Normally I would apologize for taking a month to update, but I actually have some decent excuses.
1) College final exams are a killer (especially when they involve writing three 10 paged essays)
2) My first draft of this chapter was accidentally deleted and I had to rewrite everything from the top of my head (that's what I get for not making a backup!)
On a higher note, you guys must have really loved the last chapter because this fanfic now has over 60 follows and tons of people reviewed (for once)! Thank you guys so much; especially those that have been around since the beginning because this fanfic is now over 6 months old!
And I hope you love this chapter too!
Disclaimer: I only own May... No, not the month... That would have been pretty cool though.
Procrastinate (also known as Slack): To be late about Doing something that must be done
September 1942
"Ah, now I see!" The dawn of understanding on France's face granted me a spark of hope.
"So you are really," France's enlightened expression became leering as he leaned in closer to me with an oh so dashing smile, "playing hard to get!" France concluded, and he seemingly ignored the way I then decided to slam my head against the window pane from sole frustration.
...Those words don't deserve a response at this point.
Rubbing a hand down my face, I stared up at France with a weary expression, and stated, "No, I'm really not." My voice was pouring over with exasperation, but France didn't appear to notice as he laughed off my response.
"Hohohon! No need to deny your desire for me!" France continued to give me a "winning" smile, but I just rolled my eyes.
This is all your fault, America! I silently griped at my nation since it was his actions that led to France practically singing love songs to me for the past twenty minutes.
Though the other countries could have helped by NOT abandoning us in here.
Currently I and France were the only ones left in the meeting room because everyone else had practically fled the area the second the meeting was called to a close, probably hoping to escape one another's company for as long as possible (true allies, right?). Considering how America was typically the first one to rush out of the meetings, preventing his fellow allies from questioning his illogical battle plans, normally I wouldn't have to fend off the country of love for so long, but it was different today.
"I do not ask much of you; just one date with me! Moi, a gorgeous companion, and you, a stunning-" I ignored France's proposal in order to focus on my irritation with all those responsible for my predicament.
It would be nice if Britain just hurried up! I inclined my head towards the hallway outside of the room, which was where I located the source of muffled yelling from behind the shut door.
"You fool, if only you would listen!"
"Why would I do that?! All your plans are too boring to use!"
"Whether a plan is interesting or not is unimportant in war, and they're not boring anyway!"
Unfortunately, me and France were stranded until both our rides decided to stop arguing, which was an activity they had been participating in since the meeting's conclusion.
If Britain wasn't the reason I'm stuck in here, I'd almost feel bad for him.
Apparently France had recently moved in with Britain after Germany and his army crossed the border into French territory, which was odd since I figured that happened a while back in the war. Yet in the Hetalia timeline, very recently Germany had crossed a Maginot Line, which was a border France made specifically to prevent German invasion. However, German troops merely went around the line by going through some forest, and when they got close to France's home, all the Allies agreed it was no longer safe to have France live there. Also, since Britain was the nation geographically closest to him, by default, he had no choice but to house his ally.
A match made far from heaven from what I can see. France had not been making the transition easy for Britain, probably due to his own frustration with the change. Taking into account the way he had been acting for the past two days while Britain lead the meetings, doing everything from insulting Britain's war efforts to falling asleep in the middle of his speeches, I could only imagine how bad it was when they were forced to sleep under the same roof. France had basically made a general nuisance of himself, and it was obviously getting on Britain's nerves as he repeatedly tried to maintain order during the meetings.
America was just as bad. The just voice in my mind reminded me of how America was being his typical American self, and wasn't helping Britain's mental state by also interrupting Britain's battle plans with his own suggestions and how he had an annoying tendency to completely ignore Britain's speeches in favor of eating his burger meals.
Must of got rudeness from the French side of the FACE family.
"Hm, are you actually considering it?" France interrupted my train of thought, apparently finally finishing his oh so flattering request, and he was now staring at me with a near expectant expression.
Back to the problem at hand. I steeled myself mentally for France's soon to be backlash, which would be more love proposals, and nearly said "non" just to spite him in his own language, but then a nagging thought occurred to me.
He was the one to practically save your life during the shipwreck. The logical voice in the back of my head brought up a topic that kept occurring to me whenever I saw France at the meetings.
And you did mention that you'd help every nation that helped you. A very insane thought crossed my head, yet I immediately dismissed the entire notion.
Canada wanted attention, Britain wanted friends, and France needs...a companion of sorts? My head was shouting at me to stop thinking about the idea, but before I could back out on it, I let my mouth take over for once.
"Sure. Let's go on a date." I replied with false calmness and a serious expression. Thus France's smug look dropped away, and a moment later, he had anime shock marks appear around his head like a flashing golden crown. "Tomorrow." I mustered out tersely, quickly losing my nerve as the majority of my being fought to stop me from continuing. "Pick me up from the hotel at five." I barely managed to cough out the rest of the words.
In response, France genuinely looked ready to fall over and I doubted I had ever seen him appear so flabbergasted, but I merely turned my back and walked out the room since I knew my confidence was cracking. "And make sure to put your hair up, it makes you look less like a perv and more like someone closer to my age." I tossed back in a rush before securely shutting the room's door. I was determined to escape before France got over his shock, so I quickly sped over to the two nations arguing on the left side of the hall.
