The meeting had gone by so quick; it felt as if you were sitting down for only a few seconds before America declared the meeting was over. During said meeting, you would casually glance over to Russia every now and then, to see him smiling right back. It was somewhat unnerving to know he had been looking at you as well, but perhaps that was how he always acted. And he always wore that same cute smile on his face; you couldn't help but smile back before shifting your eyes to the small bundle of flowers in your hand.
You decided on getting him something in return for his friendly gesture, but what? A cute, loveable guy like him needs something big and important; something he can keep and remember why he is receiving it.
"Alright, that's the rest of it!" America shouted happily. "We can all go home and plan how to overcome Global Warming! But my way will be the only way that actually works, so good luck anyways!" he finished, getting all of his papers. "_____, come on! We gotta go!" His words surprised you; usually he was the last one to leave the room, but now he wanted to be the first one out? Hastily, you gathered your papers and your Chamomiles before standing. Most of the other nations were also standing, starting to move towards the exit. It hadn't been as long of a meeting as yesterday's, so you would have more time afterwards. You hoped that you would have time to thank Russia, but America had other plans. Grabbing your wrist and quite literally dragging you from the room as he ran, you didn't even have time to look back at the kind giant.
"America! What's the big rush?" you shouted at him, nearly tripping over a crack in the hall and losing your precious flowers. He simply grinned back at you, slowing down to a walk once you both reached the doors. Pushing them open, he released your hand and started to walk down one direction of the streets; however, it wasn't the direction you usually took to return to your hotel room.
"France is having a big birthday party at his house tomorrow, and he decided to make it a dress-up party! It's pretty much dressing up in a costume and then dancing. How cool is that?! So we have to go and get some costumes. It's gonna be so badass," he shook with excitement, doing a fist pump into the air. You, now walking beside him, were a little speechless. Why hadn't he told you BEFORE you left all of your things back home?
"Now you tell me?" you sighed, the palm of your hand meeting your forehead in a light 'slap'. "Oh well. What kind of costumes do we have to wear?" you asked, just so you didn't show up to the party and stand out like a sore thumb. You had never been to a party like this, also, so you needed some advice.
"I'm gonna dress up like an alien! But if I can't find that, maybe a zombie. And if they don't have that, I'll just dress up as a hero. Not that I'd have to change much," a cocky grin spread on his lips as he struck a heroic pose, making a small chuckle leave your lips.
When you finally arrived at a costume store, you immediately sought out the women's section, hoping to find something interesting. You almost instantly regretted choosing this store. The only women's costumes they had that would fit you were kinky ones, most of which were either a maid, she-devil, cat, nurse, or a teacher. You couldn't wear something like that! You searched around the rest of the store, but no prevail. The ending result was the same for every isle you went to: kinky. America happened to find an alien costume, which still didn't seem right for a birthday party.
"Have you picked yours out yet?" he asked you as his costume was hung over his shoulder.
You shook your head with a light sigh. "All of these costumes... show a little more of the body than I would like," you admitted, a dejected look in your eyes. Humming, America ran his fingers over his chin, as if stroking a mustache.
"Have you tried the police woman costume?" he asked finally. Once again, face, say hello to hand.
After a few more arguments, you decided on an Eskimo dress costume. You figured it was somewhat of a cute idea, and didn't look as kinky as the other costumes. Granted it barely went past your rear. It was like a short sleeved jacket that was long enough to be a dress, made of brown fabric, with white fur around hood, end of the sleeves and the bottom lining. It zipped up in the middle, stopping just before your cleavage, and around the zipper was a traditional looking pattern. It also came with cute, fuzzy white mittens. ((see reference link in description))
"Hey, I'll take our stuff back to the room if you go get some food," America smiled. You nodded, giving him your costume and heading towards the nearest fast food restaurant.
With your hands in your pockets, you couldn't help but think about what the party was going to be like. Was everyone going to be there? And what would they think of your costume? More specifically, what would Russia think of your outfit if he was there? Your eyes widened a bit when you realized you still didn't have a thank you for him yet for the flowers. Now you had time to ponder about the issue.
