Chapter 7: Think, eat, cry

This chapter ends with another little 'side-story'; I only call them that because they have different main characters. And also: the cake is a lie!

xoxox

America was lying on his bed, thinking.

After everyone had gotten a roommate and key, the Italian brothers informed them dinner would be ready in two hours. The guests then all went to their respective rooms, and now had some free time. Before America reached his room though, Canada had pulled him apart for a moment. Ignoring America's question of who he was, the other interrupted him.

"What exactly is going on between you and Russia?" he asked.

Before America could answer though, Prussia came to collect his brother. America promised the Canadian they would talk about it later. So now, he was thinking about what he was going to say.

He was alone in the room; Russia had gone off to pay a visit to France for some reason. America studied the flowery design on the ceiling, letting his brains do their work.

'What exactly is going on between me and Russia, huh?'

He couldn't tell Canada he was just doing his work as a hero, and was trying to work on Russia's social skills. Or could he? No, America was sure his brother would lecture him about 'no playing with the feelings of others' or something like that. You didn't just become friends with someone to teach them what friendship is. On the other hand, if he were to tell anybody, it would have to be his brother. No, he would just tell Canada they had suddenly noticed they got along quite nicely, and therefore had decided to become friends. And if the other would keep questioning him, he would just shrug and laugh it off. America didn't feel like giving difficult or vague explanations and getting lectured for it. This was something he had bestowed upon himself, something he wanted to work on. But maybe Canada wouldn't immediately disapprove?

America let out a frustrated sigh and jumped off of his bed. Thinking about all of this only made his head hurt. Because frankly, it wasn't even him that had made the decision to become Russia's friend. It was that part of him that always wanted to be the hero, no matter the situation. Did his real self want to help the Russian?

'Yes I do.'

America was shocked by his own thoughts. He did want to be friends with Russia? Why?

'Because Russia is actually a nice guy when he's not being violent. And most of all because he is lonely. I don't want people to be lonely, not even Russia.'

Wow, his mind was on a roll today. The reasoning sounded perfectly clear. Still, America was left feeling a little confused. He decided to go take a walk to cool his mind, and exited the room.

The hallways were pretty lively at the moment. Sealand was running around excitedly, followed by the watchful eye of Sweden and Finland. South Korea was pestering China, claiming the paintings on the wall had their origins in his country. Greece was taking a stroll, followed by an entire army of cats.

America halted when he heard sounds leaking out of one of the rooms.

"Non! Je suis vraiment désolé! JE T'EN SUPPLIE!"

"Kolkolkolkolkol…"

America shuddered and decided to keep walking. Yes, it was his duty to protect the innocent, but it was France for Pete's sake! It was very likely his own damn fault for getting Russia upset.

America just kept walking, trying to clear his mind. That is until it came to him: there was nothing to clear.

Fact: he wanted to help Russia get rid of his loneliness.

Fact: he could just tell Canada they had come to like one another.

Fact: America realized he really did like the Russian, as weird as that may sound. His past self would have been shocked, disgusted by the very idea. But his modern day self actually felt quite comfortable with it all.

…Fact: He was happy about making a new friend. America was a companion animal, he couldn't stand the thought of having no one around him. For him the saying 'the more the merrier' definitely counted.

So, knowing all of this, there was nothing to worry about, was there?

With his thoughts sorted out, America returned to his room, mind at peace. Upon returning, he found Russia sitting in a chair and reading a book. When he heard the door open, the nation looked up and smiled (he was secretly hoping America wouldn't notice the bloodied pipe lying in the bathtub).

"Hey there big guy," America said, returning the smile. Yes, he was just going to enjoy being friends with Russia.

After all, what could possibly go wrong?

xoxox

Loud laughter and chattering could be heard from the dining room, where all the nations had gathered for a splendid meal. Both North-and South-Italy had made a couple of excellent courses, helped by China and Turkey. France was supposed to help as well, but he had disappeared for some odd reason. The guests sat scattered across the room, seated at tables suited for at max five people. America and Russia were sharing a table with Canada and Prussia. The American and the Prussian kept telling each other obnoxious jokes, while the other two ate in silence.