"First it's the frog face, and then it's you!" Britain looked truly prepared to maim someone, particularly the nation in front of him, as he growled out insults none too quietly about the younger nation.
"Dude, it's totally not my fault you're as good at making plans as you are at cooking-" Certain whatever else America had to say would cause Britain to seriously contemplate joining the Axis just so he could bomb him, I grabbed America by the collar and yanked hard enough to partially choke him.
"We're leaving." I told both nations swiftly. Britain looked outrage at the interruption, but America couldn't say much, considering I was intentionally strangling him with his clothing while also dragging him away from the situation.
"I'm not finished with him yet!" Britain shouted with a raised fist, prepared to follow us in order to complete his lecture.
"Don't worry, I'll finish shouting at him for you." I briefly glanced back and then continued to trudge forward. All the while, America was continuing to try to gasp out something but both I and Britain ignored his spastic movements and strangled noises. In fact, Britain only shot my half strangled companion an irritant look, perhaps prepared to protest, before making a dismissive tisk sound and waving me off as if to say "he's your problem now".
"D-Dude!" America gasped out after we were a distance away and I had released his collar, though I was still dragging him by the sleeve. "You don't have to lead me around!" America coughed a little and rubbed his moderately abused throat.
"Act like a child, treated like one." I muttered, my head more focused on the insane whim I had submitted to.
You're going on a date with France... What were you thinking?! The rational part of my head chided me, and I ignored America's protests until we neared the car and I released him so he could get to the driver's seat.
It's only a date with France...the nation of love...and a French fry pervert... I tried to play down my decision as I entered the car.
...I'm screwed, aren't I? The optimistic part of my head offered no comforting thoughts, and I took that as a sign.
Some days I hate being right.
Surprisingly enough, it wasn't that hard to avoid France at the meeting the next day. Though, I had the occasional feeling of being watched throughout the meeting, and a few times when I would glance around the room, I could of sworn I saw France hastily looking away from my general direction. Also, even Britain noted France's more subdued nature today as France hadn't spoken up or insulted him nearly as often as he had been the past couple of days. However, Britain looked relatively pleased with the change, though confused, and he decided not to question the gift. Despite such fortune, I didn't want to tempt fate so I had urged America to rush out at the end of the assembly, and he was glad to since he knew Britain wanted to lecture him about his behavior again.
My first date ever is going be with that French fry of a man. Seriously, what was I tripping on yesterday? Since the meeting had ended an hour ago, I was now half panicking in the hotel's bathroom while I stared at my mirror image and tried to decide what changes to make to my appearance.
Technically, I sort of have been on a date once, but it didn't really count with Tomas. With a shrug, I decided some light pink lipstick would be fine and I gently applied some to my lips.
Besides, he was very different from France. Nowhere near as passionate of a boy. My thoughts got sidetracked as they drifted to Tomas.
"He's an odd fellow." I recalled my father's words when I mentioned Tomas would be my date to prom. My father wasn't incorrect, as Tomas was strange because he seemed unable to care about anything. He never worried about grades, liked or disliked a class, and was entirely neutral about every topic I could think of. However, when prom came around and me and my friends had decided to go, apparently his parents had practically ordered him to find a date or he wouldn't be allowed to go. Yet, Tomas was a part of my lunchtime friend group, and though he didn't care about prom, I felt bad for him so I offered to be his "date".
Only time I've ever seen him mildly shocked...but I got a feeling this date won't be anything like my prom night. I gazed at myself for a long minute before applying gold eye shadow so lightly that it would only add a slightly darker, sparkly tinge to the skin above my eyes.
This was a terrible, terrible mistake. I eventually concluded that was all the makeup I was willing to add to my face, so I moved on to clothing.
Me and Tomas barely even saw each other that night, and only in the end did we share the last dance. He never got inappropriately close, and was a gentleman the entire time, and even drove me and my friends home, and...and why can't France pull a Tomas?! Deciding that overthinking it would lead to me losing my confidence, I chose to bring a halt to all my thinking and add my finishing touch, which was placing a red beret on my head. I then preceded to stuff my blue-purple hair under it since I was certain we'd be outside during the date.
All done. I had already changed clothes earlier, and was now wearing a form fitting, black sweater dress with a red stripe going around the bottom of it and a red stripe circling each wrist. It went well with the beret and my black wedge boots, and I figured it was long enough to somewhat fit in with this time period's female attire. Yet I still hesitated to leave the confines of the bathroom because of what awaited me outside, which was a certain overprotective country.
I wouldn't be surprised if he tried to pulverize France on sight if he knew what we were doing! I was aware that America could be a bit overprotective, even possessive when it came to me or any one of his citizens. I assumed that was the case for most nations, and was sort of the way a parent treated their children.
Most of them are centuries older than their people. It was only my theory, but I figured a part of the reason for the protectiveness was partly selfish, but mainly selfless. In a selfish manner, if something happened to their people then the nations would be in trouble, so it was wise to protect their people in order to protect themselves. Yet, in a selfless manner, their people were a part of their very existence, were like their blood family, and they genuinely cared for them as if they were their younger siblings or children.
