Hetalia isn't mine. Thanks to Empress Vegah for this idea and the article for the BBC that this one-shot is based on.

England shivered in the cold as he met America on the bridge for a late night dinner.

As they walked silently, England began to remember all the times he's had, what they've been through together, and why, in the last ten years, he's started to feel so alone.

He watches as women turn their heads when his young American goes by, and when Alfred stops to buy a hot chocolate for the cold evening, becomes a fast friend with the vender.

America comes back with the hot cocoa and a hot tea, handing it to him without a word. Arthur can't take it any longer.

"Darling, do you still think I'm special?"

America doesn't pause as he goes to sip his coffee. "Of course I do." It's a monotone statement, and England isn't entirely sure what to make of it, or if America even heard what he'd aid. Then America stops.

"Above all, my love, you are essential." He smiles, and gives Arthur's hand a squeeze, before continuing to walk on. Arthur doesn't move.

He remembers the days of romance they shared, the nights of passion, which usually followed. He remembered how close they were, as people, and as countries. But lately, America had only been talking business with him, agreeing with him on the little things without argument. Arthur had chosen the date, the diner, the time. Arthur was doing everything in this relationship, he realized.

Alfred had said 'essential'. That America's boss probably wanted America to stay with him, to keep stability in alliances, to keep England's military support in their foreign affairs. That was what their relationship was. Essential. Not special. Not forever.

He was getting left behind, living in America's shadow. America didn't really feel the same way for him anymore. Arthur knew this, because Alfred still hadn't realized that Arthur hadn't moved.

The worst part of it all, was that America acted as if everything was the same, hugging him when the 'relationship' demanded it, kissing him, making love to him, all because of a relationship that used to be there due to a closeness of feelings. Now it was just a relationship of benefits.

And the worst part of it was, England couldn't let him go. He couldn't fall into shadows.

He started to run, trying to catch up with the oblivious and uncaring American, who was already too far ahead.

Author's note: Is one supposed to love writing angst? Be filled with glee by it?

Anyway, this all comes from a one-shot suggestion by Empress Vegah, BIG THANKS!

This BBC Article is a must read! (although, in it, England is a girl. I'm not one for iggiko, so I changed him back)

http : / / www. bbc . co .uk / news /uk -politics - 13519456 (remove spaces.)