Chapter 9
Things hadn't changed much since the day prior, and to be frank Canada's fun during his stay in Seychelles only lasted for that half an hour before the beating, before Prussia straight out rejected him (or so he thought). He knew Prussia had it worse, though, he just knew. It was more of a gut-feeling; and, plus, Prussia's dull, gazing eyes just gave it away. Canada was worried; had Prussia even slept last night? He knew there was something wrong with him, but Prussia wouldn't let him or anyone in.
And Prussia, oh how miserable he was. This was, frankly, the first time he had actually fallen in love with someone of the same sex. He had known he was bisexual long ago, but since he had a preference for females he never found himself love-struck with a guy as he was now. And Canada had just turned him down without hesitation (or so he thought). Prussia thought about this while on the airplane ride back to America.
"I… I like you, Mattie."
"But I guess your like isn't the same as mine, is it?"
Funny how a simple sentence can cause someone such sadness and dismay. Prussia couldn't help but think of how much of a fool he was; he cursed to himself because he figured he should have at least asked what his sexuality was. What if he doesn't even like guys? What if I made him uncomfortable? What if… He does like Seychelles after all?
What if he just… doesn't like me? Do I act too full of myself, even though, ironically, I'm not? Well, I can't really blame him, can I? I wouldn't date myself, not the way I am now.
And then Prussia thought of how good he used to have it; from how he was an oblivious child who woke to the thought of battling with his rival, Hungary, to how Albert, the first king of Prussia, had taught him everything he would need in life, like the happy things and all the things that would bring him sorrow and how to deal with certain situations, and especially the fact that if he wanted to keep his country alive and well, Prussia couldn't die, no matter how many people he saw aging and dying before his eyes, no matter how much he saw the world changing over the centuries.
Most of all, he remembered the solemn smile the old man had given him before Death came for him, how he smiled and told him to keep the country alive for him. Prussia also remembered how he acted as an actual big brother figure for Germany, back when they were both children. They still look out at each other now, of course, but they used to be so much closer, things used to be so much simpler.
It saddened him so to see how most of those happy, simpler things were nothing but unreachable memories now. He and Hungary used to rule the world together (or so he wrote in his diary), and yet now she was just someone he used to know, someone who made him furious whenever he laid eyes on her because of how she had let herself become a victim to Austria, how he knew that she loved Austria. And it's no secret that Prussia had had a thing for her as well, and seeing her together with that four-eyed Austrian made his blood boil. But at the same time, he kind of understood her. As he had mentioned earlier, even he wouldn't want to date himself, not the way he was now.
He used to be so much simpler than this; he was happy. He was egoistic and prideful and boisterous and social. He used to be so full of himself, yet look at him now. Look at what he had degraded to.
Prussia obliviously gritted his teeth and clenched his fist, succumbing to his whispering thoughts until a soft, gentle voice brought him out of them, "Gil? You alright?"
"U-Uh, yeah." Prussia answered quickly, and he stuttered a bit because he was surprised at the sudden conversation. They hadn't spoken much at all since the incident. Moreover, was his sadness becoming that evident nowadays? Prussia sighed, and changed the subject before Canada could ask any more questions, "Look, Mattie, I'm sorry about yesterday."
That incident had continued to dwell in his mind well after midnight that previous night, and he had found himself drinking a soft drink and browsing through the internet for fun things to do on Canada's birthday. He knew Canada had noticed him when Canada woke up in the middle of the night to use the restroom, but he didn't bother trying to act asleep. Now he figured he had probably worried the Canadian.
"Yeah, me too." Canada muttered, looking at Prussia. He had noticed him gazing out into the window, breathing steady, eyes dull, and he knew it had to have some relation to how he used to get drunk all the time. But putting that aside, Canada was also saddened about the "rejection". He could like anyone, despite any gender or gender identity, and he certainly not mind things like race or culture, but Prussia had just caught his eye. He had… started to show him the world. In a way, Canada saw Prussia as his Aladdin, singing "A Whole New World" to and/or with him.
Canada giggled, loving the little fantasy he had made in his head from one of his favorite films.
"W… What is it?" Prussia asked, confused at how such a depressing subject could be humorous.
