Hi~!

This is the first time I'm posting, so feedback is greatly appreciated! :D

Pairings: America/Japan, if you squint :O

Warnings/Backdrop: Set during WW2, Angst

Disclaimer: I own absolutely nothing :(


~Not So Much of a Hero~

"America, you have no choice in this matter. Sign the document!"

Said nation stood, gazing forlornly at the paper, a multitude of emotions flickering across his face. Confusion, denial, anger, cowardice, but most of all, guilt.

The troubled soul was disturbed by the pronounced ticking of a clock, each second signifying the death of a soldier. The death of an innocent.

"Einstein had already signed the document, so hurry up! We need to end this war quick!"

"I know!" He yelled at his boss, and turned back to the typed sheet sitting on the oak desk, pen in hand trembling with anxiety and fear, not for himself, but for a friend.

He understood the seriousness of this situation. He needed to be a hero for the world, but at the expense of Japan's health? The Asian would understand the move was merely political, but could America stand to see his old buddy in so much pain? In so much hurt?

Memories of the nights they would spend together watching horror movies, and exchanging video games drifted about in his mind, and his heart wrenched in agony. It was the exact same feeling he had when he had declared independence against his brother, Britain. The pain and betrayal in those green eyes; he had to turn away, lest he started weeping too.

Then again, he was America before he was Alfred, an nation before a friend, part of the Allied team before anything else. He wasn't allowed to let personal affairs affect his decisions for the country, it would be too selfish, too irresponsible…

He shut his eyes tight, tears threatening to fall as he shakily signed his name on the dotted line, then collapsed onto his swivel chair. His palms were pressed stubbornly into his eyelids, ridding Texas up his forehead, chest trembling with suppressed sobs.

The paper fluttered as it was whisked away and a door slammed shut, the sound of footsteps gradually fading away.

A quiet, broken voice cracked the silence of the room.

"Kiku, I'm so sorry…"