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heroescutiesTitle: Happy Accidents (4/4) [Previous Chapters][FF.net link]
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/Humor
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: America/England, Allied Forces (China, France, Russia)
Word Count: 2,747
Summary: After injuring himself in the most ridiculous of ways, America is laid up in the hospital during WWII. While there, he's visited by the other allies and a rather reluctant England. [Chapter 4: In which England holds his own, Russian food isn't safe to eat, and America and England finally get somewhere]
Notes: A continuation of sorts for the beginning strip of Lietuvis in which America trips and falls (bashing his head and injuring his leg) in excitement over ice cream.
Note, part 2: Written for![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-community.gif)
usxuk's Spring Fever Ficathon and the prompt "Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.- Robert Heimlein" Yes, it was started in Spring and I just now finished it. I AM SO SORRY. But, I thank you for all the comments and hope you enjoy the finale!
So. Today’s the day, England thought to himself as he smoothed down his crisply pressed suit. It seemed silly to him at first to want to look tip-top for this, but after running through his increasingly embarrassing reasons as to why he wanted to look nice, he finally gave in.
He wanted to look nice for America and had actually admitted as much to himself. Oh blast it all, what was the world coming to?
After finalizing the paperwork with the hospital staff so America could be released that afternoon, he made his way towards America’s room. On almost reaching it, he paused. He could hear two distinct voices, one easily identified as America’s and the other taking a moment to place. Trying to discern it, he pressed up against the door and listened in.
“You should be so thankful, America.”
America chuckled nervously. “I am. Trust me; I was so damn glad that when I came over here he was still okay.”
England pressed closer to the door, curious who they were talking about. I mean, it was clearly someone America cared deeply about and well…well, it couldn’t be him, could it? He almost hated to hope.
The voice that England had pinpointed as Lithuania’s responded, “I’m so glad to know you two are safe. It gives me hope for Poland, knowing you’re both helping.”
“We’ll get Poland back to you, Lithuania! Hero’s promise! Everything is going to be okay.”
England smiled unbidden at that. Something about America’s enthusiasm could be positively catching, even if it was a bit naïve. But the next words froze him to the spot.
“I mean…well, I honestly don’t know what I would have done if England wasn’t safe; so I can’t imagine how you feel. But…hang in there! We’ll save the day and you two can be back together again!”
He felt his breath catch, the words ringing in his ears. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if England wasn’t safe.
America had been worried about him; rather much so if his tone was any indication. Perhaps, just perhaps, England thought to himself, his plight wasn't as hopeless as it seemed.
"They're rather close, don't you think so? America and Lithuania," an eerily cheery voice said right in England's ear.
He jumped back, turning on his heel to face the unnerving smiling Russia who had snuck up behind him.
"Uh...hallo, Russia."
A slight frown tugged at the imposing country's lips. "I sometimes worry, wouldn't you? They are just...too close, yes?"
England shook off the icy feeling that had crept down his spine and stood at his fullest height. Clearing his throat, he replied, "They're just good friends. America...well, that idiot has a habit of making friends with anyone and everyone."
"But very close friends, yes?" Russia remarked, soft smile on his face and eyes piercing.
"Yes. Perhaps they are," England snapped.
The whole situation was beginning to unnerve him, a combination of Russia's strange possessive nature over of Lithuania and the fact that it was raising England's own hackles over America's feelings towards him.
I cannot go barging in there like a fool. That's my problem with America. Always trying to keep him to myself until he...
A chill ran through England, this time not due to anything on Russia's part.
With a proper and clipped tone, he spoke, "If you are so concerned, then go on in."
Russia turned to glance down the hallway. "Estonia, Latvia. We are going in now, yes?"
The quick rush of footsteps sounded, and the two came up to stand at the ready. Russia placed his hand on the doorknob and with a worrisome smile remarked to England.
"I'm sorry to trouble you with my uncertainties, England. It's just, Lithuania is such a wonderful cook and he's never argumentative. I have reason for concern, you see?"
