Dispute | Countryhumans AU | RusAme/AmeRus

13

"I know you've been sneaking into my library and study to read my books," Russia translated, with a small smile. "I now know you like to read books, so I'll give you some of my books, take good care of them. -Father, 1789."

America looked up. "It makes sense now," he breathed. "It does, doesn't it?" Russia grinned, slipping the note carefully in between the book's cover and pages.

They sat together, smiling contentedly as they sipped their tea. Russia finihed drinking his tea first and left for bed after washing his mug. America did soon, too.

The difference between the two was that America managed to fall asleep, while Russia could only stare at the ceiling, heart fluttering as anxiety pooled in his stomach.

He turned on his side, squeezing his eyes shut and trying to sleep. An image of America smiling at him sent waves of heat rolling across his face and he sat up, flushing furiously. Pulling his blanket up to his chest, he fiddled with it, trying to bring his heart rate down to normal.

His father had taught him a plethora of things, but not how to control those emotions he was feeling. He cringed, trying to suppress his emotions. What would America say? He loved America, he wanted to hug him, but did he feel the same?

He didn't want to push America away, he wanted America close to him. "...Говно (Shit)," he muttered, sighing. Getting up, he walked into the hallway. There wasn't any light shining out from under America's door, and he went back into his own room sheepishly, biting his lower lip.

He kept thinking about him. He kept thinking about America, and he couldn't sleep. He closed his eyes and pulled his blanket over his head, trying to chase the thoughts away.

He finally sought refuge in sleep after trying for an hour, waking up exhausted the next day.

"Hey," America said, tapping Russia on the shoulder. Russia jumped, blushing from the contact. America laughed. "You good?"

"Yeah, just nervous for the play," Russia lied, shrugging and getting himself a cup of black tea. "Honestly, I feel the same," America admitted, chewing on a granola bar.

"Mhmm," Russia murmured, blowing his tea to cool it down. They finihed their quick breakfast and scampered off to the auditorium where they were supposed to assemble with their classmates.

"Good morning, class," UNESCO greeted. The class greeted back and UNESCO took their attendance. A small group of students had fallen unwell, and had to be replaced by their understudies. They did a quick rehearsal before leaving to put on their costumes and makeup.

They came back to be greeted by a well dressed audience sitting primly in the auditorium. "Ready?" America whispered. "No, but they can't wait for me to get ready; I'll never feel ready enough. I'm just going to give it my all." Russia replied, straightening his costume.

"Presenting to you, a twist on everyone's favourite folk story," the emcee announced, stepping off the stage as the crimson curtains drew back, revealing the actors in the first act standing in the dark on the polihed mahogany stage.

As soon as the lights turned on, the first line was uttered.

"Once upon a time, there was a young prince who lived in a big, shining castle. He had everything he ever wanted, but he was spoilt and selfish."

Russia stood at the centre of the stage, a scowl on his face and a crown on his head.

"One day, a haggard old woman approached his palace, asking for a place to stay. It was cold, and he was freezing. Repulsed by her looks, the prince shook his head and pointed away. He didn't want her in his home."