The Fall of Power

As strong as a tear

"America."

"Yes?"

"Did you know?"

"About them being Tainted? No."

"Then why did you seem so calm when you found out?"

"Does it matter? They are our friends, it shouldn't matter."

"They could have killed us. You of all people should know!"

"And we could have killed them. You don't need to be Tainted to kill."

By now, the two of us had reached my front door. Before I opened it, I turned to North Korea. In the dim light, I could see him staring at me. His mouth was slightly open and his chest rose up and down like he had been running.

It was cold out, winter was coming and with it, the chilling winds and brisk air. North's almost panicked breaths came out in puffs of white.

"Friends don't kill each other," I stated.

He closed his mouth and his eyes looked to the ground. His hands shook at his sides and his breaths started coming out faster.

"Why don't you stay over the night. We have an empty guest room." And you look like you're about to fall over.

Before he could respond, the door behind me unlocked and opened. Nk looked up and I turned to face the entrance.

Britain stood in the doorway.

"You were out late." His voice held no emotion.

"Yes. There was a problem that came up at the base, North Korea and I stayed late to help. And besides, I can stay out late if I want, I'm an adult."

"I understand that, I just wish you had someone come tell me."

"I'll keep that in mind." I dipped my head a little, looking anywhere but his eyes.

"Good. Well, how about you come in so your friend can leave."

"Excuse me, sir, but I was wondering if I could stay the night. I don't think I can make it home safely with how dark it is." North spoke up behind me.

Britain sighed, "of course. My son can show you to the guest room."

"Thank you." 

Britain moved to the side, opening the door the full way, and waved us in.

I slipped past him and quickly shoved my shoes off next to the few other pairs by the door. 

Once Nk had done the same, I steered him up the stairs in the living room.

"This is the guest room, at the end of the hall is the bathroom. I'll let you wake up on your own. We don't have patrol tomorrow." I told him as we walked up to the one blank door in the hallway.

"Actually, can I speak with you for a moment in private?" He asked.

"Uh, yeah." I hesitated.

I turned the door handle and North stepped into the room. I followed him in and closed the door behind me.

"Look. I wasn't going to take your offer originally. But your dad gave me the creeps, something told me to stay." He looked away from me.

"I can see why. He likes to keep track of everyone here. He doesn't want one of us to be stuck somewhere bleeding out without help." I shrugged. I was used to his constant hovering by now.

"Well, it just felt off okay?" He crossed his arms.

"There's another reason isn't there?" I asked him.