Author's Notes:
I definitely wanted to write something for Yolanda. Anyway I think that this is about as random as it gets for me...I mean...just the last part. There's a Filipino song here, I translated it...translated everything actually.
Anyway, the song's 'Sa isang awit ng Pasko'...Yeah. XD...you could scroll down it...if you don't want to read it.
We also have, P!nk's "Bridge of Light"...and Ukraine.
GCJakey's notes:
HIYA! Christmas is getting nearer and nearer AND I HAVE LIKE 1000 views in DA and its been 3 years XD...I know not really an accomplishment! XD
Warnings: Sad! Philippines, Brotherly! America, Spain!, Ukraine!
COMMENT/SUGGEST/FAVE/FOLLOW
Bridge of Light
She's seen better days long ago, before the west decided to take a peek at her…THEIR land. China and Japan kept them entertained. Their neighbors were their only family.
Then, Spain came. It was happy in the beginning, then things changed…America came, things changed…Japan took them…things definitely changed. Since then, they have since seen a bright day without a cloud. They saw partly cloudy ones, rainy ones, and stormy ones.
They smiled, but that was just because they were unbelievably optimistic. However, how long could they keep smiling if everything's coming apart, they could not keep it up anymore.
Why couldn't they find the way to end all this? If people want change…why do they fall for the same tricks that got them to where they were in the first place?
'Pearl of the Orient…' Yes they once represented the proud land. Proud, they are, but in the hands of the corrupt, they were only an empty, dying oyster.
Now, they were stuck…their people deep in ruins. Haiyan had destroyed everything in its path. They were left crippled, exhausted, and hungry.
Maria and Santiago, the two representatives of the Republic of the Philippines, had definitely seen better days. Their sun-kissed skin looked drab and molted. Their rich dark-brown hair with golden highlights turned into a tangled mess of dull tendrils.
Maria was left in a wheel chair, her sweet white jasmines that decorated her hair shriveled. A thick shawl draped her frail form and a loose and her frail legs were covered by her long skirt.
Santiago had two crutches, a broken leg, and a severe concussion. He had bruises blooming along his neck and his left eye had become blurry.
They'd manage, they always did…but when will they be just above 'manageable'?
They were waiting on an empty landing strip, quiet from their exhaustion. They've tried their best to take care of their countrymen but the typhoon took a heavy toll on them.
Suddenly, the deafening sound of the plane pierced their ears. A Jumbo plane came to view and it landed smoothly, passing the two just by a few feet. They were able to withstand it with their extremely thick earmuffs and glasses.
The stairs came down and the first one to come down was a young man with lustrous strawberry blonde hair and the clearest blue eyes. He had a short sleeved shirt on and boot-cut jeans and his favorite jacket tied around his waist. He had a duffle bag over his toned shoulder.
He scanned around and finally his comforting eyes were on them. He ran down in a hurry.
The Filipina tried to stand up, but couldn't and thus was caught by the Filipino and both fell on the landing strip.
"Maria…San…" The American's strong arms helped both up, hugging them tightly in the process.
"P-Pasensya na Kuya Al…pinoproblema mo kami hanggang ngayon…" The girl whispered as her tears went down to America's shoulder.
(A/N: "I'm sorry, Kuya Al, You're still worrying about us until know")
"...Nagmodel-model ka pa para lang may mabigay…" The sobbing boy balled America's shirt. Not only was their adoptive brother 'forced' to pose in underwear but he made daily buffets that lasted for weeks and all the money went to them.
(A/N: "You did modeling just so you could give us some (money)")
"Grabe naman kayo…"Alfred hugged them a bit tighter, his American accent dissolved completely. "Basta, huwag na kayo mamoblema, 'kay?"
(A/N: "You're so exaggerative *in this context it kinda sounds or has a second tone like 'No big deal' or 'you don't have to feel guilty about it', since 'Grabe naman kayo' (plural) and 'Grabe ka naman' (singular) can convey a lot of other emotions depending on the situation…like when someone's overacting…it'll mean 'Now you're overeacting' or when someone spills your secret…then it'll sound like 'How could you do that?!'* Just don't worry (about anything), okay?")
"P-pero…" The Filipinos said in unison only to be shushed.
(A/N: "B-but…")
"Pamilya ko kayo…basta may problema, tutlungan ko kayo…" He smiled warmly, cradling both of them in his strong arms.
(A/N: "You're my family…when there's a problem, I'll (be there to) help you…")
"Hijo! Hija!" Then a familiar voice blared, almost sobbing.
