Book 3 - Retrievers

XXIX - Dusk

Russia leans over a little as if to shield America from the world. America shakes a little, and Russia cups the back of America's head. Russia slowly walks over to the couch and guides America in his steps. Russia pulls America into his lap, and America curls up into his chest.

America glances around the room before relaxing.

"This is so hard," America says.

"Yes, it is," Russia agrees.

"I'm just trying to protect them, you know? I'm trying so hard... I'm sorry. I'm sure you're stressed as it is."

"Shh, it's okay. You don't have to apologize."

America goes quiet and clutches onto Russia's shirt. Russia slowly rubs America's back.

"Can we change positions? My chest hurt."

Russia slowly picks America up and flips him onto his back. America sighs with relief, and Russia leans back. Russia gently pulls America to his chest and nuzzles America's hair.

'He's warm, and he smells nice.'

Russia smiles and closes his eyes.

"Russia?"

Russia opens his eyes and looks up to see Texas standing over them, a nervous look on his face.

"Yes?"

"Is Dixie okay?"

Russia bites his tongue for a moment.

'I don't think Dixie would want me revealing anything.'

"He will be," Russia finally says.

"... is there anything I could do to help? I just need to. I want to help somehow."

"Go find him and give him a hug," Russia replies with a confident look.

"Huh. Okay," Texas says.

Then, Texas waves a large group of teens behind him. They wander into the dining room and surround Dixie with a huge group hug. Russia smiles softly. Dixie laughs and looks at the kids with wide eyes. Then, Dixie glances at Russia with teary eyes and a huge grin.

Russia smiles back before returning his attention to America, who is watching the scene with a brilliant smile that causes Russia's heart to skip a few beats. Russia blushes and buries his nose and mouth into America's hair to hide his flustered look.

'Meri is so cute.'

America sits up, and Russia releases him. America turns around and pulls Russia down by his shoulders. Then, he smirks and pulls Russia into a deep kiss. Russia immediately reciprocates, and his whole body tingles pleasantly.

It ends sooner than Russia would've liked, but America's giggling makes it worthwhile. America sits on Russia's legs and holds Russia's shoulders.

"Where did you even get wine?" America asks, licking his lips.

Russia shrugs, and America smacks his shoulder playfully with a laugh.

"You could've shared," America teases.

"Dad?"

America and Russia turn toward the voice, and Russia finds Delaware standing in front of them, fidgeting.

"Yeah? What is it, kiddo?" America asks.

"I just wanted to let you know that we're running really low on supplies. We might have to start siphoning gas for the generators, and we don't have enough food to last us more than a few more days."