Rocky HCs: Ivan and Viktor's Lives Under Soviet Communism
Because I like history and I like the Rocky franchise. Don't judge me.
So this is mostly about after Ivan lost to Rocky in Moscow but it may as well describe his life in the USSR before then but...
Ivan hoarding food and other items because of shortages in the USSR, and he continues to do so even after the Soviet Union collapses; it's basically learned behavior at this point.
Ivan suffering from physical pain due to his steroid use before his fight with Rocky; I can imagine him probably being unable to sleep on his side, for example, as well as having liver damage. I could also see him suffering from depression as well, which is associated with withdrawal from anabolic steroid use.
Ivan and Viktor living in a small, run-down, rented house as part of a network of communal homes because many Russians couldn't afford nicer housing.
Viktor going to a school that literally teaches about nothing but Communism and how great it supposedly is and being a member of the Oktyabryat ("Little Octobrists") and then joining the Young Pioneers.
Ivan waiting in a very long line to get a car, which sometimes took years.
If the two of them were living in a rural area with a lack of street lighting, using a match or a flashlight to walk around in the dark.
Viktor essentially being turned into a little soldier, since the Soviets obsessed over preparing kids for war, and given military toys to play with.
Ivan probably not having a fridge in his home, seeing as very few people in the USSR had one, and probably having to wait years and when he does get the notice to buy it, having a one-hour time slot to pick it up but being unable to get it if he was late.
Ivan having to share a bathroom and a kitchen with several other people due to communal housing.
TL;DR the stuff that Rocky IV and Creed II didn't tell you.