"Papa!" The girl looked over Al's broad shoulder. "P-Papi?" The boy hid his head in embarrassment.
There Spanish father came in for a family hug, even hugging the American who was cradling both of them in the process.
He wore an olive tank top, grey scarf and cargo pants. His stunning emerald eyes were more stung in tears than the younger two.
"Lo siento, mis bebés…" He nuzzled deeper into a hug. "Pasensya na talaga, ang tagal ni boss na magbigay ng pera…p-pero nakapagbigay naman ako galling sa t-trabaho…" He apologized again, bereft of strength to look up his battered children.
*Spain's a famous jeweler and Tomato farmer*
(A/N: I'm very sorry that my boss took some time to give you money…b-but I was able to give (money) from work…")
"Sus, si Papi naman oh…" Santiago smiled.
(A/N: Jesus *it's a SIGH* Papi ('s over-exaggerating)*but it's kind of an expression and in this context it kinda sounds like 'You didn't have to do that', like before it can still mean a lot of things depending on your emotion and the conversation. It's basically a SIGH though, like when your dad embarrasses you…and you say that and you want him to know that you don't want him to do that or you don't feel that it was necessary*…)
"Everybody's here so don't worry about a thing…" Alfred smiled as he carefully placed Maria on her wheel chair and steadied Santiago to his feet, after Antonio decided to pull away of course.
The Philippine duo went into a happy-sobbing fit as they saw all the nations come down from the plane, running towards them.
"Maraming Salamat." They sucked in their tears as the others came closer and closer.
The nations were divided into three groups. There were the ones in charge of cleaning up, Turkey and Sweden were on top of that. There were the ones in charge of meeting the medical needs of the people; Canada and Denmark were overseeing everything. Lastly, there were the ones in charge of the children's and the families' emotional well-being, Ukraine and America volunteered whole-heatedly.
The first group wore red shirts. The second ones wore yellow shirts. And the last group wore blue. There were some shirts that were collared, some sleeveless, but all had the same print of the Philippine flag, masterfully redesigned and stylized by Prussia, who was wearing red.
America could've lifted walls faster than Turkey and Sweden (China volunteered as well, probably to look at the naked, sweaty bodies of the others). He could've helped with the check-ups and free medicine being a doctor himself…and being a few feet from Denmark was a treat he could not have passed on. But, children were his soft spot and it didn't hurt that he could keep an eye on Maria and Santiago.
A deafening cry echoed in the cramped premises of the church.
Belarus was frantically bouncing the baby she had up and down, not being the 'motherly caring' type.
"HOW THE HELL DO YOU TURN IT OFF!?" Natalia screamed as she tried looking for an off switch on the crying child.
"You have a long way to go, min kjærlighet…" Lukas swooped the baby from her arms with a soft smile. He was way more experienced than the younger Belarusian.
"Well if you told me how then I would know, wouldn't I?" Things were really heating up between the couple of two years.
"You have to learn those things on your own. It's not my fault that you never took care of a child before." Norway smiled smugly. "Who's idea was it to come here again?" His eyes were teasing.
"M-me, but…SHUT UP AND GIVE ME THE BABY!" Belarus extended her arms out wide and feet were planted on the ground.
"Nej." Norway answered turning his back on her.
"WHY YOU DAMN-"
Piano music started playing. Hands were playing down the keys meticulously and beautifully. Children clapped their hands and giggled in admiration. It must be Austria.
"Okay…napakinggan niyo na ba yung bagong kanta sa ABS?" The voice, however, was definitely not Austria's both in pitch, vigor and accent.
(A/N: "Okay…have you heard the new song from ABS *a tv station*?")
"Hindi pa po." The herd of kids said in unison.
(A/N: "Not yet (po)")
The piano played again, fingers were just playing around but it still sounded beautiful.
"Sige, patugtugin namin!" the voice chuckled. "Ayúdame, mi amigo!"
(A/N: Alright, we're going to play it)
"Sí!" Toni walked up the small flight of stairs. The young man talking was finally in view.
It was America, his smile bright as always. He had like three children sharing his seat and a dozen surrounding the piano. Maria had a child on her lap and Santiago was straining to keep a small girl on his shoulder.
"Alam niyo naman siguro yung kanta, no?" He smiled at the archipelago's representatives.
(A/N: I'm guessing that you (two) know the song?")
The two grinned. "Hindi sobra…hindi pa kami umuuwi e…" They laughed softly, causing the children to giggle. "Pero siyempre, carry yan!" Maria waved her Kuya off, her smile was genuine again.
