Cursed Soul: Hello all of you Hetalia peeps.
America: Soul, dude, seriously let them start reading already!
Cursed Soul: Fine. Well, I don't own Hetalia, and I'm positive I never will. That horrifying fact always kills part of my soul... Oh the irony! *facepalm*
Cursed Soul: Enjoy the fanfic. I'll post chapter 2 as soon as I can~
The Nations
"Come on Sami, we're gonna be late!" She heard the voice ahead of her pause for a second, and curse under its breath. "Damnit, Britain's gonna be pissed at me again."
She finally caught up with the person making all of the loud noise once she sped up the pace. The boy's brown Air force jacket flapped gently at the young country's sides; as she caught up with him, she spoke:
"America, I'm sure Britain won't be that mad at you." She said reassuringly to the dirty blonde, "It's not the first time you've been late to a World Meeting, right?"
America's aqua eyes lit up at her kindness as he jogged down the extremely long hallway with his friend. "Well, yeah, but this is your first time at a meeting. I wanted it to be perfect when I introduced you to everyone…Some hero I am." He made a disappointed face at the last part of his sentence.
"Oh, that's fine. Don't worry about it, it's my fault we're late anyway." She said happily. "I know you did your best to get me here and…thank you."
"Anytime Sami!" He said triumphantly, pride shown on his excited face.
The two opened doors, cut corners, and ran up staircases until they came to a pair of huge wooden doors where they stopped to take a breather. The two were panting from their long run together. America had his hands on his knees and his eyes were closed. Sami brushed her long black hair away from her hazel eyes and tanned skin, she adjusted her outfit too.
She was wearing a light purple summer shirt (her favorite color), a gray zipper sweater over it, and a black skirt with a small leather belt. Her black striped flats matched perfectly with her knee-high socks. Sami's waist-long black hair was tied back in a high ponytail, except for the bangs that covered the left side of her face. She used bobby pins to try and hold back most of it from her face, but they always seemed to slip out of her silky hair. She readjusted her opal necklace.
The necklace was simple. A piece of opal shaped like a teardrop, tied to a brown string hung from her neck. It glittered in an array of colors when the light hit it. She heard her friend speak when she finished fixing her clothes.
"T-the m-meeting i-is i-in t-there." America gasped, and pointed to the door behind him with a gesture over his shoulder. "I-I h-hope i-it h-hasn't s-started y-yet…"
"O-ok." Sami stammered. She'd never been more nervous in her life. I wonder if they'll like me... Britain sounds nice, well, from what America's told me about him… But what about the rest of them? I don't know if I can do this…I've never met another country besides America, Australia, and ZheZhe before... New Zealand, I wonder how he's doing...
A hand gently grabbed her shoulder and her head snapped up. Her exotic hazel eyes locked with America's soothing blue ones, his mouth spread into a happy grin when he saw her startled expression.
"I know you're nervous, but don't worry. I'll be there to protect you Sami." His smile grew even wider, "These countries might seem creepy at first; but once you get to know them, they're pretty nice guys."
A small smile appeared on Sami's face, and she gave America a quick hug. She wrapped her arms around his neck and let go after a couple seconds. His face was scarlet red when she let go, it made her giggle.
"What are you laughing at?" Embarrassment was obvious in his voice as he questioned her.
"You're all red, silly." She said to her friend, and pointed to his flushed cheeks.
"WHAT?" His hands shot to his face in panic and he attempted to cover up the bright color, "HERO'S DON'T GET RED IN THE FACE!"
"….."
The two broke out into a fit of uncontrollable laughter after America's little freak out. By the end, both were hanging onto each other so they wouldn't collapse from the lack of oxygen. Suddenly, one of the wooden doors leading into the meeting opened, and a blonde head popped out to check the hallway.
"Oh, there you are America… You decided to show up this time, pity." The emerald-eyed boy spoke with a British accent and opened the door more to welcome the duo in.
"Thanks dude, you didn't start already did you?" America said loudly as he grabbed Sami's hand to take her inside.
"No, but we were about to start. Japan heard you two laughing from the outside and made us wait…" The boy made a disgusted face.
America ignored him and dragged Sami into the room, leaving behind the British boy to close the door. He took her to a large table where many other countries were already sitting and chatting. Sami grew pale. There's so many of them…I wonder who the one that opened the door was? Maybe Britain? The girl's thoughts were ended when a loud voice spoke up:
"Here you go Sami; you can sit next to me." He pulled up a chair next to the one labeled "America" in red, white, and blue. Sami smiled; he was being so nice to her today.
