Tea time with a commie - Countryhumans SovBrit

Chapter 6 • What's the difference between a house and a home?

British boy's POV:

Dinner had gone the same way breakfast had. Still, fifteen children. It's a bit much, isn't it? And to keep it a secret? Actually, I'd probably keep it a secret too. They all seemed quite well behaved, especially the younger ones. I don't think my own children were just as behaved as they were. Even Nada was roudy at times. But maybe it's because I'm here. If I weren't here then they'd act up more.

I get lost in my thoughts too easily.

Soviet had suggested I take a bath. He said it's too relax, but I think he just cares about hygiene, or cleanliness in general. It makes sense. The cutlery, how well behaved his children are, and the fact that I actually haven't seen a single mess in this entire house.

I put one foot in the water. There's no one in this bathroom, or in the spare room it's attached too. The water is boiling hot. It singes my skin, like when I drink tea and burn the edge of my tongue. I suck it up in a sharp breath and fully submerge my body in the tub. Maybe he did want me to relax. Any tense feelings I still clung onto were let loose and left me be. I was fully relaxed. The only audible noise was the sound of the water swishing at any movement I made. I think about the day I've had. It's been one of the best the more I think about it. I haven't been treated with such hospitality in a good while. And the more I ponder on it, the more I realise that not even France treated me this well. My mind lingers on the thought more than I'd like to. Everything begins to make sense. She had started to avoid me less and less and until I caught her sleeping with another man. God, how did I not notice!? Am I an idiot!?

I clear my face with a handful of water. That doesn't matter now. The divorce was already settled. And something good might have come from it. I got to speak with Soviet more personally, and he's much better than what I'd ever imagine him to be. Maybe this is a step forward. Maybe this could be used to bring peace between my son and him. I smile at the thought. Maybe...

Maybe i could call this a second home if we get close enough. Like a family friend. It'd be nice to have another home to go...
Can I call the place I have in London a home? Sure, it has what every home should have. Walls, roof, floors... A bed, bathroom, kitchen, and living room. Ans a few more rooms than that. What is the difference between a house and a home? A house is a building. It doesn't necessarily have to be your own. A home? A home is also a building? But it sounds much more cozy and welcoming. My house is definitely cozy. And it can be welcoming. Maybe not now but... It was welcoming. Could I call this place a home? Definitely! Maybe not my home, but– actually– Maybe it could be a home for me? Again, maybe if I were a family friend.

I'm thinking too much. Nearly half an hour has passed. And I'm tired, too. I need get out the bath.

~~~

The morning looked quite pleasent. There weren't too many clouds today. The sunrise isn't something I see often in London. I do what I usually would for the morning, except this time I'm in a guest room. Once I look decent enough, I head out the door. Where do I go from here? Where is the dinning room? Where is anything here? The hallways are too confusing to naviagte.

I spot a few of his children creeping around the corner. They spot me and hide away quickly, all quietly whispering in Russian. I approach slowly, and to my suprise they stop hiding. But they're all cowarding behind one another. I give a short wave, bending down to their height. I guess it is scary to have a stranger in your oen home.
"Hello..!"
One of them, a girl, steps foward. She's shaking. Poor thing. I will be as polite as I can... Does she even speak English? Do any of them speak English? She begins to speak in a quiet, bearly audible voice. None of it is in English. While she speaks, she lifts her arm, trying to show it to me. She was about to pull the sleeve up—
"Доброе утро! (Good morning!) Britain," Soviet had snuck up from behind his own kids, causing all three of them to jump up and flinch.
All children stand up straight, looking up to their father and greeting him.
"I see you're trying to speak to my children," he laughs a little, "they don't speak any English."
I stand up straight, too, and wave to Soviet.
"Good morning. Yes, I've noticed they don't speak much," I do feel bad for the children. I must of scared them! "I hope I haven't upset them."
"No, no! You are fine! Do not worry! They're shy, remember?" Soviet manages to reassure me. There's a soft gentleness in his voice.
Soviet already turns his attention to his kids, speaking to them softly while they still continue to shake. It's quiet comforting to see how gentle he is with his kids. It reminds me of how I raised my own. He gets to their level of height, which is quite funny to watch actually. He's like two metres, and most of his kids are barely one.
"This is Украина (Ukraine)," he points to the girl who tried to speak to me earlier, "Россия (Russia)," he points to a boy, who was the one who answered the door to me yesterday, "and this is Эстония (Estonia)."
The three all wave to me.
"Those are cute names– how do you remember all fifteen of them?"
"I manage," Soviet shrugs it off, "I think it's about time for breakfast, actually!"
Sounds like a good idea. I am starving.

~~~

The rest of the day went by quickly. And by the end of it, I wish it would've lasted. But, alas, I'm standing in the airport, about to depart back to my house. But before I leave, Soviet hands me a small gift bag.
"It is present. I thought you'd enjoy it," he says.
I smile in return, looking inside.
"Thank you, Soviet."
"Без проблем (no problem)."
I search the bag and find two items. A black ushanka – perfectly soft to the touch – and a small phrase book in Russian. I adore these gifts very much already. I can't believe I'm leaving this place in a few minutes. It makes me quite upset. I'll still see him during meetings though, right? And I could always visit again!

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((I just realised how popular this is getting (and how popular it may get in the furture). Can't believe people like reading this silly little story haha love y'all <33))