(A/N: Not much…we haven't gone home yet…But of course, we'll manage" * 'carry' is an English world, we just use it to express that something will be manageable.*)
"Alright then…" America went back to his piano and Spain had his (technically, America's) guitar. The piano played softly.
(Sa isang awit ng Pasko)
Bawat Pasko'y may dalang himala (Every Christmas brings a miracle)
Malakas mang ulan, ito'y titila (Even if rains are strong, they'll end)
Spain started playing his guitar and gave it one last strum. His voice broke out the first lines of the song. His voice was soft and clear, pleasing to anyone's ears.
Bubuhos ang pagpapala (Grace will pour)
May kapiling ang nangungulila (Somebody's there for the ones longing)
Santiago was next, voice a little grainier and soulful than his Papi. The people started to grow silent, listening to the impromptu performances.
Anumang lungkot, tayo'y aahon (No matter what sadness, we'll rise up)
May lunas sa sugat ng kahapon (There's a cure for the wounds of yesterday)
America came in smoothly, his voice was fuller and more 'rock ballad-y' but he sounded like an angel with some on-purpose vocal break and grain.
Sa isa't isa'y mayrong paglingap (There's concern for and from everyone)
Mga pangarap, ngayo'y magaganap (Dreams will be happening now)
Maria sang her lines with such soul and grace, she sounded better than any songbird.
Laging masaya ang kwento ng Pasko (The story of Christmas is always happy)
Dahil sino ka man, may nagmamahal sa'yo (Because no matter who you are, there's somebody to love you)
The three men joined in for the refrain, harmonizing effortlessly. The song became livelier and everybody was now around the altar of the church. Norway started to beat the undamaged drum set, the other nations smiling.
He didn't know what the song meant, maybe just some snippets. But those snippets were the only things he needed to want to join in.
Ngayong Kapaskuhan ang pangako ko (My promise this Christmas)
Sa puso ko'y magkasama tayo (In my heart, we're together)
The girl joined in, clapping the baby's hands softly and hugging him tightly. The people started clapping in rhythm.
Filipino volunteers joined in, all from different walks of life, swaying back and forth, hand in hand.
Sa iisang awit ngayong Pasko (In the only song of Christmas)
Magkayakap ang tinig ko't sa iyo (Our voices will be together)
Sa 'ting himig, ipagdiriwang ang pag-ibig(In our song, let's celebrate love)
At ito ay tatawid sa buong daigdig(and it will cross the whole world)
Then a man from the 'choir' started a funny move, something like a stanky leg and just like that everybody, even mothers and grandmothers, were trying to copy it.
Sa iisang awit ngayong Pasko (In the one/only song of Christmas)
Magkayakap maglilingkod sa'yo ((We're) embracing, (We'll) be serving you)
Sa 'ting himig, nadarama na ang mahalaga (In our song, we can feel what's important)
Ay magkasama tayo sa kwento ng Pasko (is being together in the story of Christmas)
Magbago man lahat sa mundo (Even if everything in the world will change)
The drum stopped, leaving the electric guitar, the piano, and the soft claps. Antonio was definitely in rock-star mode, banging his heads comedically to make the people laugh.
Nananatili ang diwa ng Pasko (The message of Christmas remained)
San belted out a strenuous vocal run in the middle of his Papi's lines before doing his.
Ang pagpapala ay hindi mauubos (Grace will never ran out)
Alfred slammed the piano keys, arching his neck back.
Himala ng Pasko ay hiwaga ng… (The miracle of Christmas is the mystery of…)
He harmonized with his little adoptive sister.
…Diyos (God!)
Complete silence was met, Maria belted out a high note like a hot knife through butter, Al harmonized, giving the third lowest pitch, followed by San, providing a lower one, and Toni giving the lowest.
The drums and claps came back, people swaying back and forth. The others were lighting up candles. The foreign nations, tried their best to keep up with the song. They had a hard time, but no one minded.
Sa iisang awit ngayong Pasko (In the only song of Christmas)
Magkayakap ang tinig ko't sa iyo (Our voices will be together)
Sa 'ting himig, ipagdiriwang ang pag-ibig(In our song, let's celebrate love)
At ito ay tatawid sa buong daigdig(and it will cross the whole world)
The children joined it, smiling their widest, playing and swaying excessively while the four nations nearest to them did vocal runs, as if competing with each other. Light lit up their hearts, as the church became illuminated by the soft lights of the candles.
