Chapter Text
A few weeks back Alfred had offered me a skiing trip at this place called Lake Placid. He went on about how fun it would be and how he wanted to spend some time with his ‘big bro’. But deep down I knew he just wanted to flaunt whatever skills and ‘never seen before tricks’ he could do on the steep snow. I reluctantly agreed, not thinking much of it. That was until this morning.
Canada etched the last few words onto the page before shutting his pocket-sized diary. It was a birthday present he got from France. With it was a note attached to the cover that read:
The thinnest pages keep the deepest secrets better than the thickest walls.
Ever since, his diary has been a way for him to share his thoughts, knowing it would be the only thing that would listen to what he had to say; whenever, wherever. He brought it everywhere, whether it be in his morning strolls, meetings with other nations, or a slightly bumpy ride on the icy road—such as right now.
“Jeez, the snow here’s soo thick. I can only imagine what those ice people in the north are going through right now.” America snickered as he continued to drive above the speed limit.
“Mhm.” Canada could only respond as he leaned towards the foggy window. “Though to be fair, living in those ice caves would probably be so sick right?” America replied.
Canada peered to his left, “You mean an Igloo?” The American’s brow immediately shot up as he faced the passenger seat. “Ohh right with the penguins!”
“Eyes on the road Al!” Canada yelped with fear splashed all over his face. “Chillax dude! I know what I’m doing!” America giggled.
Reckless as he may be, Canada did appreciate what company his brother had to offer. As much as he hated to admit it, America was probably the only one who saw through him. Not even the likes of England could ever bat an eye unless it had something to do with his most polarizing brother.
“Hey.”
“Yeah?”
“Thanks for picking me up, Al.”
“Pfft, why wouldn’t I? I mean it would be funnier to see you desperately stumble your way to this place. But I suppose it’d be cruel so I saved you the hassle. I am the hero after all!”
“Right.” Canada hinted a smile at America before facing back at the window.
A few hours into the ride, Canada had fallen asleep. America's eyes were barely glued to the road. He was desperately finding any way for him to entertain himself.
‘Jesus who knew road trips could be so boring. I should have just shotgunned the passenger seat. That way I’d be the one sleeping right now.’ America cursed to himself.
His eyes strolled a bit more to the sides, until he noticed a small leather cover peeking out of Canada’s left pocket.
‘Hmmmm.. I wonder what this could be..’ America slowly reached his hand towards the exposed notebook. All of a sudden, Canada gently opened his eyes towards the road to a sight that he couldn’t help but scream for.
“DEER!!” America was quick to jolt his head and slam the breaks as hard as he could. Both passengers were flung from their streets, pale as the snow that surrounded them. “Al! How many times have I told you to look straight ahead while you’re driving?!” Canada was quick to scold America.
“Sooooorry Mattiee~” America mockingly batted his eyes and pouted his lips. Canada sighed and reached towards his pockets to get his diary, only to realize it was empty.
“Um… Al, have you seen a notebook of sorts?” Canada panicked. “Ohh, you mean this?” America waved the diary in Canada’s face.
“Give that back!” He tried to grab the notebook, to which America yanked it away from him. The two began to jostle as they usually do. The car rocked back and forth and Canada was barely in his seat as if he was about to lunge at America. Suddenly, they were interrupted by a loud beep from the back. Canada grabbed the opportunity and snatched the notebook from America’s grasp.
“Aww come on Matt! You know you can always tell me anything instead of just writing it on some paper. A little entertainment would be nice.” America nudged as he restarted the car.
“I’m sorry Al, but, as much as I trust you, whatever I write here… I prefer not to shout it out at the world. I’m not like you.”
America became stiff at that last statement. ‘“Not like you”?’ He questioned himself. Yet, just as quickly, the thought barely crossed his mind.
It's been awfully quiet since I scolded Alfred. I hope I didn’t hit a nerve or anything. I mean, it wasn’t even that hurtful of a comment, I was just speaking my mind.
Maybe I do need to write my thoughts on parchments of paper.
As the sun began to set, they finally arrived at their hotel. They checked into their room—double sized with two queen beds. America immediately plopped onto the nearest bed, leaving Canada at the door with both their luggages.
“Matt, be a darling and take care of our bags. I'm going to be pretty busy making out with the pillows.” America lifted his head before burying it back onto the pillows. Canada silently giggled to himself. “Alright, you deserve a break after driving us all the way here.”
Canada rolled most of the bags inside the closet space, while America dozed off with loud snores bellowing across the room. After which, Canada finally sat at his own bed, facing the curtains leading to the balcony. He got up and dragged the curtains aside, revealing a view of the snowy slopes below. Many people could still be seen skiing, with the floodlights guiding their path. He quickly grabbed his notebook and described the scene in front of him as much as he could.
The sun trailed the edges of the mounds that surrounded us.With it dragged a strangely violet-like hue painting the bottom half of the sky. People are still basking themselves in what sunlight they had left, with the security that a more peaceful night sky awaited them. It’s fun seeing people enjoy themselves. They have their own reasons to be happy, and I can only wish to understand why.
His eyes continued to trail many places. Slowly, he approached the ledge to see what lay beneath the building. He saw a few jacuzzis with people leaning at the ledge and their heads up high
I hope I can convince Al to get in the jacuzzi first thing in the morning. I’m sure he needs it as much as I do.
As he continued to observe the people below, one figure stood out to him. Skin as white as snow, silver hair, that awkward yet devilish smile. ‘Could it be-’
“Holy shit is that Russia??” America exclaimed from behind. “OH MY— Al how long have you been standing there??” Canada jumped, nearly dropping his journal.
“The hell is he even doing here? I mean, what a vacation amirite? The poor dude totally doesn’t look like he’s about to shit himself.” America snarked.
Canada looked back below to see Russia facing some middle aged man who had been rambling for what seemed like a minute. He nodded every few seconds, clearly not listening to a word the man had to say, and was visibly uncomfortable—almost constipated.
“He definitely wants to get out of there.” he commented. “And I think he just found a reason to do so.” America muttered. Russia had looked straight into their direction, letting out a wave.
“God that stare gives me chills every time, and not the pleasant type.” America shivered with an audible distaste in his tone. “I think it's pretty cute.” Canada shyly waved back. “Eugh… We should really get inside or else I’m gonna catch a cold.” America dragged Canada back inside the room.
“I mean why on earth would they be in Lake Placid of all places??” America walked back and forth, as Canada wrote a few words into his journal. Ringing suddenly came from America’s pocket, who was quick to pick-up the phone.
“Hey China what’s up?
.
Uh-huh…
.
Ohhhh…”
Canada curiously lifted his head at America’s responses.
“Really man? Does it have to be this week?
.
Alright, see ya then.” America dropped the phone at his last response.
“Well?” Canada questioned.
“So a few weeks back, China told me that he would come and take a look at some of the Winter Tournament locations. And he decided that bringing Russia would be a greaaat idea, seeing how ‘he claimed to know everything about the snow.’. So now I have to join him and answer whatever questions they’d throw at me.”
Canada stared back at America unfazed. “But hey don’t worry! I won’t let it get in the way of our vacation!” America enthusiastically assured. Another call came in, and America headed to the balcony to take it. Canada, looked down on his unfinished entry and etched a few more words on it.
Tomorrow:
- Get close with
RussiaEVERYONE!!