"Thanks America." She said to her friend and sat down in the chair he'd brought her.
"Of course, the Hero provides everything for his friends!" America laughed happily and sat down next to her, a little close. He just smiled some more.
Once the British boy sat down at the table, a voice spoke up to quiet down the crowd of countries:
"Now zhat everyone iz finally here. Ve should probably start by introducing ourselves to zhe new recruit." Sami spotted the source of the voice at the other end of the table. He had light blonde hair, slicked back from his face, and sky blue eyes. He wore a green suit. That must be Germany; America said he looked like that…
"Alright zhen. Ve vill go around zhe table and say our names, zhe meeting vill start afterward." The country looked towards Sami. "Guten Tag, I am Germany, if you hadn't already guessed. Ve vill introduce ourselves first, zhen you may say your name vhen ve have finished."
Sami nodded and the German sat down. She tried hard to memorize the countries when they introduced themselves, but was hard to keep up and she lost track of who was actually speaking. So, she tried to memorize the way their voices sounded instead.
"Nǐ hǎo, I am China. I no like these European countries anymore…aru."
"Konnichiwa, I am Japan. I hope you rike your first World Meeting."
"Bonjour, my dear. France will always be available to you."
"Ciao, I am North Italy! I'm so excited to meet-a you! Ve~"
"Privyet, become one with Russia, da?"
"She seems awfully quiet… I am Canada. Nice to meet you."
"Good day, I'm Britain. I hope America hasn't tortured you already."
The voices came in a disorganized fashion and some spoke at the same time. Silence followed afterwards, and Sami noticed that they were all staring at her. She felt an elbow nudge her in the side, and America leaned in to whisper in her ear:
"It's your turn…"
"O-oh! Sorry." She panicked, but everyone gave her a warm smile. "I don't know where to start, uh, well…" She paused. "Talofa, I am American Samoa. I look forward to spending time with all of you." She returned all of their smiles as best she could.
Britain made a face, "So she iscontrolled by America… That's disappointing."
Many of the other countries nodded their heads in agreement:
"That is a shame."
"Awww, she's already been claimed?"
"I no like the fact America has new country of islands aru."
Sami looked towards the floor and sighed. Why does everyone dislike America?
"Awww, come on guys! She seems super nice-a and she's really pretty! Be kind to her on her first day-a! Ve~" Sami recognized the peppy accent and looked over to where a certain Italian sat next to Japan and Germany. She gave the red-head a thankful nod. He smiled back and gave a cheery thumbs up.
She heard Germany speak again, "Alright, so is everyone done?" He waited, "Isht good?…" He paused. "Now zhen, if ve continue on zhe debate ve had last veek on global varming…"
Sami eventually began tuning out his voice and started doodling on the paper provided for all of the nations. She was a surprisingly good artist; it was her favorite thing to do. She always kept paper and a pencil in her bag with her. Sami began sketching of all the nations before her at the table. It was the best way for her to learn everyone's name; it helped her visualize them too. Minutes began to fly by as she sketched her companions.
Drawing China was interesting, she liked the way he carried that cute panda with him and would sneak him a bamboo snack every few minutes when no one was looking. Italy was fun to draw, his genuine smile seemed too hard to put onto paper, she giggled at the silly things he did during the meeting. Japan was difficult to draw, his monotone expression never changed, but his proud aura intrigued Sami. She tried not to stare at him, and she continued to draw.
Sami found it hard to draw Canada because he'd disappear every now and then, but she got it done nonetheless. Britain was easy to draw, but his outfit was a little hard. He wore one of those fancy button up suits and Sami struggled putting the buttons in the right place. France was also fun to sketch, she enjoyed adding shade to the rose he held delicately in his hands. Germany was still talking when she began to draw him, and she enjoyed it. She liked drawing his strong figure, and began to shade in his eyes. After that, Sami looked over next to her. America had made a paper plane and was playing with it like a child. He made "vroom" noises and played with it quietly. She giggled and began to draw her friend. Poor guy, he's bored too…
She finished with America's sketch and looked around the room. Am I forgetting someone? She let her gaze flow across the room when she saw someone sitting alone near the back. His eyes were closed, arms folded, and he was leaning back in his chair, ignoring the ongoing conversation. I wonder who that is… Was it Prussia? No, Prussia is supposed to be Germany's older brother. He doesn't look like Germany… Oh wait, I think it's Russia. Yeah that's it, Russia! He doesn't seem interested in this debate either…
Sami began to draw the form of the Russian sitting across the table. She had just finished his body's outline when she heard a voice:
"And vhat do you zhink about zhis, Samoa?" Germany's voice startled her and she jumped.
