I return after a year-and-a-half hiatus oh my God D:
I never lost interest in Hetalia, believe me. I've always loved it (and my friends and I don't call each other by country names for no reason!) My Hetalia love was merely overshadowed, for a long time, by my adoration for my number one fandom since age twelve: Naruto. It's a big part of my life and a lot of other series I enjoy simply can't match up to it. But I've been in a strong Hetalia mood since 2012 began (ominous?) and wanted to update my older-but-beloved stories on this account. Starting with this, since it's quite a quick n' easy way to transition back into my Hetalia stories.
I'm not as satisfied with this chapter as I was the first two, but that's probably because I'm pretentious and picky. You, however, can still enjoy.
Btw, again, for those who don't know what Arthur means by "scholar bowl", it's basically a kind of club/organization where you answer tough trivia questions. You and your team will fight against another school team, and the first one to answer something like "Who was the first female winner of the Nobel Peace Prize?" gets a point. Rinse and repeat, get a winner, get a trophy, etc.
November 1st
Told Kiku my good fortune, made my family breakfast, still glowing with joy.
Today was cold, but I went for a run
Trusty iPod in my pocket.
Peter Gabriel—BRILLIANT man—sang to me about red rain
That man's a god, honestly. I've got my own god, though. He's blonde.
Today was a rare day. Nothing brought me down.
Countdown till random disaster is…?
November 2nd
Today. Not perfect. I got to thinking about…love. Of fucking course.
I thought about what insignificant bullshit some people make it out to be.
They laugh at it. It's like…
You don't adore someone, or always want to hear and be with them.
You just like them.
You don't make love, you just fuck.
You don't understand their inner workings, their secret thoughts,
Or the small, funny things about them. You notice their ass.
Maybe.
The hell's wrong with people.
I'm in love, and why is that weird?
November 4th
Tuesday, Marissa's favorite day. She wanted to hang out today but I've got Scholar Bowl.
Our practice today was all about religion. Islam, and Buddhism, different branches of Catholicism.
Kiku and I are still and itchy, and we hope no one notices.
One requirement for being gay—or hey, bisexual—is accepting that some part of the world will always hate you.
Or curse you. Or exile you. Or hang you. Or jail you. Or beat you.
Just because you love.
Kiku and I walked home together and we don't say anything.
We're quiet together, alone together. Unknown together.
November 6th
Practically was PMS-ing in third period today.
Alfred talked some more about having me over. But it hasn't occurred to the idiot to actually, directly invite me.
Bought a cinnamon roll at lunch to calm down and be complacent.
Matt came by, too, to ask me about an Xbox game (he has "Black Ops fever")
It felt good to give him some pointers on it. I feel like a mentor, a guide
Someone has advanced and become happy because of me
It's a great feeling.
November 7th
He appeared right in front of me, with his newest Hurley shirt and his smile.
"Arthur! You should come over next weekend to watch Indiana Jones with me, dude!"
Finally! God!
"So, my mom's cool with it if you wanna come tomorrow. I got two of the movies for us!"
My heart stopped, literally. For three seconds, I felt the lack of pulsing blood.
Theoretical medical disaster. I didn't care.
"All right. Should I bring anything?"
He was very serious. Very dark. It made me shiver. "Yes. Bring…a taste for adventure."
I'm so bringing it.
November 8th
It's been years since I walked to Alfred's house. The path is as familiar as my own hands.
His house is beautiful and neat, also familiar.
His parents know and remember me, thanks to Matthew talking about the soccer team.
"I sure missed you, Arthur. You're probably my son's only friend who can spell 'physics.'"
Alfred pretended to be exasperated and we went up to his room.
So many sex dreams happened here.
He popped in Raiders of the Lost Ark and gave me a box of Cheez-its.
The movie was nostalgic, thrilling. Alfred gasped, cheered, clapped.
We watched the second one just the same. I sat next to my true love for two whole movies.
When it was late, I waved goodbye to them all, and Alfred grabbed my hand.
He did that thing jocks do with their buds, grasping the other's hand and pulling on it.
"See you Monday, Arthur!"
See you in my dreams tonight.
November 12th
I swore to Marissa we'd go somewhere after soccer practice. She came to watch.
Brayden and I tried to get a dozen balls past Matthew. We couldn't, so Coach was ecstatic.
"That's the stuff, Matt! Do that tomorrow at Swope Hill and we're golden!"
I gave him praise, too, and he walked home looking proud.
So he should.
Marissa and I went to see Paranormal Activity 2
She said she couldn't wait, and she smiled and looked so sweet
Just before we went into the theater, I kissed her and I'm pretty sure she liked it.
She held my hand throughout the movie, and was never scared.
It was really nice.
November 13th
During lunch today, Kiku, Alexander and I were talking about this quiz in Calculus
When I was interrupted by my phone beeping its "text received" noise.
When the lunch supervisor (Muntz, king of jackasses) was far away,
I checked my phone and saw Peter's name. It said:
Hey big bro, ilu!
That's…that's…aw. He's thirteen and is already man enough to admit that.
I texted him back:
Peter, you're a loud and tactless brat and ilu, too.
November 15th
Saturday. One week ago I was in Alfred's room.
The leaves outside are all shades of autumn, Kiku might be drawing them now.
I'd like to think about how nice they look, or Marissa, or going to the video store.
Anything. Can't, though.
Umbra is flying around my room and yelling.
I can hear Aljan and Ringo whispering.
I think I'll take the bus to Borders today
And pick up a book on therapy, on hearing voices.
