All My Loving

"A-are you leaving again?"

Such a simple question really, yet it had the power to hold England completely still. He let out a heavy sigh. "You know I have to. As the representation of the United Kingdom, I have work that needs to be looked after at my own home." When he heard nothing yet, he continued, "You know I'd love to stay here with you, but I can't."

A few moments went by, and in the silence, it felt a lot longer than it was, but eventually a small voice sounded.

"Promise you'll come back?"

If England didn't know better, he was almost certain it was taking the boy most of his strength not to cry. He suspected that the poor boy might have had some abandonment issues after the bloody wino was forced to give him up and then watching his own brother leave the house. Giving another heavy sigh, he turned around to face the boy. They were nearly the same height, which sometimes England had a hard time believing and he could only hope that as he grew even more, he wouldn't take the same steps his brother did.

"Of course I'll come back. You are part of British North America after all, you still need to be checked on once in a while."

England nearly smiled as he saw Canada's lips quirk a bit. Certainly he was sure his expression warmed up because he found himself with an armful of body weight and a head full of wavy golden hair nuzzled into his shoulder.

"Now you're just making me sound like a child," came a muffled response.

Giving a warm chuckle, England responded with a smile steadily growing on his lips, "Well it's not hard when you act and sound like the petulant child you are." There was no venom in his words only fondness.

Canada pulled away, laughter now in his eyes, which caused England's heart to melt and beat faster at the same time. He held the boy's face in his hands gently, examining it and keeping it to memory, lest something were to happen while he were away (which he prayed would not).

The boy blinked confused. "E-England?"

"Shhh." England chided. And on impulse, "Close your eyes."

Ever the obedient dominion, Canada closed his eyes as instructed. The moment England could no longer see indigo eyes, he leant forward to place a soft yet chaste kiss on Canada's lips, which elicited a small gasp from the other, eyes opening quickly.

"W-what...?"

England merely chuckled, enjoying the slight flush that was quickly spreading up Canada's cheeks. "Let's just say it's something for you to remember me by while I'm away."

Canada touched his lips, staying silent for a long time, a contemplative expression upon his face. Then he smiled, a bright smile that England couldn't wait to return to one day, and nodded.

Heading towards the door, England grabbed his coat and hat. "I'll miss you," he paused, "Matthew," Smiling at the name with affection.

"I- I'll miss you too! A-Arthur. Please say you'll write?"

He didn't even have to look at Canada's face to know what kind of expression was on it. It was a face he could never say no to.

"Everyday. And I'll send all my loving to you."

-End-