They barley noticed in the beginning when Prussia joined the dysfunctional family. The bosses had been happy ever since Germany was defeated but Russia himself was down because of the heavy losses. The Baltic states were just as depressed, Lithuania the only one who tried to comfort Russia.

Latvia thought the larger country deserved no pity or cooperation whatsoever after what he had done. Stupid, for a while he almost thought Russia was the good guy who came to save them all from Germany. Lithuania said that way of thinking would only lead to more deportations but Latvia was still proud of his country fighting back, no matter how afraid he was of what would happen to them.

But things were pretty good for a while. Russia was busy and elsewhere.

*

Latvia is up late when he hears Russia returning. He isn't coming home alone. Please, please don't let it be the boss, Latvia prays. Russia always ends up dangerously fired up, happy and deadly. Or if it is a bad visit, angry and looking for someone to take out his frustrations on. Russia's boss is always bad news for the rest of the household.

Latvia hides in a dark corner, behind a large potted plant. He vaguely recognizes the voice but can't place it. At least it is not the boss. He dares to peek out and sees Russia dragging a pale man with white hair behind him. Prussia, Latvia realizes and he also realizes why Russia has been elsewhere all the time. So there is a new SSR in the house. Will Prussia be Prussian SSR now? Latvia thought Prussia had no land left, yet here he is, so he must have been wrong.

Whatever is going on is keeping them focused on each other, no one turns on more lights or notices Latvia. Prussia starts to flail when they are inside and Russia lets go. Prussia doesn't try to run, he straightens out his new Russian uniform before he starts to verbally assault the mentally instable, sadistic country that has him at his mercy. Latvia's only conclusion is that Prussia has completely lost his mind.

"I don't need this either," Prussia screams and throws the iron cross he is always seen wearing at Russia. "I'm communist now and Germany is my enemy!"

Russia starts to say something but the smaller nation is not done yelling.

"Germany stole my country and even worse, he failed, I hate him so much that I'm happy being Kaliningrad and far away from him. I-"

Russia smacks him, long overdue. Prussia crashes against the wall and Latvia is sure he is going to see him. But of course Prussia is focused on the displeased Russian above him, not the insignificant country hiding behind a plant.

"It is late, be quiet," Russia says. He pockets the iron cross while keeping his eyes on the defeated country on the floor.

Prussia says nothing and it soon becomes clear it is because he is fighting back tears and failing.

"I'm not crying because I'm sad," Prussia says, which looks pathetic when his face is stained with tears. "I'm crying because I'm so angry."

Russia helplessly pets Prussia on the head like he was a lost kitten and eventually he calms down.

*

When Prussia leaves to find the bedroom Russia assigns him Latvia figures he is safe.

"Little Latvia, I can hear you breathe..."

Russia looks directly at Latvia who trembles. He hates having Russia's complete attention, he just knows he is going to end up saying something stupid and make everything worse. Latvia moves away from the plant, flinching when Russia gets closer.

"You look nervous and miserable all the time," Russia says. "My Kaliningrad looks pissed and miserable all the time. Perhaps you have something in common?"

You, Latvia has the sense to not actually say. To his surprise Russia doesn't look angry and he should keep it that way.

"I am not miserable for small things so it is very hard for me to understand. I defeated Germany for you. Why are you not happier?"

Latvia squirms more and desperately tries to think of a way to escape. Russia doesn't really notice, he is deep into his own thoughts.

"Perhaps I should give him presents? My boss said I couldn't give him nukes and I don't know what else he wants."

Latvia goes cross-eyed with terror.

"I-I don't think that would be a good idea."

"Maybe I could build some military bases instead? Do you think he would like that?"

"I-I guess... A-And I think he would be happier if you didn't hit him."

Russia sighs deeply and Latvia jumps. Of all the times Russia could start to pay attention to what he was saying...

"But then he goes from yelling to throwing things. And if that doesn't work he tries to start fights with me or my bosses. It is not a good idea to start a fight with my boss. I had to remind him that Kaliningrad was his idea. I wanted to dissolve Prussia completely."

If he had done anything of what Russia just hinted at Latvia is certain that his country would be a barren wasteland by now. What's so special about Prussia?

"But Kaliningrad is a part of the family now, is he not?"

Latvia nods since he suspects that is what is expected of him. In reality he doubt he wants Prussia as a part of his 'family'.

"I think I'm going to build him some military bases," Russia concludes. He looks cheerful once again, humming to himself as he disappears upstairs.

*

Russia introduces Prussia as Kaliningrad Oblast the next day at breakfast. Lithuania's eyes goes wide and Kaliningrad Prussia takes that as an insult of his new status and jumps Lithuania. Estonia yells LAATVIA out of sheer habit even if it is Lithuania who is in danger. Prussia gets in a few good hits before the Baltic nation gets the situation under control. Soon Lithuania is sitting on top of Prussia, twisting his arms and holding him down with his weight.

"Wow," Russia chirps. "I never knew you had it in you."

"Not the first time I'm kicking his ass," Lithuania mumbles and it sets off more angry yelling from Prussia. "Does anyone have something to gag him with?"

Russia mood improves even more when Lithuania ties a gagged Prussia to a chair to assure the morning meeting can continue. There are something about their governments complaining that Russia doesn't like but he is so distracted by Prussia's muffled grunts that he can't work himself up to truly care.

"Just tell your bosses to stop doing it," he says.

Later Latvia realizes that no one remembered to untie Prussia after breakfast.