"Can you show me the world?" Canada blurted out, still caught in his fantasy until he realized what he had just said. His cheeks heat up, and when Prussia asked "What?" he quickly stammered, "N-Nothing! Forget it!"
Prussia awkwardly scratched the back of his head, "But it is your birthday tomorrow, and no matter what we're still pretty good friends, right?"
Canada nodded, but he knew that he wanted to be something more than friends. But, like Prussia had said earlier, Prussia didn't like him that way, right?
"So I was thinking of throwing a, er, small get together for you tomorrow. Awesome me, your brother, and maybe England and some others will be there. That sound good?"
Canada smiled, "Of course."
He was glad that even though Prussia had technically flat out rejected him, he was still willing to be his friend. And the mere thought of someone doing something for him for his birthday made his heart flutter; if anything, it made him like the Prussian even more than he already did.
And from that point on, though it was still a bit awkward of course, they sort of started to talk naturally again. It was painful for them both, because being so close to the one you love yet thinking you can never have them is a terrible feeling. If only they knew it was all a huge misunderstanding.
"Mattie! Where have you been? I've been calling you since Sunday!" America says exasperatedly through the cellphone.
"Oh, really? Sorry, I was at Seychelles with Prussia," Canada explained. "I just got back right now, and you know my phone doesn't work in Seychelles; it's a different country altogether."
Suddenly, Prussia took the phone from Canada while they were walking into their apartment, "You've got some nerve demanding anything of your brother after what you made him go through because of you, you –"
Canada took his phone back from Prussia and shook his head, smiling softly as if to say "thank you, but that isn't necessary."
"Mattie? What is he talking about?" America asked, sounding genuinely concerned and confused.
"U-Uh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it." Canada stammered, quickly hanging up the phone.
Prussia stared at him a bit angrily, "Why don't you tell him to stop? Why can't you just stand up for yourself?"
"I have tried, Gilbert. I have! I've reprimanded him, yelled at him, everything! But after a while, you stop trying anymore." Canada answered in an angry tone, furrowing his brows.
"Well, then, I'll make him understand." Prussia said, and before Canada could reply he walked into the apartment and started to unpack.
"Gil, you have to understand that he doesn't mean for these things to happen. He shouldn't change himself because of worrying that something would happen to me." Canada continued, following Prussia.
"See, that's the problem! Stop worrying about others and worry about yourself for once, Matt! I don't want to see you get hurt because of some idiot brother who can't pay up for his actions! At least I have the decency to look out for my younger brother and help if I can, not cause serious trouble for him!" Prussia snapped, angry at Canada being this way.
"I hate to break it to you but not everyone can be as straightforward and powerful like you! Stop comparing what you can do to what I can! We're not the same!" Canada retorted, angry as well.
"You say that as if you know what I'm capable of! You don't, Matt! You don't know everything about me, you don't know my limits, you don't know what's wrong with me!" Prussia yelled, growling as he pushed Canada to the wall and glared at him intensely, his arm placed above Canada's head.
It was only then that Prussia noticed the somewhat nervous expression on Canada's face, and Prussia realized what he had done. He stared at the Canadian, gazing into his eyes whilst feeling all anger, shame, sexual tension, adoration, love, and much more. No matter how much he found himself in love with the Canadian, or how much he wanted to capture his lips in his, he told himself that even if Canada could somehow love him back, he didn't deserve someone as precious and pure as Canada. Prussia let his hand fall to Canada's cheek, and in one motion he muttered an apology and was about to leave until Canada took hold of his wrist.
"Gil, why can't you just trust me and tell me? Why don't you trust me?" Canada blurted out, letting his concern for the Prussian take over him.
Prussia only stared painfully at him, and with a saddened expression he said softly, "I don't want to burden you."
Canada took hold of Prussia's collar and looked him square in the eyes, "Don't give me that nonsense! You'd rather worry me to death than tell me what's wrong?"
It pained Prussia to do so, but he took Canada's hand in his and said, "Yes."
And just like that, Canada slapped him. All of that pent up anger and worry was just let out in one slap, he was just so tired of Prussia being stubborn and hiding these things from him. But right after he did so, he immediately regretted it, as Prussia didn't do anything at all.
