The year 1931. America steeled himself before entering the conference room. The Great War had been over for a while now, but things were worse than ever. Depression had set in hard for the post-war torn countries, economically and physically. America winced at that, as he considering that the depression mostly his fault.
The American walked into the room full of nations, his eyes scanning through the crowd recognizing the tired and worn faces staring back at him. His eyes sought out one particular face, England.
Flashes of memory from the Great War burned before his eyes, the former British empire pleading on his knees for assistance.
Not help.
He had only asked that America "supply the tools" and that Britain would finish the job.
Quickly as it came, the flash left, leaving the American back in the somber conference room. There was still time before the meeting started so America wandered over to the bushy-eyebrowed nation.
"Hey Artie! Whats up?" he asked in his trademark loud voice.
England rolled his eyes, "Not much, our economy is slightly better, so we might be able to pay off more of what we owe you soon."
America balked remembering the recent strikes and higher taxes he had heard about from the other side of the ocean. Further committing him to what he planned to do at the meeting. He and his boss had talked it over and gotten the go ahead from the necessary people.
"Oh," he replied quieter, berating himself internally.
As the nations settled down into their seats America said a quick goodbye to England.
"Does any one have something to say? If not I'll begin," America said not even bothering to sit down.
After a socially acceptable pause America began, singling England out with his eyes before he began, "In an effort to stimulate the economy of Europe, I'm canceling all debts owed to me."
The room seemed to let out a collective sigh, many of the nations relived at not having another thing to worry about. But they were not what he was concerned about, America only wanted to see England's reaction.
The other nation had his eyes closed, a peaceful look on his face America hadn't seen in years. As he opened his green eyes, he met and returned America's gaze. He didn't say anything. He didn't have to.
His eyes said it all.
AN
((Don't know if canceling the debt was just for England or all the nations though. Wrote this up at 5am. .))
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