Chick-a-dees! Another holiday, another update. Shout out to my reviewers: Guest who thinks this story is Amazing, theAwesomePurssia17, meapzilla2mouse, Guest who thinks this story is cute, RusAme. PruCan. UkUs, Deathpuppy1, killthatork,
abaoju (That's the sweetest review I've ever had), and
missingwings (Your reviews never fail to make me smile. Thank you)
As well as all who favorited and/or followed. Now without further ado, Prussia's POV. Enjoy~
Warning: Man on Man kissing (because it's all the rage right now), slight angst, a bit of foul language, and hints of BDSM if you squint...with one eye...in the dark
Disclaimer: Roses are red, Violets are blue...wait a minute, violets are freaking violet! Another lie I was told as a child. Well, I won't lie you, Chick-a-dees, I have no rights to Hetalia.
Content, I laid on my bed happy as the cat who ate the canary and the cream, my body relaxed and pliant.
My thoughts, however, raced around my head centered around one thing or rather...one person: my boyfriend Canada. Gott, if that didn't feel weird to say even if I was the one to insist on its use. He had returned home after staying in Berlin for a week and I still couldn't believe my luck. I was dating Canada, the greatest country that ever existed (after myself of course). It was surreal, to think that I would find someone so understanding, so caring, and so awesome. Not to mention so utterly adorable, a title previously held by mein awesome pet Gildbird, but don't let him know. And to think I almost didn't get to meet such a perfect being.
Last month, when Germany told me he had been invited to a Thanksgiving potluck at that obnoxious American's house, I won't lie and say I wasn't jealous. Well, more annoyed than jealous. It sucked that he got to do so much, go anywhere in the world while I was limited to his nation or having to be escorted other places. Knowing this West made it a point to invite me along (that's my ever thoughtful bruder for you), but I didn't want to be around the other 'official' nations. A few still looked at me with distrust whenever I'm in their vicinity, and don't get me started on Poland. Okay, so I was still bitter about being dissolved, but really who wouldn't? Especially with a nation as great as mine was.
I told him I had plans, my plans being a fun game I like to call Wallow in My Self Pity and Drink Until I Pass Out, but of course, he saw through my lies and dragged me along anyway. After a long ass flight, we arrived at America's house (more like mansion) and his butler (who even still had those?) answered the door and let us in. Germany followed the butler to the kitchen to drop off the food (wurst, what else?), and I wandered the lower level of the house not wanting to join the masses in the living room. It was when I passed an entrance by the foyer that I saw a bunch of abstract paintings, and being an amateur artists myself I was intrigued. I was so lost in the intricate designs that I didn't notice someone else was there until it was too late. There was, believe it or not, an 'eep' from the other person, and I instantly went to stop them from face planting on my account. My arms just so happened to wrap around a small waist, and then I looked up and saw an angel.
I hugged my pillow, snuggling deeper into it as I recalled our initial meeting.
The other person had jumped slightly at the contact making their glasses sit crooked on their nose which they quickly fixed before bracing themselves with small hands on my biceps. I got to look more clearly at the person who, although had rounded cheeks and a soft face, was definitely male. There was dirty blonde hair atop his head with one strange curl on the side and violet eyes magnified by his glasses. Those enticing orbs stared up at me and for quite some time too. He seemed to notice this and his face light up like Christmas lights before coughing and stepping away from me. I let my arms fall away then apologized, first in German but then again in English in case he didn't speak it. There was more staring from him, which I took the time to fully look at him.
He was wearing a large red hoodie with a white leaf looking thing on it that effectively hid the narrow waist I had felt earlier, blue jeans and white sneakers on his feet. After a moment he spoke and with just those 3 words (one that was stuttered oh so cutely) I was hooked. We didn't get a chance to talk more because at that moment West (the unintentional cockblock) had called me away from the beautiful stranger. I walked away regretfully, but with hope to see the other again. My curiosity as to what country he represented was thrown from my head when I met up with Germany and the host for the evening, America. The blonde egomaniac had challenged me to a game of rock, paper, scissors for the 'right' to eat with the rest of the countries. I desperately wished I had my sword to run through him with, but accepted the challenge with my usual awesome flare. I won, but it was a bittersweet victory. I could see Germany look at me worriedly from the corner of my eyes, but I shrugged it off.
A moment later there was a shout that a football game was starting and America got busy dictating everyone to go to the living room to watch it. Well, not everyone liked that idea, some going far as to say it was a brainless sport that was inferior to soccer. Suddenly the room was divided, football lovers and soccer lovers yelling at each other, and the protest was close to getting physical until one brave soul suggested they have an actual football game and soccer match in the backyard to determine which was better. Everyone liked the idea and ran outside to form teams. I watched with amusement as it turned into a game of Western vs Eastern countries, and was contemplating joining when I saw a familiar red hoodie sitting off to the side by himself.
My choice was clear and I slid next to him with a smooth 'hallo again' and watched as his eyes widened. I thought it was strange when he asked if I remembered him, because obviously I did since I came over to him, but I didn't put too much thought into it. I introduced myself and prompted him to do the same. When he introduced himself as Canadia, I was confused never hearing of the country, but he quickly amended that by correcting himself. It was cute the way his arms flailed about in embarrassment, and I tried not to laugh. Most people didn't like that sort of thing, and for reasons that were foreign to me I wanted this stranger to like me. Like me a lot, if possible.
When he asked me why I wasn't out there, I didn't tell him it was because he was more appealing than the game currently going on. I didn't know where that comment would lead, so I told him I wasn't a sporty person which wasn't false. I also told him that I didn't know the rules, which also wasn't false but it did give us a starting point for conversation. He took the bait and explained the game to me. I was a quick study (because I'm awesome like that), and soon I was commenting on the game myself. I may have been a bit too loud about one foul call because Hungary launched her deadly frying pan in between us within seconds of the words coming from my mouth. Beside me I heard that 'eep' again and realized it was Canada. I couldn't help it, I laughed. It was almost the same sound that Gilbird made. And that's when I got the idea to give him a nickname.
