This collection of drabbles was brought to life using the meme where you put your iPod on shuffle and write a drabble inspired by the first ten... uh, 22... songs that come up, each written in the length of time of the song they were based on. Chapter one is countries, and chapter two will be states. Drabbles written in first person have the name of the speaker italicized before it begins. Enjoy~!
1. "Germany's Anthem" from Hetalia: Axis Powers
Gilbert had always admired his older brother's serious nature. He never seemed to have any fun, but Ludwig sure got things done.
So did Roderich, actually. All he did was play that stupid piano say and night, but he was damn good at what he did.
Even Elizabeta, his Elizabeta, had finally figured out her true gender and established a fantastic nation. It was only Gilbert who had no real accomplishments to his name.
But it was only Gilbert who had any fun.
This was why, though he loved his Germanic family almost as much as he loved himself, Gilbert chose to spend his days in the company of Francis and Antonio as apposed to them.
Plus, then he had something to brag about.
2. "Lupin's Transformation and Chasing Scabbers" from Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
America
I remember when he used to tuck me into bed at night. I remember his old boring stories and his smiles and bad food—
But I can't remember for long, because remembering the England of my childhood always comes back to remembering the England of the war.
Taxes. Tea. Guns. Rain. Shouting. Redcoats. Bluecoats. Fury. Pain.
His gun hit mine and left a permanent scratch.
Sometimes I think it left a permanent scratch on my mind, barring me from thinking properly when it comes to him. Because there are some things I can't remember.
But also some things I'll never forget.
Like the colors of his eyes when he tucked me into bed at night. Like his stories.
His smile.
2. "I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General" from The Pirates of Penzance
America was the best effing soldier ever. He was the best hero ever and actually maybe just the best dude overall. And these were facts he knew himself well.
England, however, did not agree.
Neither did Russia, who kind of wanted to strangle him every time he opened his mouth.
3. "NihaoChina" from Hetalia
China would never admit it, but he kind of liked how America always picked him to fight for the Allies. He loved the thrill of battle, the sound of the pan's swish as it came down with a satisfying crack right where he intended it, on the enemy's head.
He didn't want America to treat him like a Pokémon, a dog, but he didn't want to step down either. Being picked first made China feel not expendable, but strong. Like to defeat the Axis, America had sent out the best fighter he had.
Of course, fighting Japan was sort of awkward, after all they'd once been through. And America still hadn't paid him back an increasingly impossible sum.
But China didn't really mind. All he needed to forget his woes was the daring thrill of war.
4. "Everytime We Touch" by CASCADA
America
My hand brushed his today as we both reached for the ketchup at the same time. That happens at lot, actually—I knock into his a lot just to annoy him. But today, when my hand touched his, something happened.
It was like a giant firework had gone off in my brain, so beautiful it burned everything else inside there down.
I saw England as if for the first time after that. His little habits. Even his eyebrows. I loved him, absolutely all of him.
Yeah, you heard me right. I'm not uncertain anymore at all.
I love him.
But instead of being mortified—I love a man, and that man—instead I feel like I could fly.
4. "Good Morning Baltimore (Reprise)" from Hairspray
Italy
Germany said something mean to me today. Just because I told America about his DVD's, Germany told me he hated my "ass face"!
And now I'm in jail with no pasta and no cute girls.
But I do have Germany here with me, even if he hates my… face.
And Germany's better than nothing.
5. "Soap Star Joe" by Liz Phair
America didn't really know where his fascination with heroes had come from. But no matter what his fleeting interest might have been, it always seemed to connect somehow. Cowboys, space cadets—all heroes.
England didn't really know when America had stopped being his little boy and had become a self-obsessed, headache-inducing creature. England had raised America to be like him, a gentleman, and now he was this obnoxious, one-of-a-kind, loud delinquent who never listened to a word he said—
Basically, England wanted America to be like England was now, and instead he got a replication of his childhood. A punk. A pirate. A badass who lived for himself, who never let anyone stop him.
Basically, a hero.
