Book 3 - Retrievers

VIII - Rude

*Unrelated doodle of Texas by me.*

Russia is brought back to the land of the living by California storming down the stairs.

Russia sits up a little, wincing at the pulling on his chest and the sting in his legs. He rubs the side of his face and glances around.

"HEY!" California shouts, "I have something, like, really important everyone should know!"

"California! It is 2 AM!" New York shouts from upstairs.

"I don't care! It's hella important! Right, Tuck?"

"Yeah, it's pretty important. Y'all should listen," Kentucky says, poking his head around California.

Texas mumbles something, walking by the couch. He sits back and crosses his arms, scowling. Someone turns on the light, and Russia flinches away.

'What's happening?'

'Why is happening now?'

Russia yawns and props himself up. He notices that America had turned slightly, now laying partially on his front. Russia shifts and pulls America up onto his chest. The world still sounds muffled, but the voices are clearer now. America grumbles against Russia's chest and covers his face with his arm.

Russia smiles a little and brushes America's hair from his forehead. America nuzzles Russia's hand. Russia smiles lovingly.

Loud stomping down the stairs shakes the house. Russia leans back, closing his eyes

"Well, I know I'm the only one who actually understands encryption, bar Tucky. Now, the laptop we have needs encryption keys to access any of the files. And most of those keys are physical things, like a key fob, card, or thumb drive. You guys follow me so far?" California says loudly.

Russia nods, rubbing his eyes.

"Why did you wake me up for this?"

"It's important!"

"This could've waited for the morning," Texas grumbles loudly.

"Tex is right," Louisiana says, "we're all exhausted."

California crosses her arms. Russia opens his eyes and stares at California for a moment, trying to gather his thoughts.

"Does that mean we have to find things?" Russia asks.

"Yeah, essentially."

"Can we go back to bed now?" South Carolina whines.

"Yes," Dixie says, "back to bed."

"But-" California interjects.

New York says something that Russia doesn't catch, and California scowls. Russia squints his eyes and America groans.

"What's going on?" America whines, "it's still dark outside."

"California found something, but she should've waited to tell everyone," Finland explains with a yawn.

America groans and starts trying to adjust his position. But instead of making himself comfortable, he flinches and falls back, screaming into his hands.

Russia sits up in a panic, and America cries quietly.

"Dad?!"

"America?"

America's breathing is labored, and Russia gently lays him on his back.

"Are you okay?" Russia asks frantically.

America gasps in pain and hugs his torso with shaking hands. He cries out and tears streak his face. He grits his teeth and scrunched his face, weeping. Russia watches on, feeling completely helpless.