England inhaled sharply at the blatant implication. Wonderful cook. Never argumentative. Very close friends. He closed his eyes and the earlier words crept back. The feeling of America's hand in his as they'd lain together in the cramped hospital bed the night before. He was tired of this. As a prideful British man, this simply had to stop.
He took the doorknob from Russia's hand and pushed the door open. With a smug smirk, he retorted, "Yes, I do believe you have reason for concern."
Lithuania and America started as the door swung open, but England held his ground. Marching right over, he offered Lithuania a hand.
“It’s good to see you, Lithuania. Doing all right?”
He nodded, eyes darting over England’s shoulder to where Russia and the others stood. “I’m…getting by. America and I were just talking about you.”
“J-Just wondering where you were!” The younger nation cut in, his cheeks pinking. He quickly stood up and did his best to hide the flicker of pain that crossed his face. “You got the paperwork done, right?”
England took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, of course.” A knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips and he willed it down. Oh I heard you talking about me all right, America. Worried for my safety, was it?
“Ah, you will be checking out soon then?” Russia interjected.
The door flung open then, France entering with a flourish with China, looking bedraggled, following behind him.
“Aiyah! France, you are not to enter here!”
“But China, America is being released today! The lovely nurse at front just told me a strange looking man with hideous eyebrows finalized the paperwork.” England huffed, and France continued. “So, I am here to wish America well.”
America just chuckled. Well, that answered Russia’s query all right. “Yeah, looks like it, Russia. You got a problem with that?” He crossed his arms defiantly, and beside him, England took a step closer. Just on the off chance that France tried something outlandish (this was entirely possible, it was that bloody frog, after all), and China couldn’t hinder him in time.
Russia smiled. “I just brought a dish for you to eat. I hope you have time to enjoy it before you go.”
Taking a deep breath, America crossed the room to the dinner cart that was flanked by Estonia and Latvia. “This it?”
Nodding, Russia said. “Latvia, please present our dish.”
Shaking, the shorter country lifted off the lid on the tray to reveal a gelatinous mass with chunks of meat inside. America bit back a retort, clearly trying to remind himself that they were allies and he had to at least try and get along.
“Uh…” He picked up the fork and took a very small bite. “What is it?”
“Kholodets,” Russia replied with a smile.
“Which is?” He mumbled around his chewing.
Russia’s smirked. “Jellied pigs feet.”
America grimaced, clearly trying his hardest not to spit out the single bite he’d taken. With a gulp, he managed to swallow it. “You know, I think I’m kinda full right now. Might save it for later.”
Of course, at that very moment, America’s stomach growled in hunger. Russia raised an eyebrow. “Ah, is that so?”
“It’s just that…” America turned to England, meeting his eyes for just a moment. He was looking for help out of this mess and by George, England was going to give it.
“America, there’s no reason to lie to them,” the Briton said, clearing his throat and garnering the attention of all in the room. “You see, it’s just that…I’d made a promise to take America out for lunch today once I finished up the release paperwork with the hospital. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not anything special that you all need to tag along for. It’s just he’s been whining about a lack of burgers here and well…I…”
England felt all the eyes focused on him and his face heated up. He’d dug himself quite the lovely hole, hadn’t he?
“England’s right,” America piped in. Last minute hero, as always. “It’s a lunch date for us, so…”
At that, France started chuckling and threw his arm around China. “Aha, I see then. Why did you two not tell us you had private plans? Tsk tsk. Making us all look so impolite by interrupting your time together. Come along, China. Perhaps we can dine together, oui?”
China frowned, delicately prying off France’s arm from around him and stepping towards the door. “I ate a late breakfast, aru.”
“Ah, that is life.” France shrugged. “I must go and whisk one of the lovely lady nurses off then it seems. America, and as much as it pains to me to say, even you England. Good luck.”
And with a wave of his hand, he left the room. China turned to the two, who had both commenced blushing various shades of pink, and wished them farewell. “Do not forget the gifts that have been bestowed on you, aru.”
