Inspiring Music:
Belly Up -- Maria Mena
Don't Know What To Do, Don't Know What To Say -- Ric Segreto
After a World Conference, America and Russia liked to walk around for a while, just talking and sometimes laughing. Russia was grateful to have the nation's company; most of the other nations perceived him as too scary to approach, and stayed away from him. No matter how he acted, every time someone stammered when he approached, every time someone hurriedly excused themselves when he was present, Russia was hurt. But with America, he didn't have to act so hostile. When he was around America, the Russian's insanity got a little better. Thoughts of a nice, bloody mass murder flew right out of his mind when America was near. America brought out the best in him.
"Hey Ivan?" America asked. They were walking along the streets, on the side of the road where the trees and buildings didn't block out the sun. Russia liked that; he so rarely got to see the sun, and times like this were calming.
"Yes, Alfred?" Russia responded, looking at the slightly shorter nation. Blue eyes sparkled as he asked his next question.
"Would you mind it if I came to visit sometime?" America asked curiously.
"Why would you like to do that?" Russia questioned, confused.
"Well, we've talked about your country, but I'd like to see it for myself."
"But why? It is cold, almost always snowing, and anyway, people will not take kindly to you if you are with me," Russia said. "Surely your country is much more comfortable, da?"
"Yes, it probably is, but still. I'd just like to see the place where you spend your life," America said. He shrugged and began striding off the sidewalk. Russia followed him, noting the green blades of grass brushing at their boots. When they were far enough off the road that they could no longer hear the obnoxious noises of the cars, America flopped down in the grass, hands behind his head. Russia copied, closing his eyes and basking in the warmth of the sun on his face.
"I mean," America said. "If you wouldn't feel comfortable with it, I get it. I don't have to..." he stopped. Russia could hear the hurt in his voice and hurriedly propped himself up on his side, looking at America with violet eyes.
"Nyet, nyet, America!" he said quickly. "I would love for you to visit my country. It is just that sometimes, people tend to get a little crazy. Many own guns, and sometimes they will try shooting at things for fun."
America rolled on his side so he was facing Russia. "I'll be fine," he said happily.
"How do you know?" Russia asked. He couldn't help being protective of the blond man with him. He was, after all, the one person that could make Russia happy.
"Because I've got you to protect me," America said simply.
The two lay back again, watching as the opalescent clouds idly drifted across the sea of viridian above them. Russia nearly fell asleep with the sun on his skin, the quiet sounds of the calm wind brushing the grass, and the company of his friend beside him. Russia only opened his eyes when America stood over him, tugging at his scarf, smiling and telling him to get up because it was growing late. Rising, Russia and America walked back to the World Conference building, where they departed with promises to speak to each other soon.
Russia walked back to the house he stayed in during extended World Conferences, so he wouldn't have to make the flight all the way to Russia and back overnight. He truly enjoyed the times he could stay here, with the friendly people and the warming sun. The sun was a big deal to him; it symbolized all that the Russian liked about the world. The warmth, brightness, and restorative powers. He was deprived of those back in his homeland, which might have been a contributing factor to why he had grown so manic.
America's comforting presence still lingering in his thoughts, Russia swung open the door to his house, a contented smile gracing his face.
"Oh! Good a-afternoon, Mr. Russia," Latvia stammered, scurrying up from his seat at the dining room table to pull out a chair for Russia. Instead of adopting the purple aura and sadistic smirk Latvia had been expecting, Russia smiled a true smile and motioned for Lativa to sit down.
"Good afternoon, Raivis," Russia said cheerfully, rumpling the much shorter nation's sandy blond hair fondly. "It's a beautiful day outside."
"Yes, it is," Latvia said, smiling back at the older man. He's been with America, Latvia thought happily. It had been happening more often now that Russia and America had developed their strong friendship. Russia would go around smiling and chatting with the younger Baltics, rather than swinging his pipe and threatening them with violence.
"Would you like some hot chocolate, Little Raivis?" Russia asked. Latvia raised an eyebrow; today was definitely a good day for Russia.
"Yes, please, Mr. Russia. I'd like that," he said, nodding. "I'll go make--"
"Nonsense," Russia interrupted him, getting up. "I'll make it." Latvia glanced down the hallway as Estonia and Lithuania came in. They glanced from Russia to Latvia, who was sitting unhurt and happy at the table. Latvia motioned for them to come in, grinning.
"Ah, Eduard and Toris," Russia said, smiling when he caught sight of them. "Would you like hot chocolate, too?"
When Russia was making the drinks, the three Baltics looked at each other and shared a knowing smile. They wondered if Russia would ever see how much he liked America; it was so obvious to them. Latvia especially knew, for Russia seemed to gravitate toward the young nation, trying to make up for all the times he had horribly mistreated the Latvian in the past.
"Could you please answer that, Raivis?" Russia asked as the phone rang. Latvia nodded and ran over to the phone, but for once, he was rushing so he could get to the phone in time, and not so Russia wouldn't beat him for not doing it quicker.
"Hello, Braginski residence," Latvia said, grappling for the phone on the wall.
"Hello Latvia! Can I speak to Russia, please?"
"Sure! Just a moment," Latvia said. Holding the receiver to his shoulder, he mouthed 'America' to Estonia and Lithuania. They smiled widely and looked over at Russia.
"Mr. Russia, it's for you!" Latvia called. Russia immediately looked up and saw the Baltic's smile. Latvia handed him the phone and went to stand with Estonia and Lithuania. When Russia answered the phone, his face immediately split into a wide smile.
"Hello, America!" he said delightedly. "How are you?"
The three Baltics glanced at each other, and took their hot drinks with them out of the room, leaving Russia sitting at the table, chatting with America.
"He's getting a lot better," Latvia commented as they retired to the terrace. He began absentmindedly playing with the long tree leaf hanging over his head, batting it back and forth in an almost cat-like fashion.
"It's America's doing," Estonia said, looking back into the house as they heard Russia laugh. "The man may be sort of an idiot, but it's like he's medicating Russia."
"He's practically like a high-school student," Lithuania said. "Well, maybe."
The three Baltics sat out on the terrace until sundown, listening to Russia's kind voice and joyous laughing. It didn't stop until late at night, leaving the Baltics to fall asleep with peaceful smiles touching their lips.
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Author's Notes: Thank you so much for reading! I always thought there was someone who could act as Ivan's 'happy pills', and figured it could be the good ol' U S of A!
Reviews , please?