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icebear4president · 9 months

Text

Helpless

Ship: Nyo America x Russia, slight oneside PruAme

The winter ball was not something to be missed, especially when it was being called by General Washington himself. If you were anyone of importance you were expected to be there dancing and laughing, toasting to the Sons of Liberty and the Revolution that was looming just over the horizon. It was the best way ensure everyone knew of your patriotic support.

Dresses swept across the floor, painting it a myriad of colors, as the ladies migrated together, their jewelry glistening in the candlelight while they chatted and gossiped behind their decorative fans. The men's mugs came in nonstop supplies, frothy beer spilling over the edges, until their laughter became louder than the music that was being played.

Young men and young women danced together, hoping that the partner they snagged would be the one that would eventually fill their pockets when they wed. Which was why the richest of the young ladies were the first to be approached by suitors, trying to enamor them with tells of battle and promises of success.

And in the middle of all this clamor was Amelia, who though no one knew exactly who this beautiful young lady was, her silk blue gown, pearl necklace, and diamond earrings held promises of prestige and riches.

Which was why she was unwillingly being dragged around the ballroom floor for the last three hours by boring men who talked about why she should marry them and how they could take care of her as long as she did her womanly duties in the household. What she wanted was for one of them to twist their ankle and fall face first into the buffet table.

Amelia resisted the urge to roll her eyes while her newest dance partner went into great detail about his shoe business or whatnot (she wasn't really listening and really didn't care) before excusing herself with a small smile and forced pleasantry, leaving the poor man staring after her looking slightly lost.

She decided to make herself scarce for the rest of the night, not being one to enjoy large crowds despite what some people think, and holed herself up in a cool corner, grabbing a glass of champagne.

Pretending to take a drink, she surveyed the room over the rim of the glass, trying to pick out any unusual activity. The ball was mostly for the soldiers of the Continental Army and their families, but that didn't mean a stray British spy wouldn't worm themselves into the mix.

"Oh, Amelia! Zhe awesome me has arrived!"

Amelia started at the voice and turned around quickly, only for the heel of her slipper to catch and started to fall forward. Strong arms quickly steadied her, and she was met with the cocky grin of one of her closest allies, Prussia.

"Careful there, schatz. I know it's hard not to fall for me, but please don't do it literally~" he teased, eyes twinkling in amusement.

Amelia gave a very unladylike snort and smacked his arm a little too roughly. "Flattery gets you nowhere, Gil."

Gilbert winced, rubbing his arm that was very likely to bruise. "Apparently when it comes to you. No wonder Francis and Antonio gave up on you so quickly."

Amelia flipped him off with an eye roll. "Because Spain tried to touch my boobs, so I punched him and threatened to chop France’s dick off"-Gilbert paled at that- "if he asked to bed me one more time."

"But onto more important matters," she leaned in close to Gilbert's ear so not to be heard, "have you heard from the new guy?"

“Ja, he was supposed to be coming tonight, but of course he's late," Gilbert mumbled, his joyous mood dampening. "I really don't know why you insisted on an alliance with him, he's such a lamo."

Chuckling, Amelia patted his cheek affectionately. “You know how important his support is for this revolution to work out, so stop you’re sulking and don’t run him off. Besides, everyone is a lamo compared to you, Gil.”

Gilbert caught her hand in his and leaned into the touch. "Not everyone, schatz, not you. Especially not you."

Before she could ask what exactly Prussia meant, she saw HIM.

If there was one word Amelia could use to describe him, it would be beautiful. The man looked almost regal in his full military garb, his silvery hair swept back neatly that immediately filled her with the urge to muss it up with her fingers, and cheery violet eyes that seemed to twinkle in the candlelight.

And for the first time in her life, Amelia’s whole world stopped. All she could focus on was this beautiful man that stood just feet away.

She was vaguely aware of Gilbert shuffling up to her, a scowl prevalent on his face. "I guess he finally decided to show up," he said, distaste clear in his voice. "He always come at the worst times."

Snapping out of her revelry, Amelia couldn’t help but squeal in girlish excitement. "That's Russia? That's really him?" She pushed her glass into Gilbert's hands, giving him a fleeting smile. "Wish me luck, yeah? Let’s see if I can charm him enough to sign the treaty,” she said, turning on her heel and walking away quickly.

