The Safe Haven

Talking

He knows I'm the Alpha? Was that why he was so scared of me?
"H-how did you find out?" I managed to stammer out.
"Canada may have casually mentioned it when he said that I could trust you because you for one, saved me, and for another, you're the Alpha."
Oh.
"Thus, why I said it."

"Could you remind me what was it you said?"
America hummed, "I can tell that you are an older brother, or possibly a father."

"Don't avoid the question," I said. I wasn't being forceful, or serious, just teasing.

"I'm leaning towards father."

"What? No, I'm not- whatever. Can you repeat what you said to me earlier?"

"'I'm leaning towards father'?"

I chuckled under my breath. He is one of the most pleasant people that I've ever brought into my camp. Snarky, but respectful at the same time.

"You know what I mean, Stars."
"Yet again that is not my name."
"Why is it so difficult to simply say, "Thank you"?"
"It doesn't come to me easily to say. The last time I did say that, I was thanking somebody for sparring my life," he striped country looked down and off the side, his shoulders tightened.
Oh.
Now I feel bad for pressuring him to say that.

"Well, technically, that wasn't your last time. It was your second to last time. The last time you said 'thank you were thanking a kind man for taking you into his camp and healing you," I said a smile rising to my lips while looking at him.
"I guess that's correct. You are quite the optimist," he chuckled at the end of his own sentence. A ghost of a smile appeared at his lips and he seemed to relax again.
"And what is that 'kind man's name?" He questioned.
"Russia," I slightly smiled at him. He smiled back. It was a faint smile, but a smile nonetheless.

I don't know why I feel so comfortable around a stranger. He could've lounged out and cut my throat when he woke up, or anytime for that matter. It took weeks for me to warm up to Germany, but with America, I feel like I've already known him.
I don't know him too well, but I'd like to get to know him better while he recovers.

We just sat there in silence for minutes. Nothing needed to be said.
It was almost blissful.
Stars eventually paid back down in bed and covered himself in the warm sheets. He closed his eyes.
"It's been a while since I've slept in a bed this nice," he snuggled into the sheets, trying to warm himself more in the coolness of the room.

It felt nice to help him. To see his grateful expression berried deep in a fluffy pillow.

He fell asleep once again. I debated if I should leave or not. He did escape from a lab, so people would be looking for him.
It would be safer to stay with him.

The temperature of the room dropped. I a shiver slowly crept up my spine.
I got up to get myself a coat and a few more blankets. And a half-empty bottle of Vodka.
I walked back into the room.

Stars was gone.

I put the blankets on the bed and the Vodka on the chair beside the bed and began my search.

That didn't last long.

"Куда ты, черт возьми, пошел?!" I was so worked up thinking that the humans had entered my camp and captured him again, I forgot my English.

The American flinched.
"Sorry for getting up without permission," he tensed up and looked at the ground, gripping the stick that supported his weight.

Oh.

I scared him.
"Hey, hey, hey, it's okay. I was just worried. I'm sorry," I gently said while approaching him slowly.
"Come on let's get you back to bed, so you can rest."
I grabbed his hand lightly and guided him back to his room. America whimpered slightly while walking.
We got back into the room and he immediately collapsed into the bed.

"Where did you go? You almost gave me a heart attack."
He pulled the covers over himself, "I woke up and had to go to the bathroom. You don't worry about me, I know how to defend myself."

I sighed. I may not know much about this country, but I do know he is stubborn.
"I know you know how to defend yourself. I saw you kill a cougar. But you're wounded. You also escaped from one of those experimental facilities. People are going to be looking for you," I said.

"I know," he simply said.

"Then why are you not more concerned?"

"Because I'm going to the Safe Haven."

The Safe Haven? Why does that sound oddly familiar?
"What is this 'Safe Haven'?"

"It's a peaceful place where everyone is safe. A place far away from all the disasters and wars. A place to... get away from it all," he sighed, "I can only hope that's not a fairy tale or false hope."

Hmm.
Sounds familiar.

"I can't guarantee that you'll find your Safe Haven, but I can guarantee, that until you're better, you'll be safe here. I promise."

He looked at me and smiled, "Thank you, Russia."