6. "Gunshy" by Liz Phair
When Italy was little, Grandpa Rome put a sword in his hand and tried to teach him how to fight. And just a few decades ago, Germany had saddled him with a rifle and told him what to do if any of the Allies came his way.
But Italy just wasn't made to be a fighter. He wasn't a coward, but a dreamer. A peaceful guy who was still a kid at heart. And who ever makes a kid use a gun?
Now, in the present, Italy laid his gun in front of him and pulled out his nifty white flag, comforting as a baby blanket and just as soft. It wasn't that he was afraid to be shot—but that he didn't want to shoot.
7. "Lost Tonight" by Liz Phair
Gilbert
My hand linked through hers, and I couldn't help but smile.
She was a girl, obviously. I had no idea why she'd insisted on playing a boy. But girl or boy, I didn't mind. It was her bright face, wide eyes, her spirit that made me love her.
Sometimes we'd run out into the undergrowth and explore, leaping through forests and fields and laughing about what Rod would do when he found us gone. But hey, Rod had Vash.
And I had Elizabeta. Just the thought made me smile.
Rod and Vash sat at home and played music and talked, and that was fine by me. Eliza and I ran through the big world instead, taking the world as our prize.
8. "Shatter" by Liz Phair
America
We sat around the fire on an island, and the only sound was that of burning wood, of a spark flying up and just passing my eyes, blurring in the lenses of my glasses.
England stared into the fire itself, his hair rustling softly by way of the wind. He mumbled something, but it wasn't a spell anymore. It sounded more like a prayer.
China had fallen into a drowsy half-sleep, lolling his head gently onto Russia's shoulder. It was Russia's nature to shove him off with a smile, but some reason this time he shifted his body, to make China more comfortable there.
France, on the other hand, was wide awake, and stared up wistfully at the stars.
I hugged my knees and watched the rise and fall of the sea. I wondered things. Like how long this war would last. Like why war has to happen at all.
For the moment, though, there was peace, save the low rumble of waves and soft hiss of the wind.
A spark landed on the edge of my jacket and lit up my sleeve, sinking deep into the depths of it before it was gone, only a charred black crater to remind me it was ever there at all.
9. "A Young Pretty Girl Like You" from Promises, Promises
The moment he'd mentioned he was depressed, before he could even explain the cause of his discomfort, Poland had taken Lithuania's hand and pulled him from his room, out onto the streets of Warsaw. He headed straight for the nearest clothing shop and immediately bought Liet an enormous, fluffy, hot pink boa, forcing it around Liet's shoulders with a confident smirk between his pieces of sleek blonde hair.
And as they ran off together, Liet couldn't help but smile.
9. "Marukaite Chikyuu (Sealand)" from Hetalia
Sealand
Someday, I'm going to be a country, and no one in the world will ever be able to stop me.
Forget stupid England. I've got parents who support me now, Daddy Berwald and Mommy Tino. And I've made a friend in Iceland, and I have all the other micronations too. They look up to me since I'm one of the oldest, and I assure them enthusiastically every day that it won't be long before our times comes! We are the future of the world! Someday the others will all kill each other off out of sheer stupidity, and then the world will be ours!
10. "Finland / Fisch Slapping Dance" from Spamalot
Finland's a little weird sometimes. Sweden had been living with him for a month and was slowly starting to realize this. Like that day there was fish at the market and Finland hit him clean in the face with one. And the clothes he sometimes wore? Ridiculous! But Sweden loved him anyway.
11. "We're Going to Be Friends" by the White Stripes
Denmark
We were Vikings together on the high seas. I saw him from my boat and waved, and though he was distracted he gave me a small save back.
We were enrolled in Gakuen Hetalia, and he helped me find the way to my dorm, telling me sternly that I shouldn't be drinking as a child.
He was there shaking his head when Sweden and Finland ran away from me, and he was there next to me when I cried that night, and he was there that night in my dream.
I love you, Norway.
My best friend.
12. "Two By Two" from The Book of Mormon
AU. They're Mormon missionaries waiting to receive their partners and location assignments.
Alfred's smile was huge as they stood in line. Though he was standing with his back to him, Arthur was sure he could hear that smile brewing.