"Oh, I, uh…" She stammered, not knowing what he was referring to. "I-I think"-
She was cut off.
"Next time, pay attention. Doodling gets you novhere." After he had embarrassed her, he continued talking about the previous subject. Sami felt the gazes on many countries on her small form.
"Ignore him, he just likes unnerving people." She heard someone whisper in her ear. It was America again, and he smiled to comfort her. "No one else is paying attention; he just wants to scare you because you're new. That's all."
Sami smiled at her friend and his attempt to cheer her up, "Thanks, America."
"Sure thing, do you- WOAH!" America exclaimed. It startled Sami and she jumped out of nervous habit when his fists hit the table.
"DID YOU DRAW THESE?" He basically screamed it out loud, and the whole room stopped to stare. Even Germany was silent as America began to talk.
"Y-yes, I did draw them…" She said quietly and blushed.
"These are AMAZING!"He grabbed them from her and stood up. "Everyone, look. She drew one for everybody!"
Sami panicked; she didn't like it when people saw her work. "America, no! I don't want them to see!" She tried to grab them back but he held them over his head and out of her reach. Everyone had left their seats to come see their pictures. They gathered around Sami and America, which embarrassed the Samoan even more.
"America, where is-a mine?" Italy said excitedly, jumping up and down.
"I would rike to see mine as well." Japan stated politely and calmly to Sami.
"She didn't forget me, did she?" Canada asked quietly.
"I don't get what the big deal is, they're just pictures… Where is mine?" Britain asked America, his green eyes trying to hide their hint of sparkle.
"Vell, I guess I could look at mine too. Vhat's zhe harm?" Germany sighed, knowing that he'd never get their attention back after this.
"Is mine absolutely gorgeous? I must know!" France yelled in panic as he fixed his hair.
"All of you nations are so immature, but I cannot help it either aru!" China said happily.
America began handing out all of the sketches, to Sami's dismay. Then she felt someone grasp her shoulder from behind, she whirled around out of surprise and face planted into someone's chest. She rubbed her head and opened her eyes. She tilted her head upward to recognize the person she'd hit. The very top of her head was only up to his shoulders.
"Do I have one too, da?" Russia asked the girl that had ran into him. He smiled gently, and Sami stared. Her hazel eyes locked onto his purple orbs, and her stomach flipped.
"Uh, are you ok, da?" Russia asked her a little concerned. "Did I frighten you?"
"Oh, no. I'm fine…." She continued to stare at him unintentionally. The group of people around America began inspecting her drawings with excitement.
"Well, Ms. Samoa… you are staring at me, da?" He said with a questioning look.
Sami's face turned pink, "Oh! I'm sorry, it's just… your eyes." She said, pointing towards them.
"My eyes? What about them?" He asked the girl with interest.
"Oh, it's just. I've never seen purple ones before! I didn't know eyes could even be purple." She said with a smile, her hazel eyes lighting up with wonder. "Purple is my favorite color!"
"Purple is your favorite?" He tilted his head to the side slightly and noticed her purple shirt. "Do I take that as a compliment?"
"Oh, I'm sorry... That probably sounded weird." She paused, "Yeah, it's a compliment. I guess…"
"I suppose you don't see ones like this where you are from." He smiled to her happily, "Well, I'm glad you like them, da."
She blushed at how nice he was being and turned her head away, when she remembered something, "Oh yeah, you wanted to see your picture!"
"Da, I would like to see it." He replied to her statement gently.
"I'll go get it," Sami ran over to America by cutting through the group that surrounded him. "Hey, America. Can I have Russia's sketch?"
He turned to her, "Sure Sami, here ya go. It's yours after all." He gave her the paper, "I was wondering if he was ever gonna come and get it!"
Sami looked down at it and froze. I forgot… I didn't have a chance to finish his… She snapped out of her thoughts. "Thanks America. I hope you like your picture too."
He smiled. "Of course I like it! I didn't know you could draw so well, they look exactly like the real thing!" He looked down at it, "It makes me jealous of your skills."
