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everythingismagicTitle: You Can't Take the Sky from Me [FF.NET Chapter Twenty-Four] [ Writing Journal Previous Chapters ]
Pairing: AmericaxEngland, PolandxLithuania, GermanyxItaly, SpainxRomano, Belarus---->Russia, PrussiaxSwitzerland. Future pairings: GreecexJapan, HungaryxAustria, SwedenxFinland
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama/Action+Adventure/Alternate Universe
Word Count: 3,040
Summary: Ace pilot America is on a mission for the World Military when a chance encounter with a group of sky-pirates leads him to team up with their captain, England, against a malevolent group that wants to fill the sky with zeppelins. [USxUK- Steampunk AU]
Chapter Summary: Japan merely smiled. “I thought as much. I wasn’t going to take France’s word for it, so I wanted to find out myself. I hope you don’t mind…”
“Mind… what?” America asked, his throat feeling rather dry.
Japan leaned forward, cocking his head to one side and giving him a curious look. “America, are you perhaps, in love with this England?”
Author's Note: Another very timely update! Cerulean should be receiving an update soon as well. Hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
“Belarus, the weather has been beautiful recently, yes?” Russia was leaning over the gondola of the zeppelin, the breeze playing with his scarf as he breathed in the cool air. “Perfect to take to the skies again.”
Belarus nodded, inching closer to Russia in the most discreet manner she could manage. “Yes, Russia, dear.”
“And perfect for the mission I have given you,” Russia added.
“I still think that I could do something more,” she countered. Belarus bit her lip and frowned, placing a hand atop Russia’s. He did not flinch.
Russia smiled at her. The gears were clicking into place, the mechanics of his plans, every person and machine that made them up, were falling into precise order. And Belarus, dear, loyal Belarus, was tantamount to their fulfillment.
Belarus complained about how Russia did not entrust her with enough. But how could she not understand that this simple action, her duty, was the switch that would put his well oiled machine into motion?
“Dear Belarus,” he spoke, quiet and reassuring, “there is no one else I can trust with this but you.”
Russia squeezed her hand gently.
Belarus inhaled. She looked down for a moment, before nodding resolutely. “I am honored then.”
Russia walked across the gondola, running his finger down one of the steel bars once he’d reached the other side. “There are cracks in the military, and we will seep into every single one.” He glanced skyward, shielding his eyes with one gloved hand. “That is, once our brave Captain Jones is out of the way…”
----------------------------------------
Switzerland was polishing the cannons, a habit he’d taken to commonly engaging in. That was, when he wasn’t polishing his guns. The weather that day was warm and welcoming, and every member of Victoria’s crew was at top deck, engaging in their chosen activities.
Sealand was busy working on his own pirate ship. It was a small dingy that he’d christened the Charlotte, and he continually threatened England with the fact that he was one day going to get it a steam engine, sails, and run away, if England didn’t stop giving him so many chores and didn’t start letting him do actual pirate things.
Liechtenstein was playing a rousing game of ball with Spain and Romano. Earlier that day, they’d lost one ball because she’d kicked it so hard it flew over the edge of the ship. Luckily, there were a few extras down in storage.
England was sipping tea and reading, as per usual. He was up next to the wheel, having taken a chair up there.
Prussia was right next to him, leaning against the side of the ship by the cannon and presumably going out of his way to annoy the hell out of him. Switzerland thought, this was Prussia’s greatest strength; even greater than his skill with the blade.
“Rumor has it that England has a hot date tomorrow,” he said, a smirk on his face. “We’re headed for the Világfa.”
“Good for him,” Switzerland replied, inspecting a small scratch on the cannon with disdain. “I know this. Why are you telling me?”
“Haha. I was thinkin’ that since he’s going out, we might head to a bar as well?” He queried, actually looking a bit nervous. “Of course not the Világfa, England would have me on the mast for days if I showed up at the same place he was at.”
Switzerland’s cheeks flushed, but he cleared his throat and frowned. “I think we should go to the Világfa then. I’d really like to see you on the mast for a few days.”