Russia simply enjoyed listening to his companions, happy with the pleasant mood that seemed to be draped over the room. It also gave him time to think back on his previous 'encounter' with France. The Frenchman now knew better than to ever try and hang up on him again.

Canada shivered when he saw the look on Russia's face, but wisely kept his mouth shut.

"Hey Birdie, what are you thinking about?" Prussia suddenly asked him, having noticed the nation being a little quiet. America looked at his brother curiously, as if only now noticing his presence.

Canada opened his mouth to say something, but was cut off as Belgium asked everyone's attention. She, the Netherlands and Switzerland had just come out of the kitchen with baskets filled with chocolaty treats.

"Hallo everyone! To celebrate Feliciano and Lovino's birthday, Vash, Abel and I have made some desserts! We hope you like them!" Belgium said.

"Have you made any special brownies?" Prussia yelled out.

"Maybe," the Netherlands replied coolly, face emotionless.

Prussia was very generous with his next grin.

"Hallo!" Belgium tittered as she reached their table. "How have you all been doing?"

"Great, thanks!" America said as he scooped up a piece of cake from her basket.

"Awesome as always Emma," Prussia nearly purred, searching for any brownies.

Belgium scoffed playfully at him before turning to the other two.

"Our brother Henri would have loved to be here, but he couldn't get away. Too much work." Henri was the human name for the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the little brother of the Netherlands and Belgium. Belgium said he wasn't here because of work, but the real reason was probably because Liechtenstein had come over to visit… If Switzerland knew about this, he would have stayed home as well. But luckily, his mind was preoccupied by his Belgian girlfriend.

"Thank you," Canada whispered as he picked out a dessert as well.

Belgium then turned to Russia, still smiling. Russia hummed happily and took a treat as well, thanking the other for her thoughtfulness (and happy Belgium didn't cower away from his creepy little smile).

"It's my pleasure! Vash and I love working with chocolate after all!" Belgium said proudly.

"This stuff is amazing!" America drooled.

"Bedankt!" Belgium was beaming, and gleefully skidded back to the kitchen to drop off her now almost empty basket.

At that moment, France finally entered, covered in noticeable bruises. He silently made his way to the table were England was sitting at, trying to avoid the stares he got, and desperately trying to stay out of sight from a certain Russian. He immediately got questioned by a very concerned looking Englishman, which made him a little happy. He couldn't tell what happened though, and just shrugged it off, saying he fell down the stairs. England didn't believe the obvious lie, but decided to give it a rest for the time being. If France wanted to be stubborn, then so be it.

At another table, Spain was trying to kiss his beloved Lovino.

"Not now, you damn tomato bastard! Wait till tonight…" Romano whispered, embarrassed.

Spain coloured a bright pink at his words, and his imagination started running wild.

Near the back of the room, a shy German gave Veneziano a kiss on the cheek, wishing him a happy birthday. The Italian was ecstatic with the gesture, and nearly knocked Germany out of his chair when he attacked him with hugs and kisses.

Poland was discussing the best brand of nail polish with Hungary, while Lithuania and Austria awkwardly tried not to be involved in the conversation.

Greece and Japan were having a conversation about cats, while Turkey kept trying to aggravate the Greek.

So, considering how their meetings went, all of the guests were having a relatively good time. At least for now, things were going smoothly.

xoxox

America was trying to watch some television while Russia was busy taking a shower. He was comfortably full and the room had exactly the right temperature. He was definitely going to sleep well tonight. He decided to put on his pyjamas and get under the covers while his roommate was in the bathroom. After making a warm little nest he decided to give his eyes some rest until Russia returned. He slipped off Texas and neatly put the glasses away. Yes, he could watch some TV when the Russian returned…

As Russia exited the bathroom, he found America fast asleep. He chuckled softly as he turned off the television. He went over to America's bed and looked down at him. His sleeping face really was cute. Golden locks were spread out over the pillow, except for that weird little pluck that always stood up. His lips were slightly parted, and an expression of pure bliss soothed his features. His chest rose and fell at an easy pace, and he had the blankets clutched in his hands in an adorably innocent way.