It's more sweet than creepy, but I don't think France would agree if he wakes up in a hospital. With a heavy sigh, I figured I had prolonged the inevitable for long enough.
Time to finish Step One: Preventing America From Possibly Murdering Me Date. I took a steadying breath, gave one last scrutinizing glance to my mirror image, and then I headed out of the bathroom.
When I fully walked into the room, I immediately spotted America looking over what I assumed were battle plans from his seat on the hotel bed. Yet when I stepped forward, he glanced up at me and greeted, "May, I almost forgot you were in there! What took you so-" America's words cut off abruptly once he took in my new appearance and he blinked a few times out of astonishment.
"D-dude! What's the special occasion?" Disbelief shown in America's wide eyes as I stood before him.
"What? Can't a girl feel like dressing up every now and then?" I shrugged off his continuous staring while I walked over to the backpack laying on top of my bed. "Anyway, I made you a gift." I smirked to myself as I deflected his attention from my appearance.
This will only work if France is on time. I noted how the clock on the wall showed it was 4:58 as I pulled out a large plastic container from the backpack.
"Huh? A gift?!" America's eyes lit up as I hid the container behind my back and turned to him with a smile.
"Yeah, I heard you complaining about how you can't find any good food in this British city, so I made you something." I started off before slowly handing the container to him.
Good thing my old chemistry teacher let us conduct that experiment with the ingredients sugar and milk. It was the tastiest experiment we had in that class!
America ripped the black container's top off eagerly, and then gasped when he saw what laid inside. "Ice cream!" In a heartbeat, America pulled out a spoon from seemingly thin air and then dove in.
Perfect. He's distracted and France-
Knock-knock! The sound of someone at the door rang out, but America was too into his dessert to hear it.
Knowing who it had to be though, I fast walked to the door and hurried to throw it open.
"Mademoiselle May?" Despite the fact France was obviously here for me, he still seemed surprised I had actually answered. Recovering quickly though, he offered me a bouquet of roses and a smile while saying, "For a lovely lady, I have brought lovely flowers, but even they could never compare to your own beauty-"
"Great!" I shouted distractedly while pushing France back and stepping out into the hallway.
"Mhm?" Only at that moment did America take time to look up from devouring his treat.
Here comes the hard part. I braced myself, and then dug straight into my explanation.
"I'm going on a date with France; be back by eight!" The words tumbled out at a rate rivaling a speedboat, and I only caught sight of America's wide eyed face before I slammed the door shut.
"Run." I stated to France with a dead serious expression, causing him to blink owlishly at me in confusion.
Stupid French fry. Realizing he wasn't moving fast enough, I grabbed France by the hand he wasn't holding the bouquet in and tugged him towards the staircase as I took the initiative to flee.
"Why are we running?!" France shouted while I hurried down the staircase with France stumbling behind me.
"You'll understand soon!" I tossed back as we neared the exit door on the bottom floor. Yet, while we took a moment to push open the door, we both paused as the familiar voice rang out.
"GET BACK HERE, FRENCHIE!"
After that shout rang out, boots pounding down the stairs could be heard. Therefore, France didn't need any promoting to run after that, and he rushed ahead of me, nearly dragging me into the hotel lobby before my feet caught up.
"Where's the car?!" I questioned once we ran out of the hotel, but to my shock, I couldn't see a single vehicle parked on the street.
"Um, well you see," France had paled considerably and I could of sworn he was sweating. "I tried to ask Britain if I could borrow his car, but that stubborn fool simply wouldn't let me have it!" France had a mixture of irritation and fear in his tone, while my blood turned cold at the news.
Crap! My plan hadn't factored in not having a get away car, and fear quickly overran my thoughts. Therefore, I turned to France with an expression of deep rooted worry and halfhearted determination.
"In that case...run French fry! Run!" I shouted before we both made a mad dash into the streets.
"YOU CAN'T GET AWAY, KIDNAPPER!" The muffled shout from America luckily came from somewhere in the hotel building, as did the screams of startled hotel residents.
Why are they screaming? It's not like they're the ones America-
"Dear lord, he's got a gun!" France cried out after briefly turning around, and suddenly I heard bullets ricocheting off the ground somewhere in the distant behind us.
We won't make it! Knowing America could run laps around me and France, I made the rapid choice to lead France into a side alley while secretly hoping America hadn't seen where we ran.
"What if he-" I shushed France when I suddenly heard loud, stomping footfalls nearing our location. Stifling my urge to get back my breathe, I counted the seconds as the steps got closer and closer.
"YOU WON'T GET AWAY WITH THIS!" Both me and France jumped when the voice came merely a few feet away from us, but then we both watched a blond haired blur make a mad dash pass the alleyway and deeper into the rest of the street. Immediately, we both let out a relieved breathe before we tried to get our heart rates back under control.
"Well," France began after he had calmed down. "I certainly did not expect you to excite me in this way, but it's a nice start." He gave a pointed look to our interlocked hands, and I rushed to release it like it was on fire.
"I'd ask you not to be so full of yourself, but then you wouldn't be France, would you?" I shot back, before I noticed France's appearance. "So you can clean yourself up, hm?" I gave France an appraising look over, noting how he had replaced his usual purple cloak with a black suit and he had tied his hair back like I requested.