“Awww, c’mon!”
“Did you just put your dirty hand on the cannon?” Switzerland snapped. “I’m going to have to polish it again now, and this polish isn’t cheap.”
Prussia snorted. “It’s a cannon. It’s going to get dirty.”
Switzerland rolled his eyes. “Like I don’t see you polishing that sword Little Bird all the time…”
“Haha fair point.” His smirk turned into a half smile. “But seriously, you and me? Spain and Romano could take care of the kids, and we could have an awesome night out?”
“I’m not spending money,” Switzerland replied dryly.
Prussia shrugged. “Fine, fine.” He sighed. “But I was gonna pay for it, of course.”
Switzerland froze. “Can you promise it will be somewhere that serves large portions? I’d like to get our money’s worth enough that we can take leftovers back to the ship.”
Prussia grinned and pumped his fist. “Hell yes, I know just the place.”
Switzerland looked away, in attempt to hide the blush that colored his cheeks. “This food had better be amazing, if it warrants having to deal with you for multiple hours.”
Prussia laughed and bounced away. “Haha. Trust me. The awesome me is going to give you one awesome night!”
Switzerland followed him with his eyes for a few moments, noticing that he’d approached Spain, presumably to join the ball game. He went back to polishing his cannons. Prussia was an idiot, the biggest idiot he’d ever met, bar none. But he was a friend, and there was no reason for him to turn down a free meal.
He glanced up to England, who was quite a distance away. He really did appear to be going on a date with the military aviator. His mood had been sunnier than usual the entire day, which in turn had perked everyone else up. Switzerland had no reason not to trust America, outside of the fact that he rarely trusted anyone. But he felt immensely protective of his captain. Thus, it was difficult to quell his wariness. If England came back from that date heartbroken, Switzerland knew he wouldn’t be the only member of the crew irate. Although even if the date did go wonderfully for England, Switzerland wasn’t likely to be in a good mood anyway. A night out with Prussia would guarantee that.
-------------------------------
“I’m telling you Japan, the Aquila Avenger is the coolest superhero of all time,” America exclaimed, shoving a comic toward his best friend. They were in America’s dorm, seated next to each other on his bed, with scads of comic books in front of them.
Japan took the comic book from America’s hands, flipping through it and setting it down. “America, we’ve had this conversation many times. While I acknowledge that the Aquila Avenger has merit, I just honestly prefer Lord Magicus.”
America sighed and shook his head. “Japan, Japan, Japan, you just don’t get it man! The Aquila Avenger is the greatest hero ever because he does everything himself! He’s a genius! He made steam powered wings so he can fly on his own… I mean… you read that issue right?”
“That was right after Genevieve found out his secret identity right?”
America nodded, reaching into the pile and pulling out said issue. It featured the Aquila Avenger, holding his beautiful black haired girlfriend Genevieve flush to his side. Great metal wings were spread out behind him. “That’s right, and when he’d tested the wings, he took Genevieve up to fly with him.” A sort of dopey smile crossed his features. “Pretty awesome, huh?”
Japan shrugged.
“But Lord Magicus? I mean he’s all right, but he didn’t have to do anything! He was just given his abilities, and it’s not quite as heroic if you don’t work hard, you know?” America gestured as he explained this, pulling up an issue of Lord Magicus and flipping through it in the process. “I mean alchemy is cool and all, but not as cool.”
Japan huffed lightly. “America, if you don’t mind me saying, even though he was just given his abilities, he had to work hard to perfect them,” he paused, putting down his comic book. “And he had to defy the society of alchemists when he found out about their human experimentation. That’s why he decided to become a superhero, to combat them.”
“I know all that!” America picked up the issue where the Aquila Avenger took his first flight once more. It was tattered, an old first press copy that had been printed seventeen years before. “I grew up with the Aquila Avenger though. When I read this issue, back when I was like… five, it just made me want to fly even more! This is even that same copy.” He grinned widely, pressing his finger to the cover for emphasis.
