Disclaimer: I don't own APH or else….ok how about we don't think about that.
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"Can't deny that I'm glad that's over," England said happily, "It'll be nice to finally get back home."
England, America, and the Thirteen were all standing at the docks for England's farewell, he was finally returning to Europe after a long stay in the western hemisphere.
America smiled brightly, "We'll miss ya Iggy!"
"Yes I'm sure you will," England said, somewhat absently as he stared at the individual colonies.
Something wasn't quite right.
Besides the fact they all seemed rather subdued and not jumping around like normal they weren't fighting. In fact, the more he thought about it, he hadn't been forced to listen to a single childish squabble in any of his latest visits.
England wasn't quite sure how he felt about that.
Oh well, he thought to himself, he's ponder it later.
"I'm afraid I must be off now Alfred," he turned and clapped the young man's shoulder, "I'll be in touch of course."
"Me too Arthur," America said, still bright as the sun.
"Oh and you will check up on Matthew right," England added, "Lad still seems depressed about leaving the Frog, of course I have no idea why, but no matter. Just a visit every few weeks would probably help quite a bit. You don't mind?"
-Of course not Arthur! I'll just travel miles north to see poor, depressed Canada every few weeks because it's not like I have enough on my plate looking after thirteen kids. No sir I'll be happy to do it!-
With his smile tightening America managed to push the sarcastic and bitter thought away. "Sure Arthur, I'll help Mattie out."
"Thank you Alfred," England gave America a final smile before turning to the Thirteen, who were still staring at him silently.
Clearing his throat England's awkwardly addressed them, "Now children, behave and remember to listen to America. He's still in charge of course."
"Yes England," they all answered, and said nation felt himself struck by their detached politeness.
"Well I suppose I'll see you soon," he said thoughtfully, and he began to walk down their line to offer his small farewell gestures.
All the boys- New York, Delaware, Maryland, Connecticut, New Hampshire and Rhode Island- received a clap on the back while most of the girls- Georgia, North and South Carolina, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania- got a gentle hair stroke.
Then he came to Virginia and his small smile widened to a grin.
"I'll miss you," England said, fondly petting her cheek. Virginia gave him a smile in return and graciously accepted the kiss he placed at her forehead.
Moving on to the last in line he found Massachusetts.
The island nation regarded her warily as he took in her irritable expression. Was it just him or was that glint in her eye rather hostile?
"You'll be a good girl won't you Massachusetts," he unexpectedly asked, "No mischief making?"
For a moment she didn't answer and instead lowered her eyes to stare at her skirt. America had to mutter her name in a warning tone before she replied with a low and simple "Yes England."
Slightly shocked by the girl's sudden impoliteness England gave her the standard hair stroke before, on some strange instinct, leaning forward to try and press a kiss to her brow like he had to Virginia.
But Massachusetts jerked back out of his reach.
"Abigail," America snapped her human name.
"M' sorry England," the little girl said, somewhat reluctantly, "I'm just tired."
"It's quite alright," England murmured, astonished by the strange episode, "I think I'd better board."
A final exchange of goodbyes were given between America and England before the nation boarded the ship and the group left behind began walking back to town.
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When they all were back in town (and away from prying eyes) the colonies watched as America kneeled down and roughly grabbed Massachusetts by the shoulders to face him.
"What was that about," America asked angrily, giving her a slight shake, "You know better than that. You're lucky he didn't bend you over right there and-"
"Alfred he didn't even say thank you," Massachusetts whined as she tried to struggle out of America's harsh hold.
"…What?"
"We helped him win his stupid war and he didn't even thank us," Massachusetts hissed. She quickly wormed out of America's hold as soon as his grip slackened somewhat.
America sat there, still kneeling and mouth agape as he realized the truth of her words. Iggy really hadn't given him any thanks…
"I noticed that too," New York said, "I kept waiting for him to say something before he left but he didn't."
"Talk about rude," Georgia sniffed.
And still, America just sat there, confused as ever.
"Hey," Rhode Island spoke up, "It doesn't matter if Arthur noticed or not…'CAUSE WE WON!"
The little boy pumped his fist and jumped into the air energetically.
"Yeah we did," North Carolina fed into her brother's excitement and began bouncing on her feet, "We showed those Frenchies what's what!"
"You don't mess with us," Connecticut agreed happily.
"Exactly," Pennsylvania added cheerfully, "Alfred, can we celebrate?"
She turned to look up at America with wide eyes, it was lost on no one she was trying to dissipate any of the remaining tension. With a sigh, America nodded his head and took the children downstairs for their victory celebration.
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Cider and food had been ordered and brought and the young colonies merrily devoured it. The sugar from the sweets added to their high spirits and soon everyone was celebrating merrily.
America watched with a grin as Massachusetts (who, over the course of the night, had forgiven him for his harshness) tried to dance with New York. Eventually the little brunette gave up with hysterical laughter and collapsed against her fellow colony. Hmm he'd probably have to cut her sugar off…
North and South Carolina appeared to be in a similar situation as they both tried to teach Delaware and New Hampshire some kind of Southern dance. The two boys were failing miserably, much to the glee of the twins. Meanwhile, Rhode Island was entertaining Pennsylvania with some of his favorite dirty limericks (no Alfred, did not teach him those thank you very much! Well…okay maybe the one about the German maid but that was the only one!)while Connecticut and New Jersey were busy pretending not to listen, and failing whenever they let out a delighted giggle at the punch line. And finally, Georgia and Virginia sat at the table clapping a beat for the dancers and subtly gossiping about the twins when they weren't paying attention.
Maybe all the resentment, his included, was just brought on by stress, America reasoned. Well now they could relax, the war was over, the French threat was no more. As far as he was concerned things could go back to normal.
Besides the friendliness between the kids anyways, that could stay.
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A/N: I'd like to thank Bluestrike22 and kaoriITALIA for their reviews. Those made me happy :) This chapter was for you two!
Sorry for the rather long wait but I've had a lot of drama in my life at the moment and schools a killer.
Not much to explain about the story except in case you didn't catch it Virginia is England's favorite of the Thirteen, mostly 'cause he found her first but also because she's the most mature and composed of all of them. Something I imagine England will be highly grateful for.
Historical note- England won the French and Indian War and gained Canada. But you probably already knew that…
Next chapters in the works, can't say when it'll be completed but it's a comin'.
Thanks so much for reading! Please leave a review if you'd be so kind!
Little-Harlequin