Book 4 - Spring

XXXVIII - Dead Conversations

'Prussian?'

America grumbles, his brow furrowed. He rubs his arms, mumbling. He paces in place, limping. Louisiana and Russia meet eyes, and Louisiana purses her lips. Russia looks back toward America, ready to step forward with his hand half raised.

'Meri?'

"Okay Dad," Louisiana says, almost hiding her nerves, "I know you're mad, but how are we gonna do this? I don't know no Prussian."

America takes a deep breath, and his shoulders fall. His hands drop to his sides, and his eye focuses on the ground. He kicks a rock toward the hilt halfheartedly.

"I dunno kiddo."

Russia feels his heart drop at his tone.

'He sounds tired. So tired...'

"You can ask questions," someone suggests from behind him, causing Russia to jump.

His heart jumps into his throat, and he reaches for the magic around him and spins around. He scans his surroundings, and his vision zeros in on Massachusetts, who holds his hands up in a placating manner, his eyes wide and flashing green. Russia takes a shaky breath, and his hand falls.

"Sorry," Russia mumbles.

Massachusetts continues to step forward, Virginia and Georgia following him. Russia shakes his hands, trying to ignore his anxiety.

'They followed us,' he thinks, sighing.

"What do you mean?" America snaps, tensing in an almost defensive manner.

Massachusetts raises his hands again in a surrendering manner. America flinches, and then looks away, running his hand through his hair. Then, America sighs, his shoulders falling, and he starts leaning to the side, shifting most of his weight to his good foot.

'Is he okay?'

Russia shakes his head, almost bemused with himself.

'No, he is not. I need to talk to him.'

"Sorry Sett," America says, his voice weary, "could you explain?"

"Yes and no questions might be easier to do," Massachusetts says, his hands falling to his sides in tight fists and his eyes scanning the area.

Virginia stands beside him, looking behind them. Georgia stands close by, her arms crossed and brow furrowed. Both of them stand with knees bend, as if ready to pounce.

'We are freaking each other out.'

Russia takes a deep breath, relaxing his shoulders. He straightens his back, exhaling slowly. He steadies his gaze on the trees, relaxing his hands at his sides. He feels the states looking at him and he tries to keep his face unbothered. He turns toward America, and America sighs, giving him a soft smile.

'If I calm down, they will do the same.'

"Simple questions would help," Russia agrees, steadying his tone.

America meets his eyes and then looks away. His face scrunches up for a moment before he shakes his head as if to reset his thoughts.

'I wish I could get him alone. He won't talk about anything with the states around.'

America sighs. Motion in Russia's periphery grabs his attention. He swallows his panic and slowly turns to look. He tries not to visibly sigh when he sees the ghost waving at them. The ghost starts talking again, trying to get America's attention. The ghost's arm drops when America doesn't look at him.

"Do you guys want the translation-ish?" America asks, wiping his face with his hand.

"If ya don't mind," Georgia replies, her shoulders stiff.