"Wait, Amelia, I need to tell you something first..." Gilbert called after her, but she was already long gone. He cursed quietly to himself, draining the champagne glass and dropped it on the floor, watching it shatter.

~~~

Amelia smoothed down her dress, silently scolding herself for not wearing something better, not just this old blue outfit she pulled out of the back of her closet. Or maybe she was just trying to think of reasons not to confront him and risk making a fool of herself. Which was absurd, this was a military alliance, a way to secure victory against the British, that's all.

Right?

Too caught up in her musings, she didn't notice him start walking her away. Her breath caught in her throat when she realized he was looking her way, and was now walking towards her. She shook her head, and straightened her back. She needed to stop acting like a little kid and get her act together.

Amelia came up to meet him halfway, (a trait Arthur told her was not very respectable), and held her hand out the man in front of her, getting right to business.

“Thirteen Colonies, but you can call me Amelia. It is a pleasure to meet you and I hope we can agree on an alliance soon.”

Instead of shaking her hand, he took it in his hand and brushed his lips over the top of her hand. Amelia's breath caught in her throat at the feeling of his breath on her skin, and she could feel the warmth of a blush that covered her neck and cheeks.

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Amelia. And please, call me Ivan,” he purred, making a shiver go up Amelia’s spine. His eyes traveled up towards hers, his expression both intrigued and amused. “So, this is the little vixen that has caused the uneasy whispers in Europe. You’re very small to be trying to fill such big steps.”

Amelia bristled and pulled her hand away. “I can assure you, sir, that I am well aware of my capabilities. This is not something I’m running into blind, and I’m not going to lose. So if you’re here just to belittle me, I will kindly ask you to leave,” she snapped, starting to regret her decision to invite him. She didn’t need another know it all telling her what she can and can’t do.

But instead of arguing, Ivan just chuckled. “I mean no offense, in fact, I admire your courage. It’s takes a strong will and heart to be able to pull off what you are doing. In fact, I admire you,” he said, with a slight tilt of his head.

Still a little ruffled, Amelia swallowed down her sharp words, and decided to stay civil. Besides, how could she say no to this man. “No offense taken. I apologize for my outburst. It wasn’t quite professional. I’m not really good at working with others, especially in matters like these,” she admitted, looking down at her shoes, slightly embarrassed.

Ivan hummed to himself, seemingly deep in thought. “Well, how about just for tonight, we will meet as friends and not political partners. So, Miss Amelia, as your friend, will you share this next dance with me?” He asked, holding out his hand expectantly.

Amelia swallowed, but placed her hand in his, admiring the way it closed around her much smaller palm. “I would like that, Mister Ivan.”

Ivan smiled and pulled them onto the dance floor, and true to his words, they talked of nothing and everything. His country and his family, dislikes and likes, and Amelia enjoyed every second of it. It was nice to be able to have a friend, and not have to worry about her allies leaving her at the drop of a pin.

Soon, the two were immersed with each other, dancing and laughing, the rest of the world fading away until it was just them left in the room. After a while, most guests were starting to leave. Some to go back home to their children, and others to deal with other ‘matters’. Usually Amelia would have been right behind them, but she could care less about anything but this moment now.

”You know, remind me of a sunflower,” Ivan said suddenly as they continued to sway together. “One that is just beginning to bloom.”

Amelia scrunched up her nose in confusion, not quite understanding. “I’m not sure what you mean by that? How am I like a sunflower?”

Ivan chuckled at her childish expression, but turned serious once more. Taking a lock of golden curls, he twisted it gently around his fingers before placing it behind her ear and continued,

“Because sunflowers are a sign of hope and resilience in my country. Even after the hardest winter freeze, they still sprout the next summer. They are dependable and strong and lovely. Such as you are.”

Amelia blushed at his words, not being able to meet his sincere expression. No one had ever complimented her like that, expressed themselves in such a gentle way without wanting something in return. She didn’t know how to react, all she knew was that her heart pounded against her chest painfully.

Not knowing what to say, she gave him a weak smile. “That’s-thank you for that,” she said sincerely. “I honestly don’t know what to say.”

”Then don’t say anything Just please continue to dance with me, my sunflower.”

~~~

Amelia sighed happily, leaning against his chest as they swayed slowly. "This was really nice, I never thought I would enjoy dancing so much. Especially with a guy," she teased, not used to being so serious. "In fact, I'm in such a state of shock, I think I just must be having a nice calming walk around my garden. But, I might get lost by myself in the dark."

Ivan's skin crinkled at the edges of his eyes, a smirk playing on his lips. "Why, Miss Amelia, it almost sounds as if you are asking me to walk you home," he said, trying to hold in his laughter.

Amelia hummed at that. "I think that is exactly what I'm trying to say, Mister Ivan. Besides, it will help you map out your new surroundings for future reference.”

Ivan leaned down slightly until their noses were touching, and tipped her chin with his finger. Blue eyes stared into violet as neither of them dared to move.

“Is that the only reason, Miss Amelia?”

Amelia's heart felt like it was beating out of her chest, but before she could say anything, an angry shout ruined the moment.

Both of them pulled away quickly, Amelia embarrassed and confused and Ivan slightly angry, and Amelia felt a pang of disappointment to see Gilbert there. And, oh boy, did he look mad.

"Amelia, it's time to go, the others are waiting for you." Amelia immediately went to argue, but he put up a hand, the unusual coldness in his eyes silencing her.

“As your commander, that is a direct order.”

There was no room left for argument after that.

He turned on Ivan next. "And you. We are in the middle of a war, there’s no room for useless flirting and talking. I don't know what games you're playing, but know that one step out of line and I'm tearing your useless little treaty into pieces, so you better watch yourself " he warned, grabbing Amelia's wrist and pulling her behind him, ignoring her loud complaints.

Ivan's eyes darkened, but he kept his strained smile. "I'll keep that in mind."

Gilbert met his gaze with equal intensity. "Yeah, you better."

Wisely ignoring that, Ivan looked back to Amelia and bowed deeply. “I enjoyed our short time together, Miss Amelia. I will see you in the morning,” he said, walking away.

“See you in the morning! I also enjoyed our time together!” Amelia called out after him. Shoulders slumping in disappointment she watched his back until he disappeared, already awaiting the morning.

Hopefully she could get him alone again.

#hws rusame #rusame #amerus #hetalia fanfiction #my writing #aph america #aph russia

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