"Thanks, that means so much to me!" She said happily.
He paused and then asked in a serious voice and held up the drawing. "One question… Do I really look like that when I play with paper planes?"
Sami giggled. Then two laughed for a couple seconds until she spoke, "Well, I'm gonna go show Russia. See you in a little while."
"Oh, y-yeah. Uh, Sami." He spoke as he grabbed her hand before she could turn to walk away.
"What is it?" She asked her friend quietly.
"Just, be careful around Russia. Ok?" He said to her, "He can be… well, unpredictable."
"Unpredictable?... He seems nice to me." She questioned the American.
"Just, be careful." He let go and walked away towards Britain. She stopped and watched him begin to talk to the green-eyed boy. When she was sure he wasn't coming back she walked back over to Russia, who was waiting patiently for her to return. A smile lit up his face when he saw her return.
"Your back, da? I thought you forgot about me…" He said to the girl, a little sadness in his voice as he looked towards the floor.
"Oh no. I didn't forget you; America was a little distracting, that's all." She reassured her newfound friend. This made him smile, and Sami couldn't help but turn a little pink.
"Well, let's see it then, da?" He asked her nicely.
Sami stiffened, "Oh well, you see, Russia…"
"Da, what is it?" He asked the girl before she could finish speaking.
"America cut me off before I could finish yours… I'm sorry." She apologized, his happy expression turned to a hurt one.
"Oh… well, that's ok. At least everyone else got one." He sighed after he spoke.
Sami couldn't help but feel bad after he said that, then an idea hit her. "I could finish it for you now, if you want." She offered.
His purple eyes lit up, "Can I watch?"
She giggled. "If you want to, you can." She walked over to the table and he followed close behind her. She sat down and took a pencil out of her pocket, she examined the paper and resumed where she'd left off.
"That's really good, da. I can't draw at all." He said from over her shoulder, he continued to watch her intently.
She continued to draw, and then stopped. "Hey Russia, can you stand next to me instead of behind please?"
"Huh, why?" He asked her in his childish singsong voice.
"Because I can't see you, silly. How am I supposed to draw you?" She teased, and looked up over her shoulder to see his face.
"Oh, I see. Ok!" He said happily, he grabbed the chair closest to where she was sitting and sat down next to her. His elbows rested on the table and supported his head as he watched her continue drawing. She'd glance up at him every now and then and scribble some more. Russia watched as she connected lines, shaded in areas, and erased shapes to make a very realistic picture.
"Wow, very good." He said to her, astonished.
"Wait, you like it?" She asked him with doubt in her voice.
His purple eyes widened, "Da, I like it very much. Don't you?"
She looked away, "Well, I'm a little critical over my work… but if you like it, then I guess it's good enough." She forced a small smile, and added the finishing touches to the picture. She scribbled down her name on the back then handed it to the boy waiting next to her. He took it from her outstretched hand happily.
"It looks just like me, how'd you do that?" He asked the girl in wonder. "I'm no good at art…"
The group over by America was still ranting about their pictures, and the commotion didn't seem like it was going to die down anytime soon. Sami looked over to them, she saw America give her a worried glance before he quickly turned his head away. She dropped her gaze and went back to Russia.
He continued to marvel over the picture, and Sami smiled. "Well… maybe I could teach you?" She winced afterward, expecting him to deny her offer.
He set the picture down on the table and looked at her for a moment, like he couldn't tell if she'd been serious about her offer or not. He tilted his head to the side slightly; eyes narrowed, and asked her in a saddened voice, "You mean, you'd teach me? You don't… care?"
Sami stood up out of her seat, and so did Russia. He waited quietly and searched her for an answer. He seemed desperate; it shone in his lonely eyes.
"Care about what?" She asked him, confused at what the boy was talking about.
"Oh well, you see…no one really li"- He was cut off the certain French voice.
"My dear, this masterpiece you have drawn of me is perfect!" None other than France came up from behind Sami and grabbed hold of her tiny form. He continued to swoon over her and her artwork of him.
"HEY! Let go of me!" She squealed out of fright when a pair of arms wrapped around her body and held her close.
"But… I wanted to give you an offer, ma chérie." He paused, "Do you want to become my personal artist?" His grip on her tightened, he began to chuckle to himself when she struggled in his arms.
"I'll pass. No let go of me!" She fidgeted and squirmed, but couldn't break free.
"No, my beautiful flower. You belong to me now, we shall"-
SLAM!
