaf Scholz’s kowtowing to Xi Jinping’s Chinese imperium are the latest fault lines.

US Democrats do not suffer alone. Their woes echo an across-the-board failure by centre-left parties to articulate a persuasive alternative vision to the fearmongering, racism and jingoistic pseudo-patriotism of increasingly extreme and intolerant rightwing forces.

To their infinite shame, Israeli voters have just empowered a Jewish supremacist party. This disgrace was facilitated by the implosion of Labor and Meretz on the left. “Israel is now on the verge of a rightwing, religious, authoritarian revolution, whose goal is to decimate the democratic infrastructure on which the country was built,” the Haaretz newspaper warned.

In Italy, France and Hungary, too, far-right parties dominated recent election debate, exploiting irrational fears about security, national identity and immigration. The traditional left collapsed. In Britain, third-rate demagogues use the language of war to deplore a migrant “invasion”. Yet Labour’s opposing narrative fails to convince.

Relief at last week’s defeat of Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro, the “Trump of the tropics”, cannot disguise the fact that, almost everywhere, parties of the liberal, progressive, moderate or social democratic centre-left – pick a label – are losing ground to the pernicious simplifications, fabrications and distortions of the hard right. Everywhere, or so it seems, fear is winning – to the advantage of the terrible twins, Putin and Xi, those malign global fearmongers-in-chief.

Like others on the left, Biden’s squabbling, disorganised Democrats urgently need to raise their game, sort out their ideas and hone their message before 2024. For, truth be told, rightwing ranters and ravers tell a better, more compelling, more visceral story – even though it’s mostly lies.

[rivaltimes]

NATO accuses Russia of using 'false pretexts' over dirty bomb to escalate war in Ukraine

NATO accuses Russia of using ‘false pretexts’ over dirty bomb to escalate war in Ukraine

Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO – -/NATO/dpa NATO has accused Russia of using “false pretexts” to escalate the war of aggression against Ukraine, after accusing the Ukrainian authorities of preparing a “dirty bomb” on its territory. Speaking from the US aircraft carrier ‘George HW Bush’ in the Mediterranean Sea, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg warned of Moscow’s maneuvers,…

[hetalia-headcanons-maple-child]

(not all of these are mine but I can't tell you which ones because I have a terrible memory)

-Capitals also have their own meetings.

-City states are technically their own capitals, so may be present at both country and capital meetings.

-New Brunswick inherited Canada's invisibility problem.

-Everyone sees Canada within his borders. Same goes for New Brunswick.

-Iceland, Stockholm, America, Moscow, London and Ottawa are avid D&D players. Iceland is DM.

[the-enby-with-the-fox-ears]

Day 3 of @aph-mirror-week

Peace

“Wake up you’re gonna drop your brat!”

Featuring the Moscows and baby Zoya

[cherries-are-valid]

DC: the stars are beautiful tonight

Moscow: do you knows who’s more beautiful?

Both: nothing

[earths-roots-grow-up]

Russia and his capital, Moscow. I like the idea that capitals are always the opposite gender of their Countries (kinda the way in His Dark Materials the daemons were always the opposite gender of their owners) and that this relation is similar to a relation between siblings but also coworkers. So a strange mix between the two.

[cynnied-art]

Brag! Похвастать! Brag! Похвастать!

Yeah, they’ve moved on from arguing about which economic system is a product of satan to having bragging competitions about their capitals! 

Better for the world, worse for Moscow and D.C.

[hwspoland]

polhun post ww2 drama

okay so i said i got the like almost 80 year old gossip and here i am to deliver. this centers around the diplomatic bullshittery between poland and hungary initiated by- you guessed it- the ussr. most of the info i got for this gossip talk is from "stosunki polsko-węgierskie w latach 1945-1970" (polish-hungarian relations in 1945-1970) by tadeusz kopyś, so if anyone speaks polish and wants to check it out themself go ahead!! (also if anyone sees any typos pls tell me)

content/trigger warnings: swearing, world war 2 related topics

(I JUST REALIZED THE BOOK IM READING ABOUT IT HAS FUCKING 400+ PAGES HOLY SHIT)

ok so lets start with a bit backstory of how polhun relationship looked like in ww2 from a historical side:

to put it in simplest terms and without all the non-fiction jargon i have to translate to myself: despite being on the opposite sides of the war, hungary helped out polish people immensely; housing, protecting, helping with passport over a 100 thousand people, along with supplying soldiers with ammo and weapons

so yeah keep in mind that hungary helped poland out a fuckton during the war, while on the opposite sides (sic!) and didnt expect much in reperations and shit.

now lets go into a timeline a bit: two important bits of info is that theres first establishing diplomatic relations and then giving an embassy title.