America blinked, then with a grin, replied, “The panda’s coming with me, China. Thanks!”
Russia took the hint finally, covering up his dish and turning to his companions. “Estonia, Latvia, I think I shall have this myself for lunch then. In the cafeteria, yes?”
“O-Of course!” Latvia stuttered, starting to push the cart past Russia towards the door. Estonia followed.
“Lithuania, they did not have the vodka I wanted. You can run to the store and buy some for me, yes?”
Lithuania stood immediately and was only hindered in his quick movement by America grasping his wrist.
“Hey, I gotta say goodbye first.”
He paused warily at that, but before Lithuania could check to see how chilling Russia’s current expression was, America had pulled him into a hug.
“We’ll take care of everything. I promise, okay?”
Lithuania smiled, giving his friend a pat on the back before drawing back. “Thank you, Mister America.”
“You take care of yourself, all right?”
“You too, America. England. Take care.” With these last well-wishes, Lithuania rushed out the door to fetch Russia his drink.
Russia just cleared his throat, as if to remind them that he was indeed still present. Turning to America, he smiled unnervingly wider. “I guess I will be seeing you at the meeting on Monday then, yes? Unless something else unpleasant befalls you.”
“Nothing will,” America replied firmly.
The northern country’s smile tightened. “Good day, England. America.”
“Good afternoon,” England replied cordially, thankful when Russia finally left. He exhaled in relief. “Well, that was a right mess.”
“Yeah,” America replied, closing the distance between them to stand at England’s side. “So uh…are you really taking me out for food?”
England started at not only the sudden question, but at America being only inches away. “I uh...well, I suppose…if you aren’t opposed to…to…a…”
Ducking his head and peering up through his bangs, America finished, “A…lunch date?”
Flushing, England averted his eyes. “That choice of wording was yours, you git.”
“Oh. Er…” America rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He started to shift from foot to foot, but winced as a small dart of pain shot up his leg. “Iwouldn’tmind, youknow.”
“What?”
He whirled towards America at that, almost colliding with him. The two exchanged an awkward smile and a nervous chuckle.
“I do like burgers more than the food here, you know? And…you’re paying right?”
England felt his chest tighten up. Sure, it was utterly inane and roundabout, but it was painfully clear that America was agreeing to a ‘date’ with him. And Christ, he wasn’t going to botch this up!
“My wallet’s been a bit tight lately, but I suppose if it’s just burgers and chips…”
America’s smile started to widen, just a little. “I could always pay for you.”
“You would?” He asked, hesitantly meeting America’s gaze. He definitely looked genuine about it.
“I could add it to your war debt,” the younger country taunted. But that was just it. England could see perfectly through the façade. They were just words, silly, ridiculous, wonderful words glossing over the fact that they were here. Alone in a room together. Asking each other out on a date.
“No, I must insist. A gentleman keeps his word and I told the others it was my treat.”
America laughed. He carefully stepped around the bed to snatch up his bag, tucking his stuffed panda in the top and slinging it over his shoulder.
“That would be…” He paused, holding out his arm. England took the hint and with a roll of his eyes, he linked his arm through America’s. “Awesome.”
--------------------------------
He had insisted that he did not need crutches. Heroes, he emphasized, did not need crutches. England scoffed at this, but he wasn’t about to argue with America about it and ruin their…well. Their date. His heart did a little flip-flop at that and he relented.
And so, that is how they found themselves strolling to the restaurant with America leaning up against his side.
At first he’d tried to act as if nothing was bothering him, but England finally had enough and yanked him over against him.
“Oh come now, you don’t have to be a hero every bloody moment of your life. You can ask for a shoulder to lean on.”
America blinked at first, but after a moment, a tenative smile surfaced on his face and he squeezed England around the shoulders. “Okay.” He laughed a bit to himself, probably out of nerves. “I guess that’s you then, huh?”
England blushed, but well, he was, wasn’t he? Oh blast it all, this is just getting right silly. Might as well go ahead and finish it off.
He took a deep breath and looked to his right where America was hobbling along beside him. “I do rather like you, you know?”