I smiled into my pillow at the memory.
Mein Gott, his face when I told him. So adorably confused. He agreed to the nickname though, so I counted it as a win. I told him about Gilbird and in return he told me about his pet, I couldn't believe he had a talking pet polar bear, talk about awesome. When the soccer game started and he automatically taught me the rules of the game, I realized he had so much knowledge but was off to the sidelines. When I asked him why he wasn't out there, the answer he gave me was unexpected. How could someone not notice him? I said those exact words too, and then proceeded to embarrass myself by calling his eyes beautiful. He didn't run away horrified, so that was another win in my book.
But then my countrylessness came up. It had to eventually I guess, and as usual I made it out like it didn't matter to me. He didn't look like he believed me, but thankfully he said nothing about it. He did, however, make a statement about what a pair we made, one of the world's mightiest countries dissolved, and one of the world's biggest countries ignored, but I didn't know what to say about that. He sounded so...forlorn that I wanted to kiss the expression off and then some, but then the game ended and we headed back inside, his words the last between us.
Dinner was a crazy affair. First with all the different foods, then the whole 'I'm Thankful for blah-blah-blah' speech America made everyone contribute to. I was curious what mein newest friend would say, and watched with anticipation as he stood to say his part. That anticipation turned to blind fury when the British know-it-all took the turn of my angel, the poor boy too shy to speak up for himself. Good thing I was loud spoken enough for the both of us and I put the Brit in his place. Besides, that small sweet smile he sent me was well worth it. His face still red from residual embarrassment, he said his thanks for all the people he had met, but amethyst eyes were fixed on mine when he said it and I knew, I just freaking knew, that he meant me specifically. It gave me the courage to say what I said at the table in front of everyone.
I found someone to be awesome with. It was so simple, so mind-blowingly clear. He might not be 'The One', but we at least had the potential to have a great relationship, and I would love to date him. If he would let me.
We snuck glances at each other throughout the whole dinner and I watched as he did some sort of ritual involving breaking a turkey bone with Stars and Stripes. I was curious, but decided to ask after dinner. When that time came, I went to the hallway of abstract paintings where we met hoping he would be there instead of on his way home. It seemed as if my luck was changing because he was, looking down right delectable as he gazed off into the distance. He didn't see me approach and I used that to my advantage, whispering his new nickname into the silence. Canada let out that adorable 'eep' once more, proving the name was a correct choice and returned the greeting. We talked about what our favorite foods were, but that's not what I really wanted to talk about. I was about to take the plunge and ask him out when something caught my eye from above.
My body shuddered pleasantly at the memory of what came next.
I used the mistletoe to my advantage and it was obvious what I wanted, but he seemed to think it was impossible for me to want to kiss him. And if that wasn't enough then he thought that the person I was speaking at the dinner table was someone else! I quickly dispelled that notion and I watched as it finally dawned on him. He was still hesitant at first, so when he finally gave me the green light I placed the softest of kisses on his lips despite my body wanting so much more. Turns out I wasn't the only one, and when I moved to separate our lips he pulled me back in, almost devouring my mouth. Not one to be outdone, I kissed back with just as much vigor and passion. It felt so...right. Unfortunately, that pesky little need to breathe air got in the way and we had to pause. I took that time to finally ask him out and (after a long pause that had my heart about to fail) he said yes.
The actual date, when it finally came around, was memorable for so many reasons.
One: he was with me in Berlin, my former capital, a place near and dear to my heart. I would have gladly found a way to go to his country, but it was agreed that it was easier for both of us. Besides, he told me that he had a fascination with the German language and wanted to be immersed in it.
Two: he was staying with me in my apartment, the one I bought specifically for the occassion because there was no way I was bringing him to the basement of mein bruder's house to stay. West actually helped me pick it out though I rejected his offer to help decorate (the man was just so plain and I needed my apartment to reflect my awesome self).
Three: we spent the whole day together, just the two of us. Learning about each other and just enjoying each other's company.
The picnic was actually planned out the day prior to him arriving. I racked my brain for something unique just like mein awesome Vögelchen. The events leading up to it was just a bonus. A way to explore and I made sure it would be things he liked. The smile on his face when we were ice skating? Priceless. It was worth the unawesome embarrassment of falling on my ass half the time during the first hour. The picnic though? That was just a precursor for me to show him Brandenburg Gate. I meant everything I said. In the short time we had known each other, he had become special to me.
After our date (which included a super hot make-out session that he initiated), I drove us back to my apartment and we crashed on my bed utterly spent from busy day. Mind out of the gutter, we kept our clothes on. Though come to think of it he never did use the bed I bought for him. Oh well, it could be used for storage for whenever he would come over again, and believe me I plan for him coming over often.
I hugged my pillow, wishing it was the warm form of my boyfriend.
The memories were pleasant and though I wished he was here and we could spend the day cuddling (something I never thought I would enjoy so much), I was at least comforted by the fact that I would see him soon anyway. It was Christmas day after all, and soon Germany would be banging on my door so we could catch our freaking 11 hour flight to America's house. Yeah that's right, Mr. Melting Pot invited all the countries over to his house again for a Christmas party, but instead of it being food for a potluck like at Thanksgiving, we were told to bring presents for another country. About a week ago I got a letter in the mail (how he knew my address, I don't think I want to know) and at first I wasn't sure what to make of it. I had to read over it twice, just in case.
Dear random country I sent this letter to,
Sup? America here letting you know you are invited to my house once more for a Christmas party! Not only that but you're welcome to spend the night in one of my guest bedrooms.
I know what you're thinking, Thanksgiving was so much fun of course I'll come, but that's not the best part.
