Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia-Axis Powers nor am I profiting from writing this short fic.
-This fanfic is NOT USUK unless you want to see it that way.
-I imagined this as during the Hoover administration still, but whatever you want to think.
-The Great Depression was hard on both the United States and the United Kingdom. I can't compare how bad it was because the economies were different and I simply don't have enough information, but if you happen to be American (as I am), don't think that our good ol' Britain got off scot-free.
-This fic will be told from a purely personal standpoint for the characters. It bears no relation to any political or economical stuff, except obviously the time period.
America clenched his teeth and stared down at his shoes. They were dirty, and the toe of the left shoe was ripped.
"America," England said. "Alfred. Look at me."
America tore his gaze away from the ground and managed to look into England's eyes.
"You aren't okay," England whispered. "And I know you're too proud to accept personal help and too kind to ignore the suffering of your citizens, but maybe…"
"Maybe what?" America asked, his voice coming out rough.
"Maybe you wouldn't mind coming with me," England continued. "If you won't accept the support of your government until things get better, maybe you'll accept the support of mine."
"I can't do that," America said. "It isn't like your economy is doing well either."
"No," England said. "But these are the kinds of things you do for a friend. So what do you say," he held his hand out to America, "shall we put aside our past and give each other the help we need?"
And America found his hand moving to clutch England's. "Okay," he muttered lamely.
"Good," England said. America tried to give him what little money he has, but England shoved it away.
"I don't want your damned American money," he said.
Alfred smiled. Things were getting back to normal already.