"Anything for the special lady of the night." France replied easily while we left the alleyway and entered the street. "Though I must note, my gift does look good on you as well." France eyed the beret on my head, and only then did I realize I was wearing the exact beret France had mailed to me. He actually mailed me many gifts like bouquets, boxes of chocolates, and other "romantic" gestures quite often. Though, America didn't seem very pleased by the intrusion, and I wasn't either, but some of the stuff I had deemed nice enough to keep.
"Yes, I get your gifts sometimes." I eventually replied. "Though I should probably let you know that those boxes of chocolate usually aren't being received when America gets to them first." I smiled at the memory of the multiple times America had claimed I couldn't trust what the "Frenchie" was sending to me, and he then preceded to grab the entire box of chocolate in order to toss it out. Yet I had a pretty decent idea of what he meant when he said he got rid of it when I found chocolate wrappers and empty boxes in the trash the next day.
"I guess I'll have to send you extras then." France amended.
"That would just encourage America to eat more of them. Now stop talking and lead the way to wherever you planned to take me." I rolled my eyes and tapped my foot impatiently.
I agreed he needs a companion, but no one told me I had to win the nicest companion in the world award. I reasoned out my continued annoyance with France.
"Of course! We are going to a restaurant nearby." A flash of irritation briefly crossed France's face after the announcement. "I would of cooked you one of my superior meals but Britain would not allow me near his kitchen." France's huffed out while leading me to the street on the right of the hotel.
"Wait. He doesn't know what you're doing today, does he?" The question occurred to me as I recalled how Britain wouldn't allow him to use the car either, and while I was certain he would happily ruin France's day, I figured he would be more willing if he knew of my involvement.
"Of course not!" France's spoke in an exaggerated aghast manner. "If I had told him, he would of tried to steal your attention and love from me!" France declared passionately.
"No one has to try to do that, it happens naturally." I muttered quietly before clarifying louder, "I think your exaggerating."
"Or maybe you are simply unaware of the way you affect men." France replied cryptically, and I gave him a raised eyebrow in return.
Great, he's not just a pervert, he's paranoid too. Being a companion was proving harder than I thought.
"Whatever. Just hope this place is far away enough that America doesn't burst in Terminator style and mow you down with his shotgun." I felt a light smirk grace my face when I saw the apprehension appear on France's face, despite how he didn't get the movie reference.
"H-Honhon! I would hope not!" France chuckled nervously as he probably mentally visualized the worst case scenario. "Though, I suppose he did not know about this either." France mentioned casually, giving me a knowing look.
"It was either hide the truth until the last second or have you knock on the door and have the barrel of a gun answer you." I replied with a shrug.
"I knew you cared about moi!" France cheered.
"Or maybe I just didn't want your blood ruining that nice hallway floor." I muttered, but France went on as if I hadn't spoken.
"But I had no idea you wanted this type of romance. Yet, if it is a secret love you want, then I would happily make your dream come true!" France winked at me, but I merely graced him with a flat expression.
Thankfully, before he could go on, I found a nice distraction in the scenery. "Is that the place?" I waved my hands towards a medium sized building that looked like it could be a restaurant of this time period.
"Oui, it is!" France walked up to the building ahead and held the door open for me.
"Charming." I muttered sarcastically before walking in with him following behind. It soon became apparent that France had already made a reservation since he merely talked to the waiter for a few seconds before we were seated by the large glass window and given menus.
"...Mal... Très mauvais." France's sounded disdain as he more than likely was disgusted by the British choices offered on the menu. I, on the other hand, recognized or at least heard of most of the options provided by the menu and was pretty content with my options.
It's a good thing my father loves foreign food, especially British dishes. I became absorbed in the menu, ignoring France's obvious disappointment with the food, before I narrowed down my picks to three choices.
I love that one dish, but I always ate that at home and mom always said "never do something on a trip that you can do at home".The waiter came over, ready to take our orders probably because there was hardly any other customers in the place.
"Hm..." France seemed be burning brain cells while trying to figure out which dish was the least unsavory.
I'll go first then.
"I'll take the fish and chips along with a knickerbocker glory." The waiter turned away from me and looked over at France, whom at this point had a nervous sweat drop running down his face and a frantic air while his eyes continued to rove the menu. Taking pity on his dilemma, I quickly scanned the menu and then said, "And he'll be having the Yorkshire pudding." The waiter turned back to me before looking at France who, though shocked, nodded in agreement. Thus, the waiter left us to go fill our orders.
"You know," I began in a lazy manner. "Next time you invite a girl to a restaurant, maybe you should at least have an idea of what you want to eat from it." I chided him, albeit lightly.
"I-It was not like I had many options." France replied in a near embarrassed manner. I would of continued to make a fool of him, but then I spotted something outside of the window that made my eyes widen.
"Um, France, tell me I'm seeing things." I didn't look away from the window, but I knew France had followed my gaze when he suddenly shouted in surprise mixed with fear.
"It's Amérique!" France and me stared wide eyed at the distant figure of the nation outside, who was too close for comfort .
