voice test already because mun is impatient.

[prinudit]

This is no good. [ Ivan looks less amused than usual. Which. Is hard to pull off. ]

While I am not having fun, you will find more of my glorious icons, da?

[ It...wasn't a question, made clear by his complete dismissal of another's presence. ]

Comments

[fromseatoshiningsea]

AYYY BIG GUY

WHAT'S WITH THE LONG FACE

[Russia looks annoyed? Let's be MORE ANNOYING!]

[prinudit]

[ Side-eying to the max. ]

What are you wanting now, America?

[ Subtext: Please go away. ]

[fromseatoshiningsea]

I was just wondering what you're up to, what's rollin' around in that head of yours? You look tense!

[Grin grin. Oh no, sir.]

casually bs-ing my way thru a voice test.

[prinudit]

[ Sigh. Fine. ]

I am thinking about how nice it would be to avoid General Winter for just one season. I am deserving of vacation, da?

[ You don't really want to know what is going on in his head, Al. ]

doin' good! :D

[fromseatoshiningsea]

You don't like winter? Ain't that what you're like, known for?

Y'know, I actually know a place where you might be able to get a vacation, but... Eh, I don't know, maybe it ain't your style.

[prinudit]

[ Totally blowing off the casual insults, yo. He looks unhappy about something on his computer and turns it so America can see. ]

I think your suggestion is having something to do with what the mundane is making me do.

[ Ugh, see this thing? Poor Ivan. ]

I am not certain if this is correct.

[ He makes a face that is difficult to read. ]

[fromseatoshiningsea]

[Peeks over his shoulder.]

Oh, hey! It sure is!

[prinudit]

What do you think of this "Ee....Ee-oo-dee-oh" ....this place?

[knackered]

Don't let him bother you. My mun would also like to offer her icon-making services, by the way.

[prinudit]

I think we have found many of the little tiny pictures, but more to chose from are always appreciated.

[ Squinting. Wait. Does this come with strings attached? Would England even know his best angle? Perhaps this mun of his would. ]

I am appreciating this offer, it is very kind.

[knackered]

She told me to tell you it's free of any strings. Evidently she just likes to feel useful, so I wouldn't worry. If you'll notice, I've got 255 of them. [He doesn't sound elated about this, but what can you do? Most of them are just variations on a grouchy expression anyway.]

It's good to see you. These parts used to be crowded with us nation folk, but now not so much.

[prinudit]

[Free of strings is good. Ivan appreciates this, even if he will probably mistrust anyone associated with the former "allies", more or less, forever.

When is isn't busy stalking China.

He clasps his hands softly together, before speaking.] Yes, good. That is very kind. However, we are on an, as you say, 'economic recovery program' and so cannot afford as many icons as other nations.

Still... It is good to find you and some of the others here.

[solothief]

Best not to sound too demanding, they may plan the complete opposite for you.

[You will now be hounded by Americans from all sides. Congrats.]

[prinudit]

Opposite of bored is fun, da? This is good, then. I am encouraging this.

[solothief]

Perhaps they're looking for an opposite of fun. Or maybe, they're seeking the best way to give some small semblance of happiness before roughly pulling on your leash; yanking you away from it.

[prinudit]

.....Why would they do that?

[For one of the cruelest and most sadistic of the brotherhood of countries, Russia seems naive and oblivious to the nature of sadism.]

[solothief]

What's fun for them is not always what's fun for us.

[prinudit]

What are you suggesting I do?

[solothief]

Well there's not much you can do besides to crawl under a rock, comrade.

[prinudit]

Russia does not 'crawl under rocks.' [Folding his arms in a way that is intimidating to some other countries.]

Russia fights.

[solothief]

[And yet he looks quite unfazed, cool even.]

Are you really referring to yourself in third person?

[shedreamtofwolves]

[forced smile]

I'm sure they'll do just that, as quickly as possible.

[prinudit]

[non-wolfish friendly grin]

Lithuania, it is always a pleasure to be seeing you.

[shedreamtofwolves]

You always do seem to enjoy my company, Russia.

[being polite is important, right?]

I didn't know you permitted icons, much less desired them.

[s w e e t catholic girl smile]

[prinudit]

That is why there is only one perfect icon, instead of many inferior ...less flattering ones.

[Eventually he'll be convinced more than one is a good thing.

Meanwhile, side-eying Lithuania...] Why am I sensing you are hiding something?

[shedreamtofwolves]

[He's going to have to get over the idea of "unflattering"--icons aren't always meant to be otherwise. Unless they're religious.]

Oh, well, wouldn't that make sense?

[Oh, side-eyeing? Hiding? Not like plotting, right? Oh, now when has she ever done either of th--...don't answer that.]

Nothing more than usual. [so suspicion and resentment tucked neatly under politeness] You are headed somewhere, if you are seeking out icons?

[prinudit]

[Keeping his fingers steepled and expression rather like a grinning shark - but with the most innocent and friendly of eyes.]

Yes, actually. It appears we are going to some place called 'Eudio' where they are needing conscripts for cuddling and --

[A very very subtle blush, if only because Lithuania is so much prettier with this long hair and...well, as a girl.]

And intimacy. England and America are there. It would seem Russia is needed.

[Or he'll tell himself it is because he is needed, like anyone actually likes having him in their council. >L

He can delude himself. Everyone is his friend, da?]

[amerikanskiie]

I'm certain you're at least capable of exercising some amount of patience, yes?

[prinudit]

I have plenty of patience, comrade. It is understanding I am not having. But the Mundane seems to think this is a good idea, so I will see how it goes.

What else can I do? [He shrugs his shoulders indifferently, eying Alik closely.]

You look much better in red, my friend.

[amerikanskiie]

There's no use in trying to understand, in truth; Mundanes will do as they please.

_{[There is a pause; it's short, lasting only a few beats of held breaths and words pushed back to never see the light of utterance on his tongue.]}

... it's not as if I have much of a choice in the matter, comrade.

_{[He speaks it out of necessity, out of formality, and perhaps the tiniest bit of irony. After all, he knows the word's meaning is hollow. Like everything else about him, possibly.]}