Book 3 - Retrievers

XIX - Tears

They struggle toward the mouth of the cave. They eventually get to the riverbed that is now filled with clear water. Russia stumbles out of the water and kneels in the dirt. Finland helps him up and drags him to the car.

The kids pile into the back seats, and they climb on top of each other. Too many kids for the number of seats, but Russia knows that America wouldn't say anything.

America sits in the front passenger seat and Finland takes the driver's seat. Finland starts slowly driving back down the overgrown path. Russia listens to the loud clangs from rocks hitting the undercarriage.

"Dad?" Georgia calls.

"Yes?"

"Can I sit with you?"

"Maybe when we get to the hotel, okay baby?" America asks, his voice tight.

"Okay."

America goes quiet. Texas climbs up over the back of the seat and sits down next to Russia. Texas looks a little nervous before he takes a deep breath and leans over, clinging to Russia's arm.

"I'm sorry," Texas says, "I'm sorry. I wasn't fast enough."

"This wasn't your fault," Russia soothes.

"But I-"

"Texas," Russia cuts in, "it was not your fault."

Texas looks up, snot and tears running down his face. His shoulders shake and he cries, biting back sobs.

"Peaches coulda died, and it would've been because of me."

"It wasn't you," Russia replies calmly, "it was never your fault."

"But I wasn't fast enough."

"That's not what happened," Russia soothes, "it was an accident. That's all. And it's okay. I got her."

Texas whines.

"I shoulda been able to help..."

"That's not your responsibility."

Texas looks up at him with tears and Russia couldn't help himself. He pulls the teen into a bear hug, holding him tightly and cupping a hand over the back of his head.

"Shhhhh. It's okay. Everything is okay. Everything is okay," Russia mutters.

Texas sobs, shaking against him, clutching onto Russia with every ounce of his strength. Russia ignores the pressure around his chest.

"We are okay," Russia comforted, "everything is okay. We're back."

Texas weeps and clings on. Russia rubs his back and mutters soft little nothings to comfort him. Eventually, Texas lets go and leans against the window, staring quietly at the passing landscaping and sniffling. New Mexico hops over into the middle seat and looks between them. Then, she leans over and lays her head on Russia's shoulder.

Russia's heart melts.

'These kids are very sweet.'

Then his face drops.

'I will not let anything hurt them,' he vows to himself.

They finally get to the hotel, and they don't bother setting up the cots. They change into dry clothes and the kids pile onto one of the beds. They quietly sit together in a huge pile, and New York sits just outside the group. New York bounces his leg, looking nervous but unwilling to go far.

America sits in the edge of the second bed and offers New York a hand, which New York takes.

"Are you gonna be okay kiddo?" America asks.