I thought I was joking when I said he was going Terminator, but he looks like he's ready to go Judgement Day on this side of England! America had what looked like a shot gun strapped to his back, his glasses were slightly askew, and he had a army green bandanna tied around his forehead. Most citizens made a wide berth around him, but he was currently speaking to some poor guy he had cornered and was waving his arms widely to make some sort of demonstration.
"I think he is asking people if they've seen us." France made a good point, as it did appear that he was showing the man my height and France's. However, America clearly didn't get what he wanted because he started shaking the man and shouting loud enough for even those in the restaurant to look out and stare at him. Luckily, the young man managed to get out of his grasp and started running. America didn't give chase, though he did appear to pout before he started to look around the area.
"He's looking over!" I warned. France immediately ducked down and I pulled the menu up, which the waiter had forgotten to take, and shoved my nose into it. Thus, we both stayed in these awkward positions for a long minute before I cautiously peeked out.
"Oh, thank goodness he's gone." I breathed a sigh of relief, waiting for France to pop up, yet I was confused when he didn't quickly get back to his seat.
"You know you can come up now?" I called out.
"I would, but I am enjoying the view too much... Pink is a lovely color on you." France's smirk was evident in his voice.
What pink? The only thing I'm wearing that has color is the beret, my makeup, and my underwe- It occurred to me that my dress did ride up when I sat down and I hadn't worn any leggings underneath it.
Oh that little! Without preamble, I threw my foot forward and was quickly rewarded with a thump and a yelp as France met the brunt force of boot and bumped his head on the table at the same time.
"It was a compliment, no?" France managed to stutter out as he rose with obvious bruising on his face, but silenced himself when he saw the angered expression I was shooting at him. He would have received a mouthful from me, but then the waiter came over and brought us our plates.
"Call me if you require anything else." The waiter mentioned, and then left me with the distraction that was fried fish, french fries, and an ice cream sundae. Yet France's dish consisted of something else entirely.
"T-this looks just like-"
"One of your own dishes. Yeah, that's why I picked it for you." I huffed out before he could finish, while he stared at the bread dish, which resembled some of his own dishes and was sort of like a plainer version of a muffin.
"...I cannot believe it." France muttered.
"What? That they're some British food that resemble your own?" I was confused since I thought it was common knowledge that countries in the same continent shared certain similarities with their food.
"No," France looked up with wide eyes. "That there is British food that looks edible."
I had to admit, those words with that flabbergasted expression actually made me laugh a bit.
What do you know? This night may not end with a maimed France. I glanced out the window and gave the outside residence a wary inspection.
Assuming America doesn't find us first.
I had no idea how, but the rest of the dinner went by smoothly and I could dare admit, nicely. France wasn't a complete pervert, just partially, and he somehow managed to make the dinner less awkward for me. He had also showed a genuine interest in what I wanted to do, whether that was babbling about my hopes for a future career in performance, going on about my favorite superhero comics, or even mentioning my moderately extensive knowledge of Aikido when his hand accidentally landed on my leg (still a perv, remember?).
"Now Monsieur France, I admit that I can now see how you've managed not to scare off most women." I noticed France gained a triumphant smile over the remark. "But you're still a perverted French fry in my eyes." I finished, causing France to slump over dramatically for a moment.
However, he recovered in a second, and boldly announced, "I shall win you over before the end of this date, if not, I will be ashamed to call myself the nation of love!"
"Sure, Romeo, sureeee." I rolled my eyes gracefully as we walked down the street. We had both unconsciously agreed that heading farther away from the hotel America might be lurking around would be for the best, so we were heading deeper into the city.
Guess I finally got my trip to England after all. I smiled up at one of the buildings we were passing, in momentary admiration, and therefore didn't notice the man on a collision course with me until he made a startled yelp as he suddenly saw me too.
"May-" I collided with a rather solid body, and almost stumbled backwards until France came up from behind and steadied me.
"Whoa, I am so sorry!" I started, and then became quiet when the man looked up from straightening up his shirt and brushing off his shoulders.
"BRITAIN?!" I and France's shocked outcry merged together to form a larger yell.
"Yes, it's me! Is it really so surprising to find me in my own land?!" Britain shouted back at us, and in my opinion, sounded more irritated than typical.
True, finding Britain in Britain isn't that shocking. I felt myself sweat drop a little in shame from my overreaction.
"What is truly shocking is finding you two...together." Britain sent France a weary look. "Especially since I thought that daft idiot had simply gone mad when he said France had kidnapped you." Britain spoke with suspicion and mild astonishment in his voice.
"Ah, so you have met with America recently." France sounded half nervous, and both us of quickly scanned the streets as if a gun slinging America would manifest from thin air.
"Met with?" Britain scoffed. "More likely he hunted me down." Britain clarified with an air of annoyance.
"I had left my home after I sensed that a large amount of my people were uneasy." Britain began while crossing his arms.
So he sensed a disturbance in the Force... Cool.
"Therefore, I investigated the issue and had a few of my citizens mention that there was a madman loose in the city. Apparently the lunatic was running around with a gun and interrogating people about some sister that went missing." Britain gave me a pointed look and I oh so discreetly found a sudden interest in the buildings around us.