Prussia had no idea how to react. He knew he deserved it, and he couldn't blame Canada because he knew it seemed like he was just being stubborn. But if he told Canada that there was something terribly wrong with him, that there was no way to save him, he would never look at him the same way again, and he might think that their time together would be pointless.
And so, Prussia laughed. There was nothing else he could do, and he didn't want to upset the Canadian even more with it being his birthday the day after. "Well, anyway, it's getting pretty late and you know you should get some rest before tomorrow. I have big plans for your birthday,"
Although Canada knew he was just changing the subject, he was still grateful that someone cared, "… Right. Just… please don't f –"
Canada was about to tell him not to let him down like America and England and France, not to somehow forget, not to ignore him, not to let go of his hand when he's already got his hopes up, but he decided not to because it would make him sound selfish.
"What is it?" Prussia asked, though Canada shook his head as if to say "nevermind". However, Prussia already knew what he wanted to say. He knew that Canada's whole life, everyone forgot about his birthday, left him alone; and he was determined to not do that, to give Canada the best birthday in one hundred forty seven years he's ever had, together with him."… And, Mattie, what did you mean by "show you the world" earlier today?"
Though Prussia acted hardheaded, he never let himself forget what anyone said, and because of that he's a very cautious and observant person. Ever since that incident with Hungary, he's had trust issues with people he doesn't know, but that's not the case with Canada. With Canada, he would place his life in his hands; that was the extent of his trust. When they first met, there was just a spark. And although he didn't know much about the Canadian, he just knew he meant well.
Canada's cheeks reddened, and quickly he stammered, "F-Forget about it!"
Prussia narrowed his eyes, and in one quick motion he booped Canada's nose and said jokingly, "Awesome me can find out anything I want to, sweet cheeks."
He smirked and, after advising Canada he was going out to talk with Germany (which was a lie), he instead went to a small diner and called America, telling him to meet up with him. America, confused, did so anyway and strolled over to the Prussian's table of two in the diner.
"What is it? What do you want, dude?" America asked a bit rudely, since he never really was on good terms with Prussia except for that one time when he went training with him long, long ago.
"Well, first of all," Prussia took a fry dipped in ketchup and threw it at the unsuspecting American, which landed on his t-shirt and stained ketchup on it.
"Aw, dude!" America groaned, taking the fry and looking at the stain on his white shirt. "What the hell was that for?" He asked, eating the fry and sitting down.
Prussia clenched his fist, but he refrained from physically hurting the American because he knew Canada didn't want that. "Awesome me can do whatever I please," He started, glaring daggers at the American. "And also, for you causing Canada to get beaten half to death."
"What? That never happened!" America claims, mouth full with food. "I'd never let Mattie get hurt like that."
"No, but before you go and do ridiculous stunts like stealing things from people and causing trouble, remember that you and Matthew look too much alike and people take out their anger for you on him." Prussia spit.
"Oh, that…" America muttered, remembering. He knew that a lot of people blamed Canada for things he'd done and taken it out on him, and he couldn't deny that once or twice he had framed Canada by saying it was Canada that did whatever it was actually something he himself had done. But he never meant for things like near-death experiences to happen. "What happened?"
"Ever been to Seychelles?" Prussia hinted, narrowing his eyes.
America nodded thoughtfully, remembering all the times he had gotten lost at Seychelles with the Allies against the Axis Powers. "Yeah, what about it?"
"Those two guys you stole from; they ring a bell?"
America began to cackle with laughter, "Oh, man, you should have seen the look on their faces! They had no idea!"
Prussia slammed his fists on the table, though not loud enough for everyone in the diner to notice, "Who do you think they took their anger out on for that?! Have any idea, you damn American, all the pain you caused him? You know that he's a peaceful nation and that he most of always says no to violence, yet look at you, mindlessly causing trouble for him! I need you to stop,"
Prussia had already taken out his anger of that incident on those two men who beat up Canada during their stay at Seychelles; he couldn't help but think back to how his entire mind was sunk and clouded in complete furiousness. He remembered stomping through the country looking for any two men walking together, and once he found the men who had hurt Canada he beat them to a pulp. He remembered growling like some kind of lion who was standing in front of the animals who had hurt their significant other, how he yelled "if you ever lay a finger on him ever again, I will end you" and left them there on the ground, bleeding, but alive. From that point on, they were terrified of the Prussian, and rumors began to spread through the country that Prussia had almost killed someone, but Prussia didn't really care.