Now we have a little tradition over here in the United States of Me called Secret Santa. Basically you get assigned a person to buy a gift for.
Yep, you can be jolly ol' Saint Nick for a day and bestow a special gift upon another country.
The name of said country is printed on the back of this page at the bottom.
It's all random so who knows who you will get!
If you happen to get your own name, then congrats you don't have to worry your head off about finding the perfect gift.
If you didn't...ha! Good luck!
Yours Truly,
the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave
'Murica
Quickly, I checked the back of the page and was a little (okay a lot) disappointed not to read Canada's name, but Spain's instead. However, that didn't stop me from searching endlessly for the perfect gift for my Vögelchen. I wanted something personal to share between us that showed not only my trust, but that I wanted to be with him for as long as he let me.
It took literally all of my willpower to drag myself out of bed and into the shower. Once the heated water hit my body, it helped to clear my fogged up brain and soon I could wash myself like a grown up. I recently came across some fancy soap called Green Irish Tweed, and along with it was a 4oz bottle of matching scented cologne. It was said to have the aroma of 'a good looking man,' but what caught my attention was that sells were very popular in the Western countries. Specifically a certain North American one.
So, yeah I bought the ridiculously expensive scented items and now I would use them to my advantage. I lathered my washcloth and almost immediately the scent of sandalwood, amber, herbaceous clover, and so many other scents I couldn't possibly name filled the small bathroom. I decided that I liked the smell very much as I scrubbed my body down. Once I rinsed off, I stepped out of the shower and grabbed my blue and yellow striped towel and dried off. I wrapped it around my waist and tucked in the end so it wouldn't fall down. Not that I was ashamed of my body (it was a work of art really), but it was a bit chilly in my apartment and I'd rather not freeze my parts off since I have use for them in the (hopefully near) future. I was right in front of my closet, trying to decide what outfit showed off my awesomeness the best, when there was knocking at my front door.
"Wer ist es?" I asked though it could only be Germany. True to my prediction, his deep voice reached my ears through the wooden door of my apartment.
"Es ist mir, Bruder."
I walked over to the door, towel still wrapped firmly around my waist, and flung the door open with all the enthusiasm I could muster. "West! What brings you to my humble abode?"
He raised a blonde eyebrow at me, eyes still the same icy blue but the was amusement in those depths as well. "Shouldn't you get getting ready?"
"I was until you so rudely interrupted me," I quipped back, but I had a smirk on my face.
"Oh, don't let me stop you, East." He held out his hands in surrender, then made his way over to the kitchenette. "Have you eaten yet?" he asked, but we both knew the answer.
"Nope," I informed him anyway, and my smirk widened when I heard him snort followed by the bangs of cabinet doors opening and closing. I returned to my 'room' and walked back over to my closet. In the end I decided on a white button up (with the top 3 buttons undone, of course) and a red blazer over it. I wore black jeans that laid perfectly over my white canvas shoes. I had an overcoat for traveling that I planned on shedding once we got to America's house. After I was satisfied with how I looked and sprayed a little bit of the cologe, I returned to the where mein little bruder was most likely making breakfast for the two of us, since I wasn't so great when it came to cooking. Unlike, Canada. Gott, just the thought of his pancakes made me start to salivate.
I strode into the kitchen area and hopped onto the stool, leaning forward on my elbows to watch as Germany cut up the liverwurst. There was a bowl of sweet rolls mixed with Laugenstangen that I swiped a bread roll from. It was halfway to my mouth when the blonde spoke.
"So when am I gonna meet this person?" He stated while piling the food onto two empty plates he had set out earlier.
I took a bite, chewing slowly before speaking. "What are you talking about, West?" I knew exactly what...or rather who he was talking about. I was actually surprised he waited so long to mention it.
"Oh, you know," he started with all the sarcasm he could muster (which isn't a lot really). "This person who you found to be awesome with, the same person who caused you to buy this apartment?"
"Kesesese, alright," I gave up the pretense of aloofness. "You'll meet him tonight at the Christmas party."
"Him?" he asked raising an eyebrow, his tone more amused than judgmental.
"Him," I confirmed with a smirk and waggle of my eyebrows. Germany rolled his eyes and slide my plate over towards me before taking seat on the stool next to me.
We ate in a comfortable silence, before gathering out jackets in preparation to leave. We each had a small backpack with a change of clothes with us, since we both planned on staying the night at America's house. Well actually, I was hoping to sleep somewhere a bit farther north, but it depended on how the night went.
The Audi was driven to the airport and paid for to stay in the parking garage for a few days. Going through airport security was a bit of a hassle on my part. Official countries had it easy, TSA sees their face, checks their ID and waves them off with a smile. I, on the other hand, had to be searched and signed into a sign in/out log for every country I visited, not to mention the most expression I ever got from the staff was boredom.
The plane ride itself was long and uneventful (which is technically a good thing, right?). Beside me, West was reading some thick-spined book. Nerd. I at least got to watch one action packed movie before I clocked out in sheer boredom. Explosions can only capture my attention for so long. When we finally landed it was around 3PM Christmas Day. I hoped the nap I took on the plane would help with the jet lag from our little trip through time.
When we touched down, snow was already 3 inches off the ground, but the roads were paved and we hailed a taxi. 10 minutes later, it dropped us off at America's house (mansion) which was decorated to the nine with lights trimming the whole structure. Giant candy canes lined the walkway that lead to the front porch. On one side of the lawn plastic reindeer were stood mid-prance and on the other a large blow-up Santa was waving at us. I waved back because that's just the type of guy I am.
We knocked on the door and this time the annoying blonde answered it instead of his butler. I was still trying to figure out how it was possible that he was related to my adorable boyfriend when I, along with Germany, was pulled into a bone crushing hug. Did being a super power come with super strength or something? Scheiße, my poor ribs.