Sa iisang awit ngayong Pasko (In the one/only song of Christmas)
Magkayakap maglilingkod sa'yo ((We're) embracing, (We'll) be serving you)
Sa 'ting himig, nadarama na ang mahalaga (In our song, we can feel what's important)
Ay magkasama tayo sa kwento ng Pasko (is being together in the story of Christmas)
The song ended, everybody clapped and cheered. Eyes were staring a bit too long at America, who was starting to feel self-conscious. He darted for the company of the Filipinos, pre-occupying himself with talking with the people affected and giving them as much support he could give.
America was juggling four children. The tanned children were giggling loudly as he went 'flying' around the church turned rescue shelter. Their mothers were practically fuming but seeing their children happy and the fact that Alfred talked their lingo was very comforting to know.
"Oy, tama na…baka naman mahilo kayo…" Al chuckled as he knelt down, urging the four to dismount. He took off his glasses and hooked it on the neck hole of his blue shirt.
(A/N: "Enough…you might get dizzy…")
The children obediently jumped off, their faces pouting. America gave each a small pet on the head, causing the four to hug him tightly before scurrying off.
"You are really good with children, Alfred." Irinya made Alfred falter from his dreamy smile. The American blushed and looked away.
"Well, I've been taking care o-of a lot of animals, if that counts…" He gave a horrible fake cough. He rolled his short blue sleeved over his much toned shoulder, tattoos coming to full view. He kept pacing back and forth, his eyes directed down and his hands on the back of his neck.
"And I've been to a lot of orphanages…and I've done a lot of baby-sitting…and this isn't the first time I volunteered for stuff like this…" America wanted something to happen for him to stop talking.
"That is very nice of you, America…"Ukraine smiled, swaying to and fro, rocking the babies she had in her arms.
"T-thanks…" Alfred tried forcing a smile. "Um…I'll go get dinner ready…"
The Ukrainian nodded and the American was off. He went outside, heading for the makeshift kitchen but then he saw Maria and San staring at the moon.
He smiled worryingly as he approached them from behind.
"What'cha doin'?" Alfred came in, smiling as he tapped both shoulders. They seemed to have been surprised.
"O-Oh…Um..w-wala naman Kuya, j-just taking a whiff of fresh air!" Maria lied, wiping the tears that pooled under her eyes.
(A/N: N-nothing, Kuya.)
"You think that you can lie t'me?" America got on one knee, combing her hair. "Now tell me what's wrong…"
"It's nice that you really are a big brother to us, Kuya Al. You're not just doing this stuff for economic and diplomatic reasons. We love that you're not 'America' but, you're stressing about us all the time." San said bravely. "…Kuya…pakirandam naming na parang pampabigat lang kami sa'yo e." he broke down crying, looking away.
(A/N: Kuya…we feel like we're such a heavy burden to you.)
"I told you that I don't mind, I love you guys…" America stroked his back while petting Maria's head.
"Pero, kung dumedepende lang kami…paano kami lalaki?" Maria wept.
(A/N: But if we keep on depending…how will we grow?)
"There will be a time for everything, maghintay lang kayo, ha?" America smiled.
(A/N: just wait, okay?)
"Kanta ka nga kuya…please…" The girl requested, poking at her big brother's side, making the older nation irk at being tickled.
(A/N: Please sing, Kuya…please)
"Ga-gawin mo rin yung light show mo!" San joined in, using his only good arm to tickle America by his armpit.
(A/N: Do your light show too!)
"S-stop it! TAMA NA!" America tried not to laugh but he was a really ticklish person. "S-sige na nga…b-basta huwag na kayo iiyak." The hands left his sensitive areas.
(A/N: STOP IT ALREADY! A-alright, just don't cry anymore you two.)
America went his way back to the church to get his guitar.
"Gusto ko na malayo tayo…so that there'll be a lot more room for the show!" Alfred grinned, swinging the guitar back and picking the duo up as they headed for a clearing with no people.
(A/N: I want somewhere far…)
America helped the two sit on the dry dirt floor, making sure that they were as comfortable as possible. He laid his guitar in front of them and removed his right glove.
"Paano naman yung light show, nakalimutan ko na e." Kuya teased causing the two to puff their cheeks.
(A/N: How was the light show again, I already forgot.)
"Sinungaling!" They both said out loud.
(A/N: LIAR!)
America chuckled, preparing some firewood. His eyes flashed yellow as clouds started to cover the moon, sparks of lighting present and soft thunder rolling.
"HALA! KAKABAGYO LANG! Huwag ka naman gumawa ulit!" Santiago reacted, trying his best to get on his knees.