You couldn't tell him thank you, for you already said that, and you didn't feel like it was enough. You could always give him a hug, but that might be a little awkward. You sighed deeply, wondering why this was such a difficult task for you. It was then something bright yellow caught your eye. Stopping, you turned to your right, and you knew what you were going to get him. A smile spread on your lips as you gazed at the brightest bundle of sunflowers you had ever seen. He had given you a flower, so why not give him one back? It was bright and cheerful looking, just like his smiling face. It was perfect!
You had purchased the bundle of sunflowers and were heading to get the food. It was only a short walk, so you figured you would be back to your hotel room in no time. Suddenly, you heard a loud rumbling above your head. Looking up, you saw the sky was darkened by nearly black clouds, just waiting to release the water they held inside them. Great, now how were you going to keep your sunflowers in one piece? If it rained too hard, it would damage the poor things, and it would be worse if the wind blew. And the flowers weren't your only concern. You were in your favorite jeans, and your favorite t-shirt, and it wasn't the thickest in the world.
Suppressing another sigh, you quickly trudged towards the corner. You were only about a block away now. As you turned the corner, you saw your destination in the distance. However, your heart froze at something you saw in front of you. Russia. He had the usual smile on his face as he casually walked towards you, his eyes on the cars driving by. Quickly, you put the sunflowers behind your back, needing to use both hands in order to keep them concealed. Out of his peripheral vision, Russia saw movement, and so he turned his head. His violet eyes caught your (color) orbs instantly, his smile widening.
"_____, what are you doing in this part of town?" he asked as he continued walking towards you, his deep accented voice sounded just as cheerful as always, forcing a smile on your lips.
"I'm just running an errand," you explained to him. He continued walking until he was once again within arm's reach. That smile still played on his lips.
"What are you hiding from me?" he asked playfully, leaning his head to try and see what was hidden behind your back. You decided now was the best time to give him his thank you. Sheepishly, you held the flowers out with one hand, your cheeks heating up against the cool air. His eyes widened as his mouth gaped at the vibrant flowers in your hand. "For me?"
"Since you gave me flowers, I decided I should give you some back. They aren't my national flower or anything, but I thought you would like them," you explained, your eyes falling to the side. You were nervous to look into his eyes, in fear that he might not like the flowers you offered. "But if not, I can take them back," you quietly spoke with a pang of guilt in your voice, barely above a whisper.
"No! Sunflowers are my favorite," he said cheerfully, gently taking them from your hand. Smiling softly, you looked back up to him, seeing how he admired the flowers. "I've always wanted to have a field of sunflowers to myself. They bring me such warm feelings," he explained. "Where I'm from, it's always cold and miserable. I wish sunflowers would grow during the winter, so I could see them every day," he smiled. You couldn't help but smile wider, that sudden urge to hug him again rising within you. Oh, how it would be easy to simply wrap your arms around his chest and squeeze to your heart's content. But he might not like the idea as much, and might reject you despite how cute he may look. Everyone had their boundaries, and by the way he stood at arm's reach every time, you figured that that was one of his boundaries.
"So tell me, _____. Are you going to France's party tomorrow?" he asked, his eyes locked with yours. Oh how sweet they looked, despite the gloomy sky. His expression was just too innocent, too adorable for someone his size.
"Yeah. Actually, America and I just finished picking out our costumes from a place down the street," you admitted. His expression couldn't have been happier.
"I'm actually heading to that store right now! Well, I was before I ran into you," he grew calmer, a small chuckle leaving his closed lips. It was the most adorable sound you've ever heard, and you couldn't but fawn over the lovable moment. That is, until another loud rumble crackled over your heads, your whole body vibrating from the sound, and effectively causing your eyes to widen in surprise. Russia seemed unaffected, and simply looked up to the sky, his face filled with disappointment. "Well, I should be going before the storm hits. You should get home as well, I don't want you to get a cold," he spoke politely, moving his head to gaze back down to you. He then began to walk past you, holding his sunflowers close. You smiled and began to walk as well, before turning around.
"I'll see you at the party tomorrow, Russia," you smiled brightly at him when he stopped and turned a bit to see you. He returned the smile.