"Welcome guys!" he yelled into our ears before letting us go. I winced at the loud volume and prayed that my eardrums had not burst from the booming sound. "Come on in!"
Walking into the warm foyer, I was hit with a sense of deja vu and I shed my over coat. While mein bruder was off making small talk with the Freedom Fighter, I wandered to a more familiar part of the house: a small hallway filled with abstract paintings. It was there between Picasso and Herbin that stood a masterpiece in his own right, wearing a red plaid shirt and dark blue jeans that showed off the shapely body his usual hoodie hid. I stared in awestruck at the dirty blonde hair with one lone curl defying gravity, at the violet eyes trained intently on the art in front of him, at the innocence he eluded without even trying.
My angel.
"Vögelchen," I said, effectively capturing his attention and causing him to let out an 'eep' in surprise. Gott, I hope that never goes away. Then pink lips stretched into a wide smile and turned fully towards me, casting that gaze my way.
"Prussia," he said cheerfully as he walked over to me and was it just my imagination or did his hips sway? He was only about a foot away when he paused, leaning closer to me with the strangest expression on his face.
"Is that...?" he inhaled deeply. "Is that Green Irish Tweed?"
"Yep," I said happy that he indeed recognized the scent. He hummed before taking another whiff, his eyes lowering to half mast. "You like it?" I said with a smirk, wrapping my arms around him and pulling him closer. He inhaled once more before responding.
"I love it," he murmured and that sound did crazy things to my lower half. "Ich habe dich vermisst," he told me, burying his rounded face into my chest.
"It's only been 2 weeks," I reminded him, albeit with a fond smile.
"Too long," he told me and though laughed, I knew exactly how he felt. It was strange not waking up with blonde hair obscuring my vision and the smell of maple filling my nostrils.
"Ich habe dich vermisst sowie," I told him before grabbing his chin between my thumb and index finger and tilting his chin up. I had an unobstructed view of amethyst orbs and I drowned in them.
I don't know who moved first and frankly I couldn't care less. It was just me and him in our own little bubble at that point, making out like love-struck teenagers in a secluded place. My hands were placed on his hips, keeping him close against me while his arms were locked around my neck with one hand twirling the small hairs at the nape of my neck. I trailed both hands up his sides and in between his upraised arms before cupping his cheeks, using it to deepen the kiss.
With one of my hands, I raked my fingers through his silken locks and he broke away from the kiss making a sound between a moan and a whimper. I paused, shocked and a bit concerned with my fingers still in place.
"Are you okay, Vögelchen?"
"My...ngh...curl..." he pushed out between pants and I raised an eyebrow, glancing up where said curl was wedged between my index and middle finger. I drew my hand away slightly, causing the strand of hair to slide along my fingers and Canada let out another moan.
Now both eyebrows were raised. "What's this?" I asked, though I had a pretty good idea already. Germany had let slip a funny thing about Italy's own curl before.
"C-curl...nngah...sen...ha...sensitive..." He was reduced to simple words at my ministrations. I'm sure there was a devilish smirk spreading across my face as I twirled the lone curl around my index finger and pulled slowly until my finger slipped free.
It had the desired effect and his eyes nearly rolled to the back of his head, knees buckling slightly as pleasure coursed through his body. I placed my knee between his legs to keep him steady, but it had the opposite effect as my thigh brushed along the beginnings of an erection and I had to wrap an arm around his waist to keep him from falling. I closed the previous distance between us and held him close, trailing my lips along the column of his neck.
"Ah...Puh-Prussia...ha..." He bared his neck further for me and I took the invitation. I would have done (and was going to do) more when West's voice broke the bubble we were in.
"Bruder, wo bist du?" My head dropped onto Canada's shoulder, my heart beating erratically in my chest and I sighed before replying.
"Ich bin hier! Einen moment!" And if that wasn't like deja vu all over again I didn't know what was. I turned back to my angel taking in his disheveled state with pride. His breath came out in uneven gasps and his eyes hadn't lost that glazed over look yet.
"Looks like we have to come out of hiding, Vögelchen."
He blinked out of the haze I put him in and then nodded. Taking in a few deep breaths and straightening his clothing needlessly. We both willed out bodies to calm down before walking out of the hallway and towards where mein (cockblocking) bruder was searching for me. He took one look at our flushed faces and raised an eyebrow in question. This, of course, caused the man beside me to redden even further.
"West! Perfect timing," I told him with a forced grin, then there was a silence as he pointedly stared between me and the bispeckled blonde that was trying hard not to cower under the intimidating gaze. "Oh right, introductions. Vögelchen," I said placing a hand on Canada's lower back to push him slightly forward. "This is mein bruder, Germany. Germany, this is mein awesome boyfriend, Canada. Only I can call him Vögelchen," I said possessively, much to Germany's amusement if the twitch if his lips was anything to go by. Then West turned to face Canada, and his whole body seemed to tense up.
"So this is your…uh...boyfriend?" he asked, sounding somewhat concerned, and the ghost of a smile that previously graced his features disappeared completely. West's sudden change in demeanor caught me off guard and I turned to Canada with a questioning look, which went by unnoticed. A deep violet gaze was fixed on the taller man's light blue.
"Es ist gut dich wieder zu sehen," my boyfriend said sweetly, and my mind was a mix of confusion and awe as I realized just how far Canada's German has come along.
West seemed to shrink slightly, if that was possible, while in Canada's gaze. Big robust Germany looking very uncomfortable being in the same breathing space with the tiny, sweet blonde by my side? I looked between the two of them, but decided to wait until later to confront West about his strange reaction. Before I could open my mouth to break the silence, mein bruder beat me to it.
Regaining his composure, West coughed and broke eye contact with Canada. "I…I'd like to talk more with you, but America's calling everyone to join in the living room," Germany informed us. I rolled my eyes at the host's dramatic antics, and I heard Canada snort in response to the news as well, the tenseness between us forgotten.
