Chapter 1: A Strange Turn of Events

I was vacationing in Germany for the first time. I was nineteen years-old and decided that I should travel for a while before I applied for a gob. I chose Germany; it's a popular tourist destination for Americans. I decided to take a walk in a forest that was by the hotel I was staying at. The forest was abundant with trees and was filled with a flowery fragrance. It was the perfect place for some alone time. Except, I got the feeling that I wasn't alone…I could hear rustling in the bushes nearby.

"Hello, is someone there?" I called out. There was no answer, so I continued walking. I came across an opening of trees. In the distance I saw three boys in uniform. I guessed that they were in their early twenties. It looked like they were discussing something important. I decided that it would be best if I continued on my way and left the matter alone. However, hiding in the bushes by the three boys was a fourth…

He was wearing a dark green army uniform. That's odd; the German Military don't wear that type of uniform. He was watching the other three guys with such determination. All of the sudden, the boy in the bushes was grabbed…he yowled with anger. He was getting beat up by two of the other boys. I can't just sit there and watch, I have to do something! I immediately ran over to them.

"Please, stop! Leave him alone!" I screamed. As I got closer, I noticed that one of the guys beating up the boy was a German officer and the other was a Japanese soldier. The German was tall with bleach-blond hair and had sky-blue eyes. The Japanese had jet-black hair and almond-brown eyes. The third boy (the one cowering in the background) was an Italian. He had chestnut-brown hair and eyes.

"What do you care? You his girlfriend or something?" the German asked.

"No…I just don't think it's right. Please, haven't you punished him enough?" I said firmly. The German officer stared at me in amazement.

"Fine, you take care of this scoundrel then!" He yelled as he threw the boy at my feet. I looked down at him. He had golden-blond hair and emerald green eyes. His eyes were filled with sorrow and pain. I extended my hand to him and to my surprise he took it. I helped the boy to his feet. The poor boy was covered with scratches and bruises.

"Come on, let's get out of here." I suggested. He nodded. As we walked in the forest, I noticed that he was staring at me. I blushed.

"What was going on back there? Why were they hurting you?" I asked.

"I was sent by the Allied Forces to spy on the Axis Powers. I should have known they'd catch me. Thanks for interfering; I really owe you one." He said in an adorable British accent.

"Anytime. What's your name?" I asked him.

"My name is Arthur Kirkland, but most know me as Britain." Britain explained.

"It's nice to meet you Britain. My name's Annabel." I said sweetly.

"The pleasure's all mine." He smiled as he kissed my hand.

"I have to go back home to England, would you like to come with me, love?" Britain asked. I was speechless; I have only just met the guy and he wants me to come home with him.

"I don't know…can I at least get to know you first? After all, you're in no shape to travel. You should get some rest and recover first." I said kindly.

"That would be great, but I don't have a place to stay." He replied.

"That's ok, I do and it's close by." I explained. He nodded and I led him through the forest and to the hotel. We went up to my room. It wasn't big, but it was big enough. It had a queen size bed, a couch with a TV, a bathroom, and kitchen.

"It's a nice place, but there's only one bed." Britain said, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't worry, I'll sleep on the couch. You can have the bed." I suggested. I could sense the disappointment in his eyes. What did you expect? I'm not going to share a bed with you.

"I should take the couch, it is your place." He sighed. I decided it would be best if I didn't argue. As time passed, I ordered a pizza and shared it with Britain. Before retiring for the night I decided to shower. After that, I went into my room and got dressed. With a yawn, I met Britain in the living room. He was reading some book.

"Hi, may I ask what you're reading?" I said politely.

"Oh hello, it's nothing. I can't thank you enough for all that you've done for me. You are the kindest person I've ever met." Britain replied.

"Well, thank you. I'm happy to help." I said sweetly.

"Promise that tomorrow you'll come with me." He said desperately.

"I promise. Please get some rest now." I answered. Britain nodded. I bid him goodnight and went to bed. I fell asleep almost instantly. I awoke in the middle of the night to find that Britain was lying next to me and had his arms around me. Well, that figures. I gently rolled over and rubbed his shoulder.

"What are you doing?" I asked nervously.

"I uh, just wanted to get close to you." Britain said sleepily.

"Well, alright." I blushed. I gently laid my head on his chest. After all, he seemed like a nice guy. I wasn't in any harm. He smoothed my hair and in moments, I fell back asleep. I awoke the next morning and Britain was still there.

"Good morning, love. Can I offer to make breakfast? It's the least I could do." He smiled.

"Sure, thank you." I replied. Britain kissed my forehead before going into the kitchen. Why is he being so nice to me? Does he like me? Do I like him? My mind was turning with questions. I kept telling myself to trust him, but how could I? I really knew nothing about Britain, yet I couldn't help but feel attracted to him. I went into the kitchen to see if Britain needed help making breakfast. The sweet aroma of English tea and scones filled the hotel room.

"Smells, great." I smiled as I touched his shoulder.

"Thank you, love. I hope you like it." He said with a sigh.

