For most of his portion of the drive, Russia occupies himself entertaining the states in the backseat. He tells stories about his siblings, like when Belarus ran away for 20 minutes or how his father let him have vodka when he was far too young. In return, he got to hear stories about the antics in the "Big House."
He learns that the states don't often all get together, but it's entertaining when they do. It is hard not to turn around and participate in the conversation, so he settled for glancing into the rearview mirror.
"Wasn't too bad?! You southerners almost burned down the house trying to deep-fry a turkey for Thanksgiving," Massachusetts says, pointing an accusing finger at Texas and Louisiana.
"Deep-fry a turkey?" Russia asks, baffled.
"It was Kentucky's idea," Texas comments.
"And you listened to the chicken head," Massachusetts rebuts.
"Well, you squealed like a kid when Florida brought that snake into the house," Texas retorts.
"It was a snake!"
"It wasn't venomous," Louisiana comments, giggling.
"How was I supposed to know that?!"
"Maybe come down south more often," Texas suggests.
"And hang out with idiots and mosquitoes? No, I'd rather not," Massachusetts responds crossing his arms.
"We ain't idiots," Texas defends.
Massachusetts shot him a look, and Texas backpedals.
"Not all of us are idiots!" he amends, his hands in the air out of surrender.
"Besides, it wasn't the southerners who got the couch stuck to the ceiling," Lousiana replies smugly.
Texas laughs.
"That was one time," Massachusetts says indignantly.
"Still happened, Massy," Louisiana replies sweetly.
"Don't call me that," Massachusetts demands.
"What is Thanksgiving?" Russia asks, gaining the full attention of the states, "America speaks of it occasionally, but has never explained what it is."
"Both America and I celebrate in our countries. I just do it earlier. Essentially, it's a day when families get together and eat as much as they can stomach," Canada explains.
"It's when yah gotta find what you're thankful for!" Texas adds.
"And Georgia's pies are nothing to scoff at," Massachusetts remarks.
"Do you think Dad would mind if Russia stays over for this Thanksgiving?" Texas asks the other states.
"Maybe we can ask him once we find him," Massachusetts snaps, and the states go quiet.
The rest of the ride is quiet, and Russia pulls over and parks beside one of the abandoned buildings. They spend the rest of their daylight setting up their campsite and collecting wood.
They sit around their fire pit on various large logs, and Massachusetts scans their surroundings for any obvious threats or magic signatures in the area. Massachusetts' face twists, and he opens his eyes with a trepidacious look.
"There's a lot of magic. I don't know how I missed it when we were driving here. We need to be careful," he comments, "it doesn't feel friendly."
"Can you track whoever is casting it?" Louisiana asks.
Massachusetts' eyes squint in concentration before he shakes his head in defeat.
"No. But, its signature feels familiar," Massachusetts replies.
YOU ARE READING
Book 1 - Puppets
FanfictionRussia is sent overseas to stay with America, but it isn't clear why until after he arrives. As soon as he steps foot on American soil, Russia is thrown upside-down into a family hidden from the world on a mission to protect everything he holds dear...