"You wouldn't want to keep him waiting, trust me," he said also rolling violet orbs. I sensed there was story behind those words, but I could wait to hear it.
"Well, we wouldn't wait to keep our gracious host waiting now would we? Let's go!" I shouted, dramatically pointing down the hall to where I assumed the living room was. I was wrong and my boyfriend giggled before using his index finger to nudge my arm the opposite way.
"After you," he said giving me a sweet smile, his lips pressed together to keep from laughing further.
I stretched the back of my head and chuckled sheepishly. "Kesese...how about you lead us?" I suggested.
He set another one of those smiles my way and slide his hand into mine. "Come on," he said tugging my down the corridor. After a few twists and turns we ending up in the living room where all the other countries had already gathered, each holding a brightly wrapped gift or two in their hands. Canada removed his hand from mine and told me he had to go grab the gift he bought for the Secret Santa tradition and I nodded. That reminded me and I shrugged off my backpack which held the gifts. I took out the one for Spain, leaving the one for Canada to give to him later.
I stood off to the side, Germany beside me holding a small white, red, and green colored box gently in his huge hands. I snorted at the care he took just to select the wrapping of the gift, though I wasn't much better. My own present to my lover was a carefully selected red and white wrapping paper. We were to alike in many ways, mein bruder and I. It was only moments later that a loud and familiar voice was calling everyone to attention.
"Is everyone here?" America didn't wait for an answer. "Good! Ho, ho ho! Merry Christams and Happy Holidays my dear nations! As you know each of you were sent a letter with a random countries name on the back. You were required to buy a gift for said country. And now Secret Santa has started, so everyone exchange gifts...now!"
There was a scramble as everyone ran around to find their person to give their gift to and utter chaos followed, making the host for the evening shout to retain order.
"Okay, that maybe wasn't such a great idea." I couldn't help but snort at that. "Here's what's gonna happen! Everyone in a circle!" We all looked around with raised eyebrows. "Come on guys." There was a distinctly feminine cough "And girls. Everyone in a circle sitting on the floor. It'll be fun, I promise!"
Hesitantly, we lowered ourselves to the floor where we stood, adjusting furniture so everyone could fit. It was a few moments before everyone was settled in a semi perfect circle. I was seated between West and Switzerland, who looked like he'd rather shoot himself than be around so much Christmas cheer. In fact, I watched with amusement as his index finger twitched as if it wanted to be curled around the trigger of a gun.
I spotted Canada on the opposite side of the circle and moved to join him, but he made a motion with his hands for me to stay. I pouted (a very manly pout) and slouched in my spot on the floor. This caused violet eyes to crinkle while he laughed silently at my antics. That made me a little bit happy to know I could see all his facial expressions. I was particularly looking forward to watch him open his gift from his Secret Santa. My gift I planned to give him in a more...private setting. Looking at the adorable blonde, something nagged in the back of my mind.
"Hey, West?" I said, leaning over to him slightly.
"Hmmm?" he answered a bit distracted by the ribbon that sat crooked against the box.
"What was that all about back there?"
"Was?" he asked, fingers stilling on the silky material.
"You know," I rolled me eyes. "That weird thing between you and Vögelchen?"
The was silence from the blonde as he tried to figure out the right words. "Do you remember when the Netherlands were liberated during WW2?"
I thought about it. "Vaguely," I told him. "Wait, weren't you bedridden for a month after that event?" He winced at the memory, but nodded. Still that didn't explain anything. "So, what does that have to do wit-"
America shouted instructions to everyone, effectively interrupting my questioning. Much like the speeches we gave last month, it starting with one person rising to present their gifts and then returning to their seats with person to their left being next to go. The host for the evening stood off to the side supervising (read: micromanaging) as one by one the countries followed his instruction. I let to conversation go for the time being and watched everyone's reaction to their gifts.
Turkey received another mask from Liechtenstein, this one though had cat ears attached which made the masked nation blush. Even more so when Greece catch sight of the gift and had that look in his eyes.
England received a cookbook on French cuisine which he promptly threw back at France's laughing head.
I'm not sure what Japan received from Hungary, but if the slight nose bleed was any indication I would guess something very perverted.
Spain looked positively tinkled pink at the gift I gave him. Or well actually two gifts. One because I wanted to annoy South Italy and the other..well, the other for the exact same thing really. However, the second gift could be of actual use for the couple (I myself had a matching pair at home that I was hoping to use on my boyfriend very soon)
"Oh Romano~" The Spaniard sang lowly when his eyes fell on the contents of the box. The aforementioned country stared warily at the tanned man, edging slightly away even though they were already 5 people apart.
Hong Kong received a hand knitted scarf from Iceland. It was red in color with the white flower of his flag on both ends. Excited, the East Asian country immediately wrapped it around his neck.
I received a basket of a dozen 4 oz bottles of brand name vodka from Russia. I immediately grabbed the Reyka and held the up in a mock toast to the broad nation before taking a swig. Russia was right behind me with his own full bottle of Snow Queen.
And so on and so on the gift giving went until it was down to only Poland who had yet to give his bedazzled gift. Maybe it was the vodka already influencing my brain or the fact that I couldn't even conceive it would happen, but I realized it a bit too late.
There was only one person left to deliver a present, but two people were still waiting eagerly for gifts. My gut lurched and my thoughts were twisted, hoping it to be the dainty Taiwan that didn't get a gift instead of mein Vögelchen. Not my sweet little boyfriend who's eyes were already blinking rapidly to control the misting that had formed in his eyes from his own discovery. And as the small Asian country squealed from the new dress that was given to her, my heart broke at the tears that filled Canada's eyes. He tore out of the room and to my anger I noticed that no one else took notice of his departure. With gritted teeth I told Germany that I'd be back and raced after my boyfriend, ignoring the call of 'East' that followed me.
