Book 1 - Puppets

XLI - Doorways

Russia stares at the jagged rocks for a moment before he turns to America, who holds the back of his head.

"America? Are you okay?" Russia asks.

America groans. "I'll be good."

"Lemme see," Louisiana says, walking over, taking a long step over the stalagmite.

"I'm fine Lulu."

"Come on Dad."

"Fine."

Russia stands shoulder to shoulder with America and spots blood streaming down the back of his neck. America drops his arms to allow Louisiana a good look at his head. The back of his hand brushes against Russia's.

Giddy feelings fill his stomach. Just the slightest contact fills him with excitement and glee.

'Oh.'

'Oh no.'

Russia forcefully swallows the giddiness back.

His people wouldn't approve.

This affection, these feelings. They shouldn't be for another man. He sidesteps away.

He wants to touch. To hug. To hold. But his leader's disdain chokes him.

"Russia?"

Russia's head snaps up to America, who gives him a concerned look.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes. I'm fine," Russia mutters, taking a step away. America looks a little dejected. Russia looks away.

"Okay love birds. Let's get a move on," Louisiana teases.

Russia's face flushes with shame. America scoffs.

"Where are we going?" Philippines says.

"Well, that depends on our goal," Canada says.

"So, what's the plan?" Massachusetts asks.

"To get outa here," Texas says.

"But how?!" Massachusetts exclaims.

They fall quiet. Russia forces his mind to focus on a possible solution. He moves his focus to the walls beside him.

"The room," Russia says.

"What do you mean?"

"What room?"

"The training room," Finland clarifies, with a pale face.

America whines softly. Russia bits the inside of his cheek and looks away. He can't stand to see America's expression.

"Why?" America says.

"If there was a way to get people in there, there has to be a way out," Russia explains.

America stares at him, his eyes shine. Russia's heart clenches when America looks away and hardens his expression.

His breath catches, and he swallows the lump in his throat.

"'People'? What are y'all talking about?" Texas says.

"Yeah. What was in there anyway? It smelled a lot like blood," Massachusetts says.

"There were people," Finland mumbles.

"Why are you being so vague?" Louisiana says suspiciously.

"Some of them were your citizens," America says quietly, "some from your siblings. All of them were gutted. There was blood. Everywhere. There was so much, and the flags matched yours and your siblings. Near identical images."