America’s eyes went wide and England felt his chest clench up a moment before the smile returned, brilliant and bright, on the younger nation’s face.
“R-Really?”
England nodded, not trusting himself with words at the moment. America’s grin, if possible, widened even more so as he reached down and encircled England’s waist in his arms. “Me too!”
He started to lift the other country up, but England protested. Spluttering and shoving feebly, he pushed at his arms.
“America! You imbecile, not with your ankle!”
Reluctantly, America stopped. But after giving England a quick squeeze around the middle, he stepped back and leaned his forehead down against England’s.
“Okay, but I get to do it when I feel better then. Promise?”
England blushed, chuckling a bit to himself at America’s persistence in lifting him into a hug. “A-All right.”
America cheered at that, spinning around where he stood before hugging England tightly against his chest. “Today is so, so awesome!”
Unable to resist, England added, “And you’re getting burgers for lunch.”
He grinned back. “Getting awesomer by the moment then!”
Not wanting to push his luck, England decided this was quite enough for today. He was going on a date. With America. Who rather liked him. It was a bloody (dare he think it?) awesome day.
Holding his hand out tentatively, he spoke up, feeling just a little more confidence than he did before. “Come now, let’s get you those burgers then.”
America kept grinning, clutching England’s hand and intertwining their fingers. Leaning his head over onto the shorter nation’s head, he murmured, “England…?”
“Y-Yes?”
With a sudden and swift motion, he turned and pecked a quick kiss to England’s cheek. They both flushed bright red. He coughed and went back to leaning on him as if nothing had happened. England allowed himself a small smile.
“Is that for the liking you or for buying you burgers?” He teased.
America laughed, reaching up to ruffle England’s hair. “Both.”
“Thought so.”
They both laughed at that, their fingers lacing back together as they walked. On America’s back, his bag bounced with each step; a small, plush, panda peering out the top with a stitched smile on its face.
-----------------------
THE END.
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Genre: Romance/Humor
Rating: PG-13
Characters/Pairing: America/England, Allied Forces (China, France, Russia)
Word Count: 2,747
Summary: After injuring himself in the most ridiculous of ways, America is laid up in the hospital during WWII. While there, he's visited by the other allies and a rather reluctant England. [Chapter 4: In which England holds his own, Russian food isn't safe to eat, and America and England finally get somewhere]
Notes: A continuation of sorts for the beginning strip of Lietuvis in which America trips and falls (bashing his head and injuring his leg) in excitement over ice cream.
Note, part 2: Written for
usxuk's Spring Fever Ficathon and the prompt "Love is that condition in which the happiness of another person is essential to your own.- Robert Heimlein" Yes, it was started in Spring and I just now finished it. I AM SO SORRY. But, I thank you for all the comments and hope you enjoy the finale!So. Today’s the day, England thought to himself as he smoothed down his crisply pressed suit. It seemed silly to him at first to want to look tip-top for this, but after running through his increasingly embarrassing reasons as to why he wanted to look nice, he finally gave in.
He wanted to look nice for America and had actually admitted as much to himself. Oh blast it all, what was the world coming to?
After finalizing the paperwork with the hospital staff so America could be released that afternoon, he made his way towards America’s room. On almost reaching it, he paused. He could hear two distinct voices, one easily identified as America’s and the other taking a moment to place. Trying to discern it, he pressed up against the door and listened in.
“You should be so thankful, America.”
America chuckled nervously. “I am. Trust me; I was so damn glad that when I came over here he was still okay.”
England pressed closer to the door, curious who they were talking about. I mean, it was clearly someone America cared deeply about and well…well, it couldn’t be him, could it? He almost hated to hope.
The voice that England had pinpointed as Lithuania’s responded, “I’m so glad to know you two are safe. It gives me hope for Poland, knowing you’re both helping.”
“We’ll get Poland back to you, Lithuania! Hero’s promise! Everything is going to be okay.”