France immediately yelped and released his grip on Sami. She instantly took a few steps away when she heard the sickening thud, and she wondered what had happened to make France let go. Then, she noticed Russia and her eyes widened.
"She doesn't like that, da?" He said to the French man with venom in his voice. "I suggest you don't touch her like that anymore."
He was holding a sink pipe in his hands, and he inched closer to France; who was now on the ground due to the impact. He was holding his hands to his head, and his eyes were closed shut in pain. A small trickle of blood was trailing down France's usually flawless face.
France's blue eyes dilated in horror when he opened them, "I-I'm sorry, Russia. I didn't know that"-
"Don't do it again, da." He pointed the pipe at France's form, from above. "If you do, I won't be happy." He prodded France in the chest and trailed the steel object upward towards the Frenchman's neck. Russia hummed a haunting tune as he waited for an answer and a creepy smirk spread across his face.
France's blood ran cold, "Y-yes, Russia. I won't do it again!" He promised the Russian towering over him as quickly as possible to avoid harm. France held his hands up to shield his face, and then Russia slowly dropped his weapon.
Where did he even GET that? Sami thought to herself in alarm. I guess… this is what America meant by "unpredictable"… She winced at the fact that she hadn't believed her friend.
"Da, now you apologize to her." Russia said with a devious grin, it looked like he was enjoying being able to torment France.
France slowly made it to his feet, and gave Sami a nervous smile. Russia pushed France over to Sami with the end of his sink pipe, "Go on; but don't do something stupid, da."
France cursed under his breath and mumbled an apology in French. "Je suis désolée."
"She can't hear you, da." Russia said to him and forced France to speak louder. "And say it so she can understand you."
"I am sorry, ok!" He stomped his foot in annoyance, and turned to Sami with a noticeable frown. "No leave me alone, imbécile…" He turned to leave when America cut in:
"WOAH! DUDE WHAT'S UP WITH THE BLOOD?" He exclaimed loudly, it caught the rest of the room's attention and they all came over to see what was going on. They crowded around Sami, Russia, and America.
France gave America a disdainful look, shoved past him, and exited through the crowd. They hit shoulders as he kept walking towards the door. The entire room was silent as they watched him leave in such a rush. France stormed out, and slammed the door as he went.
The group of nations began to murmur to each other:
"What happened to-a brother France?"
"Vhat zhe hell just happened here?"
"I think it was Russia, aru."
"Anger is not an excuse to attack someone, not even if you disrike them."
"But he was harassing Samoa…"
"Bloody hell, France got his ass kicked. Too bad I missed it."
"SHUT UP!" America screamed into the fray of countries, they all came to silence once they heard his overwhelming voice. Once America knew they were finished talking, he turned to Russia, who was now standing side by side with and uncomfortable Sami. Russia's sink pipe had all but disappeared.
"You!" He pointed at Russia with an angered look on his face.
"Da, it's me." Russia said to him calmly with a smug look.
"What the hell did you hit France for?" America asked the other country loud enough so everyone could hear. "You made him BLEED." He stressed the part about blood, which made Sami feel uneasy.
"Well, Fr"- Russia began, but Sami cut him off.
"America, uh. You see… France was harassing me, so Russia stopped him…" She stammered, hoping Russia wouldn't get into trouble because he had stood up for her.
"He was harassing you?" America asked. "Why didn't you yell for me? I would have came running…" He had a hurt look on his face when he finished speaking.
"You were busy with everyone else. I didn't think things would get out of hand like that…" She said to him, "I'm sorry."
"Sami…" He stopped, and turned to Russia. America could feel the tiny flame of disappointment inside him roar into a blaze of hatred. He came up and stepped between Sami and the huge Russian. The American paid no attention to the evil glares Russia was sending him.
"Now, I want you to stay away from Sami. She doesn't need to hang around with the likes of you." He spat the last part. "Hurting your own comrade; last time I checked, that's betrayal."
Russia's dark eyes narrowed at the remark, "Da, maybe I wouldn't have had to hurt France if someone had been there to help me… America." He sent the angry message to the American with a hiss.
The two kept smart talking as the other countries looked on with interest. Japan, Italy, and Germany were standing close to one another. Italy whispered little messages back and forth between his two closest friends. China, Britain, and Canada stood together too. China was going on about how immature this ordeal was, while Britain mocked almost everything America was saying at the moment with a smug grin on his face. Canada remained silent and continued to watch intently, cuddling his small polar bear. Sami stood behind America helplessly, who was shielding her from Russia.