He remembered being in Seychelles's cabin and seeing Canada's beaten, hurt, sleeping face resting on that bed, and how he had gone outside and punched a tree so hard his knuckles began to bleed, how he felt like that whole beating incident was his fault. Never had he been so ashamed and guilty for something. He remembered how he sat next to the bedridden Canada, and just couldn't resist himself when he leaned in and kissed the Canadian's cheek.
Prussia got pulled out of his thoughts by America sipping his drink much too loudly and saying, "I don't mean for those things to happen! And, plus, it's not my fault Mattie and me look so much alike! And it's definitely not my fault that he doesn't have the nerve to stand up for himself! It's his fault!"
Prussia couldn't keep his anger in anymore, so he took hold of America's collar and hissed, "It's that arrogance that gets on my fucking nerves, you damn American!"
"You wanna fight, you stupid Prussian?" America yelled, raising his voice.
"Excuse me, sirs, but we prohibit any form of fighting in this diner. Please take it outside." A lady wearing an apron says, frowning. The name plate on her uniform read "Juliet". Her brown hair was tied into a bun, and her hazel eyes showed seriousness.
"Of course… Sorry for this guy's childishness." Prussia said, smiling at her in a way that made her noticeably blush; Prussia just had that effect on people. He gave her the money for the food and a ten dollar tip, and she waved in a friendly way after giving him her number.
"What was that? Aren't you with Mattie?" America asked, his angriness taking over his senses.
"Matthew and I don't have that kind of relationship." Prussia muttered, though it pained him. His love for Canada hurt him no matter what he did. "And yes, I do want to fight you and watch you plead for mercy."
America growled, and he threw a punch at Prussia. However, Prussia caught his fist and frowned, "I won't, though."
"Why the hell not? You're not scared, are you?" America asked, smirking.
"Canada wouldn't want us to fight, mindless idiot." Prussia said calmly, calming his nerves.
America scowled, and said, "What, did Mattie beat your ass? Are you scared of him now or something?"
"You're scared of him, too. Or did you forget your pathetic defeat against him?" Prussia retorted, and America noticeably shivered. "And, no, that's not why I called you here. I didn't just call you here to reprimand you, you know,"
"Alright, fine, what do you want, dude?" America asked, though he was still angry.
"You know what tomorrow is, don't you?"
"Uh, Wednesday?"
Prussia growled, and had to refrain himself from taking America's collar and punching his face in, "It's your brother's birthday, dumbass, though you probably only remember your own birthday from how full of yourself you are."
"Oh, that's right," America said thoughtfully, remembering just now that Canada's birthday was a few days before his. "And, hey –"
Prussia interrupted him before they could get in another argument, "Anyway, I need you to be at his apartment at noon. Bring England if you can."
"What, for his birthday? Well, alright, dude. But I don't know if I'll be able to, my boss might call me down to make preparations for the fireworks that are going to be fired on Independence Day."
"Well then tell your boss to suck my ass. Matthew's birthday is more important, and you can make preparations for that another day."
America sighed, but he nodded, and although he sounded apathetic he really did want to make it up to his brother. He did feel bad for what had happened to him because of him, and he made a mental note for himself to apologize to the Canadian for once. He also figured he had to go get him a last minute gift. He couldn't deny the fact that he always either forgot the poor Canadian's birthday, or something came up and he couldn't go see him. He knew Canada was always a reserved, somewhat isolated individual, and that he only made relations with him, but though he did have somewhat of a complicated relationship with Prussia he was glad he was helping his brother and keeping him company.
"Oh, and… Alfred?" Prussia asked, startling America since he had used his name instead of "America" or "Damn American". "Do you know what Matthew could have meant by "show him the world"?"
America suddenly grinned at the memories that came rushing in his head, "Yeah, dude, how do you not?"
Prussia raised an eyebrow, waiting for him to continue.
"Mattie's always been a sucker for cutsie things and Disney movies. I always show him any new movies that come out in my country, but he's always been in love with that movie Aladdin ever since I showed it to him. I remember once for Halloween he legit dressed up as that Jasmine girl, except as a dude. It was hilarious." America explained, snickering. "But it's obvious why he likes that movie so much. I'm literally like the only person he actually talks to, so it's easy to understand he wants someone else to talk with him and take him places like that Aladdin guy, and it's always been a dream to him to meet someone like that."
