Two Can Keep A Secret

Chapter 5: The Promise of Beginning

"On the condition you be my friend."

'...'

'huh??'

-

America stares. Blinks. Rubs his eyes. Then starts laughing maniacally. Slightly off put by his quick change in behaviour, all Russia can do is sit with an unimpressed look on his face.

"You- you- HAHAHAHAHAH-"

America gasps out, a wide smirk on his face. His eyes, though, tell a different story.

"You really expect me to believe that?"

America gritts his teeth, chest heaving.
Russia looks irritated, yet he can't help the slight hurt that flashes across his face at Americas words. Seeing this, America sighs as he puts his face in his hands.

"Listen, Russia. I don't mean to sound rude. I'm all for you keeping my secret and such. It's just.."

He sighs again, deeper and more bone-tired.

"We've been at eachothers throats for how many years now? And you just suddenly expect me to be fine with being your friend?"

Russia seems to sink into himself slightly, avoiding Americas eye contact. In a harsh tone, he growls,

"It wasn't like we weren't friends before.."

America stiffens.

"There's a reason it's called before Russia."

Russia grows more frustrated, his desperation growing,

"Da, but can we not try again? For the sake of the Secret?"

As he says that, he grabs onto America shoulders and looks him in the eyes. It's the longest they've had physical contact that doesn't involve throwing punches, and America can't help but marvel at the fact.

America sighs. He seems to be doing that a lot lately. He takes Russia's words into account, his desperation for the states to be kept a secret, and the small part in the back of his mind that wants to be friends again.

'What has my life come to? Not only was my biggest secret nearly exposed, now Russia wants to be friends again! Although.. would it really be so bad?'

America contemplates this, rolling the idea around in his head. Finally, he makes his decision. He stands up quickly, shrugging off Russias hands.

He looks down to Russia on the floor and, while offering his hand to him, says,

"I accept the condition of your deal. But, it's going to take a lot of work between the two of us to get where we were before. I trust you'll be able to handle it?"

Russia smirks in tandem with America, grabbing the offered hand and pulling himself up. He steps back from America, dusting off his coat and tugging up his scarf.

"Da. I've always liked a good challenge. I'm sure you agree?"

America barks out a laugh, startled. Russia snickers with him, violet eyes locked on his sky blue ones.

As he calms down, he turns his head back to Russia with a small frown.

"I'm serious, though. I'm trusting you to keep your promise, and in turn my states stay safe."

Then, his face pinkens softly, and he mumbles,

"I'll keep my part of the promise too, I guess.."

Russia chuckles at that last part, before his voice takes on a serious tone.

"Rest assured, Amerika, I'll keep my promise."

Then, without much thought, Russia offers his pinkie. America lifts an eyebrow, a bit surprised but at the same time, it's Russia.

"Infact, I pinkie promise!"

America deadpans, bemused, but takes his pinkie anyways. As they shake on it, America can't help but wait for what their new friendship will bring.

'Or, if this friendship will even survive. Last time didn't turn out so well. How can we make sure this one does?'

As if Russia can hear his thoughts, he releases his pinkie, drawing him out of his thoughts.

"We're older now, da? We'll learn from our mistakes."

Despite Russias assurances, America can't help but worry still.

'You say we're older, but how can we be when everyday we fought at eachothers throats for how many meetings?'

'...'

America breathes out slowly.

"Alright. Yeah, I guess you're right."

'Then why do I still worry?'

-

Heyoo! Author here, I'll be leaving small messages like these every chapter now. Yoh, I didn't expect writing to be so hard lol. Anyways, im tired, it's 10 minutes to twelve, I hope you've enjoyed. Goeie môre, middag, aand of nag.