There's a point when this stops being funny.
November 17th
My least favorite unicorns are still whispering in my ear.
It's freaking me out now. They're talking about spiraling down to hell
And all the ways I can die.
It reminds me of this manga, Uzumaki.
Screw Kiku for making me read that.
In third period, I turned to my only salvation (I wish)
Who was busy ignoring me and forgetting how to spell Boston
Marissa was upset at a relative's death, so I had to be her salvation too
I held her while she cried.
Kiku looked at me from his bus; we didn't talk today.
November 18th
Marissa is absent today for a funeral. I captured Kiku before second period
Asked what was wrong, and asked again when he denied
He can't hide sadness as well as I can.
"It's…a boy in my chemistry class. He called me a fag, and…"
Jesus. We both had worn out "straight" masks for years. Who had seen through us?
"He said if he ever saw me doing 'gay stuff' he'd break my legs. I just walked away."
I told him to tell me the fucker's name. He did.
Gilbert Beilschmidt will find a soccer cleat up his ass very soon.
November 20th
During passing period today, I threw my soccer ball at Gilbert's head.
(Had to turn down another hall to protect my gayness, though
He'd suspect me too if he, or anyone, saw me defending Kiku for this.)
Still. Fucking awesome. I wish Alfred had seen.
The story will reach him through the grapevine soon
Someday I'll him it was me, and he'll think I'm fucking awesome for taking care of my friend
Someday. Don't know when.
November 21st
"It's Friday, Friday, gonna get down on Friiiday"
Alfred was singing that godawful song today in history class. Even Mr. Morrison laughed.
It made my heart, my head, every part of me, flutter and turn light
His academics are shit, but he can brighten anyone and anything
And God, is he beautiful.
It wasn't until after class I realized the unicorns had quieted so I could hear Alfred.
He was, at least in that moment, the cure for my voices.
Jesus fuck…
November 24th
Alfred assaulted me after school today.
"Dude, I totally forgot to say this earlier, but accept my damn friend request!"
He seemed baffled, adorably so, (I-wish-I-could-kiss-you-so)
When I explained I hadn't touched Facebook in two weeks.
"Oh my God. What is wrong with you. Get on there, like, fast. Shit, gotta go bye!"
He ran off to his bus, and I ran off to Facebook
It's absurd how happy this has made me.
The unicorns have stopped talking to me.
More and more, it seems Alfred makes them go away, and I think that's good.
November 25th
Last school day before Thanksgiving break
Kiku bought up Heracles at lunch
(I'm such an ass for forgetting to talk about him lately…)
"I draw him a cat almost every day before class starts. He expects it now."
His smile was sweet and radiated pride, which he deserves
I pray Kiku is able to get used to wearing that smile
"So he knows you now. You're a part of his day he doesn't like to do without.
"I'm happy for you."
Happy, yes, and jealous.
November 27th
Thanksgiving Day, gobble gobble
I did not just write that. I'm not even American.
Me, Mum, Peter and the grandparents feasted on drumsticks and gravy
And each other's presence.
Our family is small but tight, and grateful
We are missing a father but there's plenty of love for all
I was contemplating that, and stealing Peter's last turkey slice
When I got a text:
"Sup dude its Al. your lil Jap friend gave me your number. Hit me up sometime."
My stomach almost "hit up" my food when I read it.
November 29th
Too scared to "hit up" Alfred.
What should I talk about?
Should I talk in "chatspeak" so I don't seem pretentious?
If I ask about his Thanksgiving, will I look bland?
Should I call him Al?
I've never done that before.
I settled for texting Kiku instead, who said he met Alfred at the grocery store
And that he found an opportunity to do me a favor
Next time we meet he'll receive a spine-crushing bro hug.
November 30th
Today I moved metaphorical mountains by texting Alfred for the first time
And felt a metaphorical gun at my head while I awaited his reply
To my retarded "ready for history tomorrow?" text.
His reply was swift and sweet.
"Hellz yeah! Imma ace the quiz!"
And right after, "Wait sorry its math where i got a quiz, my gf reminded me."
And right after, there was a metaphorical nuclear winter within me: silence, death, nothing.
I'd always managed to block out the fact that he was probably straight anyway.
Before anything, does anyone else know the manga Arthur mentioned, Uzumaki? It's…it's terrifying. I applaud the creator's talent for horror, but I could not sleep soundly for four days because of it. It's about a small town being terrorized by all things spiral-shaped. Go and read the manga if you wish to find out more. And then you'll wish you hadn't.
Anyway…I return after a year-and-a-half hiatus oh my God D: But I already covered that. What I didn't cover was that I really wanted to update my DenNor fanfiction but I thought this was an easier way to get into the Hetalia groove again. DenNor will come quite soon! Anyway. Back to THIS story.
This was the chapter where I meant for Arthur and Alfred to begin their friendship, and it kiiinda happened. Facebook friend requests, phone number swapping, and a visit to Alfred's home, though you're free to guess how much any of that means to Alfred himself (or how much his girlfriend means to him, for that matter, not that Arthur, who hides his sexuality, could do or openly say anything about it). And did you notice that I'm portraying Arthur's "magical friends" as negative, at least sometimes? The fairies, Marie and Umbra, have been quite good to him, and his unicorn buddies, Aljan and Ringo, used to be lovely prancing ponies on the edge of his vision but recently began spouting some ugly things into his consciousness. Why is that happening? Why does he hallucinate magical creatures in the first place? Why does Alfred's presence and voice tend to make them go away? Idk. Really.
Thanks for reading!