(A/N: We just had a storm, please don't make another one!)
"I'm not…" Kuya smiled, his hands started glowing in a bright light, trails of it wisping away from them. He clenched his right fist and it a gauntlet became bright, warm fire. He shot a ball to the pile of wood, immediately making a roaring flame before the hand reverted back to its previous glow.
"You mean like this?" America cocked a brow as he formed an incandescent ball of light in his hand. It looked soft even in its intangible form. Small globs of it faded as they fell from the main body.
The two had nostalgic smiles as they reminisced the nights when Kuya's powers became very useful and entertaining.
America threw the ball in the air, his hands controlling it like a conductor. The ball circled so fast that it became a ring before exploring into a soft drizzle of energy.
The small flakes fell to the ground, making the dirt path look like the starry night sky. They twinkle periodically while the two battered nations smiled.
America sat down on the other side of the fire, facing them. He got his guitar and started playing.
(Bridge of Light by P!nk for Happy Feet 2)
The small beads of light hovered just a few inches above the ground before going down in a repetitive cycle.
Just when you think hope is lost
And giving up is all you got,
The lights went out, although they could still make out their shapes that exuded a depressing black light that was visible in spite of the darkness around due to it being darker than the sky.
Blue turns black; your confidence is cracked,
There seems no turning back from here
The balls started to circle and float up softly in a cool blue tinge with flecks that were still white. The specks were formed into makeshift animals, like small birds, horses, deer, and even a penguin.
Now Maria was clapping fervently while San's eyes widened as the make-shift animals started to fly around them. It felt like they were inside a carousel, their hands passed through the small flakes that made up each animal.
Sometimes there isn't an obvious explanation
Why the holiest hearts can feel the strongest palpitations
Sparks flew everywhere as they circled faster and faster, balls of energy exploded into grandiose showers. They dispersed in a huge spray, fading slowly.
That's when love can build a bridge of light
That's what turns the wrongs all right
That's when you can't give up the fight
Then a huge pod of whales came from above, passing through the three before going up into the sky. The Filipinos marveled at the display, feeling as though they were under the oceans.
Baby whales stuck close to their mothers as they continued to wonder about before disappearing into thin air, the music stopped.
The duo looked curiously at the grinning American while winds started to pick up and lighting flashed.
They became frantic, hysterically moving about just to make Alfred feel that they were not comfortable at all.
That's when love turns nighttime into day,
That's when loneliness goes away
That's why you gotta be strong tonight
'cause only love can build us a bridge of light
Suddenly beams of green, blue, and purple lights peeped through the dark clouds. A huge aurora had appeared out of nowhere, well not really out of nowhere.
The curtain swayed up and down. They could see figures within the shawl like the one in Brother Bear.
Two eagles raced along the Aurora, they possessed great white light. The two birds approached the campfire as the colorful lights died down.
Only love can build us a bridge of light...
Of light...
Of light...
The birds made of light swooped pass between the two and threw themselves in the fire, exploding into a huge heart made of fire.
Maria kept on squealing as she clapped joined by Santiago. Both were smiling and that made Kuya smile, though he was smiling through a bit of pain.
Alfred brought his hand on his forehead, breathing deeply. He was definitely palpitating and having a mild attack. It felt like his eyes were getting crushed by his sockets and his heart pumping blood harder through very narrow tubes.
"K-kuya?" The two approached him, the girl strolled her wheelchair while the boy limped with his crutches.
"I-I'm fine…just a bit of jetlag…" America brushed the dust off his pants, tolerating the pain. "Come on now, I still have to make dinner!" He smiled warmly as he went behind the two, pushing Maria's wheelchair in pace with San's limps.
Dinner was very nice. Kids were getting a lot of spaghetti sauce all over their faces and Fried Chicken crumbs were everywhere. All the rice was now eaten and America had brought out more food. Filipino favorites were placed on the huge makeshift table of rubbish. The whole community dines together, smiling and laughing as if there was a fiesta going on. People seated with the nations, both sides trying to speak clearly enough in English to understand each other.
"Now everybody eat, there's still dessert coming up!" France announced before going back to the kitchen outside.
"AL! YOU HAVE GOT TO EAT SOMETHING!" Canada tried shoving a whole loaf of bread to his twin's mouth. Everybody had their fill except for America who lied about eating a ton already.
"I told you that I'm hungry!" America laughed it off, his hand pushing the loaf away.
"I am your twin, I can feel how hungry you actually are…"Mattie pulled on both his brother's cheeks, making the other squirm and whimper in a cute, pouty manner.
