Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 2: The Start of Something?

"Amerika?"

'You've got to be kidding me.'

America deadpans, as he sits on the floor like a fool. Russia, the tall bastard, has an amused smile on his face as he looks down on him.

America scrambles to his feet, smoothing out his jacket once he regains balance. As he picks his bag from the floor, he turns to properly face Russia, who surprise-surprise, has not left.

"Something you need, dude?"

America sighs, dragging a hand down his face as he stares at Russia. Russia just hums, a small smile ever present on his face. It always managed to freak America out, especially when that smile turned not so friendly.

"Little America should watch where he steps. Russia would not want to squash him like a bug."

Russia said softly, his scarf moving to cover the lower half of his face. This irritates America for some reason, and he almost has the urge to tug it back down and see his full face.

'The hell's wrong with me?'

America thought with irritation, fighting to keep surprise off of his face. A silence descends upon them both as they stand in the hallway.

"I um. Have to go now. Don't wanna use up my whole break, y'know? Haha, I'll see you around Russia."

America laughs nervously, breaking the awkward atmosphere. He hurries past Russia, bumping into his shoulder on accident. It was a fleeting, but burning touch. This served to only confuse America further, but a quick check of the watch reminded him he didn't have much time to visit the states left.

Unbeknownst to America, Russia continued to stand in the hallway after he left. The smile had slipped off of his lips, now only a confused frown remained. Russia knew for a fact the break room was the other way. Just where was America headed?

-

America exhales in relief as soon as he notices the meeting room. He had about 10 minutes left, so it would just be a quick stop inside.

He knocks once, pauses, then thrice, the sound echoing throughout the empty hallway. Immediately, the wooden door is opened and he's pulled into a hug by a large number of arms.

"Woah there y'all, I just came to visit! I can't stay for long!"

He grumbles half-heartedly, a genuine smile on his face. As he's released from the hug, he gazes upon his states with fond eyes.

"We know pa, it doesn't mean we cant hug you though!"

Pennsylvania says with a sly smirk gracing her features. Massachusetts chuckles behind her, while Virginia just shakes her head. The others amble around the room, seeming to be on break just like the countries.

"Where's the others? Or is this just a Council of the Thirteen meeting?"

America asks with confusion, gazing upon the room and counting only thirteen, fourteen if you include him.

"Just us, thank the lord. I am not ready to deal with Florida again."

New York speaks up from the table in the middle of the room where he plays cards with Connecticut and New Hampshire. Connecticut curses under his breath, eyes locked onto his cards while New Hampshire looks to be on the verge of tears.

Ignoring that spectacle that's likely to blow up, America turns to Virginia.

"I don't see Delaware around. She hasn't been kidnapped by a nation now has she?"

America jokes, a slight hint of worry still evident in his voice. Virginia just shakes her head, pointing towards the ladies bathroom.

"She's alright. The joys of womanhood, you know?"

Virginia chuckles, and a resounding;

"Aye aye!"

echoes from the females present in the room.

"Ah, I see."

America glances at the clock, and with a start, realises he's already five minutes late. Hurriedly, he hugs those within reach then turns towards the door with a last wave to those milling behind him.

"I have to hurry, or Germany's gonna get on my case. I'll see you kids at the next meeting!"

America hurries out of the room, laughing at the shout of "we're not kids!" echoing out from behind him. His footsteps thud against the floor as he rushes to the meeting room, not realising the country that was just behind the door he opened.

-

Russia stared open mouthed as the American ran out, violet eyes wide in surprise.

'Who were these people? What meeting was that?'

Russias face hardens, all traces of shock gone. He pulls his scarf to his mouth, hiding his darkening frown. His fists clench.

'Little American thinks he can hide things from me?'

Russia turns swiftly, aiming to follow America. His main thought is to interrogate him after the meeting, yet a small part in the back of his head is concerned.

'Just what secret are you keeping, Amerika?'