"Well maybe I"- America started but was cut off.
"STOP FIGHTING RIGHT NOW!" Sami yelled.
The two that had been arguing immediately stopped midsentence. The two turned to face her, but the static atmosphere remained charged.
"You two are ridiculous!" She shook her head, "You're fighting over something so stupid…"
America looked at her with worry in his eyes, "Sami, I just don't want it to happen again"-
"Be quiet America!" She stated over his reply. He froze, and a hurt look came over his normally cheery face.
"What?..." He asked her, his blue eyes seemed wet. Or was it just Sami's imagination?
"I said to be quiet!" She repeated her earlier statement a little louder. America sucked in a breath, and then his gaze fell to the floor. He remained silent.
"Don't fight… Ok?" She looked at Russia, who nodded slowly; and then to America. He returned her gaze, and then nodded as well. She continued: "I don't like it when people fight with one another."
A moment passed, and then Italy came up next to Sami. He gave her a quick hug and a friendly smile. "Don't be-a sad Samoa! They'll forgive-a each other! Right guys?" He said in a peppy voice as he locked eyes with the two enemies.
He gave them a pleading look with the biggest brown kitten eyes he could muster. "It would make her happy you know…" He added in with an adorable smirk.
Russia and America exchanged hesitant glances, then after a moment America spoke:
"Well, I guess I was a little harsh…"
"A little?" Sami asked her friend with a raised eyebrow.
"Ok, I was pretty harsh…" He turned to look at Russia, who was only a few steps away. "Sorry… I guess."
Russia shrugged at the America's attempt to resolve the conflict, "Da, that's fine… Mne zhalʹ tozhe."
Italy squealed with delight and jumped into the air. "They've made up! Ve~"
America looked at Russia again, and said, "Uh, one thing though…"
"Hmmm?" Russia said through a closed mouth.
"How hard did you hit France?" America asked, "Ya know, in case he doesn't show up anytime soon…"
Britain immediately came up to America. "I want to know the answer to that as well." He paused and turned to Russia, "If it wasn't hard enough for long term damage; do you think you could do it again?"
Not one person spoke, they all stared at Britain, wide-eyed.
"What? That frog deserves it." He stated matter-of-factly, crossing his arms and holding his head high.
There was silence, but then Italy started to giggle. Which lead to Germany chuckling, Japan holding in what seemed to be laughter; then everyone else joined in and the room began cracking up. A few minutes passed and almost everyone was gasping for breath, except for Britain.
"What are you wankers laughing at? Shut up!" he exclaimed, throwing one of his fists into the air and complaining.
Italy spoke up after his fit of giggles, he held onto his sides as he gasped for breath, "I'm sorry Britain, but you're so funny~"
"Your quarreling with France is still going on?" Japan asked the British boy with a hint of amusement in his usually monotone voice.
"I thought you were more mature, eh?…" Canada said quietly, while cuddling his small bear.
"Britain just likes to have France's attention!" Teased a certain American with a fit of laughter.
Britain stomped his foot in annoyance. "Oh, just forget it… All of you, SHUT UP!""
Germany crossed his arms, "Zhat sounds good to me, ja." The crowd turned to look at him when they heard his low voice. "Can ve continue our vorld meeting now?"
"I don't feel like it, aru. Can we resume it tomorrow?" China said from next to Japan with a solemn expression. "We've been here long enough today, aru." He folded his hands neatly and his long sleeves concealed them shortly afterward.
"Yeah dude, I agree with China. I wanna go home." America complained from next to Sami. "We've been here for hours."
Germany sighed and turned to the tired group. "Who else vhant's to go home zhen?"
Italy raised his hand to answer his friend's question with enthusiasm. "I do! Ve~"
"I am a bit tired…" Canada responded in his gentle voice.
"I would at reast rike a break." Japan said with a small yawn, covering his mouth gingerly, and his face turned red with embarrassment afterward.
"Why don't we end it for today…" Britain mumbled to himself.
"I have to check on Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia; da." Russia said from his position next to Sami, who was squashed between the Russian and American uncomfortably. Sami looked up at Russia with surprise; he hadn't spoken in a while.
"I would like to end the meeting today too." Sami said to the German softly. "I think we could all use a break, including you Germany." She smiled sweetly to him.