"I'ww wustle something up later!" America bargained, his cheeks still being pulled.
"And how do I know that you'll do it?" Canada quizzed, letting go of his brother's cheek meat.
"Don't you trust me?" Al sulked, massaging his two reddening cheeks.
"In this situation…No, I do not." Mattie sighed before stroking his brother's hair while in a tight hug. "I know that you don't want to eat until you feel like everything's all better here." He whispered tenderly.
"But it won't change overnight and I'm sure that you don't want Maria or San feeling guilty again." He pulled away, gripping on his younger brother's arms.
"…Or make me worried 'cause I'll beat the crap out of you…Or Francis 'cause he'll start crying…Or Arthur 'cause he'll be doing who knows what… Or Denmark…"
"And what about Danemark?" Francis squeezed between his adopted sons' conversation.
"O-Oh, nothing…It's just because he's Al's best friend and all…"The Canadian laughed nervously.
"Oh, I see how that would be possible." The French man was at ease. The last thing he wanted was his little boys going out with Old Europeans whom he didn't trust fully until now.
"You better eat Alfred or I will be joining your brother in stuffing you up!" France placed his hand on the taller man's broad shoulder, eyes showing deep concern.
"I will, 'promise. Now, let's make some dessert, 'kay?" America smiled, formulating a plan to get his way done without raising much suspicion.
It was past twelve midnight. The night finally came to a silent end.
It was a unanimous decision to stay the night here rather than finding a hotel in less damaged places.
The girls slept inside the church with the victims of the Typhoon. They brought a lot of spare mattresses that served as their personal donation to the people of Tacloban.
Tents were set up outside for the men and vans that were parked around also served as there sleeping place for the night.
Alfred was still awake, washing the dishes, he didn't feel like sleeping and China did a bang up job cleaning the plastic ware. He was exerting his energy to either feel sleepy and/or hungry, whichever he'll experience first.
He had a plain black tank-top, white pajama bottoms, and slippers. They were a little sweaty and stained but it wasn't a big deal.
Good thing everyone was asleep, he didn't want anyone to either lying about how sloppy he was with cleaning the dishes or how openly surprised they were to see him doing a thorough job at it.
He sighed audibly once he finished wiping them all squeaky clean. His pruny fingers were definitely disturbing and hilarious to look at.
He went to turn on the LPG under the cooking stove that was placed at a safe distance to the west of the cooking area.
He cracked some eggs and sliced some tomatoes that were placed in a bowl. Some onions were also diced and a splash of oil made it to the heated pan.
The sizzle sounded loud as the onion was tossed followed by the scrambled eggs and slices of juicy tomatoes.
He threw in some pepper and other herbs just to play around. Just over one minute, he was finished cooking.
He had his plate with a small hill of omelet and a cup of cinnamon tea (yes, coffee is not the only thing he drinks) and sat on a plastic chair, placing the food on the plastic table.
He closed his eyes as he pushed away thoughts of laziness and find the strength to eat. The hunger was there but not the mood.
He heard footsteps coming. It must be his twin brother, planning to nag him until he finished a mountain of food.
"America?" His eyes opened when he registered a feminine voice instead. He snapped his head up to see Ukraine in her robe and pajamas.
"What're you doing up so late, Ukraine?" Alfred smiled as the woman approached.
"I should ask you the same question." She took her seat right across the American, wrapping her robe around her.
"Well…I couldn't sleep and Mattie and Francis are forcing me to eat something…and I'm here trying to get myself in the mood to." America crossed his arms, looking at his food.
"I see…you have a concerned family." Was she trying to small talk? Or did she want a full-blown conversation? He was hoping that it was not the latter. She might find him weird and chatty.
"I guess so." Alfred looked away, trying to give the Ukrainian a subtle yet respectful hint of his reluctance to continue. Irinya sighed heavily in response.
"You are one of the most perplexing nations I know." She sunk in her seat, America looking away even more. "First of, you are very loud and childish when it came to meetings. But then, according to others…more specifically, China, you are hostile and anxious. But then, when it comes to others, they say you're a sweet kitten…or a chirping bird, whatever that means."
Irinya threw her hands up. "So, who are you really?"She intertwined her fingers as her elbows rested on the table.
"I don't know." America smiled, copying her posture in order to taunt. "Why don't you tell me? I can sense that yer good at that."
"Thank you for noticing, miy̆ druh!" She smiled, her eyes crinkling to compliment her curved lips.