Japan laughed quietly. “I’ve heard this story before, America.”
“Yeah, well we’ve had this argument a lot, haven’t we?” He bounced slightly on the bed. Japan nodded. “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree again, although I know I’m right.”
“Of course, as always, America,” he replied, with a slight, almost indiscernible edge of sarcasm. America did not pick up on it.
“You bet.”
America really did enjoy spending time with Japan. He felt he could honestly be entirely himself around the sergeant, who was two years older than him. Canada had been surprised at how well the two of them had gotten on, he’d told America at one point. Japan was quiet and reserved, whereas America was loud and boisterous. But they clicked, and their common interests helped that along as well. Japan knew as much about comic books as him, after all!
Even if, America argued, he had better taste in them.
Tonight was the first time in a few weeks that he’d really spent a lot of time alone with Japan. Previously, they’d been busy, or he’d been gone, or France and Canada had been there as well. But he’d set aside this night for just him and his well-mannered friend. Because he had something he really and honestly needed to tell him.
Canada knew about England. France knew about England. It was only right that Japan did as well!
America gathered up the comic books into a pile and set them on his nightstand. Japan glanced at him curiously. “I thought you were wanting to show me that new issue of Clockwork Justice, America?”
America shrugged and waved his hand. “You can just borrow it, okay? I actually have something I wanna talk to you about.”
“Very well, what is it?”
Snatching a half empty bottle of soda from his nightstand and adjusting himself on the bed, America took a swig and then pursed his lips. How to begin?
“It’s kind of like this…” He started. “You know how I’ve been… away recently? I mean not away, but when I was not at the base those three nights?”
Japan nodded, looking a bit wary.
America laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. “Truth is, I was meeting up with someone. I mean not the first time! My plane really did break down. That’s… how I met him. I landed on his ship to make repairs and…”
He was babbling.
“France mentioned someone named England, remember?”
Japan blinked. “Yes, I remember.”
“First time, I landed on his ship for repairs,” America began again. “Second time, I helped save his crew from the Kosmider and… stayed since it was so late. The third time… I just kind of… went to visit him.”
“This… England?” Japan raised his eyebrows.
America averted his eyes, worried that his cheeks might be pinking. “Yeah. He’s… a pirate.”
Japan’s eyes grew wide, his surprise apparent. “Truly America… I’m… a bit shocked. It does explain a lot though.”
He took a gulp of his drink, almost wishing it were alcohol. “Yeah… but Japan, I promise, he’s… a pretty good guy. I mean outside the… stealing things,” America argued. “He’s totally on our side against the Kosmider and he’s…” He knew he was blushing now. “He’s a good friend.”
“I trust that he’s a decent person, America,” Japan replied.
“Really?” America beamed, leaning forward and resting his hands on the bed. “That’s great! I’m going to meet up with him again tomorrow night! Don’t tell anyone. It’s kind of a secret.”
Japan rubbed his forehead. “I’m not of the belief that you would consider a friend anyone that you didn’t believe to be good, America.” He shifted, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “When you call yourself a hero, I know that you mean it.”
“Yeah, of course. Heroes don’t say they’re heroes unless it’s true!” America exclaimed.
Japan shook his head. “I just hope that you’ll be careful. I don’t want you to get into trouble.”
America bit his lip. “I-I’m helping against the Kosmider! England wants to fight them. If we teamed up with his crew, we could do so many awesome things! I mean he’s the captain, and I’ve seen his crew fight the Kosmider. They’re so good, Japan. You wouldn’t even believe it.”
Japan did not reply. Quiet settled between the two friends, as they sat next to each other. Japan was unmoving, as if in deep thought. America was swinging his legs back and forth to pass the time.
“America,” Japan finally spoke. “Can you tell me about England? As in, England, as a person?”
America blinked, nonplussed. “What a weird question…”
“I apologize if you find it intrusive,” Japan said, gesturing in front of him. “If you do not wish to answer, I understand.”
The captain waved his hand. “Nah, it’s okay.”
