Russian Roulette | Rusame | Countryhumans AU

Winding Pathways

America blinked a few times, almost doubting what he was seeing. There in front of him, a tall cloaked man, cloak torn and tattered with obvious bullet markings.

To ease the prince's paranoia, Russia pulled back his hood to reveal his tired but handsome face. America half ran to him, stopping right in front of each other, "I knew you'd come for me." Russia saw America's eyes return to what they once were, alive, a hint of relief glazed within as well.

Then, the Russian was met with a punch to the gut, causing him to double over in pain and drop to his knees. America pulled his arm away, reverting his metallic fist back to his pale white skin, "and that's for using my name without permission."

Russia nodded, still staring at the ground while feeling his abdomen ache, "I didn't even put up my defenses," he groaned, rubbing his stomach as he pushed himself up. America laughed, "improve your reaction time then. Not my fault you didn't harden your skin fast enough."

The bushes behind Russia rustled, and twigs snapped, America immediately aimed at the source of the noise with high caution. However what revealed itself was just a spinning metal sun.

"Your highness, this is Philippines, she's not a threat," Russia said as Philippines stepped out from behind the hedge, a few stray leaves and twigs protruding out of her hair. "That sun fucking hurts like a truck," the prince said through gritted teeth, Russia almost forgot about the injuries America sustained earlier because of Phil.

Phil almost seemed offended, "hey, I can be a threat if I wanted to."

The Russian sent a side eye at her before placing his arm atop America's gun arm, their eyes met. Bright red clashing with electric blue, Russia narrowed his eyes in intimidation, words can't describe what those two said to each other through their gazes.

After a few seconds that seemed to drag on forever, America sighed before lowering his arm. "As long as it makes you happy," the prince said with a shrug, "however by following me, you're also making yourself a target."

"Of course I know that! I'll always help a friend, he said you were a good man, Russia here was so adamant in getting back to you that I couldn't ignore I- mffmfmfmm" Phil was cut short by Russia smothering her as he felt the heat slowly crawl up to his face. America chuckled, entertained by what she said, "oh really now? I was thinking about you as well Russia," he said with a sly grin, eyes curved in amusement.

The dragon could feel his heart stutter in his chest, he hurried to say something to maintain a shred of his dignity, "I just... wouldn't put it past you that you'd decimate my grave if I broke my promise..."

"Is it me or did the room get a bit hotter?" The Filipino woman chuckled as she wiped the sweat off her cheeks.

A grim realization hit America despite this delightful moment, he still hadn't found his pendant, frustratingly so. The prince pulled his guard away, speaking in a hushed tone so that Philippines wouldn't hear, "Russia I... may have lost my pendant, y'know, the one from my parents, the one you fixed for me."

Seeing his crestfallen expression, Russia felt compelled to pull the glimmering emerald pendant out of his pocket. "What- you..." America's eyes widened, elated as he cupped the jewel in his palm gently. A smile prodded the edge of Russia's lips, "I found it in the pit where we fell earlier."

A pair of arms snaked around Russia's hips, he felt overwhelming warmth envelop him, "thank you." America said. Russia's hands flailed around, unsure of where to place them. Before he could figure it out, America pulled away.

Russia wished little gestures like these could be the norm between them two, he wished he could enjoy moments like these without worrying when the next opportunity would come by.