'A baby fills a place in your heart that you never knew was missing.'
It was ridiculous, England decided, how powerful the simple act of fixing Russia's cuffs was. In the following days, he had to restrain himself multiple times from doing things - things like a gentle hand running through hair (and Russia's hair looked so soft); a light tap on the forehead when he dozed (because knowing Russia he'd probably get his arms ripped off); his fingers ached to reach out and brush that small crease in his scarf away. He groaned and put his head on the table, not bothering to listen to... whoever it was that was making a speech.
France, next to him, raised a plucked to perfection eyebrow and nudged him. "Angleterre, I know you need regular naps to stop being so cranky, but this isn't the time." He ignored the rage on England's face as he continued, deliberately baiting his longtime friend (and partner in raising children - though they would never admit it aloud). "What am I saying, perhaps it is beauty sleep, non? Perhaps you should aim for 24 hours of that-"
The meeting was postponed as a French man went hurtling out the window, Germany jogging down the steps to retrieve the wailing, overdramatic (and virtually unharmed) nation from the street. England sighed and brushed off the other nations, looking straight at Russia, who was gazing steadily at him.
Immediately, there was danger in the air. Even this meeting of eyes could have negative consequences for two nations meant to hate each other, or at least, not communicate with each other. But England held his gaze.
"Do you think," Russia murmured, quiet enough so only England could hear, "That you should hate someone on principle?"
He could turn away. He could snap at Russia, and let everyone know that they were talking. And yet, those violet eyes filled a place in his heart that he had long resigned to remaining empty forever. He tried to squash the feeling, tried to remove it, but it was filled so completely and perfectly it was impossible.
"No," he whispered back.
They had crossed the invisible line together.
30/07/18: I have written up to chapter 18, and a plot has developed! (though it's only 3 chapters long)