Dispute | Countryhumans AU | RusAme/AmeRus

3

Russia snapped back to reality. Someone was knocking softly but clearly on his door. It was probably America. He groaned inwardly. He was in no mood to talk to him right now. He stretched out onto his bed, closing his eyes.

"Russia?" He opened his eyes blearily. That wasn't America. He got up and turned the doorknob. It was Belarus, his sister, but-

"How did you get in here?" Russia asked. "America opened the door for me and let me in. Are you okay? You look like shit," Belarus blurted out before covering her mouth. "I'm sorry," she squeaked.

Russia managed a chuckle. "Brutally honest as always. I'll be alright," he said, hiding his bruised fist behind his back. "What is it that you need?"

"Well, you weren't picking up my calls or answering my texts, but I was hoping you, Uki, Kaz and I could eat dinner together. Kaz says he's found a good place not too far from here." Belarus grinned. "Oh, uh, I don't think that's a very good idea," Russia said, fidgeting.

"Don't worry, me and Kaz'll be there too, remember?" Belarus coaxed. "Okay, then, if you say so. I'll get changed. Meet you guys later?" Russia gave in. "Yep, at the fountain in the garden in ten minutes."

"Alright," Russia said, opening the dorm's door for his sister. "See you guys later."

Once he was back in his room, he locked his door for some privacy. He didn't have any bandages. He scowled. He'd have to buy a first aid kit later. He sighed and pulled a pair of black leather gloves that once belonged to his father over his hands. He didn't actually need them, but he didn't want his siblings asking questions.

He changed into a turtleneck and a pair of jeans before shrugging his coat on. It wasn't that cold now, but the temperature would drop by a few degrees in a few hours. He didn't want to catch a cold on the first day of school.

He grabbed his wallet and phone before slipping out silently to meet his four siblings.

Dinner had gone past quickly, and he had a pretty decent time hanging out with them. They roamed the streets until late into the night after dinner, laughing, talking and eating ice cream despite the cold weather, their misty breath illuminated by the orange street lights.

They all returned to their dorm rooms after Russia had bought some stuff from a pharmacy. Russia bid them good night and they went their separate ways (except Kazakhstan and Belarus, who were sharing a dorm).

Russia wrapped his knuckles up with some cloth bandages. It wouldn't help it heal, but it would at least help him avoid the pain if he brushes his fist against something else.

America woke up to the incessant blaring of his alarm clock. He turned it off groggily, before donning a fresh outfit and brushing his teeth. He was about to make breakfast for both himself and Russia as an apology, when he realised that Russia's coat was gone from the coat rack.

"Dammit," he growled under his breath. "I have to get up earlier tomorrow." He wondered if Russia usually got up that early or if he was just avoiding America. I wouldn't blame him if he were avoiding me, America thought guiltily, I would avoid him too if he'd done what I did yesterday to me.

He heated up some leftover dinner from the night before. As he watched the plate spin in the microwave, he thought about what Russia had said. He zoned out, the humming of the microwave being the only sound he could hear.

Dang, I screwed the whole thing over. But then again, can I forgive him? He did say it was his fault and that his father never asked him to end their friendship. I had seen him as someone close enough to be my family... When we had that argument, I was crushed. Who's in the wrong here? Perhaps it's both of us.

Nonetheless, I shouldn't have let my emotions control me. The remarks I made were childish and insensitive-

The microwave beeped a few times, letting America know that his food had been heated up and cutting off his train of thought. He pulled on a pair of mittens and took the plate out before digging in.

The food was warm, and America took his time to eat. He didn't have to rush. It was only 7.15 am, and his first class was in forty-five minutes. When he was done, he washed the dishes and made sure that he had packed all his necessary books into his bag before leaving too.

America reached his classroom a few minutes before 8. He looked around, looking for familiar faces. He spotted Japan, and made his way to her. Japan's face brightened. "Good morning, America-kun! How is everything?"

"Good morning to you too, I'm alright, how about you?" America asked as the two hugged. "I'm great!" Japan smiled. "You look good today," she complimented. "You're just being nice," America laughed. "It's just a NASA hoodie and jeans."

Before Japan had the time to talk about how his sock colour complimented his hair or something like that, their teacher had arrived.

"Good morning students, my name is United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, or UNESCO for short. Welcome to your first art class of the year. Let's start with a small icebreaker- please introduce yourselves." He said.

America barely paid attention to the people that introduced themselves. There were quite a number of people in his class, so the icebreaker took quite a bit of time. After the class had settled down, UNESCO scanned the classroom. "Is that all? Shall we start with lessons?"

"Mr. UNESCO, I'm sorry, but I haven't introduced myself yet,'' a quiet voice with a thick eastern European accent said. America turned in the direction of the voice, hoping it was Czech Republic or Poland, anyone but Russia, really.

"That's alright, go ahead and introduce yourself," UNESCO said in a kindly voice.

"My name is Russia. I come from a big family and I am taking this course because I'm passionate about art and culture, and I hope to be able to improve my art."

In that moment, Russia and America's eyes connected for a brief millisecond. Russia's eyes widened a bit and he looked away, avoiding America's gaze.

"Is that everyone?" UNESCO asked as Russia took a seat. When no one responded, UNESCO clapped his hands together. "Since today's the first day of classes, we won't be doing anything too difficult yet. Take out your notebooks and start taking notes, I'll be going through some ground rules and basics of this course."

As America took his notebook out of his bag, he grimaced slightly as the memory of Russia turning away burned freshly in his mind.

This is going to be really awkward, America thought to himself. And it's mostly my fault.