Notes: I'm so happy to finally show you guys the new cover page, drawn by kaffeogte!
"How did you really like Poland's celebration for the 100 year anniversary?"
"Tacky."
"I hate it when he rubs it in our faces."
"Which part? The part where he forced our hands in marriage, or the part where he beat us at our own war?"
America's eyes clouded. He didn't like to be reminded of either part, but if he had to choose…
"Stop looking so gloomy."
"Huh?"
"I hate it when you're gloomy. Stop it," lamented Russia.
America gave him a weak smile. "We were pretty terrible, weren't we?"
"Yes."
"Don't you wish we could take it all back."
"All the time."
"We deserved the beating we got."
"America, please stop. You're going to make yourself cry."
"Too late," he sniffled.
This happened every year on this day. He'd remember what he'd done, how power hungry he became, and he'd hate himself all over again. This was the punishment they deserved.
At first, their marriage consisted almost entirely of fights, arguments, and hatred, but since they were married with only one government between the two of them, they were only digging themselves a deeper grave with every fight they had. Over time, the rivalry became too exhausting and they gave up on their hatred. Something else replaced it.
"America, come to bed."
America looked away from the window he was standing at. His husband was sitting in bed, waiting for him. He crawled into bed and took his place beside him. Russia wiped his tears away as he's gotten into the habit of doing. In the dim lighting of the bedside lamp, America could just make out the thin white scarring on Russia's neck. He was vaguely aware that he had caused the scar, but he couldn't remember what that particular fight was about. It certainly pre-dated the Russo-American War.
America leaned in to kiss Russia's scar—a nightly ritual for him. Even when they spent their nights apart, America counted them and given the chance, he would make up for all those lost kisses.
The worst part about all this is that it took Poland forcing them together for them to realize they were better together than against each other. It still took years afterwards for them to see that they loved each other. They were stronger together.
"We could build an empire together now," said Russia.
America smiled. Apparently Russia, as always, thought similarly. He turned the light off and nestled himself in Russia's arms.
"Yeah, we could."
Notes: We opened with Finland and Iceland's new blossoming relationship and we now close with Russia and America's long established one. Both couples had so many hardships to go through, but the troubles brought them closer together, helped them forge a stronger bond, and made them invincible in the end.
I can't believe I actually gave up on this fic at some point. It doesn't even have that big a following, but I found the time and motivation, I made myself a schedule and I finally finished it. What a monster.
This fic is over, but I'm certainly not done! My next fic to go up is a continuation of Singing Well, a DenNor fic, and one I'm personally very proud of writing.
If you have any questions, don't be shy! Write me a message, send me an ask, criticize and question me! I love hearing from my readers.
But until next week, farewell!