"WH- DUDE NO WAY!" America cried out in protest. "No! That's not cool!"
England couldn't quite wrap his head around it either. One of his players just score on his own goal. "What the bloody…" he began vaguely, not even noticing that America had engulfed him in a hug. "Well, you know what they say, no one can fail quite as spectacularly as Great Britain." he mumbled wryly, feeling both embarrassed and upset. Poor Bassett, the lass probably thought she had humiliated all of her country. Well, in a manner of speaking, she did. But it wasn't that terrible.
"Oh, God." he moaned. Yep, it was that terrible.
"Holy crap! Th-that was...Iggy, don't say that about yourself!" America whined. "Y-you still have a chance, right?" he was acting like a little kid losing his hero. It was quite endearing, and England had to resist the urge to forget the game and just have the American all to himself for the rest of the day.
"Mm...I don't know, Alfred." he said honestly. "Either way, you'll be going against Japan or me. All in good fun, yes?"
America pouted. He was caught between wanting to play the final with England, or have England by his side while he played against Japan. However, it wasn't like he had a say in who he played.
"...You're still the best, Iggy." he mumbled stubbornly, refusing to let go of England.
England ended up losing. The score remained and Japan advanced to the final game with America. England himself didn't seem too upset, though. "If I had won," he told America later that night with a teasing smile. "You wouldn't have stood a chance."
O~o~O
"Ve, ve, Germany!"
"Ja, what is it, Italy?" Germany recognised the voice instantly, and, despite being faced with a loss, a smile made its way across his face.
"Japan won! Ve! USA vs Japan is soon! We can go, right?"
If he was honest, Germany was a little sad to hear England had lost. Last year, both America and England stood by his side when he won the cup. He wouldn't be so lucky this time around, but that was alright. He was glad for all of his friends. "It looks like the Axis is teaming up against the Allies once again…" he said out loud, finding the coincidence amusing.
Italy began giggling, and jumped on top of Germany since he was sitting on the couch. "I never thought of it that way! Maybe England and America will invite the rest of the Allies, yea?"
"Maybe so," Germany mumbled in agreement, waiting for the Italian to finish moving in his lap before making himself comfortable.
"Germany-san!" announced a voice from the door. "I have advanced to the finar game!"
"So I've heard." Germany said matter-of-factly as Japan walked in, and pointed to an Italian wiggling in his lap. "This one just told me."
Japan blinked for a moment at his OTP, refraining from commenting about it. "I hope you wirr attend. Both America-san and Engrand-san wirr be there, and they have arready contacted the rest of the arries. I suppose we prepare for World War Three?"
He meant it as a joke, but he looked completely serious about it. Germany got it though, and nodded. "Ja, I guess so." he chuckled. "But this time, it will be the Axis that win."
O~o~O
They could see each other from across the field. A game growing in intensity with every second and every goal. So far, America had taken the lead with 4-1. But he wasn't relaxing just yet.
Germany and Italy stood together next to Japan, and Greece(who wanted to provide support) had flanked his other side. Across the field, England was standing next to America while France, Russia, China, and Canada(?) stood just behind him on his other side. Every single nation felt for the game taking place, and, despite having taken sides, they still hoped for the best for the other team.
For Japan, the game was full of long and embarrassing hugs from Greece and shouts of encouragement from his friends. He had come a long way for such an underrated team, and he hoped he could pull through and potentially win for his allies. It would mean a lot, especially to Germany, since he had won the Men's. He didn't care about the whole Axis thing; the nations had all put those names behind them. Axis had become more of their group name, not an alliance for war. The tensions that existed all those years ago were replaced with the game. All for competitive fun.
For America, the game was full of quiet compliments from England, as well as the occasional kiss. The allies cheered loudly for him for every goal he made, and he had never felt better about a game. He had just about everyone he knew and loved here, and if that wasn't encouragement then he didn't know what was. He could almost taste the victory, it was so close and within his grasp! He had the best of the best playing for him tonight, and he was determined to win for everyone here.
Whatever the outcome of the game, they all knew they would be happy no matter what. Taking sides in football was nothing like taking sides in war. This was all enjoyment for them, regardless of who won.
It seemed confusing for both of the teams when the nations cheered for all of them.
O~o~O
When the final whistle blew, America was a mess of cheers and celebrations, and England couldn't help but be the same. It was a glorious moment for the two, for the Hero to finally claim his well-deserved victory.
When the final whistle blew, Japan closed his eyes and nodded with a smile. His team did not win, that was true. But he was still filled with happiness and pride for his friend, and watching him across the field with a serene expression. Greece hugged him and pressed a kiss to his forehead before gesturing for the Axis to follow him across the field.
The group of nations met in the centre. England made America let go of him as Japan slowly approached, and the two stood in front of all of their friends.
"Good game, America." Japan said quietly, and offered his hand to shake.
Needless to say, America was not one for formalities. Grabbing Japan's hand, he yanked the startled man into a hug. "Dude! That was great! If only there could be two winners! Our game was beast!"
"Hai...Beast." Japan agreed, even giving a stiff smile. He was happier. It was strange, he should be upset, right? Well…
After America let him go, he looked around him. The nations were all following America's lead and embracing one another, congratulating them with the utmost respect. Some of the other touchier nations didn't seem to mind, forgetting their usual conventional attitude for smiles instead. It was quite a sublime scene, and Japan's grin widened even more. It was absolutely beautiful.
He felt himself twirl around and was suddenly facing a very happy Greek. Kissing him briefly, Japan gave him a rare sweet smile and looked behind him at the others.
Germany and Italy on one side were standing close, sharing short kisses and long hugs. America had lifted England in his arms in excitement and the British nation merely pressed his lips to his lover. The rest of the nations were dancing around the four nations, whooping and cheering for the romantic scene.
This was why. All of the smiles from his friends. All the kindness and laughter and happiness that brought the friends closer. Nations who weren't even with them before had run down to join them! It was a beautiful moment, and Japan couldn't be happier. It seemed there was victory for him after all.
O~o~O
This was it! I thought I was done but I couldn't resist one last chapter XD Mind you, this happens to be one year later. The memories from writing this story are ones I treasure fondly, and I don't think I can ever forget it. It was glorious times! A lot of things have changed since I last finished this story. My writing has improved, my interests have developed, I moved houses, I got a puppy named Hero, and I am the District and Area champion for my Track events! I'm also changing schools, which I don't particularly like, but that's not important XD
I wanted to end it after watching the women's World Cup. It didn't seem fair to just leave it! So yea, anyway thank you for reading! Thank you for taking time out of your valuable life to take a glimpse into mine, and I will never forget you! I love you so much ^^ This story was so important to me. Still the first story I've ever finished XD But I'm working on that! If you'd like to read me again, you should totally check out my next big project, The Messenger!
I was just reading through all of the reviews that I haven't seen since forever, and I have tears in my eyes X'D You guys were so nice and so fun and so encouraging! Just telling me about your experiences and sharing your thoughts meant everything to me. It still does! You have no idea...It just means the world :') Keep reading, keep being amazing, keep writing, drawing, cheering, and being happy for me because you deserve it after what you brought to me. You gave me everything :'D
Thank you.
Thank you so much :') This was legendary. Beautiful. And I want for you to take from this story exactly what Japan did; there is victory for everyone in every game, no matter the outcome!
~Madz
