"It's been-"
"-a while, hasn't it?"
"I believe I told you earlier that I had work to be done tonight, so why is it that you are still in my home, America?"
"Hm." He is lounging on an old floral printed sofa England dearly loves, his filthy boots just shy of contaminating the fabric. His legs are dangling over the edge, his body is draped over half of it and unfortunately, it reminds the man who watches of how tall, how fit and how young the country really is.
That twitch though, when America finally shrugs a response with a congenial grin, that minute movement of eyes which hold the sky, has that strangeness to it that relaxes England enough to let the lad's impudence go.
America remembers. And though America is young, he is not entirely naive. Not anymore.
Not since they showered, naked and exposed, in gunpowder and blood.
They had marched through hills of entrails. They had stared each other knees down in mud.
They are staring each other down now and England curls his fingers in his pockets to keep from touching.
His throat, naturally, which hurts. Speaking as he does, it's no surprise to hear the rasp there. Barely audible, but there it is, yes. Thankfully, he can manage with saying little but his usual turn of insults and America is predictably loud. Takes his brandy without question and England is grateful for at least that much.
"So you know... How long's it been? Couple decades or something? I mean, I come over for some fun every once and a while, right? Watch some tv, eat some- well, watch tv. Have a drink. Thing is though, it's been...huh, yeah, a good long while since I've actually slept in your house. You've gotta nice place when it's not so drafty."
Cool air is constantly swirling over them. America's bangs are rising and falling but he takes no notice to the futility of his commentary.
He scratches at the side of his neck suddenly and England starts, soon enough to catch his own hand, still it and compose himself with a blithe remark, "Kind of you, really. But I don't believe I ever invited you to stay."
"Hey- You've been collecting some of my stuff for a while and I know you've camped out over at my place before. We're exchanging all the goddamned time. So why not?" The boots are dangerously close to getting the fool kicked out. "I've got some business with Japan in a couple of days so I figured I'd just pay a visit-"
"And cut on travel expenses, I'm sure."
America's smile is lethal. England's frown has potential. "Pfft. Why wouldn't I?"
There are so many, many words
England merely sips his tea. Ignores his throat.
Ignores America's absurdly glittering teeth.