I checked the hallway with the abstract paintings first and panicked slightly when I didn't spot him. I was contemplating going outside to search when I heard a muted choked sob coming from upstairs. I didn't think, I just let my body follow the heart-wrenching sound. I was in what seemed like the guest wing of the house and I checked every room until I came across a quivering heap of blonde and red plaid on the ground by the bed of the guestroom. I entered the room and shut the door softly before carefully making my way over to him. The sobs continued, louder now that there wasn't a whole floor between us.
"Vögelchen?" I whispered, crouching low near him. His head snapped up and his gaze met mine. The whites of his sclera turned red and the skin around his eyes were puffy, and yet he gave me a crooked smile. More a grimace than anything.
"I told you. I t-told you no one no...notices me," he stuttered before more tears filled his eyes. "No one," he whispered before repeating it louder this time anger lacing his words. "No one!"
I was still crouched down next to him, hesitant to touch him in such a volatile state, but also needing to touch him for that very reason.
"He for-forgot about me," Canada continued, his tone incredulous. "I'm h-his brother!" His volume was loud one more. "And he...an-and he..." The tears were streaming down face and I felt rage fill me. A thirst for blood I hadn't felt since the Battle of Leuthen. I was torn between going downstairs to rip America a new one and comforting the distraught man in front of me. I chose the path with the least bloodshed and forewent my previous concerns to pull him close against me.
At first he stiffened at the contact, but then with another sob he curled into my chest, hands twisting the fabric of my jacket. I did what I could, choosing not to say a word, but put it all into my actions. Pulling slightly, I coached him up so we could settle on the more comfortable bed. We laid on our sides curled up together with his head tucked under my chin and I rubbed his back in what I hoped to be a comforting manner.
We stayed like that for a while, the room silent except for a sniff here and there. Just when I was about to open my mouth to say something, I felt him move. He arm moved down below between us, his knuckles on my lower stomach while his fingers played with my button of my pants. I stayed still, confused at the sudden turn of events. It wasn't until he started to unzip my pants that I realized the gravity of the situation.
"What are you...? Wait no," I told him grabbing hold of his wrist, but he used the other one still against my chest to grab the back of my neck and pull me down for a kiss. It was sloppy. It was uncoordinated.
It was desperate.
I broke the kiss, placing one hand on his chest to keep the hurting man at bay. "Vögelchen, no.'
He shook his head, blonde strands sticking to the tears that still lined his face. "Please," he begged. "Please, I-I need...I need t-to..."
I understood. Mein Gott, did I understand. The need to feel useful even if it meant being used. But I couldn't do that to him. I couldn't let him do that to himself.
"Not like this." I tried to calm him, make him see reason. "Not like this," I repeated.
There were a few seconds as our eyes connected and then his face seemed to crumble in on itself and the sobs began anew.
I tucked his head back under my chin, holding him tightly almost as to meld our bodies together. I kissed his forehead to give him his comfort another way. To tell him that I was there for him. To tell him that I noticed. It was only when the sobs finally ceased and his breath stopped hitching that I spoke.
"It's okay. I'm here," I told him.
"But for how long?" Was his muffled reply.
"As long as you want me to be" I said honestly. He looked up into my eyes in disbelief and my heart broke once more at the expression. Did he really think that no one would want to stay with him. Thoughts from our first talk circled back around in my head. I didn't believe it, didn't want to believe that someone as angelic as the blond in my arms could go by unnoticed by the rest of the world.
I opened my mouth to say more to reassure him how much I wanted to be with him, but was interrupted by the door of the guestroom being thrown open. The resounded bang against the wall behind door made both of us jump, removing our arms from each other and looking toward the origin of the noise.
"Bro, there you are! What happened?" America stood there in the doorway, back straight and presence commanding as usual and I had to dig my nails into the bedding to keep from digging them into his freaking baby blue eyes. How dare he come up to his brother and ask that after what he had done?
Canada blinked at the fellow North American nation looking like he didn't know whether to cry out in anger or sadness. "What...happened?" he asked instead, his voice low and a bit scratchy from his earlier cries.
"Yeah, why'd ya leave before I could give you your gift?"
There was more blinking, this time from both of us as our brains registered his words. "My...gift?" Canada echoed slowly.
"Yeah, your gift," America repeated just as slow. "I'm your Secret Santa. Though I kinda cheated and picked you for myself," he gave the other a bright sheepish smile before it fell and withered away at our continued silence. He walked closer and stopped when he noticed the red eyes and tear tracks on his brother's cheeks. "Hey," he said softly reaching out a hand. "What's wrong, Mattie?"
The use of what I assumed to be his human name jolted the violet eyed blonde out of his confused haze and he slapped the outstretched arm away. I stayed in my position laid down by Canada's side, my eyes going back and forth between the two of them like a tennis match, ready to intervene if needed.
"What's wrong? W-what's wrong?! I thought you forgot to send out my name!"
"What?" The other blonde exclaimed. "No, I wouldn't do that." he said appalled his brother would think such a thing.
"You..." Canada let out a half laugh half scoff. "You idiot. Why didn't you give it to me downstairs?"
"I wanted to give the very last gift," America said like that explained everything, and in a way it did. The super power did always have a flair for the dramatic. "Look, here it is," he continued grabbing a hold of one of Canada's hands and shoving a small black box into the quiet man's opened palm.
He wiped the residual tears from his face before opening it,and I peered over his shoulder to see a necklace. It was a simple chain, but the charm on it was unique. Two flags were crossed. One was a white patch sandwiched between two red ones with a red leaf on the white part. The other was one blue square in a corner with red and white striped covering the rest.
"Thank you," Canada said in response to the gift.
"Do you like it?" America asked giving his brother a beaming smile that the other couldn't help but return, even if it was just a bit watery.
"I love it, Al. Really."