Russia smiled, a genuine smile this time. A warm feeling spread through his chest as he eyed the sleeping American. Something urged him to bend over and gingerly place a kiss on America's cheek. America lightly stirred in his sleep, but didn't wake up. Russia waited a few seconds before getting back up, taking in America's smell now that he had the chance. He smelled of sunlight and his beloved hamburgers, of green grass and forests, of muddy swamps, earthy soil and rich history. He smelled like a nation who had influences from the entire world, a collection of many different people and cultures. He smelled of diversity, but somehow it all fit together. He was the United States of America after all.

Russia regained his composure when America stirred again. He silently crept over to his own bed, getting under the covers without a sound. He turned on his night light and flicked off the big lights. He took out his book and began to read, every now and then looking back at his companion.

America was slowly filling up the hole in his chest. His plan was working.

xoxox

In another room, Canada was trying to sleep as well. His concern for both his brother and the discussion earlier between France and England kept him awake. But soon, something else drew his attention.

Canada could hear soft sounds coming from the other bed. It almost sounded like… Prussia was crying. Which couldn't possibly be true. Canada had never seen the Prussian cry before. He was too 'awesome' for that, as he often said himself.

But Prussia was crying. The room arrangements and dinner had kept his mind off of things, but now that he was in a quiet room, his thoughts had gone back to Austria. And with the help of a little booze, he could no longer keep his feelings locked away. He loved the damn bastard, why couldn't the other see that? But he didn't want to steal him away from Hungary either. That would be incredibly un-awesome, and he and Hungary had gone through too much together to even consider that. He did care for her as his childhood friend, even though he would really love to pound her to smithereens right now.

As the sniffling increased, Canada soundly got out of his bed. He tip-toed to the other, and laid a hand on the bump of body and blankets.

"Gilbert, are you all right?"

Prussia stiffened at the touch. Shit, he had been found out! This was not cool at all! He wasn't supposed to let others know he was hurting! …On the other hand, he did like Canada, so maybe he could trust him…

"Gilbert?" Canada said again, voice soft and comforting.

Prussia cautiously got up from under his covers, crimson rubies even redder than usual. Canada was keeping a close eye on him while he changed positions. What had made his friend this sad?

Prussia looked up to apologize for his un-awesome behaviour, but when he saw the look on Canada's face, he felt a lump in his throat. He looked away, not wanting even Canada to see him like this. He wanted to tell the nation that everything was fine, that he should go back to sleep. But he couldn't. Instead, a sad little whimper escaped his mouth.

Prussia was startled as he felt two arms wrap themselves around his body, pulling him into a comforting hug. Tears started streaming down his cheeks again as he slumped against the Canadian's shoulder. A hand softly rubbed his back, while he buried his face in the other's pyjama tops. He had never felt so pathetic before.

Canada said nothing. He simply wanted to give Prussia a chance to get it out of his system. He didn't even have to explain why he was crying. Canada just hated how helpless he felt when he saw the great Prussia this miserable. He had to comfort him somehow, he simply had to.

When Prussia could finally speak again, he uttered only one sentence: "You are the only one who has ever seen me like this, Birdie."

Canada smiled lightly and increased his grip on the other.

"I won't tell anyone," he promised, making Prussia smile once more.

xoxox

I originally included Luxembourg because he was kind of forgotten in the main series, but guess what! He's there now!

And Belgian chocolate is the absolute best! Believe me, I speak from experience.

Words:

Non : No
Je suis vraiment désolé: I am truly sorry
Je t'en supplie: I beg of you
Hallo: Hey
Bedankt: Thanks