(A/N: My friend)
"Na zhalʹ , vy ne zmozhete rozkryty sviy̆ sekret ." America smirked deviously. Ukraine was pleasantly surprised as she heard her native language roll out off the other's tongue effortlessly and clearly.
(A/N: "Sadly, you will not be able to uncover my secret.")
"My pobachymo." A weird swirly pattern started to glow on the woman's palms. She quickly pinned the American's wrist on the table. Alfred surprised that he was numb and paralyzed.
(A/N: "We shall see.")
Al's body started acting weird. He knew what was going to happen as he felt his body becoming undone. His eyes shifted to amber-yellow and canines started growing sharp as well as his nails. He tried his best to control his body but he couldn't. Alas, his wings were out, knocking off some of the things behind and beside him.
"…S-shcho ty robysh zi mnoyu?" He asked in a fearful tone as he tried to move his heavy and stiff arms.
(A/N: What are you doing to me?)
"Discovering what you really are!" Irinya smiled comfortingly, she really had no intent of harming the other, she was just overly curious. Her gripped tightened on the man's wrists, forcing the other's body to unravel even more.
America's breathing started to slow down, his body relaxing. Strings of magnificent gold ran up his arms, going to his neck and then focusing on his temples. The strings formed a mesmerizing web pattern, going with the flow of the contours of his body. The pattern looked similar to the web of a dream catcher. Though it had no loop encasing it, the patterns seem to have originated from certain points in his body and from there they spread out in fading circles and met with one another at some points.
She was pretty sure that the two came from his temples; another two was from his shoulder blades, where his wings were sprouting, the middle of his mid-section and two from his lower sides, since the exact points of origin were glowing under his shirt.
'No wonder he has a lot of dream catchers for tattoos…'
His breathing hitched as his eyes shut closed, head thrown back. The strings started to glow stronger as winds picked up.
Irinya concentrated as the other became puttier in her hands, sensing that if she didn't hurry up the American's body would start and react with hostility even if Alfred didn't mean to.
It was a common response though. Russia had it, Belarus, Canada (it was a really scary one), Denmark (She almost got attacked by five gigantic wolf spirits), England, France, Hungary, Sweden, Norway, Spain, Prussia…the list goes on and on. She should just make a list of nations who don't have it.
She refocused upon hearing America wince; pain had started being in contact with her for a little over five minutes.
America's hands started to exude a white form of energy, absolutely brilliant to the older nation's eyes. Ukraine closed her eyes, as she surfed through the emotional and behavioral part of his mana or chi or whatever you wanted to call it.
The nation was youthful and exuberant though he's calm and mature most of the time when he's with a select few. He's knowledgeable in many ways and a practical and simple person. He was mild-mannered and definitely believes in Heavenly Powers. He was definitely a sympathetic and fair individual, not really a person who had grudges though he made a big fuss about it for a short span of time.
He was fairly patient and respectfully protective once he got attached to someone.
Irinya searched deeper. Alfred gasped as he clenched his fists.
Alfred didn't really want any trouble. He was just very aggressive when he felt cornered. He hated feeling cornered, he hated feeling vulnerable, and that's why it took a lot of time for a person like him to come around, there was just too much he had been through to let a lot of people in. A small breach of trust and it would be broken for a long time or at least until you said a proper sorry being a bit oversensitive.
He was a tough cookie, Ukraine felt the pain he had felt for so long. The main reason he hid all the pain under the obnoxiously thick-skinned airhead was to keep the new pains from getting to him. He was definitely trying to match himself with how the world wanted him to act. A lot of pressure considering his you-
The woman's brows furrowed as she skimmed across the other's energy.
…he was well-over a thousand. He was even older than some of the Europeans. However, his early life was so blurry but she could feel that it was a horrible mix of happy and painful. He was an immortal child until Europe came along. But, it seemed that even before Europe, there was already a thorn in his side that did not want to come off. His fears of ghosts and monsters were not from a weak-hearted paranoid person but a result from a scarred childhood with the monsters being metaphors for something else.
"…P-please…s-stop…" America tried to open his eyes, feeling as though as he was on fire. He started shaking like a leaf, ambiguous moans starting to push out forcefully from his mouth. Ukraine let go, feeling guilty.
Alfred got blood going through his arms again as he rubbed them up and down with his rough hands. He was shivering and his nose was runny and red. His wings were tucked back into nothing and everything else disappeared in a flash.