There was a gleeful punch in the air before the other pulled Canada in for a hug. It was cute, the brotherly love between the two. It made me wander if that was how West and I looked from the outside.
"Okay, okay. I love you too. Idiot," Canada said with a laugh, pushing his brother away and sniffing slightly.
"Hey!" America said, but he was laughing too.
"Okay, you can leave now."
"What? Why...?" he trailed off as he seemed to spot me for the first time. Blue eyed narrowed behind glasses. "What's he doing in here?"
"Get out, Al," Canada sighed, not wanting to have that conversation now after the emotional roller coaster he just got off of.
"But-"
"Out!" he repeated sternly and it was the first time I had heard the maple loving country raise his voice. America jumped off the bed and back peddled out of the room, but not before shooting me a glare that clearly stated we were not done with that particular conversation. Oh joy.
When we were finally left alone he turned back towards me. "I'm sorry," he whispered.
"What for?" I asked, shocked at his words.
"I overreacted and I broke down and I ruined your shirt!" he babbled his eyes filled with shame and guilt that shouldn't be there.
"Hey, hey, hey it's okay," I told him, wrapping my arms around him and returning to our previous position laying back on the bed. "Everything worked out for the best."
"I guess...still embarrassing though," he muttered into my shirt. I smiled fondly, hugging him just a bit tighter. The feel of the black box pressed between us reminded me that I had my own gift to give as well.
"You know, I have my own gift to give you as well," I told him. The box had completely escaped my mind with all the mess that occurred.
He angled his head so he could see my face, his expression confused. "Really? But you weren't my Secret Santa."
"Vögelchen, what kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't get a gift for you?" I asked and watched as his face flushed a brilliant scarlet and he smiled shyly. That expression suited his face more than the hurt and sadness that clouded it previously.
"Oh...well, actually I have something to give you too," he told me.
"Really?" I asked because I wasn't really expecting a gift. Was it too sappy to say that being with him was a gift in itself? Well, too bad.
"Yeah, i-it's at my house," he stuttered cutely, nearly distracting me from his words.
"Your house?"
"Yeah...uh..w-would you like to...receive it?"
"Meaning?" I teased him, and sue me but I wanted to know if those words meant what I hoped they did.
"Would...would you like to come to my house?" He asked apprehensively and I soothed his worries with a chaste kiss.
"Yes, I would like that very much." I paused as a thought occurred to me. "But how will we get there?"
"Well, America has this private jet..." he trailed off sending a coy smile my way.
"Are you suggesting that we go joyriding in your brother's jet?" I asked with just a hint of excitement creeping into my voice.
"It's the least he could do after what he put me through."
Well, well, well, looked like my angel had a bit of a vindictive streak in him. I wondered what else the sweet innocent facade was covering.
"What are we waiting for?" I said pushing myself up from the bed. "Let's go!"
I took his hand and we tumbled out of the room and down the steps before breaking off to get our respective belongings. It took me about ten minutes to retrieve my backpack from the living room. It was in the hands of mein bruder who after I reassured him I was fine relinquished it. When I told him I would be staying at Canada's house however, that nervousness from before came back.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" he asked and I stared in disbelief.
"Why wouldn't it be? He's been to my apartment already."
"It's just that...it's not that I think anything is going to happen-"
"Define anything, because I definitely want something to happen," I interrupted with a lewd smirk.
Germany groaned and covered his eyes as if to block the image from his mind. "You know what? It's fine, I'm worrying for nothing."
He said that but then he immediately went into Mother Hen Mode. I nodded and agreed to text when I reached the northern country safely, and call him if I decided to spend more time there. I also agreed not to do anything stupid that might cause another international incident (that was one time!). However, when he reminded me awkwardly about using protection I stopped him.
"Ja, Mutter," I said, rolling my eyes and hitching my backpack higher on my shoulder in preparation to leave. There was a snort but Germany said nothing to repute my claim. Instead he clasped one hand on my shoulder and bid me farewell. I returned the gesture on his shoulder before turning around and making my way back to my boyfriend. We were in the foyer in the process of putting on our coats when a blur of brown started to fly towards us.
"No, get that thing away from me!" South Italy was screaming at Spain who was right at his heels laughing. They stopped a few feet from us when Spain darted forward and passed the other to block their way.
"Aw, come one Romano. What's wrong?" the taller man teased, though he knew exactly what had his little tomato in such a state of horror.
"The mustache! It's so ugly!" A bushy mustache with the ends curled adored the Spain's face, courtesy of yours truly. I laughed my head off at the fiery potty-mouthed nation who was trying to maneuver his way around the green eyed Spaniard but from 3 feet away. That captured his attention and brown eyes filled with rage.
"You! Potato Bastard 2! You did this!" Still laughing, I grabbed the blonde's hand and together we ran out of the house and away from the furious South Italian.
We took America's Bugatti (how he got the keys, I would never know) to the hanger where his private jet resided. I watched as Canada slipped a 100 dollar bill into the suit pocket of the guard on duty as well as the pilot of the aircraft and realized that I was starting to like this rebellious side of the quiet nation. When we finally settled down in the cozy jet we were both giggling fools. It felt so good to do something bad sometimes. It made me miss the days of the 'Bad Touch Trio.'
The ride wasn't too long, just enough time to watch The Nightmare Before Christmas (because it's an awesome movie). Before long, our pilot was announcing our decent and we untangled ourselves from where we had curled up together on the large seat. We were stretching when the aircraft landed with a small jolt. After we shouldered our backpacks I took Canada's hand and we moved over to the front of the jet. One step out of the jet doors and I realized something immediately.
It. Was. Cold.
Like I was sure hypothermia was just around the corner type of cold. No wonder Canada didn't feel the winter chill of Berlin. It had nothing on this near artic temperature I was currently feeling even through my thick overcoat. Within seconds my teeth were chattering together. My boyfriend, being the absolute angel that he was, pulled my half-frozen body along to the warm interior of the terminal. We took a taxi to his house, the whole while my hands were being rubbed between his two dainty ones to put warmth back into them and get the blood flowing. It didn't take more than 15 minutes to reach our destination.