"Elder Kirkland!" Sure enough, Alfred called him just a moment later. "I hope we're together, dude!"
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Yes, sure, Elder Jones. Just listen. They'll announce us soon!"
The man at the front of the room shuffled his papers and began to read off names and mission locations, one by one.
"Elder Køhler and Elder Swenson!"
Mathias and Erik stepped forward to meet each other, Mathias beaming like mad and Erik completely devoid of emotion.
"Your mission location is… Scandanavia!"
"I have no idea where that is," Alfred told Arthur cheerily. "Hope we're next!"
The man cleared his throat. "Elder Jones…"
Alfred's eyes widened. "That's me!"
"…and Elder Kirkland! Your location is… England!"
Alfred beamed smugly, tapping Arthur on the shoulder. "I'm always right, huh, mission brother?"
Arthur groaned.
13. "As Long AS There's Christmas" from Beauty and the Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
Finland
Sweden had been depressed lately. I noticed his frown around the house more than usual that week. Norway had been quieter than usual, I hadn't seen Ice-kun in days, and even Denmark's smiles had started to seem a little strained. Sea-kun had noticed, I'm sure, but I couldn't let the gloom spread to him too. It would break my heart.
Good thing it was Christmastime. Christmas solves everything! I surprised them when they came home one day with an enormous pine tree decked with every shiny object in the house, presents for everyone, and a warm turkey feast. On my head rested a red cap tasseled with a white pom-pom.
At their shocked faces, I spread out my arms. "Merry Christmas, guys!"
Sweden took me gently into his arms, and we all smiled.
14. "Fight! Axis v. Allies" from Hetalia
China flew at Italy, pots and pans at the ready. Italy screamed like a little girl, and his white flag was out within the minute.
Later, America bragged that it had been a long and difficult battle, but eventually America had been able to subdue the Axis with his own brute strength alone.
15. "Springtime for Hitler – Part 1" from The Producers
They're watching The Producers. Just so you know.
"Germany was having trouble, what a sad sad story! Needed a new leader to restore his former glory…"
Arthur gave Alfred a truly horrified look. "You idiot. What you thinking, bringing Ludwig to this play?" He glanced at the German, then back at the stage, shaking his head wildly. "Why would you force him to sit through things he doesn't want to remember?"
Alfred blinked, eyes on the stage. "Dude, my musicals are awesome! I'm sure Ludwig's fine. He can't possibly take this stuff seriously!"
An actor that look very much like Ludwig himself graced the stage then, singing about springtime in Germany, complete with lots of pretty sparkles and flowers, as the country proceeded to murder half of Europe. Ludwig's expression was one of shame and sorrow.
Until Hitler graced the stage as a singing, dancing gay man.
Then Ludwig snapped back to his old self, turned to Alfred, and said, "I'm going to kill you."
And so Alfred never invited the G8 to the theater again.
16. "Fuck and Run" by Liz Phair
Francis was depressed as soon as he opened his eyes and found his bedroom empty. Drowsy and tipsy as he'd been last night on expensive food and wine, he was positive that he'd spent the night with his Mathieu. And that meant that the only explanation was that Mathieu had gotten up earlier and left him.
Francis cursed silently to himself. "Merde." That marked the third time that had happened this month. One date, one night, only to wake up to an empty bed. The man fucked him because he was drunk not because he had any inkling of affection for Francis himself.
Francis cursed again and stumbled outside. He'd buy himself a good breakfast to cheer himself up. Or maybe a glass of wine.
Meanwhile, back in the bedroom, Matthew Williams was perched sadly on the edge of Francis's bed, wondering why on earth not even the man he loved could see him.
17. "Secondary Characters" from [title of show]
Matthew
I'm always in the background. Even as I write this, my words are tiny, tight together—the handwriting of a boy used to having to sign his name tiny next to his brother's, which takes up the entire rest of the page.
After all these years, I've gotten used to being secondary to Alfred, and it's sort of been okay. Sometimes the best place to get things down is from the sidelines anyway. I've never been a spotlight kind of guy. And Alfred, though obnoxious, is my best friend.