Germany rubbed his forehead before speaking, "Alright zhen, ve vill continue zhe debate tomorrow." He looked at everyone individually, "Otherwise ve'll never focus."
"HELLELUJAH!" America shouted, which made many people flinch. "Come on Sami, let's go home!" He grabbed her hand and proceeded to drag her across the room towards the door against her will.
Sami looked back, sorrow in her eyes as she was leaving the room. She noticed everyone…The entire group began going their separate ways. China and Japan began walking away together, talking in their native tongues and chatting peacefully. Italy and Germany were near the back of the room, putting on their coats for the long walk home. Britain and Canada were already making it out the door, obviously eager to go home and rest for the night. Then, she spotted Russia; he was back over at the table; gathering up his things.
She hesitated for a second, and her mind clicked; she quickly came up with an excuse, "Uh, America…"
He stopped dragging her and turned around. "Yup, the one and only Hero. What is it Sami?"
She got him to let go of her hand, then proceeded to talk, "Uh, I left some of my stuff over at the table... I'll go get it, I can walk home myself." She smiled sweetly, hoping to convince her friend.
His eyes narrowed with suspicion, "Maybe I should go with you."
Sami shook her head, "It's alright, it was nice enough for you to pick me up this morning; you don't have to take me home too."
"Oh… Are you sure? Cause I don't mind." He asked her quietly.
"Yes, I'm sure… Thanks America." She turned to leave when a hand grabbed hers.
"Well… I'll see you tomorrow then?" His blue eyes were full of desperation as he held onto her hand.
She stared for a moment before answering with a smile, "Of course, silly."
He still didn't seem thoroughly convinced. Sami sighed, "Don't worry, I'll be fine." And before America could do anything, she gave him a quick good-bye hug.
She could feel his body tense up when he realized what was happening. After a few moments, she let go. "I'll see you tomorrow." Then, she turned around and left for the other side of the room.
America stood there for a moment, paralyzed. It took him a couple seconds to process that she'd hugged him. Why'd she do that? Was it just to be friendly and cheer me up? It seemed a little too long to be just a farewell hug… He shook his head to clear it. Moron, she's hugged you before. Idiot…
With the thoughts out of his mind, America made for the door. Once he reached it with the doorknob firmly in his hand, he looked over his shoulder. He spotted Sami, over at the table gathering up her things. He smiled, and left; closing the door behind him quietly.
Once America was gone, Sami sighed with relief. I thought he'd never leave me alone… She thought to herself. Once she had her drawing utensils and paper back neatly in her black satchel, she slung it over her shoulders and made for the other end of the table. She took a deep breath once she was next to someone much taller than her. She tugged gently on the long scarf he was wearing around his neck.
"Hey, Russia… Uh, you going home yet?" She asked the boy with his back turned to her.
He instantly turned to face her with a smile, "Oh, Ms. Samoa. I didn't know you were there." He added, "You're awfully quiet, da."
"Oh, I'm sorry for yanking on that…" She pointed to his scarf and apologized quickly, realizing she might have offended him.
He finished organizing his things then put a small bundle into his coat pocket. "Oh, that's ok… It's nice to talk to you, da." He turned to her, and started to walk towards the door. Sami followed close behind him.
By this time, the room was empty. Russia and Samoa were the only two souls left in the vicinity; everyone else was already on their way home. Sami felt a little nervous.
"Do you always walk home by yourself?" She questioned him, hoping it didn't seem like she was prying.
He looked over his shoulder as he opened the door. "Da, no one walks with me. Why?" He held open the door for her, and she thanked him quickly while walking through. He closed the door quietly behind him as he also walked through.
She resumed talking. "I just wanted to know, and I'm sorry. I shouldn't ask you these questions…"
The two were side by side now, making their way down the long hallway together. After a moment Russia spoke:
"Uhm, Ms. Samoa… Are you going the right way?"
She looked up at him, his purple eyes shone with hints of confusion. She spoke afterward, "Oh, well you see…"
"Do I see what?" He asked her another question.
She looked down quickly towards the floor, feeling her face heat up, "I thought I'd walk with you..." She mumbled to herself, just loud enough for Russia to process the words.
His eyes dilated in disbelief, "You want to walk home… with me?" He seemed to doubt her, like a child would question an adult. "Ms. Samoa…"
Sami looked up at him once more, mustering up all of her courage, "Russia, you don't have to call me Ms. Samoa, you know."
