Never Left

Chapter 7

Originally published on: April 18, 2020

Russia sighed contently as he finished the last oh his dinner. He might have over eaten a little bit but he couldn't say no to France's cooking, it was just too good. He looked around the table. Britain stood up and started to collect plates from around the table and take them into the kitchen.

"Merci mon amour." France said as Britain took her plate, he smiled at her. "Canada, please help your father." She said. [Translation: Thank you love.]

"Oui Maman," he said, standing and taking the remaining plates to the kitchen. [Translation: Yes Mom]

It was quiet for a moment before France spoke again.

"You okay over there Russia?" She said, her voice soft and welcoming. He sighed as he stroked Chips's head.

"D-do you mind if we talk in private?" He asked, trying to keep himself together. She softened her gaze.

"Of course, come on." She said and lead him away into another room. "Should I even ask what is wrong?" She said. Russia sighed and let the tears flow. France was a very good mom, she never judged any of her children for who they were. She supported America when he came out. As long as her loved ones were happy that's all she could ask for. Russia had become a part of her family, even if America had passed. It felt like it was her duty to make sure that he was okay, like she would with any of her own children.

"I-I miss him. I miss him so much." Russia mumbled between sobs. France frowned and embraced the country in a hug, Russia hugged back. He needed this.

"Shhhhh, it's okay. We all miss him."

"H-how so you do it?" Russia asked. France pulled out of the hug to look him in the eye.

"Do what?" She asked.

"How do you go on as if nothing happened? It's like you don't care." He said, another wave of sobs coming. France sighed.

"There is not a day when I do not think of him. I could never not care for him. He is my son, and always will be. Even if he is no longer with us. I stay strong because I know it's what he would have wanted me to do." She explained. "Russia I know you can be strong, so for Ame." Russia took a deep breath.

"For Meri," he repeated to himself until he calmed down

After a little while he and France returned to the table where everyone stood. Australia was about to ask what happened but he quickly received a glare from his mother before he could get any words out.

"I-I was wondering if we could go on a walk? All together? Down to that park." Uke said, shifting in their chair a little. UK smiled.

"Sure! That sounds like a splendid idea!" He said in a cheery tone as he finished the last if his tea.

"Can I bring Chips too? I haven't got a change to go on a walk with him today." Russia said, looking to the dog who was sitting at his feet, wagging his tail at the mention of his name.

"Sure thing bro!" Uke said, a large smile on their face. Canada smiled as Uke spoke, it wasn't hard to tell that he truly loved them. He didn't mind the fact that they were non+binary, or that they didn't have any living parents, he just loved them for who they were. That was something Russia could really respect about Canada. He didn't care who you were, he always believed that you could be a good person.

"Come on Chips!" Kiwi called as she ran towards the front door. "Does he need a leash!?" She called to Russia.

"No he should be good, but grab one just in case!" He called to the girl. The group slowly made their way out the door. Russia watched as Britain and France held each other's hands, Canada and Uke doing the same. He took a deep breath, for Meri, stay strong for Meri. He told himself.

Kiwi, Australia and Chips were all running ahead, laughing as the white dog chased them. Eventually they got to the park, it was quiet and peaceful. Russia thought back to when he confessed to Ame in this park.

Russia sat there on the bench, he was so nervous and regretted putting that note on Ame's door. He hadn't even known the guys very long, just since the beginning of the school year. Russia's father had always told him that he had to wait to be much older till he could get a girlfriend. Well he never said anything about boyfriends so Russia just sat there on the bench. At first it seemed like Ame wasn't going to show up, as Russia stood up to leave he heard someone run up to him.

"H-hey! Are y-you the one that left the note?" The star spangled country asked. Russia could feel his face heat up.

"Umm, uh-yeah, America I understand if you don't feel-" Russia was cut off as he felt Ame's lips up against his. He quickly melted into the kiss. Ame pulled away and looked off to the side in embarrassment.

"I-I feel the same." He mumbled. Russia had the biggest smile on his face, it almost looked unnatural.

"I was so worried that it was going to be someone like NK, or China. That would have been really awkward. Sorry I'm late by the way, I wanted to get this." Ame said pulling a red rose out from behind him. Now both of the boys were flustered, so much so that it would almost put the Soviet Union to shame.

Russia smiled as he recalled the feeling of the other's lips on his. He looked over to Ukraine and Canada who were nervously fidgeting with each other. They both sighed and turned to face everyone else.

"Umm, Uke and I have some big news to share." Canada said, giving a glance back to his significant other before they both took a deep breath.

"We're getting engaged!" They both said simultaneously. At first everyone was a little stunned before they all started to clap. And say their own fair share if 'congrats' and things like that, Chips was wagging his tail and barking happily. Sure Russia felt proud of his little sibling for coming so far and growing into a better person but the words stung. He felt as if he had been stabbed, or betrayed. He knew he shouldn't feel that way, it wasn't that he wasn't happy, he was jealous.

That was supposed to be him and America. They were supposed to be the ones to bind their eternal love. They were supposed to be the ones with the happy ending!

Russia shook his head, he needed to calm down. He looked down feeling Chips at his side, this made him smile. It seemed like that dog always knew when he was needed.

Russia walked through the graveyard. He walked until he reached the one he had been looking for. He looked down at the tombstone. He read it aloud to himself and Chips.

"Rest In Peace, United States of America. E pluribus unum." Russia sighed. As he set a rose down in front of his lover's grave. He sighed and sat down, Chips so I gotta over and licking his face. He pushed the dog away. [Translation: Out of many, one[Motto of the USA]]

"Not now Chips, I'm trying to have a moment." Russia said as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small little box. Ame immediately knew what it was. He felt his heart sink.

"I was gonna purpose to him the day that he got in the accident. I had everything all perfectly layers out. We'd go to our favorite fancy restaurant. Go get ice cream at the ice cream parlor just a block down. Then I would take him to the park where we first confessed back in College. Then I would purpose." Russia explained and then sighed. "Oh what I wouldn't give, just to have him in my arms again."

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Well hello there! I'm going to do my best to try and keep updates on this book as consistent as possible with school. Just know that there might be less updates during the week. Either way I'll try to keep up. Thanks for 100 reads btw! Have a lovely day because you deserve it!