Two's Company - Rusame

Vaspucci - Chapter 2

Russia

We sat across from one another on the bed, the young man stuffing his face with as many pelmeni as his mouth could fit. I nibbled on my pirozhki, the succulent meats blending well with the fluffiness of the pastry. I forgot how much I enjoyed Ukraine's cooking.

"You enjoy the food, yes?" The boy nodded as he continued to eat, cleaning his plate quickly. "Why do you eat so fast?" I asked, curious.

He chewed quickly, finally forcing a swallow. "If you don't eat fast, you don't eat at all. The others steal people's food, mine too," he patted his belly. "But they can't steal it if it's here." He continued to lick his plate clean, probably setting a record for fastest eater.

"You do not need to eat so fast anymorre. No one will steal yourr food herre." The boy smiled warmly, but not before his eyes widened alarmingly. He raced to the bathroom, faster than I thought possible.

I followed him, hearing the echo of his body throwing up. He vomits a few more times as I tenderly rub his back, trying to show him he wasn't alone. I would venture to guess he's not used to eating so much food all at once.

Once he's done, he slumped against the toilet, tired. Carefully, I slip my arms beneath his thin legs and pick him up with ease. He is incredibly scrawny, most likely from years of malnutrition and poor treatment. "You know," I began quietly, "I rread about rresearcherr named Amerrigo Vaspucci. He was masterr of navigation and traveled all over the worrld. I bet you have explorred the worrld too, though not as positively, da?"

His eyelids fluttered, so I continued. "Quite an interresting guy, I might add. The name Amerrigo means "home rrulerr" or "one who contrrols himself, but depends on someone else"." Stealing another glance, I noted how exhausted the boy looked. His eyes remained closed as I carried him to his new bed. "I will be herre forr you, Amerrika, because you need someone you can depend on."

(I know its short, but the next one makes up for it ;p)