Word count: 1135 words

        Winter had come and things were quickly being covered in snow and ice. Despite it being more miserable for everyone else, America had been increasingly excited for the quickly approaching season. It had been about a week now and America had done his waiting. He had put on a thick long sleeve shirt and pants before putting on an equally thick winter coat that seemed too big for him- which it was, as it had originally belonged to Russia- and some wool gloves and a gray scarf. This was the time where he could finally catch Russia when he wasn't busy and drag him out to play with him.
        Russia barely had time to finish putting on his gloves before America was already pulling him to the door. "Let's go, let's go!" he pressed eagerly.
        "H-Hey, slow down, Meri! It's not like the snow's going anywhere," Russia exclaimed incredulously. He allowed for America to lead him outside where a fresh batch of snow had fallen, but that's not what America was aiming for. Instead, he had went straight to the frozen lake beside their house. Russia sighed heavily, suddenly feeling worried about the ice's thickness. It was only a small lake, so it could easily collapse under America's weight. This however didn't seem to faze the American, as he quickly let go of Russia's hand when they reached said frozen lake.
        Russia watched America nervously as he stepped carefully onto the unmarked ice layer. They waited a few seconds for something to happen. When nothing did, America continued to walk a few more steps further on it. Now he started sliding on it, and soon he was having the time of his life. That is, until the ice suddenly cracked.
        "Meri, look out!" Russia tried to warn him, but it was too late. America screamed as the ice cold water engulfed him. Russia quickly centered his focus and used his telekinesis to pull his little lover back out and into his outstretched arms. He rushed him back into the house where his father came in with a troubled expression.
        "Are you two okay? What happened?" USSR asked worriedly. He noticed America's sopping wet and chattering form and came to a realization. "Did America fall in the lake?" he asked. Russia nodded and set the smaller country down on the bench and started taking his winter wear off. He picked him up again when he was only in his sweater and pants and carried him to his room. Russia sat him down on the bed and went to pick out some dry clothes for him to wear. America hugged himself, shivering and his teeth chattering slightly. He was staring at the ground when Russia came back to him.
        "Do you need help getting dressed?" he asked him. America shook his head vigorously and snatched the clothes from him, hopping off of the bed and hurrying to the bathroom in the room. He quickly slammed the door behind him, locking it. Russia stared after him confused. 'Did I do something wrong?'
        America set the clothes by the sink and sunk down on the toilet, hugging himself once again and staring at the tiled floor. This time there were tears in his eyes that were building up. He sniffed. 'Why did I do that? It's obvious that ice wasn't thick enough for me...but, I've waited so long! Maybe it's because I'm too fat?' America thought miserably. 'Why do I always have to do stupid stuff like that? Now they spend the majority of their time trying to make sure I don't accidentally kill myself instead of doing something more worth their time...'
        Meanwhile Russia was sitting on the bed while waiting for him to finish. Almost ten minutes had passed and he was starting to get worried. USSR came in with a mug of hot chocolate. He sat it down on the nightstand and looked to the bathroom door. "Has he not come out yet?" USSR asked Russia. Russia shook his head and went to knock on the door.
        "Meri? Are you okay in there? Пап has some hot chocolate for you..." he called. When there was no reply he tried knocking again, but still no answer came. Russia sighed conflictedly. "Really don't wanna do this but..." he muttered, then as his father watched he used his telekinesis again to unlock the door. Peeking inside, he saw America slumped on the toilet. Quiet sniffs and choked sobs could be heard from his twitching, shivering form. Russia hurried over to him and crouched in front of him. USSR stood in the doorway.
        "Meri? What's the matter, дорогой?" Russia asked him, holding his arms gently. America looked him for a moment before breaking into tears. The Russian was taken by surprise and pulled him from the toilet, letting the crying American sink into his arms. This caused him to have to sit down. USSR went in and sat down on his knees beside them and proceeded to rub America's back in hopes of somewhat comforting him.
        "Meri?"
        "I-I thought that..that..." he sniffed. "I-I just thought that I was...a burden to you guys..." America finally choked out. Both of them were surprised at that.
        "What? You could never be one! Never in a million years. If anything, you make our lives that much more bearable and interesting," USSR was quick to reassure. "Besides, I think you would rather be here than with...them. As would the rest of us." America looked up at him with a question of certainty in his glassy eyes.
        "But all I do is screw up and make a mess of things. You spend more of your time fixing my mistakes than on anything actually worthy of your time..." he pointed out. USSR shook his head.
        "You are worth our time. If you weren't, do you really think we would've saved you and took you in?" he mused. America looked down on that, clearly uncomfortable and a bit embarrassed by by his own obliviousness.
        "No...I just didn't..want to be an annoyance..." he admitted. Russia kissed him on the head and sighed.
        "Oh, Meri..." There was suddenly a knock on the bedroom door. They looked up to hear a feminine voice.
        "Пап?" It was Tajikistan. USSR stood up.
        "I'll go see what she wants. Your drink is on the nightstand, America," he told them before leaving the bathroom. They watched him leave with Tajikistan then Russia looked back down at America who was limp in his arms, looking out tiredly.
        "Do you want me to help dress you now or are you fine this time?" Russia asked him. America shrugged, but made no move to get up.
        "I'm tired..." he muttered. Russia chuckled.
        "Alright, I'll take that as a yes."