He folded up his clothing and placed them in his dresser in alphabetical order, just as one of his kings had taught him. England never did break himself of the habit of this. He could do it without thinking.
His brows furrowed as he recollected the conversation he had with Canada. It was preposterous to imagine that he loved France. Okay, maybe he did find the country a little attractive.
A little!
But that wasn't reason enough to assume love. France was too conceited for his tastes, always going after anything in a skirt or any man he found appealing. He couldn't afford to love France.
England stopped short, his shirt dangling in his hands as he stared into space. What did he mean he couldn't afford to love France? Could it...could it be that England was afraid that France would simply play with him? Once France was bored, would he toss England away?
Or was he really serious? Did he love England? He certainly pursued him for a lot longer than he had with anyone else. They had a history together.
England sat down as the realization came bearing down at him. He did want to be with France. He had for some time.
Canada had been right.
Maybe he could confront France? If he asked him if he was serious and if it turned out that France would like to stay with him for longer than a month, they could be together. England's heart fluttered as he thought about it.
God Save the Queen rang from his pocket. With one eyebrow raised, England noted Prussia's name on it.
"Hello?" he answered uncertainly.
"Tell me you have Japan's name," Prussia's voice sounded unusually pleading.
"Pardon?" England blinked, "Japan's name for what?"
"For ze Santa contest, of course."
Oh, he had forgotten all about the competition. His brain started picking up what it remembered about the rules.
"We're not suppose to-"
"I vant to know who you have."
"Why?" now England was raising his voice.
"To trade. Everyone's doing it."
England was about to retort that he wasn't everyone when Prussia continued.
"France traded so he can have your name. Everyone's trading now. You vant France's name, yes? I have it."
Bang!
England fell right on the floor. Prussia waited for a reply but England was at a loss for words. He didn't even care about the sprain in his back that was a result of the fall.
"He did?"
"Yes."
"Really?"
"Do you have Japan or not you blushing virgin?"
Hearing what France did brought England to a state of bliss and not even Prussia's insult brought him down or made him mad. He felt like he was on a cloud, flying with his soaring heart.
And Prussia informed him that he had France's name. England wanted it. Not just to return the favor but also to give the country he loved a Christmas gift.
His earlier doubts about France had disappeared and he knew there must be a wide and stupid grin on his face. What was weird was that he didn't care. All that concerned him was the glee in his chest.
"Of course I'll trade. I have Japan."
He didn't even care that Prussia knew his eagerness.
x
Prussia saw America at McDonald's, just the place he figured he would find him. He grinned at Russia's name in his hand. Two quick trades and just one more to go. He was eager to see awesome Canada's name.
America popped a burger in his mouth, devoring the entire thing in one gulp. He looked down at his fries sadly, not making a move for them. Prussia sat next to him without asking.
"Vat's wrong? They're not hot enough for you?"
The other nation glanced at him, a hint of familiarity flashing behind the glasses. America poked at the fries.
"Not that. I'm just not as hungry as I usually am. I guess there's a lot on my mind."
"Wow. One huge burger and you're full. Don't starve yourself or anything," Prussia joked.
"Don't worry about that. The burger I ate was actually my seventh one anyway."
Prussia had to clamp his mouth shut because it just fell open on its own. And he thought that he knew what an enormous appetite was.
he got over his shock quickly as he reminded himself what he was here for. Convincing England of his feelings had been easy enough, hopefully it would be the same with this guy.
"Well. A little birdie told me that you have Canada."
Gilbird flew by his side out of nowhere and told him that it was France that had told him. Though Gilbird was more than ready to take the credit. Prussia grabbed his little friend and his him in his hand underneath the table.
"So? Why do you care?" asked America.
"I vas wondering if you vant to trade names?"
"You want Canada's name? Why?"
Prussia averted his gaze for a second, trying to choose his next words carefully.
"You see. I have Russia's name and I thought-"
America drew back with wide eyes.
"What? I don't want his name!"
Crud, he saw this coming. Prussia had to use a new and elaborated strategy that no one who wanted anything had ever used before.
Lying.
"You know. Russia has traded to get your name."
There was no reaction. America stared at him without showing any emotion.
"He has?"
"Yes."
America began munching on his fries eagerly. After two seconds, he was done with them then he grabbed Russia's name and gave Prussia Canada's name.
"Alright. I'll impress him more than he can impress me! Hahaha!"
Prussia didn't notice America departing. He grinned eagerly with Canada's name in his hand. He imagined he was holding onto Canada's heart. It felt awesome.
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A/N: I was hoping to have this finished by today but there are still a few chapters to go.