But how to answer Japan? Well there was a lot to say about England. He thought he knew him pretty well. He wasn’t quite sure what Japan was wanting anyway…
I guess I’ll just say what comes to me?
“His last name is Kirkland, and he is the captain of the Taliesin Pirates. Their ship is called the Victoria,” America began. “Um, he became captain when he was really young. He’s… only a year older than me.”
Japan nodded, motioning him to continue.
“He’s… a little short, and he’s got blonde hair, a different color than mine, that always looks kind of messy. Uh, green eyes and… really big eyebrows.” America felt a small smile tug at the corner of his lips as he pictured what he’d just described. “He’s kind of grumpy, and he complains a lot.” He wrinkled his nose. “Cooks terrible food too.”
“Hmm, he doesn’t sound like a very nice man, if you’ll forgive me for saying.” Japan tapped his chin.
America laughed. “Nah, that’s not it at all. I mean I guess he can be a bit of a jerk, but it’s not that he’s mean.” He leaned back on his hands. “He’s just really stodgy, acts about forty years older than he is.”
Now that he thought about it, Japan acted older than he was as well. But not like England. Japan was just overly polite. England was… England.
“That’s strange. I wonder why that is?”
America glanced up at the ceiling. “I think it’s ‘cuz he’s lonely.”
Japan blinked. “I see.”
“Luckily he has a hero to take care of that, huh?” America beamed brightly and pointed at himself.
A small smile crossed Japan’s lips. He made eye contact with his friend. “That would be you?”
America nodded firmly. “Yeah, I promised to be his hero back when we kis---“
His blue eyes grew large and he immediately clapped a hand over his mouth. Had he really just…?
Japan was his best friend. He was so comfortable around him. Of course it might just slip out! Shit. Shit. Shit.
His cheeks bloomed scarlet, and he had to stop himself from turning away entirely.
Japan merely smiled. “I thought as much. I wasn’t going to take France’s word for it, so I wanted to find out myself. I hope you don’t mind…”
“Mind… what?” America asked, his throat feeling rather dry.
Japan leaned forward, cocking his head to one side and giving him a curious look. “America, are you perhaps, in love with this England?”
America’s shoulders dropped, his body going slack. Even more heat was spreading rapidly to his face, and he thought that if his heart started thrumming any faster, he might just pass out. He could hear it in his hears.
It was so obvious. So damn obvious.
When France had said it, it meant nothing. France would say that regardless of whom he was spending time with. Hell, he’d made jokes about him and Japan before. When Prussia said it, it didn’t mean that much more. Prussia loved to tease, and besides, he had his own motivations. He wanted to make his captain happy, so he might have just been telling America what he hoped was true. When Belgium said it? Well she didn’t even know him.
But Japan! Japan was his best friend. He was polite and honest and… really had no ulterior motives for saying this. America could find no excuse for Japan’s observation. It was just… right.
Blindingly obvious to everyone but himself, and he felt like such an idiot for it.
A gentle bandaging of the cheek. An enthusiastic hug. His hand clasped atop England’s, flipping out when he realized where it was. His arms around him at the campfire. His body curled next to his in bed, so at peace and content in his warmth. His fingers running through his hair, across his face, as he slept. Marveling in the fact that England was actually pretty damn cute. His body flush against his in the water. A promise to cure his loneliness, to be his champion.
A kiss, long and yearning and so right.
A one armed hug and a tender goodbye. And just the previous night, a proclamation that he had really and truly missed England, as well as plans for a date.
At first England had infused him with anger, indignant and unheroic and just… completely patronizing. Then America discovered England’s worth, and England discovered America’s as well. Camaraderie, friendship, companionship, and then---
“Y-yeah Japan, I think I am.”
Love. He’d been on the cusp since that day on the island, but he’d prevented himself from realizing it, from acknowledging what was so there and so strong and so true.
And instead of being upset, as he must have subconsciously thought he would be, he felt a gentle warmth spread throughout him, sweet and content, like one of England’s rare smiles.
He really loved England, and he wanted nothing more than to see him again, pirate or not.