"You can imagine my shock, though I probably shouldn't have been, when America ran into me and went off about how he had to rescue May from France before she became corrupted. I obviously thought it was a wild tale, though I admit his concern is probably valid." Britain sent an insinuating smirk to France, who in turn, made an offended noise.
"That is not true!" France bellowed in annoyance before his face became pleasant. "I'll have you know that May herself wanted to go on a date with me." France was smug as a bug when he spoke, and it seemed he was itching to goad Britain into a fight (the usual).
And fight he did receive.
"Liar! There's no way a right minded woman would fall for your filthy ways!" Britain vehemently raised a fist in France's direction. Though I was left puzzled by the statement until I realized Britain had actually complimented me. The action being so foreign from Britain that it took me a while to recognize it.
Leaps and bounds in this friendship, I guess.
"Honhonhon! That is where you're wrong! Only the smartest and most beautiful of women would want to be with me, which is more than I can say for you!" France shot back haughtily, and within seconds, Britain and him had pulled out swords as if prepare to duel.
Ok, this ain't about to happen. Realizing I had to intervene before I was trapped watching them duel for the next two hours, I lowered the tips of their swords with my hands and stepped between them.
"First all," I addressed Britain. "France is right, I did come of my own free will." I spoke calmly, attempting to cool his anger.
"WHAT?! B-but May, why-"
"Second of all," I now turned to France. "He practically groveled to get me to say yes... It was as pitiful as you can imagine." I mentioned with a shrug, ignoring the way France immediately performed an anime fall. Britain on the other hand was left chuckling at France's misery.
"Why does your love wound me?!" France shouted dramatically, clutching at his heart as if I had stabbed him.
"Oh, get off the floor and let's finish this date up." I pulled France back up from the collar.
"May, are you certain about this?" Britain glanced at me with what almost reminded me of parental concern before glaring at France. "He might try something." Britain sounded certain that France would.
Before France could reply and start another war, I spoke up by saying, "What is up with you always questioning my decisions? It almost makes me wonder if you don't trust me." I playfully accused Britain, who looked mildly horrified by the concept. "Please, give me some credit. If he tries anything I could just do this-" I stepped on France's foot, causing him to stumble from pain, and while he was distracted by the injury, I caught both of his arms and twisted it behind his back like I was about to arrest him. "I mean, who do you think gave him that bruise when he got a little too perverted for me to tolerate." I concluded, staring at Britain smugly before releasing France.
"I almost think you're enjoying causing me pain!" France shouted in outcry, but I ignored him.
"Yes, my bad. I had forgotten how well you can take care of yourself." Britain seemed to smirk at the pain he saw in France's future while he noted the bruise on France's face from where I had kicked him.
"Yup! So if you could excuse us, we're not done yet," France looked intimidated by the devilish smirk I sent him. "And we have a date to finish." I concluded, gesturing for France to take the lead on the walk we had been interrupted on. He took the queue and sped ahead of me, though I wasn't sure if it was fear or excitement that motivated him most. I turned to follow, but a hand on my shoulder stopped me.
"Am I to assume I shouldn't mention this to America?" Britain questioned, near jokingly (can Britain even do that?), while moving his hand away.
"Yeah, I'd prefer that." I noted that Britain still had a worried glint in his eyes, so I continued, "Seriously, don't worry about this. I'm legally an adult here and in the U.S., you know?"
Britain didn't seem to expect my reassurance and blinked a couple of times out of shock before he simply nodded in acceptance and turned away. I gave a fleeting look to his back before I turned around myself and fast walked in order to catch up with France.
"So where to?" My voice made France jump slightly.
"Oh, I think that there is a nice river view up ahead that would be nice to walk around." France regained his bearings as we headed to the outskirts of the city.
River view? That kind of reminds me of Cincinnati... My dad used to take me to that park with the Ohio River right in front of it. Nostalgia ran rampant in my head for what felt like a moment, so I was a little surprised to look up and suddenly notice the tall buildings were gone. In their place were a couple of park benches looking over a river that was hidden behind a lot of looming, typical autumn trees.
"Not that much of a view, but points for trying I guess." I muttered snidely, but when France took a seat on one of the benches, I eventually followed his lead. Though I took care to make certain there was a few feet between us.
"Not that lovely, but what can you expect from a country whose looks are so inferior to my own." France threw his own hair back as if he were the most gorgeous man on the earth.
"Just shut it. You're mouth will ruin whatever moment we have here." France quickly clammed up as we both quietly turned to the sunset happening behind the river. A lot of the trees blocked the sight, but the lazy orange glow still peeked through in some spots. Thus we sort of just took a break, and though I wasn't sure about France, I knew I certainly needed one after the hectic afternoon I had. Unfortunately I couldn't take out my phone from where I had stuck it in one of my boots, but I guessed it was at least seven by now.
"This wasn't that bad as far as dates go." I admitted out loud, drawing attention from France, who turned to me in what I assumed was shock. "Then again, how would I know what a good date is? I've never been on a real date before today." I couldn't see France's reaction as I closed my eyes and faced sun, content to just soak up the dying rays.
"...I didn't know this was your first." Mild shock colored France's voice. "You acted as if you've done this before."
Great to know my acting skills haven't completely wasted away. Considering I planned on being a future performer, knowing how to act was just as important to me as my dancing ability.