Whimpers started to fill the air; it was scary for him to feel all cold like that…so vulnerable…it was too familiar. He shook his head as he rocked to and fro, trying to go back and forth between memories of his mother and memories of his new family, his friends, and everything else that made him want to wake up the next day.
Ukraine felt disgusted at herself; she pushed her powers too far. She got overzealous, but Alfred was just too interesting, a little more than Spain or Denmark with all their dark moments in life. Curse her and her gossiping addiction.
She sighed; at least she knew that he was really twins with Canada. They had a similar signature, though opposite in spectrum. He had similar patterns though his was neon-red and a little more jagged and organic. His focal points were at the corners of his mouth, the sides of his chest, the center of his mid-section, and his upperarms.
The older twin had red eyes (slitted pupils as well), a Cheshire grin full of black needle teeth, longer nails, and black thick fumes that came from his mouth. And what a delicious mouth it was.
'I have to stop thinking of hot young men!' She shook her head wildly. The last thing she wanted to do was remember the countless times she frenched the men she's…made to unravel.
"Are you okay, America?" The Ukrainian brought her hand to his right arm only for the American to twitch and move away. Guess not.
Silence was unbearable. Irinya looked around, not wanting to leave the other nation on a bad note. She took notice of the simple plate of omelet and the meager cup of cooling tea. They said that you could tell a person by his food. Damn it. She could've just made assumptions using the food.
"Have you made yer assumption?" The American brought the cup to his lips, taking a long hard sip. He needed heat in him.
"Da…I think…" The other nation perked up, finally at ease.
"Satisfied?" He asked simply. No. Well, maybe…What?
"Um…I think I got all I need…" She answered with a lot of reluctance. Oh why wasn't she good at lying?
"I don't think so…" Alfred stood up, a little shaky. "Why don't I make you some midnight omelet?"
"No thank you, Americ-"
"Alfred." The American said curtly as he made some omelet in a flash. The pan fizzled again.
"A-alright. I didn't know you were that old, Alfred." She said the first thing she thought of.
"I thought that you've done Mattie before me?" Ukraine stiffened. "…We kinda had a mind-link thing before…don't know…" America grinned.
"But sure, I've been here a pretty long time. Nobody asks and I'm pretty sure that they won't think it's possible...so why bother?" He sighed. "Still remember my mom trying to make cave-living as 'stylish' as possible. You should've seen the crap she tried to make!" He laughed hard, so hard that he started to snort.
"…I remember one time when she tried making a fresh deer head look chic…kinda wanted to be a domestic diva or something." He calmed down, placing the perfect plated omelet in front of the woman.
"Um…what about the dream catchers?" As lame as it might sound, it was definitely a thing she wanted to know.
"My mom started fooling around with 'arts and crafts' when we were born, she kept on trying to copy the patterns me and Mattie had and after a while her hard work paid off." He took a huge slice of omelet to his eager mouth.
"…If I'm not mistaken, there weren't dream catchers 'til like a lot later. So, it was our little secret, we made one for each special occasion but we were never able to keep any of them…I actually gave one away to someone…" Alfred gave a small dazed smile as he looked down at his cup of tea.
"So, want to continue this 'til the sun comes around?" The American suggested with a charming and easy grin that was just too cute to the Ukrainian. "I am pretty sure that you don't want us to do it like back in Amsterdam? Or Athens…or Cairo?...Or not like Alexandria?"He chuckled.
Those were pretty wild times…
"I would appreciate it if you won't mind…" She tried a piece of the fluffy egg. Her eyes twinkled and her mouth salivated, this was definitely the most delicious omelet in the world.
"I won't mind one bit." He took his seat and decided to let the silence to come back for the mean time as he continued eating.
"Shut up! Someone might hear you!" A girl's voice came from a distant huge pile of rubbish.
"As if we weren't loud when I was banging you!" A familiar man's voice answered back.
The two voices started to curse and threaten each other to no end, so much so that the pile crumbled and the two were revealed.
Norway was sloppily dressed in his boxers and sleeveless shirt. His whole right arm was covered in numerous tattoos, like verses from the bible, religious symbols, Viking art stuff, Viking boats, and some Chinese proverb that America was too annoyed to read (he was still pissed at China).
Then there was Belarus, her shirt was sloppy and so was here bra and hair.
Alfred and Irinya decided to stare, not minding them as much and not really knowing what to do as the two lovebirds made their way back to their quarters, red as cherries as they avoided the two's following gaze.
"So, yer not the least bit creeped out that you saw yer sister…"
"…Coming from a man who screws his brother…"
Both laughed loudly before continuing their long conversation that definitely span past sunrise.