Travelling Through Washington D.C. – Day One
"So, your boyfriend doesn't want you hanging around me, huh? I mean, I didn't mean to eavesdrop but I guess I just couldn't help but hear," Christopher questioned, as they made their way to the Botanic Garden, waiting at the traffic light.
"Unfortunately. Sometimes I just don't get him. First he says, 'Have fun in my country, everything's cool!' and then at the next moment he goes on to say that I'm making a mistake. Honestly, he thinks I'm making a mistake. He should know no one thinks things through as much as me. But it's all sorted out now so there's no reason to worry. He won't be coming after you anytime soon," England quipped.
"I just think it's kinda weird that he just leaves you alone here without telling you beforehand and then proceeds to not trust you…" Christopher said as he turned the car into the Botanic Garden's parking lot. "And he's somewhere else staying at another guy's place as well? Just seems a little unhealthy."
"I don't think I like what you're insinuating," England said, folding his arms and shooting the other man a glare. "Kiku's a mutual friend. They're not… they're not like you think they are. And he has responsibilities, I get that. I have them too and he understands. We've been together for… for a long time. We understand each other. Our relationship isn't unhealthy."
"You sound defensive. Do you actually believe that? Or are you trying to convince yourself?" Christopher raised an eyebrow, right as he parked the car.
"Please stop. Can we please end this conversation? I don't want to talk about it anymore."
"Fine. But you know I'm just trying to be a good friend, right? I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. Let's just forget about it and enjoy our day together. Okay?" Christopher asked. He got out of the car and Arthur did the same, although he did so a little more hesitantly.
"I guess so…"
"Wow! It's beautiful!" England exclaimed as he stared closely at a lovely orchid, which petals were a pretty purple, the colour spreading out beautifully from the white centre. They were currently at the orchid section of the Conservatory and Arthur seemed to be making a habit of gawking at every single plant he encountered. He just felt so nostalgic. Being surrounded by so many plants not native to his country reminded him of the time when he used to go around the globe, discovering new flora and fauna, always making some part of it his own. In fact, this very specimen held its own bit of history within it. England remembered that one of his previous colonies chose this as their national flower, right after they gained independence, a small sunny island in South East Asia. Memories, always sweet at first, but always ending with a bitter note. It all worked out well in the end but the pain of a colony leaving never faded completely. Especially when it happened that first time. But at least in the end, America came back to him. As something different. As something better.
"Wanna take another picture?" Christopher asked, holding up his camera phone with an amused smile on his face.
"Of course!" England exclaimed.
"So, from all the photos we've taken, I'm guessing you had a great time?" Christopher said.
"Yes, it was great fun! In fact, I think this is one of the greatest times I've ever had here." They had spent around two hours at the Botanic Gardens and within those two hours, Arthur hadn't even thought of Alfred even once, hadn't felt the gaping loneliness that the lack of Alfred's presence usually brought.
Christopher beamed at Arthur's words, replying, "I'm glad. It's always great showing someone new the wonders of America."
England shook his head, smiling in amusement. "You really remind me of him, you know. My boyfriend. That sounds like the sort of thing he would say. Such patriots you two, honestly. I'd bet you two'd be good friends when you meet." England stared out of the car window with a wistful look on his face. They were currently heading towards the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Arthur couldn't help but wish Alfred were here with him.
"Well, you know me, I'm an American boy through and through. I doubt your boyfriend loves America more than me," Christopher laughed, puffing out his chest in mock pride.
England snorted, internally guffawing at the thought that anyone could love the United States of America more that America did. "Yeah, I really, really doubt that. Anyway, its not a competition. Everyone knows that the United Kingdom is the best country, after all," England sniffed, raising a brow in obvious challenge.
"Sure, sure. Whatever you say, Arthur."
England stared up at the humongous white building in front of him in awe. The Smithsonian National Museum was truly a fine work of architecture, with a large dome perched atop its roof and a multitude of carved pillars lining its walls. Even though Arthur had experienced many beautiful buildings, he never ever tired of seeing them.
He and Christopher explored the entirety of the museum from the top to the bottom, gawking at massive fossil skeletons of dinosaurs and stuffed mammals. They ran around the museum like two school boys, making jokes and just generally having fun with each other.
After they were done with their museum expedition, looking into every single possible nook and cranny, they went to the museum's Atrium Café to have dinner. Christopher had actually been reluctant to eat there, saying that they should go somewhere better to eat but Arthur insisted, his grumbling stomach not allowing him to wait any longer to ingest something.
"Today was a great day," England said, sighing in content as Christopher drove towards their hotel. "Thank you for bringing me along with you. I can only imagine what I'd be doing now if you hadn't. Bored out of my mind, probably. So, really, thank you. You're a really nice guy."
"No need to thank me. You're keeping me company as well. It's not a one-sided deal. I think I'll be feeling lonely without you here too." Christopher gave Arthur a grin.
"You're really too nice."
"Wow. Just…wow." England said, mouth hanging open as soon as he entered the hotel. The Jefferson hotel looked quite simple on the outside, set in a 1926 beaux arts building as it was but its inside was very beautiful, chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, every corner just oozing in opulence and luxury.
"I know. It's really something, huh? I always try my best to book a place at this hotel whenever I come to D.C. I have a lot of good memories here."
Christopher went up to the front desk to get the keys and as both they and their luggage were lead up to the room by a bellhop, who kept staring at the both of them weirdly.
To say their room was large was an understatement. It was almost as large as a house, so big it was. Strangely though, there was only one large king-sized bed at the centre of the bedroom and it was covered with red petals. The bedside table had an ice bucket with champagne in it and Arthur just couldn't help but feel that it was a very romantic, too intimate, setting.
England's heart ached for a moment. He wished America would do something like this for him sometimes. Just occasionally… just to let England know that he was appreciated. But now, without America there, it just felt out of place.
"Uh… What is this?" Arthur asked.
"Oh," Christopher said, his face flushing a bright red. "I booked the honeymoon suite… because y'know, my ex-girlfriend… I had wanted to propose to her."
England laid his hand on Christopher's shoulder, trying to convey his sympathy.
"I understand." England said. "Let's just settle down for the night. However," England's eyes darted towards the champagne bottle, his love of alcohol flaring up in his chest, "that isn't to say we can't indulge in a vice or two."
And as England crashed onto the bed together with Christopher, head buzzing with the happy tinge alcohol usually brought, he couldn't help but wish that everyday could be like this.
Author's Note: Christopher has very strong views on how a proper relationship should be like. Anyway, sorry for the late update! I'll try to update sooner next time but I'm taking my Higher Chinese O-Levels this year and I really suck at Chinese so... We'll have to hope for the best.