A/N: Hola! So this is my first Hetalia story and it will never be as good as I want it to be, sadly. Reviews will be appreciated. Like, really, really appreciated. I know my writing/grammar needs improvement, so just hang in there. I do hope that you give this story a chance OuO ((ARRGH! Why do I feel nervous posting this here?!~))

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters...

Matthew needed to get away. With the help of Detective Bonnefoy, he ends up living with Ivan Braginski who wants nothing to do with his mess, but later accepts the boy's presence. When "he" finds Matthew and threatens to take him away, what would Ivan do to keep his new found joy? AU. RusCan.

People are very fond of giving away what they need most themselves. - Oscar Wilde

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Ivan was not amused. He has been living alone for five years. Ever since he left Russia when he turned eighteen, he has been supporting himself by doing odd jobs. Although moving to a new country and learning an entirely different language had proven to be hard, his cleverness and determination not to yield and fail brought all the good he currently has.

…Thus Mr. Francis Bonnefoy has appointed you in charge of Matthew Williams until his condition is well enough…

'Take the boy in?'

He reread the letter over and over again. Why was that man giving him his burden? Of course, it was just like that French bastard to not give him any other choice. No conditions were stated if he were to decline.

Enclosed in the envelope he received was a small picture of the said Matthew with his younger cousin. He has blonde hair reaching just above his chin with a weird longer strand hanging lazily apart from his bangs. His eyes, a pair of purple orbs that attracted the Russian man most, were tame yet still exhibited life. It was as if Matthew is at total peace. The smile was small and shy- a contrast to the seemingly boisterous one the boy beside him was sporting. The boy labelled as Alfred Jones has darker skin tone than Matthew. His hair was cut shorter and the strand hanging off lazily was replaced by a shorter cowlick and his eyes were the brightest blue that radiated life much merrier than the older male. Alfred had his arms around Matthew and the other doing a peace sign. The shot was taken in a carnival explaining the stuffed polar bear Matthew was holding.

Ivan Braginsky was tall, bordering 6'4''. He had pale complexion and light blonde hair that appeared silvery white most of the times. His eyes were the oddest shade of purple. He has a nose larger than average that fit his face just fine and made him looked rather attractive. Presently, he worked at a company owned a stiff German who was only a couple of years older then him.

"This won't be fun, da?"

A creepy smile was what made its way onto his features.

If there was something that one has to know about the tall Russian male, it was that he was a conniving man. Just knowing this and taking precautions was a lot. Ivan Braginsky is the enemy you hope never to make. He was a clever, yes, but even more so, he was cunning. He played according to his rules and when he decides that you will join his game, you have no choice but to oblige. Even Beilschmidt, his boss, sometimes fears Ivan; often wondering if it was safe to keep him and also often reaching the conclusion that yes, it was safer if Ivan were with him than against him. Beilschmidt had seen what he can do and he is not eager to try and be the receiving end of Braginsky's escapades.

"If I can't kick him out then he'll just have to leave on his own."

Slightly, the paper creased from the force the man was holding it with. It was then left alone on the dining table. He went upstairs and proceeded to grab a change of clothes. He filled the tub with hot water and went in.

He would be like a cat prancing around his prey. A predator taking leisure has the other party squirms in uneasiness from the unpredictability of the scene.

Not even bothering to dry his hair properly, the man laid on his bed with only a pair of boxers.

Ivan, for the most part, wasn't a cruel man. He wasn't all that nice either. He was a man who took what he wanted with no remorse regardless of how evil or not the feat would be. Oh yes, he was a very selfish man.

All these were hidden under a mask of innocent childlike face he has been blessed with.

Matthew Williams.

He thought of the name. Although a selfish and conniving man, Ivan was rational. He could not hate the boy- well, not yet- if he had not done anything on purpose to be a burden to him. He was irked that he has to stay with him but it wasn't enough reason for him to actually loathe the male.

Ivan's hating was never ever a pleasant sight.

The reason for the necessity of the boy to stay with him was not stated.

…You, sir, must at all times keep an eye on him for he is in a vulnerable state after what happened to…

So what if his cousin was in a critical condition? Why does this Matthew have to move? Wouldn't it make more sense for him to stay by his cousin?