I paid the fare and Canada grabbed our bags before he led me up a small snow covered hill to an equally snow covered driveway. His house was a bit more modest than his brother's. It was a cottage. A fairly large cottage, yes, but lacking in the extravagance that America's house eluded. I would have explored the sight more if it wasn't for the fact that I couldn't feel my nether regions. So when he opened the door I shuffled inside, breathing a sigh of relief at the heat that greeted me. The snow clinging to my boots was already quickly melting on the hardwood flooring.
There was a sound of the door being shut and locked behind me and another softer sound coming from in front down a long hallway. It sounded like really light padded footsteps, and I was wondering if there was another guest in the cottage when a small white polar bear comes into view. That's when I remembered that Canada had a pet as well.
"Who's he?" It said and I may or may not have jumped back in surprise. It could talk!
"Oh, Kuma," my boyfriend addressing the talking heap of fur that was making its way over cautiously. "Prussia, this is my pet polar bear I was telling you about. His name is Kuma. Kuma, this is Prussia...m-my boyfriend," he stuttered as he gave introductions.
"Uh...hello," I said with a small wave, slightly nervous because I could swear the bear was smirking at me.
"Oh," he said looking between us, his black eyes shining. "So, you're the one that he's always mastu-"
"KUMA, THERE'S CAKE IN THE KITCHEN!"
That time I actually did jump back in surprise and raised an eyebrow at the loud interruption (wow, two times in one day). He blushed in return as the cub waddled away before steering the conversation in another direction.
"You can sit in the living room if you want while I go get that gift. Yeah, you do that, it's down the hall and the first door on the right. I'll be down shortly," he rambled before darting upstairs. I chuckled at the nervous display and wondered if I had acted the same way when I first had the other at my apartment for the first time.
I followed his directions glancing at the homey décor along the way. There were cute little trinkets scattered everywhere, like snow globes from a few different international cities. A hockey stick along with other gear was hung up on one far wall. There were a few pictures too, old ones featuring Canada and America as children. When looking at them in that light, I could see how they could be confused for each other at first glance, but there were still notable differences. The different eyes color and curl shape for one thing. The thought of Canada's curl put a smirk on my face as I remembered our tryst among the paintings. The smirk fell when my mind thought about the curl on his brother's head and I shook my head to get rid of the images. Some things are better left unthought of.
I arrived in the living room and took in the ethnic patterned rug on the floor as well as the nature paintings on the walls. There was a dark green couch that faced a large TV, I made my way over and sat down to wait for my boyfriend. I heard him coming down the stairs and soon he was entering the room. We sat opposite of each other on the couch, so close that our knees touched. After a moment of silence we simultaneously held out the gifts that were in our hands and traded them. I looked down at the black and white box that was trimmed with yellow and knew that there was a silly grin on my face.
"Okay, on three. Eins..." I started counting.
"Zwei..." he continued.
"Drei," we said at the same time and opened our respective gifts. I stared at mine in wonder. It was a Swiss Army knife, 4 inches long with a gleaming silver blade. The handle was wooden, a deep mahogany color with age lines decorating it. But what drew my attention was what was engraved into the wooden handle.
A word.
Or more specifically...
A name.
I looked up into violet eyes and saw the same expression reflected back at me. His hands were shaking slightly, but I could see his white-knuckled grip on the opened wooden box in his possession. Inside that box was Creatacolor fine graphite drawing pencils arranging from 4H to 6B. But that wasn't the important part of the gift. The important part was carved on the underside of the lid.
A word.
Or more specifically...
A name.
"Is this..." we started at the same time but paused staring at our gifts in partial disbelief.
I decided to take the initiative. "Matthew?" I tried the name out.
His gaze sought out mine, looking deep into both of my eyes. "Gilbert?" He inquired and I never thought my name could sound so beautiful before. I smiled at him. Not a grin, not a smirk, but a genuine smile that apparently brings out dimples that I swear to Gott I don't have. And then he smiled in return, the same angelic smile that made my insides knot themselves into a pretzel.
I leaned my torso towards him. "Matthew," I whispered, loving the way the name felt flowing from my mouth.
He followed suit and soon our faces were only an inch apart. "Gilbert," he whispered back and his breath on my lips made them tingle pleasantly. The sensation was replaced by the soft yet firm lips of my boyfriend as we kissed.
Human names were special. Besides using it in public at airports or something similarly related, only those considered as close as family knew of each others human name. Besides Germany, France and Spain were the only ones who knew of mine and vice versa. For a while, I was the only one who knew mein bruder's human name, but of course that changed when Italy came into the picture.
Exchanging human names is an even bigger deal. It showed that a couple was on a higher level of understanding than if they were just testing the waters and dating for fun. I wanted to give him my human name to show him that I was committed to our budding relationship, but I never thought he would feel the same. Once again I wondered just how I got so lucky.
We broke the kiss, but stayed in close proximity, our breaths mingling and our gazes locked. I stared at this man who I've known for less than a month. A man who captured my attention like no one else, didn't like me for my status (or pity me for lack thereof), caused me to think all kinds of sappy romantic thoughts...and gave me kisses that made me want to lose control. I smiled softly at mein awesome boyfriend.
"Merry Christmas, Matthew."
"Merry Christmas, Gilbert."
Our lips touched one more and the rest of the room faded away.
And scene! A bit of angst is a given with this couple, but it worked out in the end, no?
I might do more with this universe like...oh...I don't know, a New Years Bonus chapter with an actual lemon, but I guess that depends on how many reviews I get (Author Bribery...mwahahahaha!) BTW can anyone spot the Bleach quote I stuck in here?
Review please~
