Saudade | CountryHumans RusAme

CHAPTER 14: Empire State Of Mind

RUSSIA
He had always leaned towards apathetic rather than overemotional. Honestly, the way how China and the others put up with it was actually something to be pretty appreciate for. Not a single emotional outburst during his birthday, not a single moment of reflection during New Years', not a single tear shed during a sad movie. Okay, maybe once. That Lego Movie thing was pretty sad.

But if there was any moment where he didn't follow his traditional way of reaction, it was now. This place was unseen land ⎯ and it was by far the most marvelous thing he had seen in his life.

The country of the United States was alive and bustling with energy as far as the eye could see. Beneath clear skies, NYC wore the sun like an aureate halo, casting beams up and down onto towering skyscrapers and busy intersections. Yellow taxis, motorcycles, and cars blaring loud rap music weaved through traffic effortlessly, moving past roads of chattering youth and far into the fading rims of the world. Whereas the roads of Neo were often relatively abandoned during school hours, every street here was filled with vendors, art presentations, and perfectly aesthetique little shops with clothes and food at its window front. The skies were also never bare, for large billboard displays flashed on and off from music promotions to well-chosen advertisements. He had never laid eyes on such a vibrant place before.

Quietly the group made their way across the city, occasionally splitting up into duos or trios to avoid bumping into others. At one point, Russia ended up with America, and he realized with a start that he hadn't heard him ramble about whatever he normally did. He averted his head to the blonde, expecting him to be looking around for his friends to joke around with... and got something completely different.

He totally had to stifle his reaction. Before the country he was able to call his to represent, America looked absolutely astonished. And if it was possible, happier than he had ever shown himself to be.

Face aglow with a smile of unbridled happiness, his eyes affectionately reflected the wonder of the view, making them somehow even more blue than they were before. He looked a little lost in his own reality, his steps uneven and sporadic as he occasionally glanced into the displays in stores ⎯ and his hair was still in disarray because of the mess at UN's. But you know, it was fine. He didn't look like he cared at the moment.

"It's amazing, don't you think?" he whispered to Russia (who awkwardly looked away), exhaling and never breaking the grin.

Russia swallowed. There was something about seeing him this happy. "Yeah. Stunning."

"I can't believe I've missed this my whole life," America said, and Russia had to crack a small smile. In his head, he tried to justify it by saying it was just because of the mirthful energy. Not like they were all buddy buddy now. "I⎯ this is the country I was named after. It's amazing."

They had made it past the crowded part of the streets now, and where they were now was now relatively quiet. From ahead, Japan nudged Canada and he hurried over.

"Looks like you like it here," he said as he wrapped a hand around his brother, eyes crinkling at the side with glee. Russia walked over to North, who also wasn't donning the normal frown he liked to have on. It seemed like no one really wanted to be spiteful this time.

Or maybe the guy just didn't have enough energy left from throwing pencil sharpeners with all his might at alarms. He was a questionable figure.

America laughed, more and more bubbling to his throat as he tried to finally arrange his hair. "Are you kidding me?" he began, before he stopped laughing and returned back to his original, sentimental smile. "I would want to live here. Forever." He bit his lip to try and hold back tears.