American Mask

Swear

America closed his eyes, sliding to the ground outside of Aurora's door. "Honey, you know you can talk to me." He called through the door. He could here her shuffling inside. "Can I come in?" There was a pause, before Alaska's muffled reply reached his ear. "No." He chuckled. "Alright. But can you talk to me through the door at least?" He smiled as he listened to the wood floors creaking beneath her feet as she sat on the other side of the door. "That's my girl." He laughed, leaning his head back against the oak door. He heard Aurora sniffle at that. "Baby what's wrong? Uncle Ivan is worried about you too y'know? Nat too." It was silent for a long time. Alfred could hear the sound of her faint breathing, and stretched out fabric. She messed with and stretched her clothes when she was anxious. "Why?" Her voice sounded so small. She was always confident so it was rare to hear her so weak and shaky. America rose an eyebrow. He waited for her to finish, scrunching his eyebrows in concern. "Why are they here?" America's mouth made an 'o' shape as he nodded in understanding. "Their bosses sent them over. I assuming it's to confirm some trade deals and strengthen relations." Aurora went quiet. She wasn't convinced. "Really? But don't they know how much the others will-" she cut herself off. But America knew what she wanted to say. 'But don't they know how much the others will hurt you?' He already knew that, and he accepted it. He was fine, taking the brunt of the insults was worth it if he could protect his kids. He hoped that Allen and Alfred understood that he was fine, and wouldn't try to step in. But they were both unpredictable. He frowned. "I know honey. But I'm ok. They can't hurt me." His reassuring voice made her smile. She held fistfuls of her shirt tightly, her frown returning. "Are you sure?" She could hear him laugh. "Have I ever lied to you?" She felt the weight in her chest lifting as her hands loosened on her shirt. "No,,," her body moved on its own as she stood up and unlocked her door. America heard this and stood, smiling warmly as she opened the door. He pulled her into his chest, holding her tightly in his arms. Silent tears began to soak his shirt as Alaska was suddenly overcome by worry and sadness. America got down on a knee to face her, cupping her cheek and wiping away her tears with his thumb. "I'll be ok. I promise." He gave her his signature smile, though it wasn't artificial. It wasn't fake. It was one of the only real smiles he could give. Her tears dried as she too smiled. She held out her pinky finger. "Swear?" He chuckled, linking their pinky's. "Swear."