Pairing: AmericaxEngland, PolandxLithuania, GermanyxItaly, SpainxRomano, Belarus---->Russia, PrussiaxSwitzerland. Future pairings: GreecexJapan, HungaryxAustria, SwedenxFinland
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Romance/Humor/Drama/Action+Adventure/Alternate Universe
Word Count: 3,040
Summary: Ace pilot America is on a mission for the World Military when a chance encounter with a group of sky-pirates leads him to team up with their captain, England, against a malevolent group that wants to fill the sky with zeppelins. [USxUK- Steampunk AU]
Chapter Summary: Japan merely smiled. “I thought as much. I wasn’t going to take France’s word for it, so I wanted to find out myself. I hope you don’t mind…”
“Mind… what?” America asked, his throat feeling rather dry.
Japan leaned forward, cocking his head to one side and giving him a curious look. “America, are you perhaps, in love with this England?”
Author's Note: Another very timely update! Cerulean should be receiving an update soon as well. Hope you enjoy this chapter! :D
“Belarus, the weather has been beautiful recently, yes?” Russia was leaning over the gondola of the zeppelin, the breeze playing with his scarf as he breathed in the cool air. “Perfect to take to the skies again.”
Belarus nodded, inching closer to Russia in the most discreet manner she could manage. “Yes, Russia, dear.”
“And perfect for the mission I have given you,” Russia added.
“I still think that I could do something more,” she countered. Belarus bit her lip and frowned, placing a hand atop Russia’s. He did not flinch.
Russia smiled at her. The gears were clicking into place, the mechanics of his plans, every person and machine that made them up, were falling into precise order. And Belarus, dear, loyal Belarus, was tantamount to their fulfillment.
Belarus complained about how Russia did not entrust her with enough. But how could she not understand that this simple action, her duty, was the switch that would put his well oiled machine into motion?
“Dear Belarus,” he spoke, quiet and reassuring, “there is no one else I can trust with this but you.”
Russia squeezed her hand gently.
Belarus inhaled. She looked down for a moment, before nodding resolutely. “I am honored then.”
Russia walked across the gondola, running his finger down one of the steel bars once he’d reached the other side. “There are cracks in the military, and we will seep into every single one.” He glanced skyward, shielding his eyes with one gloved hand. “That is, once our brave Captain Jones is out of the way…”
----------------------------------------
Switzerland was polishing the cannons, a habit he’d taken to commonly engaging in. That was, when he wasn’t polishing his guns. The weather that day was warm and welcoming, and every member of Victoria’s crew was at top deck, engaging in their chosen activities.
Sealand was busy working on his own pirate ship. It was a small dingy that he’d christened the Charlotte, and he continually threatened England with the fact that he was one day going to get it a steam engine, sails, and run away, if England didn’t stop giving him so many chores and didn’t start letting him do actual pirate things.
Liechtenstein was playing a rousing game of ball with Spain and Romano. Earlier that day, they’d lost one ball because she’d kicked it so hard it flew over the edge of the ship. Luckily, there were a few extras down in storage.
England was sipping tea and reading, as per usual. He was up next to the wheel, having taken a chair up there.
Prussia was right next to him, leaning against the side of the ship by the cannon and presumably going out of his way to annoy the hell out of him. Switzerland thought, this was Prussia’s greatest strength; even greater than his skill with the blade.
“Rumor has it that England has a hot date tomorrow,” he said, a smirk on his face. “We’re headed for the Világfa.”
“Good for him,” Switzerland replied, inspecting a small scratch on the cannon with disdain. “I know this. Why are you telling me?”
“Haha. I was thinkin’ that since he’s going out, we might head to a bar as well?” He queried, actually looking a bit nervous. “Of course not the Világfa, England would have me on the mast for days if I showed up at the same place he was at.”
Switzerland’s cheeks flushed, but he cleared his throat and frowned. “I think we should go to the Világfa then. I’d really like to see you on the mast for a few days.”
“Awww, c’mon!”
