A little something before I really go off on hiatus. Right now busy F5ing the LJ comm for the Halloween event, but that's about it. I've got no mood for writing at all. Exams, guys.

Familial/UST US + UK.


009: Forever Young

"Tell me a story, England," America asked, making puppy eyes for good measure. He always did this whenever England finally came to visit him. His visits were starting to get infrequent as he told of many other similar children to him on the other side of the world. They could be his playmates, but England never brought them over, no matter how much he asked. He stopped after some time and broken promises.

But! But now he was here, so he didn't need to entertain these gloomy thoughts. "Alright," England sighed, yet smiling slightly. "One story, then go to sleep."

"How… how long will you be here?"

"Only a few days I'm afraid. I wish I could stay longer -"

"It's okay, England! I'm a strong boy!" he grinned to reassure him. In truth, he felt quite lonely at times. Once he was an adult, he could go anywhere and make friends on his own, and be someone they looked up to… a hero! That's it!

"Yes, you're a fine lad," the elder ruffled his hair. "Now then, a story…"

"Anything's good when you're telling it," he said honestly.

"W-well, I don't have much of a choice, do I?" Pink dusted his cheeks as he huffed. "I'm just doing this so that I can have you off my back, that's all."

America smiled innocently. He got used to the flustered justifications too. He settled in to hear a story of a boy who would never grow old and how other children experienced an adventure he would never have. He felt entranced, but one thing bothered him. He wasn't jealous of these fictional children, and he realized he was wondering about this 'Peter's' motives… how strange.

He remained awake when the story ended. "America, you should sleep."

"Why did he never grow old?"

England felt confused. Did he fail to mention that? "It was because of magic."

"Staying a boy doesn't sound fun."

"Why not?" England's brow furrowed at his words. Not that his own childhood was particularly sweet - especially due to a certain Frenchman - but he made sure to provide for America. He was confident he did nothing wrong.

"Because he won't be taken seriously. He'd always be taken care of even though he wants to go on adventures. Without Tinkerbell, he would be lonely," he said earnestly. "He would have to stay behind everytime.I want to grow up quickly."

"And you are, aren't you?"

With those words, he felt further from England than ever before. Did he think he was merely having a shallow desire? He wanted him to acknowledge him as his own person, not just a little brother. He vowed to be strong, a hero, for England, especially England, to look up to.

"Mm. Good night, England."

"Good night."

… he didn't think that… getting England to recognize him would be so painful, as he looked into green eyes flashing with anger and hurt. He wanted them to be on the same level. Was that so bad?

He cleared his throat, and spoke clearly. "Even so… I choose independence."