A/N: My friends and I thought it would be fun if we challenged ourselves to write 100 drabbles based on prompts. So what the heck, I'm going to write this thing. As for those waiting for an update on Sins and Virtues and Of Bashful Idiots and Strange Complexes, it's going to happen. I'll only update this thing sporadically so don't expect too much.

Warnings: Language, potential OOCness, Canadian spelling, updates at random times, etc…

Characters: Fem!Canada (I like genderbending Canada. Don't judge me.) and UK

Pairings: Not USUK if you really want to know

Word count: 624

Disclaimers: I don't own Hetalia or a pocket watch. I want one.

Mellow

Because those days of relaxation are too few and end too fast

It was quiet in the countryside manor in the English county of Lincolnshire. Rain was gently pattering against the casement windows and the tiny spheres of water gathered on the clear glass slowly drizzled down leaving no signs that it was there in the first place. The lush grass and vibrant gardens surrounding the manor, as if it was from a fairytale, absorbed the light shower under the platinum coloured clouds from above.

It was past usual afternoon tea time within the Kirkland estate and the wet weather would never dampen Arthur's spirit to have a stroll in his abundant gardens after his midday snack. His manor was his breakaway from reality and he rarely frequented the place as his duties of a nation took priority. It was absolutely absurd for a nation to shirk their duties so the Briton, being the busy nation he was, rarely, if ever, had any true time to enjoy himself. The same could be said for other nations as some could never find themselves abandoning their duties. It was of a delightful chance that both Madison and Arthur were able to have their one day of peace together. This prompted the gentleman to invite his (soon-to-be) lady for a relaxing day with him under the (what should have been) pleasant weather. It did not work out as the man had planned it, but he could not allow one minor miscalculation to spoil his retreat.

Instead of taking a stroll within his vast gardens under an umbrella, the Englishman cuddled up on the elaborate rug near the fireplace, a book in hand, with Madison curled up beside him. After their session of tea in the parlour that overlooked the magnificent grounds at the back of the manor, Madison insisted that they spend the remainder of their afternoon in the grand library of the manor. Out of all the rooms, the library was the most used as Arthur quite liked company of books so he could not help but give into her suggestion. He read books from all over the ages while his mystical friends hovered and enjoyed the read with him, but doing this with another person was rather comfortable.

It was quite admirable that Madison quietly appreciated the book with him. She silently relished in the styles of Wilkie Collins and the mysteries shrouded in the book, The Woman in White. Arthur couldn't help but be distracted as he watched her contently read the book to herself, to which his thoughts were often cut off by questions of whether they flip the page or not, and smooth fair hands would meet rough and calloused ones as they tried to turn the page. The jolt of that single touch caused them both to sputter indignantly while a warm blush would settle across their faces. Soon the small and brief contacts no longer startled the two as they continued to read. Only the grandfather clock and its steady pendulum and constant ticking, and dripping rain with slight shuffles that appeared every once in a while from Madison snuggling with Arthur could be heard.

Time slowly passed and the rate of turning the pages dragged out longer after what seemed to be an eternity. Both were slowly nodding off. The Canadian had rested her head in the nook of Arthur's neck and her arms gently embraced the man, bringing her even closer to him. In return, the Englishman rested his head on hers and slowly intertwined his strong legs with her delicate ones. Eventually one arm was wrapped around Madison's shoulders bringer her into his chest but by that time, the two were wrapped in pleasant dreams. All while the rain was pattering in the mellow afternoon at the manor house.

A/N: I feel somewhat content with this. That's an odd feeling.

Comments, criticisms and questions are welcome.