England smiled unbidden at that. Something about America’s enthusiasm could be positively catching, even if it was a bit naïve. But the next words froze him to the spot.
“I mean…well, I honestly don’t know what I would have done if England wasn’t safe; so I can’t imagine how you feel. But…hang in there! We’ll save the day and you two can be back together again!”
He felt his breath catch, the words ringing in his ears. I honestly don’t know what I would have done if England wasn’t safe.
America had been worried about him; rather much so if his tone was any indication. Perhaps, just perhaps, England thought to himself, his plight wasn't as hopeless as it seemed.
"They're rather close, don't you think so? America and Lithuania," an eerily cheery voice said right in England's ear.
He jumped back, turning on his heel to face the unnerving smiling Russia who had snuck up behind him.
"Uh...hallo, Russia."
A slight frown tugged at the imposing country's lips. "I sometimes worry, wouldn't you? They are just...too close, yes?"
England shook off the icy feeling that had crept down his spine and stood at his fullest height. Clearing his throat, he replied, "They're just good friends. America...well, that idiot has a habit of making friends with anyone and everyone."
"But very close friends, yes?" Russia remarked, soft smile on his face and eyes piercing.
"Yes. Perhaps they are," England snapped.
The whole situation was beginning to unnerve him, a combination of Russia's strange possessive nature over of Lithuania and the fact that it was raising England's own hackles over America's feelings towards him.
I cannot go barging in there like a fool. That's my problem with America. Always trying to keep him to myself until he...
A chill ran through England, this time not due to anything on Russia's part.
With a proper and clipped tone, he spoke, "If you are so concerned, then go on in."
Russia turned to glance down the hallway. "Estonia, Latvia. We are going in now, yes?"
The quick rush of footsteps sounded, and the two came up to stand at the ready. Russia placed his hand on the doorknob and with a worrisome smile remarked to England.
"I'm sorry to trouble you with my uncertainties, England. It's just, Lithuania is such a wonderful cook and he's never argumentative. I have reason for concern, you see?"
England inhaled sharply at the blatant implication. Wonderful cook. Never argumentative. Very close friends. He closed his eyes and the earlier words crept back. The feeling of America's hand in his as they'd lain together in the cramped hospital bed the night before. He was tired of this. As a prideful British man, this simply had to stop.
He took the doorknob from Russia's hand and pushed the door open. With a smug smirk, he retorted, "Yes, I do believe you have reason for concern."
Lithuania and America started as the door swung open, but England held his ground. Marching right over, he offered Lithuania a hand.
“It’s good to see you, Lithuania. Doing all right?”
He nodded, eyes darting over England’s shoulder to where Russia and the others stood. “I’m…getting by. America and I were just talking about you.”
“J-Just wondering where you were!” The younger nation cut in, his cheeks pinking. He quickly stood up and did his best to hide the flicker of pain that crossed his face. “You got the paperwork done, right?”
England took a deep breath and nodded. “Yes, of course.” A knowing smile tugged at the corners of his lips and he willed it down. Oh I heard you talking about me all right, America. Worried for my safety, was it?
“Ah, you will be checking out soon then?” Russia interjected.
The door flung open then, France entering with a flourish with China, looking bedraggled, following behind him.
“Aiyah! France, you are not to enter here!”
“But China, America is being released today! The lovely nurse at front just told me a strange looking man with hideous eyebrows finalized the paperwork.” England huffed, and France continued. “So, I am here to wish America well.”
America just chuckled. Well, that answered Russia’s query all right. “Yeah, looks like it, Russia. You got a problem with that?” He crossed his arms defiantly, and beside him, England took a step closer. Just on the off chance that France tried something outlandish (this was entirely possible, it was that bloody frog, after all), and China couldn’t hinder him in time.
Russia smiled. “I just brought a dish for you to eat. I hope you have time to enjoy it before you go.”
Taking a deep breath, America crossed the room to the dinner cart that was flanked by Estonia and Latvia. “This it?”
Nodding, Russia said. “Latvia, please present our dish.”
