Theme 76 Broken Pieces (Part2 FINAL) ReaderxRussia

Theme 76 Broken Pieces Part 2 FINAL

“I….” You were shocked.  He had never been so blunt before.  “I…” Your breathing hitched and head spun.
“_________?”Ivan stepped forward and placed his slightly calloused hand on your warm cheek.  It was almost as if that single touch lifted the veil from your eyes, clearing your mind completely.
“Of course I do…” you croaked, “Of course I love you!” you stepped forward and wrapped your arms around Ivan.  He did the same, and buried his nose in your neck.  You couldn’t see it, but you could feel a happy smile prick at his mouth.

Suddenly the Russian man lifted your (adj) frame up with ease, the smile never leaving his lips, and held you so your eyes were at the same level.
“________ thank you!” He sounded almost like a child who had been rewarded for good behaviour.  Which, if you were being totally honest with yourself, wasn’t that far from the truth.  Ivan held you in the tight embrace for several more minutes, drinking in your scent, and nuzzling your neck.  He sighed happily, releasing you he stepped back into the apartment room, softly pulling you by the hand as he went.

It was like many of the hotel rooms he had stayed at for world conferences before.  Medium in size, crisp walls with decorative paintings, a small kitchen, dining area, lounges with a large flat screen T.V, and large sliding doors that led to a small, but comfortable balcony. 

Ivan guided you to the (colour) lounge, sat down and pulled you onto his lap.  He was so warm.  You rested your head on his shoulder as he began to speak.  It wasn’t anything important, more babble than anything else, and you didn’t really care.  Sharing his warmth, his smooth voice, and the rhythmic sound of his heartbeat was enough to keep you happy.  Your arms wrapped around the large man, a small smile playing on your lips.

- : Time Skip! Brought to you by Flying Mint Bunny : -

Months passed, all of which you spent with Ivan and he never again hurt you.  It almost seemed like heaven.  You moved back in with him, much to the distaste of Belarus, and things seemed happier.  You would go on vacation once or sometimes even twice a year (mainly during winter and to a Southern Country) and you even adopted a cat together.  The only thing that you found difficult was the long meetings Ivan had to go on.  After you were officially a couple again, he had insisted on giving you the ‘best life possible’, which involved him providing for you, this also meant no more work.  Most of the time you didn’t mind, but on those long, boring days you did seem to miss working more, and not seeing him for the weeks when he had to leave.

You were both lying on his couch, limbs entwined, watching the bright, crackling fire and listening to the never ending patter of rain.  It was pouring outside, not that Ivan was intentionally making it rain, but winter always seemed to get him down.  You shifted slight and wrapped your arms around him, in an attempt to comfort him.  Suddenly he moved to stand directly in front of you. He looked nervous.  Your brow furrowed, head tilting slightly to the side.
“Is something wrong, Ivan?” you reached out to touch his arm,
“Podsolnechnika, ya lyublyu tebya ....” he stuttered then paused, reaching into his pocket before kneeling, “Marry me…” the last two words barely registered as he opened a small box.  A glittering, golden ring with a fairly large diamond set in the middle was now staring you in the face.  You were literally speechless (something that happened very rarely). “Podsolnechnika….?” Ivan’s voice called.  Your chest was pounding, and head as light as air.  Ivan quickly stepped forward, placing his hands on either side of your face. “Are you alright?”
“I… I- yes!” you jumped up and wrapped your arms around the man before you. “I will marry you!” you could barely contain your excitement, and for that matter, neither could Ivan.

***

Eleven months later, you were married.  It was a somewhat simple ceremony.  A few of the other countries were invited, as well as Russia’s boss, diplomats and your family.  Best thing of all, it was almost completely free of a Belarus incident.  Of course, when the ‘speak now, or forever hold your peace’ line was said she started, but was quickly silenced by her older sister. It was definitely one of the best days of your life.  Needless to say, the night that followed was unforgettable.

- : Time Skip : -

You both found out a few months after the wedding that countries could apparently have children with humans, although it was a very rare thing.  Doing so slowed your aging significantly.  30 years and 4 children later your appearance had barely changed.  You were supposed to be nearly 60, but in actuality you still looked nearly half that.  France, having dealt with these kinds of situations before, kindly informed you that the aging would catch up with you, albeit slowly.  A sudden realisation of this was when you found yourself entering menopause.  You may have looked young, but your body still seemed to sense the time in certain ways, like not being able to handle as much alcohol, or bare any more children.  But you took it head on, and looked forward fearlessly.

***

Just as France had predicted, death did find you.  Almost 80 years later you died, children and husband at your bedside.  It wasn’t a sad time.  You had known it to be coming for quite some time and had told everyone not to mourn your death, but to celebrate your life, because after all your years living on the earth, you were sure of one thing, dwelling on bad memories will get you nowhere, you had to look to the future with no doubt.

***

Every year since your death, Ivan visited your grave.  No matter the weather or state of the world, you always came first.
“Things can be shattered so easily; and once they’re broken, they can never be made to work as they once did.  So instead of sweeping it under the rug or forcing it to resemble a memory, erase the sadness, jealousy and rage, and then put it back together one piece at a time, before you know it something completely new will be formed out of the broken pieces…” he read the quote on your gravestone softly, the same as every year, before placing fresh (flowers) over your grave and leaving.

-END

_____________________________

Translations:

“Podsolnechnika, ya lyublyu tebya ....” - "Sunflower, I love you....."

"Podsolnechnika" - "Sunflower"

these may be wrong because I used google translate....