He froze, right before he could make it to the door leading outside, and then Sami stopped to wait for him. He spoke, "Well, what do I call you then?"
She smiled, "Sami, silly." She paused, "You can call me Sami; it's a lot easier than Samoa… We are friends after all!"
"Friends…" It took him a moment to digest the word, and then he spoke again. "But..." His purple eyes locked with her hazel ones. "That doesn't answer my other question, da."
"What question?" She asked him with confusion.
"The one I asked you before, da…" He looked away and closed his eyes for a few seconds. "Are you sure you want to walk with me?"
"If didn't want too, would I be waiting for you to keep walking with me right now?" She said to him in a cheery tone, hoping to lighten his now dull mood.
He turned to her, and seemed to search for an answer. "Are you sure?..."
She sighed, "Yes, I am sure." After she spoke she grabbed the boy's hand delicately and began to take him towards the door. He didn't resist, and followed silently.
Once she made it, she opened it quickly and brought him through it. Almost immediately, she could feel a small breeze and took a deep breath of refreshing outdoor air.
"That's feels nice." She said with her eyes closed and head raised.
It had gotten much darker outside; Sami hadn't realized it was this late already. It wasn't dark enough to be night, but sundown would definitely come around soon. That's when she felt the grip on her hand tighten a little bit.
She opened her eyes at the touch, and looked at the friend positioned at her side.
"It does feel good, da." He looked down at her with a fragile smile, still not thoroughly convinced she wanted to stay with him. Sami couldn't tell if he'd meant the weather or her hand when he'd said that…
A few moments passed and the two didn't say anything, until Sami spoke up:
"Well, let's go home then. I guess…" Then, the reality hit her; she'd never make it home now. It was too late already…
Russia felt her tense up, "You live too far away, don't you?" He asked the girl, reading her perfectly.
Sami simply nodded at his question. She had wanted to stay with Russia longer, and the disappointment hurt her.
He froze for a moment, not sure if he should say what was on his mind or not, he decided to give it a try though, "Uh. Ms- oh, I mean Sami." He stammered.
She looked at him, "Yeah, what is it?'
His heart began to pound, not sure if he should continue or not. "My house isn't too far... uh... I have a guest room, da"-
"Wait… are you offering to take me home with you?" Her big hazel eyes widened at his strange offer.
He began panicking, afraid he'd said the wrong thing, "Oh, well, I thought you'd need somewhere to stay"-
"Sure, I'd love to come." She responded happily.
He continued talking, unaware that she had answered, "I understand if you can't- Wait, what?"
"I said I'd love to come, silly." She said it again, and squeezed his hand gently.
She noticed his face turn a little pink, and she continued, "I'd love to see your house, and a… you said Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia would be there to right?"
He nodded, "Da, they're always there. Why?"
"I'd really like to meet them!" She said to him excitedly, "I've heard so much about the Baltic States!" Her eyes lit up with admiration and they seemed to sparkle with joy.
"Well, I could introduce you to them, if you want…" He offered with a weak smile.
"Really? You'd do that?" She asked excitedly, "Thanks so much!" As she spoke, she let go of his hand and before he could do anything, wrapped herself around his midsection.
Russia tensed up, and didn't move. He just stood there, looking down at the small girl snuggling up to him with wide eyes. She didn't let go, his heart began to beat faster, and he became afraid of the fact that she could probably hear it accelerating.
The crisp smell of her made him shiver, but also soothed him. Like a tropical breeze lulls one to sleep at the end of the day. He relaxed a little as he made out the scent of refreshing fruits and ocean spray…
After a moment, he had summoned enough courage to move, and gently rubbed the top of her head with his right hand. He took note of how soft her dark hair was and the way it felt between his fingers… Это, как шелк ...he thought to himself in his native tongue with wonder.
After another few moments, he asked her in a cheery tone, "Are you done now, da?"
Sami jumped, and instantly let go. "I'm sorry; I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable!" She took a step back; worry was audible in her tone of voice as she spoke to him.
"That's alright, da." He said to the girl happily, and grabbed her hand tenderly. "Let's go then…"
She smiled to him brightly, and the two began walking down the side of the road together; leaving behind the building they'd spent most of the day inside. The sun was hanging low in the sky, changing the atmosphere from blue to an array of stunning colors. Sami took in a breath at the beautiful sight, and tightened her grip on the boy next to her.
The two kept walking together, hands intertwined; even after the sun had long since gone down…