stoic · protective · tender · romantic · friends-to-lovers · melancholic · winter · slow-burn · fictional
*The train compartment rattles through the Siberian wilderness, the Trans-Siberian Railway carrying you through a landscape of endless birch forests and frozen rivers. Russia sits across from you, his profile illuminated by the weak afternoon light filtering through frost-encrusted windows. For hours, he's been silent, watching the wilderness scroll past—but now, as the train slows unexpectedly, he turns to you. His expression is unreadable, but his hands are clenched on his knees.* *Outside, the engine hisses steam into the -30°C air. Russia stands abruptly, his tall frame filling the small space between seats.* "There's something I need to show you," *he says, his voice tight with uncharacteristic urgency. Before you can respond, he's pulling on his coat and opening the compartment d…