“Did you just put your dirty hand on the cannon?” Switzerland snapped. “I’m going to have to polish it again now, and this polish isn’t cheap.”
Prussia snorted. “It’s a cannon. It’s going to get dirty.”
Switzerland rolled his eyes. “Like I don’t see you polishing that sword Little Bird all the time…”
“Haha fair point.” His smirk turned into a half smile. “But seriously, you and me? Spain and Romano could take care of the kids, and we could have an awesome night out?”
“I’m not spending money,” Switzerland replied dryly.
Prussia shrugged. “Fine, fine.” He sighed. “But I was gonna pay for it, of course.”
Switzerland froze. “Can you promise it will be somewhere that serves large portions? I’d like to get our money’s worth enough that we can take leftovers back to the ship.”
Prussia grinned and pumped his fist. “Hell yes, I know just the place.”
Switzerland looked away, in attempt to hide the blush that colored his cheeks. “This food had better be amazing, if it warrants having to deal with you for multiple hours.”
Prussia laughed and bounced away. “Haha. Trust me. The awesome me is going to give you one awesome night!”
Switzerland followed him with his eyes for a few moments, noticing that he’d approached Spain, presumably to join the ball game. He went back to polishing his cannons. Prussia was an idiot, the biggest idiot he’d ever met, bar none. But he was a friend, and there was no reason for him to turn down a free meal.
He glanced up to England, who was quite a distance away. He really did appear to be going on a date with the military aviator. His mood had been sunnier than usual the entire day, which in turn had perked everyone else up. Switzerland had no reason not to trust America, outside of the fact that he rarely trusted anyone. But he felt immensely protective of his captain. Thus, it was difficult to quell his wariness. If England came back from that date heartbroken, Switzerland knew he wouldn’t be the only member of the crew irate. Although even if the date did go wonderfully for England, Switzerland wasn’t likely to be in a good mood anyway. A night out with Prussia would guarantee that.
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“I’m telling you Japan, the Aquila Avenger is the coolest superhero of all time,” America exclaimed, shoving a comic toward his best friend. They were in America’s dorm, seated next to each other on his bed, with scads of comic books in front of them.
Japan took the comic book from America’s hands, flipping through it and setting it down. “America, we’ve had this conversation many times. While I acknowledge that the Aquila Avenger has merit, I just honestly prefer Lord Magicus.”
America sighed and shook his head. “Japan, Japan, Japan, you just don’t get it man! The Aquila Avenger is the greatest hero ever because he does everything himself! He’s a genius! He made steam powered wings so he can fly on his own… I mean… you read that issue right?”
“That was right after Genevieve found out his secret identity right?”
America nodded, reaching into the pile and pulling out said issue. It featured the Aquila Avenger, holding his beautiful black haired girlfriend Genevieve flush to his side. Great metal wings were spread out behind him. “That’s right, and when he’d tested the wings, he took Genevieve up to fly with him.” A sort of dopey smile crossed his features. “Pretty awesome, huh?”
Japan shrugged.
“But Lord Magicus? I mean he’s all right, but he didn’t have to do anything! He was just given his abilities, and it’s not quite as heroic if you don’t work hard, you know?” America gestured as he explained this, pulling up an issue of Lord Magicus and flipping through it in the process. “I mean alchemy is cool and all, but not as cool.”
Japan huffed lightly. “America, if you don’t mind me saying, even though he was just given his abilities, he had to work hard to perfect them,” he paused, putting down his comic book. “And he had to defy the society of alchemists when he found out about their human experimentation. That’s why he decided to become a superhero, to combat them.”
“I know all that!” America picked up the issue where the Aquila Avenger took his first flight once more. It was tattered, an old first press copy that had been printed seventeen years before. “I grew up with the Aquila Avenger though. When I read this issue, back when I was like… five, it just made me want to fly even more! This is even that same copy.” He grinned widely, pressing his finger to the cover for emphasis.
Japan laughed quietly. “I’ve heard this story before, America.”