poland established diplomatic relations with countries like yugoslavia, czechoslovakia, bulgaria and romania from around march to august of 1945 (with romania immediately gaining an embassy title!)

poland didnt establish diplomatic relations with hungary until the end of december 1945. and its not until march 1946 until they like Actually established diplomatic relations. and hungary didnt get a polish embassy until almost 10 years later (1954).

so lets compare in months: the first diplomatic relations with any country were first established in march 1945, and bar hungary the latest one was in august same year. meaning not only there was a seven month gap between relations establishment between romania and hungary, it wasnt until a year later since poland started establishing diplomatic relations, that they did so with hungary, their best friend, their brother.

whats also interesting is that there was little to no coverage about hungary in polish press. its all really weird fucking already but wait until we get into the peace conference of paris, then ill tell yall what was actually up.

so the peace conference in paris started on july 29th, 1946 (funfact gdr wouldnt be established until 1949, for anyone curious). hungary was in a tough spot politically, not only as the losing side of the entire war, but also that their whole shtick was (as far as im aware) to get back the land that they lost of the treaty of trianon, so to oversimplify it: its border drama time. they needed all the support they could get, and since most of their neighbours didnt fucking like them, they hoped to get that support from poland. yknow their brother their best friend, that fucker they helped in the war even it could get them fucked over- ya get the gist

hungary: i need you to be on your best behaviour

poland: well, i promised *sideeyes russia*.. other people that id be on my worst behavior, so.. yknow

Not Only Did Poland Offer No Help With The Borders. They Agreed With Czechoslovakia On That Which Wasnt What Hungary Hoped For. They Demanded 20 Fucking Million Dollars Of Reparations. From Hungary.

Let That Sink In.

And you know on what basis? on apparent damages and aggressions that were made by the hungarian army.

as you can probably tell, everyone was baffled at the fucking audacity. polish claims extremely soured the opinion of hungarian folks about poland, the westies were also against it, and the polish charge d'affaires piotr szymański (who apparently doesnt fucking exist on the internet! fucking weird) had to do an interview where he tried to explain the demand for reparations.

and you know whos fault for all the sketchy shit poalnd did towards hungary?

guess.

yeah, it was moscow. aka the ussr, aka the soviets. as my taxi driver yesterday said, the root of all evil /hj.

first of all, moscow did not want poland and hungary to be close because they were afraid it would ruin 'the bonds of the slavic family' or some other bullshit. if yall have read diamond in the rough or oko za oko (which if you havent you totally should!!) by the the ever lovely chessna2 on here/slovenskych on ao3 it translates beautifully into ivan's fixation on his self made family.

because soviets were already balls deep into the polish government by the time 1945 rolled around, every decision had to be backed up by the soviet approval. and it took them a while until they approved establishing the pol-hun diplomatic relations.

and! the soviets were the ones who pushed the polish diplomats to demand the 20 million dollars! and they knew that it would fuck up the relations. one of the diplomats at the conference in their diary wrote that the soviets wanted to ruin polish-hungarian diplomatic relations, they succeeded.

then there was also a fuckton of arguing and political bickering about the objects moved out of poland that after the war ended up in hungary, one of them being a cooling machine that was crucial to mining coal - aka, an overglorified refrigirator. at some point polish side didnt even want all the objects back because they were in horrible condition, they just wanted the money for them.

obviously all of this didnt destroy the polish-hungarian relations forever because c'mon we're better than that, but it was described as the worst time in the history of the nations' friendship. which in of itself is pretty telling if some petty manipulated arguments were the rockiest patch in their friendship.

tldr; ussr with the grip over poland and slowly tightening grip on hungary tried to sabotage their friendship by making polish ambassadors demand 20 million dollars in reparations from hungary, when not only hungary didnt actively try to do any damage, they helped a fuckton of polish people throughout the entire war. other political shenanigans ensue.

[iggika]

friend on twitter reminded me of one of my old Hetalia OCs. This is Moscow and I made him back when I was 13 and Russia was my at the time favourite character

[shatteredminds]

😭, 🚿, and 🌈 for any muse whose name starts with L :)

(The amount of Oc's I have with L)

😭- how does my muse cope with sadness?

Muse- Leviathan

Oh, he didn't cope well with Malfeasant's and Azazel's deaths well at all. He went off the deep end.

🚿- does my muse prefer to shower or bathe?

Muse- Leto, Forgotten goddess

Ah, she prefers a calming bath to a shower. Relaxes the muscles after a long day of goddessing.

🌈- what is my muse’s sexuality?

Muse- Leo, 1p nyo Moscow

Gay~ Gay~ homosexual~ gay~ He has come out to his family with the exception of Anya(Nyo Russia).