"Da! And I'll be waiting to see your costume~" he cooed, his eyes closed as he smiled. Your check turning a bit red, you turned and continued walking. You couldn't help but wonder what kind of costume he would wear. Hopefully something cute, just like him.
Within minutes you were walking back towards your hotel, a bag of McDonald's in your hand, using your free arm to shield yourself from the cold rain that mercilessly pelted you, supported by the small breeze that blew. "Why does it have to be so cold?" you groaned to yourself, passing by the costume store. Out of curiosity, you looked inside. When you did, you saw Russia being handed a bag, obviously with his costume hidden inside it. Hearing another crack of thunder, you turned your head forward and trudged on.
He thanked the clerk before he turned to open the door, and saw you walking by the store, in the freezing rain. That shirt you were wearing was awfully thin, and was beginning to get soaked. Without thinking, he quickly jogged out of the store after you. "_____!" he called, succeeding in catching your attention. Stopping, you turned around to face him, your cheeks rosy red. He stopped jogging when he was closer to you, and your figure was burned into his mind. How your bangs clung to your forehead and the sides of your face, your cheeks burning up, your eyes so innocent and yet, and how your shirt was becoming see-through. Not wanting any perverts after you, he decided he needed to do something.
Your cheeks burned even redder when you saw him removing his thick jacket, revealing the large white t-shirt he had on underneath. You had to admit, the way the shirt fit loosely around him, tucked inside of his black pants, which were also tucked inside of his thick military boots, was quite sexy. You set the bag of mostly America's food down as he held the jacket open for you, motioning for you to put it on. Blushing madly, you let your arms slip inside the sleeves, which were twice the size of your arms and your hands didn't even reach the ends of the sleeves. And the bottom of the jacket nearly drug on the ground. It was massive, but full of warmth. It smelled of light cologne, and an alcoholic drink, though you weren't sure which kind. It amazed you that someone like him would even be near anything alcoholic.
"Thank you, Russia," you smiled gratefully at the sudden warmth, holding the jacket closed. "You really didn't have to do this," you told him, reaching down and grabbing the food. He shrugged his shoulders, picking up his own bags as he started to walk beside you.
"Don't thank me. I just wanted to make sure you made it to your hotel safely," he smiled down at you, his hair and scarf fluttering in the cold wind. And even yet, he didn't look phased by the chilling rain and wind.
He walked you all the way to your hotel, which was a good half of an hour away from his. You felt guilty for him doing such a thing, when he could have been in his own comfortable hotel room, out of the rain. "Really, I can't thank you enough," you spoke, removing his jacket and returning it to him. He took it with a smile, and put it back on before once again picking up his costume. "You didn't need to walk me all the way here."
"Nonsense, _____," he excused cheerfully, waving one of his hands a little. "With your shirt getting soaked, it was becoming easy to look through. I did not want any of those creeps to get any wrong ideas," he smiled that cute smile once again. "Besides, if a creep were to touch you, I would break his hand with my pipe, so that he would never be able to use it again." Your eyes widened a bit at his statement. It was frightening, and extremely sadistic. You didn't even know a man like him would say such a thing. Sure he looked big and strong, but he didn't seem like the malevolent type to you, especially after judging how he was treating you lately. He seemed so kind-hearted and cheerful. Well, he was still cheerful, but the aura around him seemed to be darkening.
"T-thanks? I think," you barely whispered, still disordered from his statement. You watched him begin to turn, his eyes opening to look at you. There was a strange gleam in them, like the gleam when a dog gets possessive over a toy or food.
"I will see you tomorrow, _____. Be safe, da~" he sang, waving his hand before turning once again down the street, now in the direction of his own hotel. Your heart thumped wildly in your chest; that moment he spoke of hurting someone, you were sure your heart had stopped momentarily. It just wasn't like him.
With a small sigh, you told yourself to stop worrying about it. Turning around, you made your way back into your hotel room. After America and you ate your dinner, him eating nearly six of the larger burgers, you did your normal routine, and crawled into your bed. That cold weather really did a number on you, and you needed to rest your head from all the thinking you did lately. Most of your thinking revolved around that strange man, Russia.
TO BE CONTINUED!