Clearly, there was something Francis was leaving out on purpose. And he was too busy for these problems.

'Oh, well, like what they say, que sera, sera...' was his thought before he fell into slumber.

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Matthew hated being a burden. He hated it more than anything- more than being constantly forgotten by people. Since he was a child, he had always been independent. He never had time to be a kid. His mother was a single parent; his father died three months before he was born.

When he was fourteen, a drunkard riding his massive truck took away his mother's life.

A close relative which happens to be the Jones took him in.

He tried his best to remain invisible, but the family was too effusive for that. He opted to stay at home when the family was dining out or visiting parks, but the Jones would have none of that especially Alfred. The boy, a year younger, always looked up to his cousin and was very glad that he got too stay with them. At night, he would stay in Matthew's room keeping the latter awake with his mindless chatters and he won't even get scolded unless his mother find him there or Matthew himself would gently chastise him and tells him to go to sleep for they have school the next day.

Matthew knew that was more than welcome there; still, there were times that he feels like he was imposing on them. On the other hand, he had never felt like he had a family until the Jones.

He was walking beside Detective Francis Bonnefoy. He was to live with a man in another country until matters back home settle down.

"Don't worry, mon petit, Ivan is a nice man though he seems scary."

No matter what kind of coaxing the French man did, Matthew will not dislike his situation any less. His eyes remained glued to the ground and his usually kept hair hang all over his face. He carried one messenger bag, which contained his wallet, phone, laptop, mp3 player, and a stuffed polar bear he got from the Jones the first Christmas of his living with them, apart from the luggage he has which has his clothes and other similar necessities.

The walk from the gate to the front door seemed to take eternity. Each step was heavy and lid with anxious anticipation.

'I wonder what kind of man Mr. Braginsky is.'

"Don't you fret now, mon cheri, he is an old friend and I know him personally. You will be safe here." Bonnefoy tried to assuage him.

The French blonde knocked three times before the door was answered.

Matthew gaped at the large man standing before them. He was sporting a smile that frightened him more than making him feel welcomed. His eyes wandered around aimlessly past the large Russian- anything was fine as long as it wasn't Ivan himself.

The size of the man compared to him was a clear example of how vulnerable he really is. He wasn't scrawny, but his features bordered more on femininity much to his dismay. If it was even possible, his already broken spirit just shattered even more.

'Anyone could easily…'

"Ah, Francis-" Ivan smiled and turned to Matthew "-and you must be Matthew." The latter nodded meekly.

Matthew had never so much in his life wished to be invisible. Although smiling, the older man seemed to be boring holes through his head.

The two guests were let in and followed Ivan through the house.

There was dust covering the shelves, Matthew noted. On the wall hang several different paintings that were also clouded with dust. The largest one was of a sunflower field placed in the middle of the living room. Judging from what he's seen, the man was loaded. Expensive looking wares were displayed all around and the woods from where the shelves where made cost a fortune.

'Too bad this place looks gloomy. I bet with a little bit of cleaning it wouldn't be half as bad.'

"So what could I get you two?" Ivan offered.

"Ah, no, no, mon ami, I'll be heading out soon. There's something I must take care of back there. What about you, Matthew?" Francis declined.

"Ah – I – I am fine. Thank you." The boy tried not to blush at his stuttering. He was so engrossed with the new place.

"Ah, well then, why won't you try knowing the place better? You can check every room as long as it's not locked." Francis quickly caught onto what Ivan wanted. The youngest of the trio didn't present to be a problem when he quickly moved, excusing himself from their presence.

Twenty minutes later, Matthew concluded that the house need major cleaning. His allergies were starting to act with all the dust present. He put it on his priority list while he's staying. 'I just hope he won't mind.'

He discovered the way down to the basement through a seemingly normal closet door. Upstairs, he counted four bedrooms two of which were locked. One was a library and study while the other was an empty bedroom. And unless he was to be locked in the basement, he thought, it's going to be his room.

There was a willow tree just outside the fences of the backyard and under it was a swing. Besides the weeds and the wild flowers growing, the land was desolated, much to his dismay.