"And you are so beautiful! Are the men of your world blind?!" France's genuinely befuddled tone caused me to peek one of my eyes open.
"Hehe, it's not because I haven't been asked." I clarified with a lazy drawl. "I've just never said yes to anyone." I momentarily thought back to the multiple times anyone from strangers on the street to familiar faces from school had asked me out.
"Hey, girl, can I get ya number?"
"You do my homework and I'll give you kisses!"
"Nice rack. Wanna spend the night with me?"
"You must be foreign; you're too fine to be anything else. FaceTime with me?"
I brushed such memories away and refocused on the present by fully opening my eyes.
"I also gotta admit, I think you're date proposal was the nicest I ever got from a man... At least you bothered to learn my name first." I mumbled the last part to myself.
Yet France allowed a beat of silence to pass before he asked, "So that is why you accepted?" France sounded uncertain and curious.
"Please, it takes more than a nice proposal to win me over... Saving me from falling off a boat to my possible death earns you waaay more points." I didn't turn to face France, but I had a feeling he wasn't expecting that reply.
"Ah, I see..." France appeared contemplative and serious when he softly muttered to himself. However, the serious expression was soon replaced by a grin, "You don't have to thank me, it was for selfish reasons after all!" He suddenly cried out joyfully.
"What do you mean?" I straightened up in my seat, confused by his announcement.
"I simply could not bear to see such a gorgeous young woman disappear before I could make her fall for me!" France exclaimed with good cheer, but I merely raised an eyebrow in his direction.
"Whatever you say, France. Whatever ya say." I chuckled a bit to myself, knowing France wasn't exactly telling the truth.
And I thought only tsunderes had trouble accepting genuine appreciation. The sun had dipped down a little further in the horizon, and without verbal agreement, we both choose to remain in silence until we had watched the sun disappear completely in the distance.
The moon was shinning over our heads as walked over to the front of the hotel.
Back where we started. I felt relief that I managed to survive the night with my sanity mainly intact.
"So... It seems we have no choice but to part." France sounded over the top with his misery.
"Would it help if you got a goodbye kiss?" France perked up at the suggestion, but I soon delved into laughter. "You're really too easy to mess around with!" France's face fell when realized I had been joking.
"It is not nice, mademoiselle, to mess with a man's heart like that!" France played up his supposedly wounded heart.
"Like I said, you make it too easy." I mentioned easily. "But I have to say, it went better than I expected. Then again, my expectation was either I wouldn't survive or I end up stabbing you with a dinner fork." France looked disturbed at the mentioning of the last outcome before he straightened up.
"Since I cannot get the traditional kiss, you'll at least allow me to walk you all the way up." France gave me a charming grin, which I merely rolled my eyes at.
It's a date, after all. I shrugged and decided that whatever harm could be done had already occurred earlier, so there was no reason to deny him the pleasure of walking me all the way home.
"Sure, sure. Let me just find where I put that key." I said dismissively. However, as I bent down to the pull the key out of my boot (where else was I going put it?). I caught the briefest sight of a familiar fur ball racing pass me.
Americat? What's he-
"MEEOOWWW!" The screech that came out of America cat sounded like the feline equivalent of a battle cry, and I immediately straightened up at the unexpected noise.
"AHHH!" France's screaming caused me to spin on my heel and take in the scene in front of me.
"Get off!" France was desperately attempting to yank off America cat's claws from his chest while America cat fought in his grip, appearing to want to scratch off France's face.
For a second, I couldn't decide whether the scene was laughable or flat out shocking.
"MEOW!" America cat swiped at France and managed to leave a long, red scratch on France's forehead.
"Not the face!" France continued to grapple with the animal, but knowing there was no way he could win against a determined America, even in cat form, I decided to step in.
"Alfie, stop!" I yanked America cat from the back and squashed him into my arms to stop him from clawing in France's general direction. France hurriedly stepped back since the cat appeared ready to pounce on him the minute he got free from my arms, though he had gladly retracted his claws once he became aware that he was struggling in my arms and not France's.
"Meooowww!" America cat howled, still fighting in my arms.
"What the heck has gotten into you?!" I tried to calm the newly aggressive feline by petting his fur, which seemed to stick up despite being so short.
"You know that insane animal?!" France questioned me, with his clothes rumpled and torn in some place and his hair frizzled.
"Well, um-"
"I FINALLY FOUND YOU!" Everyone, including the cat in my arms, froze at the sound of the bellowing voice.
"BLEEEP! ...BLEEP!" France shouted what I assumed were very loud curses as we took in the sudden appearance of my half cocked nation.
What happened to him?! He looks like an escaped psycho that went through the wrong type of shock therapy and then decided to down ten cups of coffee! America approached us slowly while random parts of him occasionally twitched with a nervous tension, which was none too reassuring since he had a shotgun in his hands and aimed in our general direction. His glasses were completely missing from his face, which explained why his eyes were narrowed and his aim wavered. Also, his typical air force coat wasn't on him, the bandanna was still tied around his head, and his T-shirt plus pants were covered with mud.
"I SPENT ALL DAY LOOKING FOR YOU, FRENCHIE!" America announced while breathing heavily, like he had literally ran throughout the entire country, which was possible if America had gone as insane as he appeared.