"And why wouldn't I? I bet you're an excellent cook." I replied.

"Much appreciated. Would you mind popping these in the oven?" Britain asked as he handed me a tray of scones. I nodded.

After much anticipating, the scones were ready. We sat down at the table and began eating. The scones were perfectly flaky and buttery. I could tell that Britain was an experienced cook. Not to mention, the tea was perfectly balanced. After breakfast, I packed my things. Once I was packed, Britain and I traveled to England…

I couldn't believe how beautiful of a country it was. All the buildings were unique and had an old-fashion charm about them. Britain took me to all the major sights; Big Ben, Tower Bridge, and finally, Buckingham Palace. It was where Britain lived. It was an extraordinary palace that was beautifully decorated with gold detailing and stunning paintings.

"This is amazing! I can't believe you actually live here!" I said with awe.

"Thank, you. Dinner will be ready soon, but first I'll show you where you can stay." He said kindly. I followed him up a spiral staircase and into a large room. It was a master bedroom, complete with an exquisite bathroom and walk in closet. Isn't this Britain's room?

"I'm going to let my boss know that I have company. I'll be right back to fetch you for dinner." Britain smiled as left. I looked around the room and noticed that placed on the bed was a beautiful blue floor-length dress. I put my stuff down and got a closer look at the dress; it had gems on its sleeve and by the waist. Did Britain get this dress for me? I held it up and noticed that it was my size. I shrugged and tried it on. It fit perfectly. I also saw a pair of matching silver heels. They were in my size too.

"You look stunning." Said a familiar voice.

"Thanks. Britain, did you get these for me?" I asked as I spun around in the dress.

"Yes, I just couldn't help myself; I just had to spoil you." He blushed. I followed him down the staircase and into the dining room. The table was set with beautiful fine china. For dinner, we ate roast beef and Yorkshire pudding. It was one of the best meals I had eaten in a long time. As, we ate, I couldn't help, but notice that the servants were staring at me and whispering to one another. I felt embarrassed. After the meal, Britain and I returned upstairs.

"Normally, I'd have you stay in one of my guest bedrooms, but the Allies are holding their meeting at my place tomorrow and the next day, which is why I have to keep those rooms available for them." He explained.

"It's alright. I don't mind." I said calmly. To my surprise, Britain pulled me closer to him, gently grabbed my neck, and pressed his lips to mine. Though I was surprised, I closed my eyes and enjoyed the moment. He really is a good kisser. Even after Britain kissed me, he held onto me as if the moment he lets go, he'll lose me forever.

"Promise you'll never leave me." Britain said as his eyes began to water. As I looked into his emerald eyes, I understood everything. Britain was extremely lonely. He was desperate for love and attention. Britain was haunted by a past that caused him to make many enemies. All he needed was someone who could love him. I believed, at that moment, that I could be that someone. I was prepared to give Britain all the love and attention that he deserved.

"Don't worry, I'll stay with you for as long as you want me to." I said sweetly as I buried my head into his chest.

"Well, it's uh…getting late, so maybe we should go to bed." Britain sighed with relief.

"Alright, I'd like to shower first though." I replied. I kissed his cheek and slowly went into the bathroom where I undressed and got in the shower. After my shower, I dried off and got dressed into my pajamas. I met Britain back at his bed. He gently picked me up and placed me on the bed. It wasn't long before Britain joined me.

"I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I think you're extremely beautiful." He blushed as smoothed my hair.

"Thank you, you're very kind." I smiled. Britain kissed me once again.

"Good night Annabel." He said with a yawn.

"Good night Arthur." I replied. I gently laid my head on his chest and doze off. I was awoken, when I heard the sound of the door opening. Someone was there…

"Dude France, we shouldn't be bothering Britain; he's fast asleep." A guy's voice whispered.

"I don't care, I wanted to surprise…wait a moment…is that someone sleeping with him?" another guy's voice (who I assumed was France) replied.

"No way, dude; Britain doesn't have any friends…hey! You're right, it looks like some chick is lying next to him." The first voice commented. I knew they were talking about me. I looked over at Britain and noticed he was out cold with his arms around me. I gently got out of bed. I approached the two guys standing in the doorway.

"It's not polite to talk about people behind their back." I teased.

"Sorry dude, we came to see Britain. He's hosting us for the meeting of Allies this week and we didn't know where the guest bedrooms are. I'm America by the way and this is France." America explained as he gestured towards France.

"Bonjour mon amie; why would you choose someone like Britain instead of me?" France said with a wink.

"You'll have to excuse France; he's a bit of a flirt." America laughed.

"I can take you guys to the guestrooms, if you'd like." I suggested.

"Sweet, dude." America nodded. I led them down the hall towards where I guessed the guest bedrooms would be. To my relief, they were there.

"Merci mon sherie, have sweet dreams." France said as he kissed my hand.

"And if you need a hero, don't hesitate to call!" America smiled. Ignoring them, I made my way back into Britain's bedroom and fell back asleep.