The Secret

Chapter 3

Every nation had the ability to teleport themselves to where ever they wish as long as it is within their own territory, though most of them try to avoid it. It used an exertion of energy that most nations wouldn't ordinarily use except for emergencies. Considering Russia hadn't ever begged America to do something, he considered this an emergency.

America stumbled to his feet in front of the cabin. Nothing had changed. America wasn't sure what he had expected, but he definitely wasn't expecting to find everything the same as he had left it. He made his way to the front door and was about to pull the door open when he stopped at- Was that crying? As the sound came to a stop, he pushed the door open and stepped inside. The door latched shut behind him.

"Russia?"

"In the kitchen."

America followed his voice and went into small kitchen. He stopped when he found Russia standing beside a counter, a small bundle in his arms. "What is that?"

Russia looked up at America's voice. He looked almost relieved to see him. "You have children. Perhaps you will know how to keep her pleased."

America still felt a bit shocked and slightly confused. "Her." America was hardly aware that Russia had placed the bundle in his arms. He looked down to the bundle in his arms, blue eyes staring up at him. He tore his eyes away from the face and back to Russia. "Who is this?" he asked softly.

"Alaska." Russia held up a piece of bark, the name inscribed in it.

America looked back down to the small face. "Is she..."

"I don't know."

The child in his arms started to make small cries and America immediately looked down to her. He gently rocked the child in his arms, quietly shushing her as she kept quiet. America couldn't help the soft smile that spread over him.

"I gave her some milk I found in the fridge," Russia said.

America looked up to see him looking slightly worried.

"I wasn't sure what to give her."

America just have him a reassuring nod and a smile. "You did fine, Russia." He watched Russia smile, though he still looked a bit tense.

"It's getting late. I'll make something to eat."

"All right." America nodded. He walked to the living room and sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace, flames dancing within the hearth, Russia must've started a new one earlier. America only had eyes for the small girl in his arms. Her small hand peeking out from the blanket she was wrapped in.

He was worried. Worried that this little girl wasn't really a personification, but just their child. If that were true, it would only be a matter of time before she grew too ill to support herself. He didn't want to think about it, but the thought didn't leave his mind.

His lifted his hand, putting his finger to her one hand as she quickly grasped hold of it. America watched her beautiful face, her wide eyes taking in everything around her.

"Here."

America looked up to see Russia sitting down beside him with two bowls of soup and spoons. America said thanks and held the girl while Russia ate his soup. Once he ha put his dishes down, America leaned forward a bit. "Here." He carefully placed Alaska in Russia's arms, to his surprise. He seemed nervous at first, but as soon as he had her with him and looked down to her, the tension in his shoulders seemed to disappear. A smile graced his him. He pulled aside a bit of the blanket, letting his finger gently lay in hers.

America ate and cleared away the dishes, washing them and putting them away. Before returning to the living room, he took off his shoes and jacket and left them by the door. He sat back down right next to Russia, looking down to the little girl's curious face.

"She needs a name," Russia said suddenly.

America thought for a moment. "Rosabella. Rose."

"Роза," Russia said, repeating the name his native tongue. "It's perfect."

America leaned against Russia, his focus never leaving the tiny child; their daughter. Russia's head came to rest on America's as he leaned back against the chair behind him, Alaska safely held in his arms.

The next morning, Russia woke first; Alaska asleep in his arms. He shifted his position just slightly, though if still managed to disturb her. Russia immediately started to hum a soft melody to her and she slowly become motionless once more. Although his humming worked, it also proved to wake America. How? he wasn't quite sure.

America sat up, stretching arms above him. He removed glasses, rubbing his eyes before putting them back on. He glanced over to Russia and Alaska before getting to his knees. His hand came to gently pass over her cheek before coming back to his own lap. America leaned over and quickly placed a small kiss on Russia's cheek.

"Hungry?"

"If you can find something."

"I'm pretty sure we've got some eggs or something here," America said as he got to his feet.

The fire in the hearth had gone out in the night and was now only flickering embers; leaving a damp cold in the cabin.

Russia carefully stood and walked to the kitchen table where the cradle still sat. He gingerly placed his daughter within the small bed before returning to start a fire for the morning.

America fixed the last couple eggs for the two of them and they sat to eat. It wasn't long after that Alaska woke with a fit of crying. Russia went and fetched some milk to give her while America went to pick her up from her cradle. Russia handed the milk to America who held it up for the child to drink from.

The morning was quiet. They just stayed together; a family. Just enjoying their company. It wasn't until about a quarter of twelve that America realized the time.

"I have to go."

"What?"

"I told the states and territories that I'd be back by noon."

The two stood and walked to the kitchen table. America held Alaska out to Russia. "You should take care of her."

As much as he wanted to say yes, to reach out and take her home with him, he knew he couldn't. He simply shook his head. "What will I say to my boss? To anyone who sees her?"

America thought for a moment. He carefully laid Alaska in her cradle and looked back to Russia. "You're giving her up," he said quietly.

Russia bowed his head. It was the last thing he wanted. "For her, it is the only way."

"Russia-"

"Take her as one of your territories. Introduce her to the others. No one will question it."

America slowly nodded. His held out his hand and lifted Russia's head to look to him. "Hey, this isn't good-bye. You'll see her again, and we'll all be together. I promise."

Russia smiled. "I suppose this war can't last forever."

America smirked. "It will end, and everything will be fine. We won't have to keep any of these secrets anymore."

Russia leaned down, pulling America to him. They kissed for a few moments before Alaska started rambling incoherently, a smile over her small face.

"See, even Rose knows it'll be okay."

Russia have a small laugh. He leaned over the small child, planting a gentle kiss on his daughter's forehead before retreating.

Russia walked America outside. They gave their final partings, Alaska held protectively in her small cradle by America. And in a fraction of a second, they were gone from the woods.