Meant to be [countryhumans) [Incomplete)

13: Routine

After his visit to the rink, lessons with Russia come about more frequently. He would often stay back after school when Russia and he were free to practice or visit the rink during hockey sessions whenever he could to steal the Russian player for the remainder of the training. 

Even after he'd finish his article on the hockey team, he still dropped by their practice to see if he could 'borrow' Russia. Not that he was always free of course. If he wasn't, he'd either sit at the spectating benches and watch as the players practised or he would do his things and wait for the Russian at the school entrance. 

They had settled into a new routine now. Despite his father's initial worries and brother's protests, they agreed that Russia was dependable and sensible enough to ensure no harm would come onto the American. Just like that, they had made a new routine, that allowed America to finally walk home, again.

On days that Russia had hockey practice, America would stay back and wait for him. He'd either spend the time in the media club room finishing up articles and plannings or sit at the spectator seats and finish up calculus from math class or something. Sometimes Poland would be nearby, waiting for Germany as well, and he'd strike up a conversation with the other. 

When Russia was done changing out of hockey gear, he would head home with Germany and Poland. Sometimes Nekomi and Japan would join in as well. Russia always made sure America got home safe, before walking back up a few blocks to head to his own house. It was a hassle for him, but he didn't seem to mind, and it was something America found sweet.

Today was no different, America had been waiting at the spectators' benches, working on some math practices with Poland, currently in a heated debate about the possibilites of methods to obtain the 'right' answer.

"No that's wrong, it doesn't make sense. If it's square root, the power would be half, not negative." America argued as Poland furrowed his eyebrows, staring holes into the question. 

He seemed to think about it before sighing in defeat, "right. Fine you win, smartypants."

"Can I get a drink then?" America tested his luck, nudging Poland with a cocky smile.

*Poland rolled his eyes, snorting as he agreed, "where to then, Einstein."

"How about Starbucks, on the way home?" America smugly suggests.

"We'll see." Poland sniffs.

America looks up as he watches the hockey players end their debrief with a team cheer, begins filing into the locker rooms buzzing with conversation.

He locks eyes Russia, who smiles and waves, mouthing 'wait for me'. America nods and watches Russia disappear. His face slowly melts into a gooey and warm lovesick expression that almost had Poland snickering.

"You have it bad. Really bad." Poland says.

America startles out of his haze, whipping his head to Poland in surprise.

"What?"

"You're down so bad for Russia and you don't even know it." Poland laughs.

America blushes at the accusation, "n-no I don't! I don't know what you're talking about. Do you have evidence?"

"I'm just saying. No need to get all hissy and defensive with me." Poland whistles and he puts away his textbook and calculator.

"Hmph." America pouts as he does the same.

"You're in love face it." Poland states.

"No way. Dream on." America retorts back.

He pondered over Poland's words silently. Him? In love with Russia? He shakes his head.

There was no way. He scoffs. Even if thag was the case, it wouldn't work out. Russia was so sweet and kind, he probably had so many other option to choose from. He probably already has someone in mind.

America sighs in defeat. It leaves Poland confused.

But there was no time for him to question as Germany and Russia had changed out and were beckoning for the two to join them at the exit of the building.

"Ready to leave? Got everything?" Germany asks as Poland reaches his side.

Poland hums in reply.

"I'm taking Poland somewhere, you guys can go first." Germany mentions.

Russia nods as he opens the door for America to step out.

"You owe me a drink next time then, I'll see you two next time." America waves before stepping out into the sun with Russia.

"So how was practice?" America asks as they start their walk back home.

"It was good. Here give me your bag, I'll take it for you." Russia reaches for America's bag.

At first America had protested but after  a while he had learnt just how stubborn Russia was and gave in instead.

"Thanks Ruski." Russia hums.

"I'm having a competition next week. Do you want to come?" Russia asks.

"What? Really? I'd love to watch you play!" America smiles widely, eyes glittering with excitement.

"So excited?"

"Of course! It would be such a good article to write about! An opportunity not to be missed especially if you win!" America grins.

Russia feels slightly disappointed for a reason he could not fathom.

"And of course because I'd love to come and watch you play and support you." America smiles warmly. Soft and sincere.

Russia feels a comforting warm flood his chest.

"I'll send you the details and try to save a seat for you then. Do you want to ask if any of your family members want to come as well?"

"I'll ask the rest, but Canada would definitely want to come."

"Alright then."

"I'll be rooting for you. So you better win." America laughs.

Russia chuckles, "if you say so then I will. Anything for you, princess."

"There you go with that stupid nickname again. Haiz." America blushes.

He hates how that one word from Russia's mouth can make his heart go wild and cheeks warm.

"Well, here's your stop. I'll see you next time then." Russia smiles as they stop in front of the house gate.

He passes America his bag back.

"Uhm right." America shuffles awkwardly.

Russia stares at him, "not going to go in? Why? Do you want to follow me home?"

"I- no- I'm going in now!" America blushes as he turns to leave.

"Bye princess." Russia chuckles. It send tingles down America's spine.

He rushes to the front door, slamming it shut behind him, cheeks red and breath faltering.

"Ooohh, welcome back home, princess."

America screams.