The Safe Haven

Breakfast

My father shrugged.
"Nothing in particular," he calmly said. Posture never less than perfect with his straight back and a set of slightly raised shoulders.
His demeanor hasn't changed ever since I was a child. Calm and collected. He had few emotions that he'd express, and those were anger and pride. Pride for his own children was very rare to come across for this man.
The only time he was proud of me was when...

I couldn't recall a moment where he said those blissful words that I'd always crave as a child "I'm proud of you" I could read his slightest change and analyze it, almost perfectly. Every now and then I could see happiness and pride in his eyes watching Canada and I climb trees, play, hunt, being happy-go-lucky, energetic kids.
But who the hell knows who he is anymore?
I barely recognize myself in the mirror after all those years of torture.

"Sit down, you look lost in your mind." China swept his hand in the direction of the chair in front of him.
"When am I not?" I half heartily laughed. I sat down on the handmade -birch wood- chair in front of China. My mate took the seat beside me and left a space open for someone to sit in front of my father.

I could tell the awkwardness affected everyone at the table. Russia still had to make a decision on whether China and my father can stay in the pack.
Russia discreetly took my hand into his, large, rough, and scared one under the table. His dark blue eyes scanned the room and all the details, never seeming to focus on one thing very long. I remained a straight face through the sign of affection.

The uncomfortable silence was interrupted by two bubbly countries bursting in the room with piles of food. They laid out the plates that were stacked high of food.
French toast and/or pancakes and/or eggs were all options for the main meal. Colorful fruits and berries were placed in polished bowls. My mouth watered at the sight of my mother's cooking.

"Bon appetite," my mother joyfully announced and clasped her hands together. She sat to the right of me, in front of her mate.

Canada didn't hesitate to steal four fluffy pancakes and drowned them in maple syrup. I chuckled slightly at my little brother's excitement.
"What are you laughing at America?" My father sternly questioned, in demand of an answer. Russia glared at my father.
"I'm just glad to see, after all these years, that Canada still manages to have the same love for pancakes as when we were kids," I, almost cheerfully, said. My brother laughed and nodded his head.
"My love for breakfast food is undying," the maple leafed country joked. We shared a smile before shifting our attention to our food.

"Thank you for inviting us and preparing this delicious meal," my mate thanked my mother and brother. France smiled widely at the largest male, "Thank you for coming."

I nudged the slice of French toast on my plate. I was hungry, but I didn't want to make a fool of myself and scarf down my food like a wild animal.

Russia nudged my side and looked at me with a soft gaze. He glanced at my food then back at me.
Everyone else was in conversation and was too distracted to notice.
I took his hint and ate a small portion of the breakfast food. It was amazing. I slowly ate the rest. By the time I was done, Canada had finished all his pancakes and was sipping on, what I could assume was herbal tea.

Herbal tea reminded me of my biological mother. She had many natural remedies that helped us survive, well, me. Herbal tea was one of her favorites. There were so many varieties with different flavors and benefits to each one.

I brought my attention back to the chatter of my family. Russia sat quietly and observed China and Britain.
"So Canada, how's Ukraine?" My mother asked. Canada shrugged.
"He's been okay. He kinda has been stressed since Russia stepped back a little bit to take care of America," my brother answered. "I'm glad that your better brother," the kind country stated with an award-winning smile. I smiled back at him.
"Yeah, I feel much better, but just because I'm healed doesn't mean that I'm back to my full strength," I admitted. I got a look of pity from my mother.
"Maybe this omega is stronger than your Alpha and he's weakening you," China offered an explanation.
"If you call me an omega again, I'll gouge out your eyes, cut off your balls and shove them in your eye sockets," I clenched the sharp kitchen knife in one hand and smiled sweetly, like a poison pie. My tall, intimidating, muscular, mate chuckled in response.

"I can't explain how much I admire you," he smiled at me and wrapped an arm around my waist, and placed a kiss on my temple. Blood rushed to my face.
"Ooooooh, Amy is blushing," my brother teased.
"Shut it," I snapped. Russia chuckled again and pulled his arm away.

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Sorry I left at an awkward spot, I got out of school and I have a new job, soooo yeah, busy week