Shaking, the shorter country lifted off the lid on the tray to reveal a gelatinous mass with chunks of meat inside. America bit back a retort, clearly trying to remind himself that they were allies and he had to at least try and get along.
“Uh…” He picked up the fork and took a very small bite. “What is it?”
“Kholodets,” Russia replied with a smile.
“Which is?” He mumbled around his chewing.
Russia’s smirked. “Jellied pigs feet.”
America grimaced, clearly trying his hardest not to spit out the single bite he’d taken. With a gulp, he managed to swallow it. “You know, I think I’m kinda full right now. Might save it for later.”
Of course, at that very moment, America’s stomach growled in hunger. Russia raised an eyebrow. “Ah, is that so?”
“It’s just that…” America turned to England, meeting his eyes for just a moment. He was looking for help out of this mess and by George, England was going to give it.
“America, there’s no reason to lie to them,” the Briton said, clearing his throat and garnering the attention of all in the room. “You see, it’s just that…I’d made a promise to take America out for lunch today once I finished up the release paperwork with the hospital. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not anything special that you all need to tag along for. It’s just he’s been whining about a lack of burgers here and well…I…”
England felt all the eyes focused on him and his face heated up. He’d dug himself quite the lovely hole, hadn’t he?
“England’s right,” America piped in. Last minute hero, as always. “It’s a lunch date for us, so…”
At that, France started chuckling and threw his arm around China. “Aha, I see then. Why did you two not tell us you had private plans? Tsk tsk. Making us all look so impolite by interrupting your time together. Come along, China. Perhaps we can dine together, oui?”
China frowned, delicately prying off France’s arm from around him and stepping towards the door. “I ate a late breakfast, aru.”
“Ah, that is life.” France shrugged. “I must go and whisk one of the lovely lady nurses off then it seems. America, and as much as it pains to me to say, even you England. Good luck.”
And with a wave of his hand, he left the room. China turned to the two, who had both commenced blushing various shades of pink, and wished them farewell. “Do not forget the gifts that have been bestowed on you, aru.”
America blinked, then with a grin, replied, “The panda’s coming with me, China. Thanks!”
Russia took the hint finally, covering up his dish and turning to his companions. “Estonia, Latvia, I think I shall have this myself for lunch then. In the cafeteria, yes?”
“O-Of course!” Latvia stuttered, starting to push the cart past Russia towards the door. Estonia followed.
“Lithuania, they did not have the vodka I wanted. You can run to the store and buy some for me, yes?”
Lithuania stood immediately and was only hindered in his quick movement by America grasping his wrist.
“Hey, I gotta say goodbye first.”
He paused warily at that, but before Lithuania could check to see how chilling Russia’s current expression was, America had pulled him into a hug.
“We’ll take care of everything. I promise, okay?”
Lithuania smiled, giving his friend a pat on the back before drawing back. “Thank you, Mister America.”
“You take care of yourself, all right?”
“You too, America. England. Take care.” With these last well-wishes, Lithuania rushed out the door to fetch Russia his drink.
Russia just cleared his throat, as if to remind them that he was indeed still present. Turning to America, he smiled unnervingly wider. “I guess I will be seeing you at the meeting on Monday then, yes? Unless something else unpleasant befalls you.”
“Nothing will,” America replied firmly.
The northern country’s smile tightened. “Good day, England. America.”
“Good afternoon,” England replied cordially, thankful when Russia finally left. He exhaled in relief. “Well, that was a right mess.”
“Yeah,” America replied, closing the distance between them to stand at England’s side. “So uh…are you really taking me out for food?”
England started at not only the sudden question, but at America being only inches away. “I uh...well, I suppose…if you aren’t opposed to…to…a…”
Ducking his head and peering up through his bangs, America finished, “A…lunch date?”
Flushing, England averted his eyes. “That choice of wording was yours, you git.”
“Oh. Er…” America rubbed the back of his neck nervously. He started to shift from foot to foot, but winced as a small dart of pain shot up his leg. “Iwouldn’tmind, youknow.”
“What?”