After hearing his name being called, he returned. Francis was getting up from his seat, his face stoic. The ever-so-present smile of Ivan was still there and scarier. He walked with Francis to the door not really wanting the older man to leave.

"T'inquiète pas, mon cheri." (Don't worry, my love.)He smiled, patted the boy's head, and left. Matthew waited until he sound of the car's engine disappeared before facing his now landlord alone.

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It was a half lie when Francis told Matthew that Ivan was nice. The Russian lad was not exactly nice and probably far from it, but he couldn't say no to a personal request from the man. After all, there was no amount of favours that can match what the French did for him in his younger years. He practically owed everything to the touchy bastard.

He needed Matthew safe, the gentle and caring Matthew who he had known since the boy's younger years. Personally, he had wanted to be the one to take him in, but he wanted to make sure. He couldn't take chances. No, definitely no.

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"I know you are not happy with this arrangement-"

"Da, so it is obvious isn't it, Mr. Bonnefoy. I don't want anything to do with that child." Ivan was smiling though his words dripped with blatant dislike. Francis sighed and lifted his hand to pinch the bridge of his nose as if to stop a headache form coming.

"But you see, Ivan, you have no say in this matter-" Bonnefoy gave him a pointed look "- you have to take him in whether you like it or not. Matthew is no longer a child and he would not be too much trouble. You can ignore him for all I care, but please, you have to let him stay here. He's already enrolled in one of the local colleges and I have left him instructions on how to get there. I've left him addresses and phone number of places around the city so he could get to them without asking you. He is a very intelligent and capable child. You can get on with your life just fine. I promise: he would not be a bother."

Whatever was it in Francis's voice, it made Ivan unable to argue further. Still, he did not liked where this was going any better. He nodded in resolution which delighted the older male.

"But tell me, Francis," Ivan started, unusually calling the man by his first name, "what is it you are hiding from me?" Francis smiled rather mockingly. "Still as sharp as ever, eh?" Before resuming, he closed his eyes for a moment and breathed. Would it be best to tell Ivan? Matthew might be hurt if he does. But the man could protect him. Then again, how will Ivan react? Non. He couldn't. Matthew should be given the right to disclose everything.

"I'm sorry but it must remain untold for now. In the right time, mon ami, Matthew should be the one to tell."

Ivan was just as frustrated as he was when he first received the letter a week ago. Bonnefoy's response was absolute and the Russian knew better than to push the matter.

He watched the man leave, giving Matthew a pat on the head then walking past the door without looking back. Though he had not known Francis for more than a few years, he has never seen the detective worried about someone this way. More importantly, it was Francis's rule to completely separate his work from his life. Apparently, this boy he's taking in made him break that- even dragging an old comrade along. With each more observation, Ivan grew more and more curious.

'Nonsense… if Bonnefoy says he won't be a bother, then he won't be.'

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"Let me get this straight, Matthew. You may be staying under my roof for now, but we are in no way acquainted. Da?" There was no hint of remorse in his voice. Matthew's eyes widened, but not nearly as surprised. Somehow, he hadn't expected the Russian to be welcoming, but telling him off harshly was a whole different matter. "I will leave you your spare key on the table tomorrow before I go to work. You can use anything in the kitchen or in the house for that matter just as long as you kept out of my room. To put it simply, stay out of my way. You get it, da?" 'I don't want you here.' It was unspoken yet to Matthew, it was a clear as the sky on a fine day. In response, the Canadian nodded and turned to unpack.

The room Ivan had given him had its own bathroom and fairly sized walk-in closet. It was bigger than both his and Alfred's room combined. Its walls were painted in light shade of blue. His bed was located just below the window were the sun and moon would have complete access. There was a nightstand beside the bed and on the opposite wall was a study table.

He let down his luggage and started planning where to put what. Before getting into unpacking, Matthew first decided to clean the whole space with the materials he found in storage board by the kitchen.

The rest of the day, Ivan was nowhere in sight. Though, the sound of fingers hitting the keyboard and occasional shuffling of papers were evident whenever he passed the library.