"Why do you all try so hard for him?" the question slipped out before Denmark could stop it. "We don't even know if he's still alive." This time, to his surprise, no one tried to kill him, perhaps because of the change of tone, or the situation, or maybe because he has said "we" instead of "you". The party all threw varying versions of pitying looks towards him, as though they felt sorry for him. Holland was the first to speak. "Wouldn't you do this for your friends?" the question cut him to the core. For Norway, or Iceland, or Finland- he knew the answer in an instant. He was still on the fence about Sweden.
Holland sighed, and then continued, as though telling a story. "During World War II, Germany's boss invaded our land. I was helpless, I couldn't do anything. I've always felt that money made the world go round, but at this time, I felt that no matter how much money I have, it would never be enough. It was the most helpless I've ever felt. At that time, it was Canada who sheltered our future Queen, even though I had nothing to offer him. I barely knew him. He's just kind like that. " Holland ended his story with a shrug, as though he hadn't just said the most he'd ever said.
Prussia took up the figural torch." That's just Canada. He's nice for no reason. I didn't know him either, but one time, I was down.." he trailed off, then found the words. "when he found out I was probably going to disappear one day, he dedicated a city in Ottawa, his heart, to me." He swallowed. "I know it's not much, but it's something I didn't have before. And, sometimes, when the fear hits, it gives me a little confidence." He smiled, a little too brightly, and laughed forcefully. "He's just like that."
Cuba looked away. "For me, it's nothing big. He didn't win me a war, or save me some land, but" he took a deep breath, but spoke brashly and unashamed. "It's just fun bein' with him, y'know? I used to confuse him for America all the time, but I couldn't do that know. He's just different." Seychelles was nodding too, agreeing. "yeah. As long as I can remember, he's been my brother." she considered this, then confided in the group.
"When. I first met him, I wanted to hate him." Denmark could see this was news to the others as well. "It's just, he was France's perfect colony, and France never really got over losing him. There's like some kind of invisible wall he feeds with perversion and he won't let anyone get close." The frustration in Seychelles voice resonated with each nation in different ways. Then she sighed." But then I met him. He was different than I expected. He made his own French, he's mostly English and for some reason he just won't stand up for himself. And I got tired of hating him and eventually, I learned more things that weren't perfect about him, and-" She broke off her rant suddenly." It's just how he is. I can't help but like him. "
Everyone in the group nodded, and Denmark had a flashback, where he was complaining to Greenland Bout having to go Ack out to that island again." you don't even know if actually went there and replaced the flag and liquor again. " Denmark had scolded." He's got to get bored of it every year." Greenland had shook his head, undaunted. "No, he went, I know. It's just how he is."
Cuba turned to look at Denmark. "So? D'ya understand yet?" Denmark grinned and laughed helplessly. "Not at all!" He stood up and brushed his clothes off. "well, I'm going home now. You should go too, right?" he threw a blinding smile over his shoulder. "After all, you have a war to fight." and Denmark threw open the door and strode out with large purposeful steps. No one moved to stop him, and as he moved further away, the forced smile began to disappear. "It doesn't matter to me anyways." Denmark muttered, as though convincing himself.