He whirled towards America at that, almost colliding with him. The two exchanged an awkward smile and a nervous chuckle.
“I do like burgers more than the food here, you know? And…you’re paying right?”
England felt his chest tighten up. Sure, it was utterly inane and roundabout, but it was painfully clear that America was agreeing to a ‘date’ with him. And Christ, he wasn’t going to botch this up!
“My wallet’s been a bit tight lately, but I suppose if it’s just burgers and chips…”
America’s smile started to widen, just a little. “I could always pay for you.”
“You would?” He asked, hesitantly meeting America’s gaze. He definitely looked genuine about it.
“I could add it to your war debt,” the younger country taunted. But that was just it. England could see perfectly through the façade. They were just words, silly, ridiculous, wonderful words glossing over the fact that they were here. Alone in a room together. Asking each other out on a date.
“No, I must insist. A gentleman keeps his word and I told the others it was my treat.”
America laughed. He carefully stepped around the bed to snatch up his bag, tucking his stuffed panda in the top and slinging it over his shoulder.
“That would be…” He paused, holding out his arm. England took the hint and with a roll of his eyes, he linked his arm through America’s. “Awesome.”
--------------------------------
He had insisted that he did not need crutches. Heroes, he emphasized, did not need crutches. England scoffed at this, but he wasn’t about to argue with America about it and ruin their…well. Their date. His heart did a little flip-flop at that and he relented.
And so, that is how they found themselves strolling to the restaurant with America leaning up against his side.
At first he’d tried to act as if nothing was bothering him, but England finally had enough and yanked him over against him.
“Oh come now, you don’t have to be a hero every bloody moment of your life. You can ask for a shoulder to lean on.”
America blinked at first, but after a moment, a tenative smile surfaced on his face and he squeezed England around the shoulders. “Okay.” He laughed a bit to himself, probably out of nerves. “I guess that’s you then, huh?”
England blushed, but well, he was, wasn’t he? Oh blast it all, this is just getting right silly. Might as well go ahead and finish it off.
He took a deep breath and looked to his right where America was hobbling along beside him. “I do rather like you, you know?”
America’s eyes went wide and England felt his chest clench up a moment before the smile returned, brilliant and bright, on the younger nation’s face.
“R-Really?”
England nodded, not trusting himself with words at the moment. America’s grin, if possible, widened even more so as he reached down and encircled England’s waist in his arms. “Me too!”
He started to lift the other country up, but England protested. Spluttering and shoving feebly, he pushed at his arms.
“America! You imbecile, not with your ankle!”
Reluctantly, America stopped. But after giving England a quick squeeze around the middle, he stepped back and leaned his forehead down against England’s.
“Okay, but I get to do it when I feel better then. Promise?”
England blushed, chuckling a bit to himself at America’s persistence in lifting him into a hug. “A-All right.”
America cheered at that, spinning around where he stood before hugging England tightly against his chest. “Today is so, so awesome!”
Unable to resist, England added, “And you’re getting burgers for lunch.”
He grinned back. “Getting awesomer by the moment then!”
Not wanting to push his luck, England decided this was quite enough for today. He was going on a date. With America. Who rather liked him. It was a bloody (dare he think it?) awesome day.
Holding his hand out tentatively, he spoke up, feeling just a little more confidence than he did before. “Come now, let’s get you those burgers then.”
America kept grinning, clutching England’s hand and intertwining their fingers. Leaning his head over onto the shorter nation’s head, he murmured, “England…?”
“Y-Yes?”
With a sudden and swift motion, he turned and pecked a quick kiss to England’s cheek. They both flushed bright red. He coughed and went back to leaning on him as if nothing had happened. England allowed himself a small smile.
“Is that for the liking you or for buying you burgers?” He teased.
America laughed, reaching up to ruffle England’s hair. “Both.”
“Thought so.”
They both laughed at that, their fingers lacing back together as they walked. On America’s back, his bag bounced with each step; a small, plush, panda peering out the top with a stitched smile on its face.
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THE END.
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