“Yeah, well we’ve had this argument a lot, haven’t we?” He bounced slightly on the bed. Japan nodded. “I guess we’ll have to agree to disagree again, although I know I’m right.”
“Of course, as always, America,” he replied, with a slight, almost indiscernible edge of sarcasm. America did not pick up on it.
“You bet.”
America really did enjoy spending time with Japan. He felt he could honestly be entirely himself around the sergeant, who was two years older than him. Canada had been surprised at how well the two of them had gotten on, he’d told America at one point. Japan was quiet and reserved, whereas America was loud and boisterous. But they clicked, and their common interests helped that along as well. Japan knew as much about comic books as him, after all!
Even if, America argued, he had better taste in them.
Tonight was the first time in a few weeks that he’d really spent a lot of time alone with Japan. Previously, they’d been busy, or he’d been gone, or France and Canada had been there as well. But he’d set aside this night for just him and his well-mannered friend. Because he had something he really and honestly needed to tell him.
Canada knew about England. France knew about England. It was only right that Japan did as well!
America gathered up the comic books into a pile and set them on his nightstand. Japan glanced at him curiously. “I thought you were wanting to show me that new issue of Clockwork Justice, America?”
America shrugged and waved his hand. “You can just borrow it, okay? I actually have something I wanna talk to you about.”
“Very well, what is it?”
Snatching a half empty bottle of soda from his nightstand and adjusting himself on the bed, America took a swig and then pursed his lips. How to begin?
“It’s kind of like this…” He started. “You know how I’ve been… away recently? I mean not away, but when I was not at the base those three nights?”
Japan nodded, looking a bit wary.
America laughed nervously and scratched the back of his head. “Truth is, I was meeting up with someone. I mean not the first time! My plane really did break down. That’s… how I met him. I landed on his ship to make repairs and…”
He was babbling.
“France mentioned someone named England, remember?”
Japan blinked. “Yes, I remember.”
“First time, I landed on his ship for repairs,” America began again. “Second time, I helped save his crew from the Kosmider and… stayed since it was so late. The third time… I just kind of… went to visit him.”
“This… England?” Japan raised his eyebrows.
America averted his eyes, worried that his cheeks might be pinking. “Yeah. He’s… a pirate.”
Japan’s eyes grew wide, his surprise apparent. “Truly America… I’m… a bit shocked. It does explain a lot though.”
He took a gulp of his drink, almost wishing it were alcohol. “Yeah… but Japan, I promise, he’s… a pretty good guy. I mean outside the… stealing things,” America argued. “He’s totally on our side against the Kosmider and he’s…” He knew he was blushing now. “He’s a good friend.”
“I trust that he’s a decent person, America,” Japan replied.
“Really?” America beamed, leaning forward and resting his hands on the bed. “That’s great! I’m going to meet up with him again tomorrow night! Don’t tell anyone. It’s kind of a secret.”
Japan rubbed his forehead. “I’m not of the belief that you would consider a friend anyone that you didn’t believe to be good, America.” He shifted, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. “When you call yourself a hero, I know that you mean it.”
“Yeah, of course. Heroes don’t say they’re heroes unless it’s true!” America exclaimed.
Japan shook his head. “I just hope that you’ll be careful. I don’t want you to get into trouble.”
America bit his lip. “I-I’m helping against the Kosmider! England wants to fight them. If we teamed up with his crew, we could do so many awesome things! I mean he’s the captain, and I’ve seen his crew fight the Kosmider. They’re so good, Japan. You wouldn’t even believe it.”
Japan did not reply. Quiet settled between the two friends, as they sat next to each other. Japan was unmoving, as if in deep thought. America was swinging his legs back and forth to pass the time.
“America,” Japan finally spoke. “Can you tell me about England? As in, England, as a person?”
America blinked, nonplussed. “What a weird question…”
“I apologize if you find it intrusive,” Japan said, gesturing in front of him. “If you do not wish to answer, I understand.”
The captain waved his hand. “Nah, it’s okay.”
