Can't Swim?

Year: 2014

"C'mon Artie! We don't have all day!" America groaned. He'd dragged the British nation to Florida with him, hoping they could get some sun. But the Briton refused to come out from under his umbrella. America honestly didn't see the problem with the water. It looked cooler than the hot beach.

He stomped his way over to England, frowning slightly. He grabbed Arthur's arm - earning an indignant squawk of displeasure. "Bloody hell, Alfred! I don't want to go in the water."

America rounded on him. "It's a nice day out. And way too hot at that. You're sweating!" He exclaimed as he pointed at Arthur's face.

England smacked his hand away. "I know that, b-but I just don't want to go in the water. It's salty, and much too dangerous...a-and..." He trailed off, unsure of where he was going with his excuse.

Alfred squinted at him, sighing. It was the week of their anniversary, and he was really hoping to enjoy it. He and Arthur had never gone to the beach before. And he didn't really see the big deal. Arthur used to be a pirate. "You were a pirate." America stated, repeating his thought aloud.

"So?! I didn't have to get in the water. Just in a boat." England protested weakly.

"Just, c'mon," America whined as he dragged Britain through the sand. "It's our anniversary." He continued, hoping to guilt-trip his boyfriend.

That did the trick. Arthur stopped in his tracks with a huff. "I-I can't...I can't swim alright!" He basically shouted in Alfred's ear. America jumped at the outburst before frowning.

"Can't swim?..."

"Yes. I can't swim." England continued, rubbing one of his arms for security. "When I was little I was pushed into a lake by Ireland who had been bullying me at the time. But I was too young to know how to swim. He just laughed and left me there while I was drowning. Thankfully, a fellow citizen of my country at that time was passing by, and they saved me. Not as if I would've actually stayed dead anyway..." England took a deep breath. "After that I was too terrified of water to learn how to swim. When I was pirate I just braved through it. I was technically practically mad then anyways.

America's eyes watered lightly. He knew England's brothers had been cruel during the Middle Ages. But to let your own brother drown? He could never let that happen to Mattie. "It's alright Artie." Alfred grinned at his boyfriend.

Arthur's ashamed eyes met his in confusion.

"I'll teach you how to swim. We've got all the time in the world. Besides, when we have our honeymoon, you'll need to know how to swim." And with that America walked back to the water, beckoning for England to follow.

But England's face had flushed a deep shade of red, and he was frozen in place. Because Alfred had just inadvertently mentioned that they were going to get married, and that the American was going to propose.

Okay, so my excuses are so unworthy of your time, but I have had a busy week. I know this was supposed to be published on Monday, and I didn't have time. I went to MTAC on Friday adn had to leave early due to stupid drama. And I'm stressed about EOC and exams. So, my bad. A new chapter will be up on Monday. Read, review, and follow please!