Someday maybe he'll grow up and learn to respect me like I respect him. And then maybe he'll write his name small so I can fill up the whole rest of the page.
18. "Finale Ultimo" from Young Frankenstein
Elizabeta
I always felt bad leaving Roderich for Gilbert. Every day, at some point before sleep came, I would remember him and pray up to the sky that he would forgive me for being so stupid. We were divorced, after all, but to leave a man and marry his best friend just seemed like an assy think to do.
Though to be perfectly honest, Rod didn't really seem to mind. He had his piano, and he was helping Vash to raise Lilli, though he would never admit he so much as associated with the Swiss man if his life depended on it.
And now I had Gil all to myself.
Except for my moment of doubt every day, I was very happy.
19. "Ave Maria" by Megan Mullally & Supreme Music Program
Feliciano stood in the middle of a church, the sunlight filtering through the huge stained glass windows, and raised his hand. His white cloak rustled around him, the golden cross around his neck sparkling in the light. In another patch of brightness a few feet away, Lovino did the same.
Ludwig watched from the fist row of pews with large eyes. He'd never seen either Vargas so serious before. He'd also never seen anything quite so beautiful.
From the back of the church came a few bars of the quiet tinkling keys of a piano, pressed by light fingers.
Both brothers brought their hands to their chests in prayer.
Ludwig began to cry.
20. "The Pirates of Penzance MegaMix Finale" from The Pirates of Penzance
First of all, what the fuck is a Megamix Finale? This musical came out in 1879. Why the fuck is there a Megamix Finale on this CD?
That's what Roderich thought in disgust, anyway, without so much colorful language, as he surveyed the 2005 Australian cast recording of The Pirates of Penzance. Knowing his love of music, Seth had thoughtfully sent Roderich a few old Broadway CD's of his for a birthday present, which for the most part, Rod enjoyed. Opera, though Rod couldn't sing for his life, was the vocal equivilent of classical music, and Rod appreciated it very much—old-fashioned, classy, beautiful.
But then why the fuck did the 2005 Australian cast of The Pirates of Penzance have a Megamix Finale?
Rod threw away the CD unopened and sat down with some good Wagner instead. Seth meant well, but some of his, and his country's, modern music really was complete and utter crap.
It was a shame, though. Rod had quite like Pirates when they put it on in Vienna. There, of course, there was no Megamix Finale.
Perhaps the Australians were going in the way of Americans in producing truly craptastic music.
The idea gave Rod indigestion, and he switched on some Mozart instead. For sure, no Megamix Finales here.
Holy shit. There's still a minute of this song left, what do I write, I have no more ideas… Rod would be very displeased.
21. "Girlfriend" by Avril Lavigne
Belarus
I don't like your girlfriend, Brother. She's pushy and unattractive and she'll never give you what you want. But that's what you get for dating a human. Their egos are always huge.
What's that? You've dumped her, but now you're seeing a small country I've never even heard of?
I think we both know how this is going to end. You'll scare him off like all the others, intimidate him with your prowess, because you're better than he'll ever be.
You two broke up? Now you're dating France? He'll cheat on you.
America? He's an ass.
Canada? Who?
Lithuania hates you.
Latvia's afraid of you.
Ukraine likes girls, Brother.
Prussia's taken.
No one wants you.
No one will date you.
No one will ever be good enough for you.
But hey, Brother, if you really want a date next Saturday night, I'm free. And I love you, Brother, and I'll treat you well.
What's that? Go away? I'm scary? You just love me as a sister?
Okay, Brother. That I can deal with.
I'll kill them all in their sleep so I'm the only one…
22. "A Light in the Dark" from Next to Normal
Belarus
He sat in his room with the lights off, just one dim desk lamp for him to read by. And leaning over his book like that, he didn't seem relaxed but so deeply sad.
Brother's not crazy. I wanted to tell them all. He's just sad. And so, so lonely.
I approached him from behind and hugged him, but for once I gentle. Brother had always seemed so big and strong before. I'd never thought of him as someone I needed to be gentle around.
Brother buried his face in my chest, and we both cried.