Another somewhat depressing, but still brotherly moment between America and England. This one was inspired by a picture. England is following behind America almost as if saying 'wait up. Where are you going?' America knows England is following, but still seemingly ignores him anyway.

Brothers again?

The meeting had just ended and England saw America give him a slight smile and leave quickly. He wondered what was wrong with America, so he followed. The American had a slightly longer stride, but England didn't care. He looked around Washington DC and slowed when he saw flags everywhere and patriotic people going about their business.

America tried to avoid having any meetings on his birthday, England had always wondered about that. Why? Didn't he want to celebrate his birthday? Wasn't he too prideful to not care if he stepped on people toes? Ever since the day that America won his independence England wasn't sure what the American would do. Even before he was pretty unpredictable; that's what made him England's favorite. There was always fun to be had. But then the war started and so many conflicts between the two. He continued to follow the American, hopefully, eventually, getting his questions answered.

Ever since that day long past,
I had always wanted you to ask,
"Can we be brothers once again?"
though now equals; freedom you did obtain.

Have you forgotten our brotherly bond?
Do you remember how you would respond?
Ever since that day in 1776,
and all those conflicts?

America knew full well that England was following him. He did kind of leave the meeting room quickly. How could he not though? He knew what July 4th meant to Iggy. He also knew that he would never truly heal; despite having healed so much already. They had just been too close. What he didn't understand was why Iggy kept his company. He had made so many mistakes, made so many enemies, and yet Iggy was always there... just like when he was a kid and a teenager. Even after the war of 1812 they had held land together and fought together.

America kept walking through the streets until he came upon a secret garden. Well, it wasn't secret, it was actually in the open. What was secret about it, was the meaning that it held, the memories and the wish. He would always go here for a little while on his birthday, if only to relive the memories that the park brought back. Stopping at the small pond's edge he waited, his back still turned.

Why do you keep following me?
My guardian you used to be.
So big, so great, so caring.
Yet nothing I found you sparing.

Why do you worry so dearly?
Every year, your emotions show so clearly.
I wish I could swallow my pride,
many times I have even tried.

Memories of his childhood as he waited for Iggy by the ocean's shore. The times when he would watch the ocean as a teenager, wishing for Iggy to come back. Ever since the last battle the fought each against he had tried to tell Iggy the one thing that he hoped would fully mend the wounds both of them had. However he never could. He heard Iggy stop near the entrance and give a small gasp. Perhaps now would be a good time?

Let's become brothers, shall we?
Let's officially become again one family.

"America...what is this place?"

"It's the public park, dude. It's pretty small, but it's better than any other park in the whole country." America answered honestly with a smile; a true smile, not his crazy happy one.

America looked at Iggy with a thoughtful look. England looked back at America. Looking in each others eyes they could see that they both wanted to say something. Little did both know that it was the same question.

"Iggy, I-"

"Don't call me that!" England yelled, despising the nickname.

America continued on, "-want to become your brother again. I know I messed up, I know I hurt you, but-"

"Shut up." England whispered. "We've been allies for how long?"

"But we've never formally spoken about what happened. I want to make it right. I don't want to be your brother or just an ally because of something our bosses signed or said. I just want to be your brother, your little brother, once again. Can't this be the first step to healing what little is left to heal? For the both of us?"

"America, you can't be serious." England was surprised and honestly had no idea what to say.

"Yeah, I am. I know I'm supposed to be happy on my birthday, but I have to know you're willing to go back to that time, to repair the bond we used to have."

England could see that America was trying to not cry, and he was actually succeeding. However, knowing the American for as long as he had, he could see the sorrow in his eyes. He really had swallowed his pride, and on his birthday no less!
England decided that he better take the older brother role. He sat down on the bench that was looking at the small pond. It seemed as if the water itself played back all the memories of a time before the war.

"I was going to ask you the same thing." England replied with a smile, accepting the American's request.

Owari

Awww isn't that just sweet? And I seriously have no idea why I've written two of these stories already... I really don't. It's not like the bond needs to be repaired.

Meh, it makes for a cute drabble...