Russia sits at America's side, smiling softly. They sit side by side at the largest table beside the bookshelf, and Russia finds himself glancing back toward the book. The colored paper catching his attention.
Russia returns his gaze to his bowl when America suddenly elbows him. Russia looks up, a little startled, and America looks back with a mischievous smile. Russia scowls playfully and pecks America on the cheek, causing America's face to turn bright red.
America looks back down at his bowl, his face contorts into a pout. Russia smirks and goes back to eating, contently watching the activities around them. Kids talk and the countries were invited into groups of states and provinces. Russia sits back and enjoys the company.
Russia finishes, clears his space, and sits beside America, watching him laugh. Russia finds himself staring with what he's sure is a dopey smile. America turns and meets his eyes, and Russia looks away, feeling embarrassed, one hand covering his mouth and cheeks.
America leaves to clear his space and Russia gets up to follow.
America settles on the couch and Russia sits next to him, but not for long.
America pulls Russia down, and Russia lays back, his head and shoulders in America's lap. Russia stiffens a little. America gently rubs Russia's chest before his hand trail up to Russia's hair. Russia relaxes at the tender fingers brushing through his hair. He closes his eyes and leans back, more than happy to receive the affection.
America's hands gently slide over Russia's ears, and Russia breaths deep. Russia feels calloused fingers brush his cheeks, and he smiles.
A warm, static-y feeling fills his head, and Russia forces himself to relax in America's arms.
Russia lets his mind wander.
Then something catches his attention and pulls him from his warm bubble of safety.
Sound.
Russia keeps his eyes closed, and he listens as the sounds around him start to get louder and clearer. It's still muffled by America's hands, but he could hear. The tinnitus is still there, but the sounds around him return.
Russia hears America laugh.
'I can hear you.'
Russia feels tears leak from his eyes. His smile grows and his bottom lip quivers. America moves his hands and brushes away the tears without question. America shifts and places a feathery kiss on Russia's forehead.
"It's okay," America says, and his voice rising above the ringing.
More tears fall and relief shakes Russia to his core.
'I'm okay.'
'I'm okay.'
'I'm okay.'
America pulls Russia up onto his chest, and Russia opens his eyes, looking through tears at the ceiling. Laughter spills from his mouth and tears trace his cheeks. America kisses Russia's temple and hugs him securely.
Russia sits up, and America lets him. Russia turns around and smiles brightly, ignoring the tears that trail down his face.
"America..." Russia says, "you..."
"Russia?" America asks, his eyes wide.
Russia grasps America's face and leans in, pressing his forehead on America's. He looks into America's eyes.
"I can hear you," Russia mutters.
It strange, not hearing his own voice, but it didn't matter. He knew the words he said, and America's expression made it worth it.
YOU ARE READING
Book 3 - Retrievers
FanfictionWith his brother still in danger and magic on the fritz, Russia must keep himself together enough just to survive. With people behind him and monsters to chase, will he be able to bring his brother back safe?