Prussia listened intently, taking in all of this information.
"Didn't you say you went to Seychelles with him? You've already started to show him the world, and ever since you talked to him you did too; it's some cheesy shit, I know, but who's cheesier than Mattie?"
Prussia blinked, and he remembered Canada talking about how he wanted to go to all sorts of places with him. And the thing was, Prussia had never seen that Aladdin movie even once.
"And you know what would definitely make him fall for you?" America asked, snickering as he saw how Prussia's cheeks heat up. "Sing that cheesy ass song from Aladdin to him. I could help you get everything set up, you know. And you could dress up with him on Halloween. Take him everywhere with you."
"W… Whatever. Awesome me already knew that." Prussia stuttered, crossing his arms and looking away.
"Sure you did." America says, chuckling. "I'm a better brother than you thought me to be, and you know it, dude."
Prussia grins, and says, "Yeah, I guess so. But just try not to get him into too much trouble from now on, got it, you damn American?"
"Yeah, whatever, stupid Prussian." America replied, grinning.
Canada sat reading a novel he had just picked up from the bookstore, with a cold soft drink on the nightstand next to him. However, he couldn't concentrate very well because of what was to come the next day. Although he was indeed still worried and angry at Prussia for being so stubborn, he decided to put that aside for this one day of the year. He kept on replaying in his mind how Prussia had said he had big plans, and that there was going to be a small get-together for him. No one had ever thrown a party for him, ever, and he just couldn't really contain his excitement and anticipation.
He also hoped Prussia had forgotten about that whole "Can you show me the world?" thing he had said earlier, since he thought his admiration for Aladdin was pretty childish and embarrassing; he didn't want Prussia to know he was into such things. He figured he would just laugh at him and call him girly.
But in all honesty, he did want Prussia to remember. He wanted him to be his Aladdin, he wanted him to dress up with him on Halloween, he wanted to sing the song with him, he wanted to go everywhere with him: to Canada to play hockey and go skiing, to Prussia to do whatever it was he wanted to show him, to Italy, to Germany, to Japan, to Monaco, everywhere. He wanted Prussia to show him the world on a magical red carpet.
Okay, fine, not a magical red carpet. Probably an airplane or something, or a car.
And just as he had these kind of desires, he also had other ones. He wanted to beat Prussia in hockey, in video games, in staring contests. He wanted to snuggle up with him on a Friday night and watch movies together.
Just as soon as those thoughts started, they progressed into more deeper ones, and he began to think of how he wanted to kiss the Prussian, hold his hand, hug him, and he wanted to do more with him. He wanted him to be the first person he would kiss, the first person he'd be able to call his lover, and, if he was comfortable with it, he wanted him to be the first person he would have intercourse with, he wanted to be able to kiss him goodnight and snuggle while they slept.
And when Canada realized all he had just thought, he found himself blushing like crazy. He held Kumajiro close to him, and he almost heard a whisper in the back of his head saying "Prussia doesn't like you that way, he never will", but he decided that just this once, he would pretend that wasn't true, and he would let himself succumb in his fantasies.
He fell asleep like that, those happy thoughts still lingering in his mind.
When Prussia finally came back to the apartment and came into the room, he hid the wrapped gift under the bed. And seeing Canada peacefully asleep, he smiled and leaned down, kissing his forehead.
A/N: PruCan is just so cute! XD *accidentally pukes one of my favorite films and dreams on Canada* Oops! XD I just really love the idea of an Aladdin! PruCan AU! It's so cute! And now PruAmerica is a huge BROTP for me! ((but if it wasn't for prucan and usuk, i could imagine them having some kind of an angry make out session XD)) ALSO, I am thinking of changing the title for this story! Either "The Story of Us" or "Time's an Enemy". Please tell me which you like better! Thanks for reading and, as always, please review if you enjoyed, want to leave constructive criticism, or have any ideas! Thanks! ^^
**EDIT: Title changed to "Time's Our Enemy"! Thank you, guest, for the suggestion! I really like it. :)
