Chapter 3

Snow-born Kindness

England POV

France's words rung in my ears, which had also turned a crimson red in my fluster. Clearly he didn't believe me... But then again, it was a pretty pathetic fib.

"What? Do you think I'm lying?" I asked, no longer looking at France as my face was still much too hot for me to feel comfortable even attempting it. I could just barely hear him hum in thought before he answered, as if it had taken some real considering before he could deliver me a proper response.

"Well, if I were to be absolutely truthful, oui. But I'll just let this slip for now, okay?~" I could almost hear the smirk in his reply, but I swallowed my pride and let it go.

"Alright..." I mumbled, subconsciously leaning against the Frenchman as we continued to walk to the park. I had to ask myself why I started inviting Francis with me in the first place. The spot in which we now both visited so very often together used to belong solely to me, the only place it seemed I could find some time alone. But... Wether I admitted it to myself or not, it had become more enjoyable with someone there to talk to. Even if that someone was France.
When I finally did notice that I was leaning so comfortably against him, I was about to move as embarrassment once again took hold of me. But, I stopped myself as I realized that it didn't actually feel so bad, and France didn't seem to mind in the least. In fact, it felt pretty good, especially out in the cooler weather. His body heat was highly welcomed, and it certainly made the bracing cold all but disappear. So I ended up staying where I was despite my previous emotions on the matter.

"Look, we're here~" He announced, the cheer in his voice enough to pique my curiosity. Why was he so happy? It couldn't have been just spending time with me; he did so every day. But then again, I normally wasn't as close to him as I was today, literally speaking. I allowed a smile to touch my lips before straightening up, nearly forgetting he was still holding my hand. Had I truly grown that used to it? Shaking off my thoughts, I nodded.

"Yes... We might even be able to enjoy some snow today," I noted, looking up at the sky that had seemed to grow all the more heavy. It was much too cold for rain, so snow was the most logical guess at the weather's forcast.

"Oui, that'd be nice... It isn't often I get to spend a snow day with you." For some reason, his words struck me by surprise, causing me to look up at him. His gaze was set on me, a soft expression on his face as well as a warm smile. There had been no perversity behind his actions today, nor his words, which had truly impressed me. I felt my own lips curve upward into a larger smile as I looked over his face for a moment.

"I guess not, huh? Well today's a good day to start~" I replied as we reached the bench we always sat on when coming here. But today when we sat, we were seated closer than normal, leaving me to wonder why I didn't care. I shrugged it off and instead looked around, seeing as the trees were now barren of leaves, the bright colors of fall having left, leaving a lifeless brown in it's place. But once the snow came, everything would be washed clean in a soft, colorless blanket. Another gust of wind, this one more icily cold than the last few, seemed to go right through my clothing to touch my skin, causing a shiver to run down my spine. I chuckled just a little as earlier I had been worried about France's tolerance of the cold, when it seemed it was affecting me more than he.

"What's wrong? Are you cold, Angleterre?" He asked, casting his azure gaze upon me in concern.

"Just a little, but I'll be fine, trust me." I reassured him, my own gaze lowering to the ground. I was surprised how much he seemed to care about my well-being when just a few months ago we were at each other's throat at the first hint of an insult. But now I didn't feel like fighting with him. Looking deeply into myself, I found I didn't want to hurt him at all; not mentally or physically.

"Okay, if you're sure," He murmered, scooting a little closer nonetheless. But oddly enough, I felt myself smiling at the action instead of scowling.