But how to answer Japan? Well there was a lot to say about England. He thought he knew him pretty well. He wasn’t quite sure what Japan was wanting anyway…
I guess I’ll just say what comes to me?
“His last name is Kirkland, and he is the captain of the Taliesin Pirates. Their ship is called the Victoria,” America began. “Um, he became captain when he was really young. He’s… only a year older than me.”
Japan nodded, motioning him to continue.
“He’s… a little short, and he’s got blonde hair, a different color than mine, that always looks kind of messy. Uh, green eyes and… really big eyebrows.” America felt a small smile tug at the corner of his lips as he pictured what he’d just described. “He’s kind of grumpy, and he complains a lot.” He wrinkled his nose. “Cooks terrible food too.”
“Hmm, he doesn’t sound like a very nice man, if you’ll forgive me for saying.” Japan tapped his chin.
America laughed. “Nah, that’s not it at all. I mean I guess he can be a bit of a jerk, but it’s not that he’s mean.” He leaned back on his hands. “He’s just really stodgy, acts about forty years older than he is.”
Now that he thought about it, Japan acted older than he was as well. But not like England. Japan was just overly polite. England was… England.
“That’s strange. I wonder why that is?”
America glanced up at the ceiling. “I think it’s ‘cuz he’s lonely.”
Japan blinked. “I see.”
“Luckily he has a hero to take care of that, huh?” America beamed brightly and pointed at himself.
A small smile crossed Japan’s lips. He made eye contact with his friend. “That would be you?”
America nodded firmly. “Yeah, I promised to be his hero back when we kis---“
His blue eyes grew large and he immediately clapped a hand over his mouth. Had he really just…?
Japan was his best friend. He was so comfortable around him. Of course it might just slip out! Shit. Shit. Shit.
His cheeks bloomed scarlet, and he had to stop himself from turning away entirely.
Japan merely smiled. “I thought as much. I wasn’t going to take France’s word for it, so I wanted to find out myself. I hope you don’t mind…”
“Mind… what?” America asked, his throat feeling rather dry.
Japan leaned forward, cocking his head to one side and giving him a curious look. “America, are you perhaps, in love with this England?”
America’s shoulders dropped, his body going slack. Even more heat was spreading rapidly to his face, and he thought that if his heart started thrumming any faster, he might just pass out. He could hear it in his hears.
It was so obvious. So damn obvious.
When France had said it, it meant nothing. France would say that regardless of whom he was spending time with. Hell, he’d made jokes about him and Japan before. When Prussia said it, it didn’t mean that much more. Prussia loved to tease, and besides, he had his own motivations. He wanted to make his captain happy, so he might have just been telling America what he hoped was true. When Belgium said it? Well she didn’t even know him.
But Japan! Japan was his best friend. He was polite and honest and… really had no ulterior motives for saying this. America could find no excuse for Japan’s observation. It was just… right.
Blindingly obvious to everyone but himself, and he felt like such an idiot for it.
A gentle bandaging of the cheek. An enthusiastic hug. His hand clasped atop England’s, flipping out when he realized where it was. His arms around him at the campfire. His body curled next to his in bed, so at peace and content in his warmth. His fingers running through his hair, across his face, as he slept. Marveling in the fact that England was actually pretty damn cute. His body flush against his in the water. A promise to cure his loneliness, to be his champion.
A kiss, long and yearning and so right.
A one armed hug and a tender goodbye. And just the previous night, a proclamation that he had really and truly missed England, as well as plans for a date.
At first England had infused him with anger, indignant and unheroic and just… completely patronizing. Then America discovered England’s worth, and England discovered America’s as well. Camaraderie, friendship, companionship, and then---
“Y-yeah Japan, I think I am.”
Love. He’d been on the cusp since that day on the island, but he’d prevented himself from realizing it, from acknowledging what was so there and so strong and so true.
And instead of being upset, as he must have subconsciously thought he would be, he felt a gentle warmth spread throughout him, sweet and content, like one of England’s rare smiles.
He really loved England, and he wanted nothing more than to see him again, pirate or not.
