Warning: This chapter contains triggers of depression. Read at your own discretion!

You and Ivan were just walking through the park like any normal day. There was something about it that you both just loved. Maybe it was the peace and quiet for you and the natural warmth for him. You both did this every day. You would walk and talk about nothing in particular and would just enjoy nature and each other's company.

After you two finished laughing about a funny story involving England and a chocolate cake, Ivan's face went soft.

"Say, (y/n)." You hmm'd in response.

"Why are people afraid of me?" You stopped mid-stride, startled by his question.

"W-what? Where would you get an idea that people are afraid of you?" You chuckled. You actually never really thought Russia was that scary. He was just really tall; yeah, that was it. And sure, maybe he was a little overbearing and wielded a giant metal pipe sometimes and threatened anyone who came within a two foot radius of...

Well, he was kind and sweet to you, and that was all that mattered.

Ivan sighed. "(Y/N), I don't like how people look at me. I get all of these stares from everyone. I see the fear in their eyes when I walk by,"

"No," you stated "That's not-"

"Alfred, Eduard, Francis, Yao, Raivis..."

"You know how easily Raivis is-"

"Everyone. They're all afraid of me. They think I'm a monster. The way they look at me... like I want to hurt them or crush their bones and turn them into dust. I don't like it,"

"Ivan," he wouldn't look at you.

"Ivan, please," your voice cracked. You lifted his head with your finger. A single tear streaked his face. You were on the verge of crying yourself. But you willed yourself to stay strong. You saw how sad he looked, so broken down.

"So what if they think that of you. Big whoop! It doesn't matter what they think. I know that you're sweet and kind and absolutely perfect the way you are. You're not a monster. And you and I know that's true. And that's all that matters."

He still looked depressed, so you did something risky. You pulled him into a tight hug. You heard him gasp at your sudden actions. He slowly wrapped his large arms around your fragile body. His hugs kind of hurt, but you didn't care. All you cared about how close you two were. You could hear his thumping heartbeat. You felt his shaky breath tickle your ear. You rubbed his back comfortingly as he slowly calmed down.

You went to pull away only to have him pull you back into the tight embrace. You noticed the Russian actually had a calming effect on you. You just felt better when you were around him. He slowly lowered his arms and looked at you.

"спасибо," he said (thank you).

"For what?" you asked

He finally smiled again. Not like his usual smile filled with mocking hatred, but a warm, genuine smile filled with love and trust.

"For not being like the others. For actually being my friend." You smiled back at him.

"And thank you, too for being my friend."

Epilogue

"Oh, (Y/N). I almost forgot to ask," the tall man said, smiling.

"Yes, Ivan?" you responded.

"You will become one with Mother Russia, da?"

"WHAT?!"

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(A/N) *reads over* So... this is what happens when you look over the saddest fanart and episodes of Hetalia. I honestly tried cheering it up, but it just sounded terrible (I'm not sure if this is any better). Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed. Shout out to requester cronagrell! Sorry it's so depressing!