"BUT THEN I REALIZED YOU'D COME BACK TO SCENE OF THE CRIME EVENTUALLY!" America then gave his typical annoying laugh, but with the way he had stole the convict look, it reminded me more of a triumphant villain out of a 1940s comic than a hero. I even half expected lightning to strike behind him as he closed in on France, who slowly backed away.
Bleep, he's going to kill him! ...Wait, I can't even hear the curse in my own mind? What gives Hetalia world?! Freaking out just as much as France, who was sweating bullets by the time America stood a few feet in front of him, I realized France was one dead french fry unless I did something.
I swear, it's like I've been playing Wonder Woman all day and he's my Steve Trevor that always needs to be rescued! America clicked the safety off the gun while France sounded like he was possibly praying in French. America, however, hesitated in shooting him straight away in favor of giving him a final "heroic" speech (never could resist having the last word, that guy).
"NOW I'VE FINALLY-"
"America, watch out, it's Germany!" I gestured wildly behind America, who in all his heroic glory, couldn't resist turning around at the chance.
"What?!" America squinted hard at the street behind him and even shot off a few bullets from his gun into empty air, so jittery he was. I hurriedly turned to shout at France, but I was taken aback when I noted how France didn't need any urging this time, because he was already a small dot running off into the night.
"YOU WON'T GET AWAY!" America had quickly caught on to the escape attempt and soon began chasing him with enough speed to leave dust flying.
No joke, I really had to close my eyes so they wouldn't get any dirt in them. Coughing a little once the dust cleared, I realized I was now completely alone under the moonlight.
"Meow?" America cat captured my attention as he no longer struggled in my arms and just looked up at me.
"I don't know what the frick just went down, but you're not off the hook, Ameri-bro." I looked down at him sternly, though he just looked up at me innocently.
"Seriously, why would you do that? It's almost like you knew me and France were on a..." I spotted a familiar white furred cat standing off to the side, and smirking in his own feline way.
"Britain cat? You're here too?" Britain made no verbal noise, merely walked up to my side and stared up at me with a look that just shouted "mission accomplished".
"Wait." All the pieces were falling together in my head. "You're the reason Alfie went crazy, aren't you?" The cat said nothing as he smugly looked on in the direction the two nations had run off in, but he didn't have to for me to make the right conclusion.
It seems Britain cat hates both Frances, human or cat, equally. It was easy to imagine that Britain cat had also noted the large quantity of fearful British citizens, who has been disturbed by America, and had been drawn into the city because of that. He probably ran into America, and recognizing how he could probably understand human English, figured out what I and France were doing. Passing this information on to America cat, who he knew would react the same way human America had, caused Britain cat to have a front row seat to a France, his rival, getting his eyes nearly clawed out.
"Oh, you devious feline, you." I narrowed my eyes at the cat, who merely looked back at me in what I would call a haughty manner. "I guess you're the one who really should be in trouble. But how to deal with you?" I mumbled, and Britain cat finally lost his triumphant air. America cat took my sudden distraction to leap out my arms and hurry over to Britain cat, probably to play with him.
...That actually gives me an idea. I noted how annoyed Britain cat became as America cat meowed loudly around him.
"It's much too late for an upscale cat like yourself to be caught out here." I announced, causing both cats to look over at me. "So it seems I have no choice but to house you for tonight." Britain cat looked stunned, while America cat just looked ecstatic. Using his shock to my advantage, I quickly yanked Britain cat up and pulled him close.
"I'm sure Ameri-bro will love the company!" I spoke in an overly sweet tone while hurrying inside before Britain cat could even put up a fight.
"Mao!" Britain cat wailed when he saw the door close behind America cat, who had happily jetted into the hotel lobby.
"Meow!" America cheerfully shouted, eagerly following my lead to the staircase.
It's a good thing no one heard that. I don't think pets are allowed in here. Britain cat struggled furiously all the way up to my room on the third floor, despite how futile his efforts were.
"Home, sweet home. Right, Britain cat?" I teased, quickly releasing the antsy Britain cat and allowing him to run over to the door and scratch frantically at it, like that would make it open again. America cat on the other hand eagerly went over to the bed and laid down to rest.
"It's been a long night." I didn't bother changing as I laid myself out on the bed America cat had sprawled out on and claimed as his own. I only took time to toss a pillow on the ground for Britain cat to use wherever he finished sulking before I was under the covers.
So France could be dead when I wake up tomorrow morning... That's a thing. Today's events rolled over in my head as turned to the lamp beside me.
America might be a murderer too. I tugged on the lamp's light string to turn it off, noting the multiple empty cups of coffee littering the desk it was on.
And I could be on house arrest for the rest of my time in Hetalia... Yup, going to be in denial and just tell myself I can sleep my problems away. With those final thoughts, mental exhaustion became my natural sleeping pill and I was out like a light within seconds.
"No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination: never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." ~Philip Stanhope
So spring break allowed this to get done on time, though it ends for me in two days (why?!).
Anyway, please leave a review, follow, favorite, and continue being the awesome readers you are!
Next chapter might not be as ridiculous, but trust me, it will still have some crazy scenes. I mean, it's Hetalia we're talking about here!
Bye now!