None of this would have happened if not for France. England believed it wholeheartedly.
If not for that bloody frog joining America in this bloody war and totally humiliating him, he never would have realized how very stupid he really was. How much he needed someone else.
How much he loved his Al.
England supposed he should probably thank the frog, but he was too mad. He didn't want to think about that. It wasn't the time. He just wanted to spend some time with his whiskey.
"God dammit, Iggy," he muttered to himself. "How could you be so stupid?!" Taking a swig of his drink, he slammed his fist down on the bar, startling a few of the other patrons. He buried his face in his arms, embarrassed, and cried from frustration.
The chaos of the bar continued over England's head as he sobbed. By the time he thought he was going to die if he cried any harder, he felt a light touch on his shoulder. A soft voice said, "Arthur? Are you…okay?"
He bolted upright. 'Oh my God,' he thought. 'Canada!' Looking up into his dark blue eyes, he struggled not to cry again. He looked so much like his brother…
Canada tugged on his hands. England allowed himself to be dragged into the hallway, resisting hardly at all. Kumajirou padded along dutifully.
Once they arrived at their destination, Canada turned to look at England, who stared back, probably looking as dead as he felt.
"England, talk to me," Canada demanded. England stared at him, shocked. He had never heard Canada speak to anybody this way, not even Ameri-God. It hurt to even think his name.
"Hello, Canada, how are you this fine evening?" he said, sarcastically. Canada just crossed his arms and continued looking at him with that cold stare.
"I'm just…not doing so well because of Am-" He coughed, not able to say it. "Your brother's independence. It's-it's…well…"
The younger nation didn't let him finish his sentence. "Oh, England…" he said quietly, looking at him with a hand over his mouth. "You're in love with him, aren't you?"
England nodded.
"Oh, God…" Canada whispered. He pulled the older nation into an embrace before he had time to respond. Shocked, England just stood there. But once it was obvious that Canada wasn't going to relent, he relaxed and cried into the Canadian's hair.
Once his eyes were dry and Canada's hair was soaked, he pulled back to see Canada looking at him.
"I am going to help you. No matter what it takes."