Marie slammed open the front door impatiently, panting heavily, shivering slightly, her heart hammering in her chest. Water dripping from her hair, her hands frozen, her clothes soaked. This had to be the worst part of her week to date, she felt utterly humiliated and foolish. She had always prided herself on being responsible and cautious, a role model to her allies and someone who could always offer advice. Though she had predicted a storm coming, she never thought it would be so severe, perhaps a basic drizzle, a light shower, nothing too worrying. Weather was unpredictable, nature was unpredictable. However, getting a hotel room for the night would have been more sensible. The wind so strong it broke her umbrella, blinded by the rain, trying to find anything as shelter and cover so she didn't walk into traffic. Nearly slipping on the pavement, her clothes sticking to her like a second skin. Her bun was a mess, ripped from its binding giving her hair a dishevelled, windswept look. She never wanted to do that again, she just wanted to erase this horrible day from her memory. She looked a mess but she was so happy to be home, warm, dry and protected, it was no longer her problem. She felt her body slowly recovering, sensing she was safe, she was cold, she was tired and she was hungry, her skin felt like ice. She slammed the front door closed, removing her wet coat as she basked in the warmth. "Mon Dieu, that storm came out of nowhere" she cursed, she knew her boss had gotten rooms for the night, which perhaps on hindsight she should have done too, she hoped she didn't get sick from this.
Her boss had told her to head home before the weather worsened, offering to let her use the company car which she politely refused. She didn't wish to be a bother and given the weather wasn't too serious she could manage. She wished she had taken him up on his offer, instead of being so stubborn. Her wellbeing was of great importance to him, and the sentiment was returned. She knew she would sleep like the dead tonight, stress only causing her fatigue and exhaustion. The other nations had offered her a ride home, so they could buddy up and split fares, which she had also rejected. Every helping hand offered to her she cut off, she had spited herself whether she meant to or not. Now she had gotten herself into this mess, at least it would make for an entertaining story upon reflection even if living it had been less than pleasant. Her clothes had stains from mud, dirty water, puddles and more on them, making her wince in shame. She took pride in her appearance and had ruined her clothes. Her mascara would be running, her lipstick smudged, like one of those memorable scenes where the main character has a breakup or a manic moment. She heard footsteps approaching, a familiar figure appearing in the doorway of the hall, she was prepared to get an earful. She had messaged Alice throughout the day to inform her about her progress and what time she would be home. But in her fervour, she had been so desperate to get home she had forgotten to communicate or update.
Alice was wiping her hands on a towel, the smell of something delicious coming from the kitchen, perhaps in the progress of making dinner. She had noticed Marie wasn't updating her on her journey home, she assumed she got drinks with a friend or her train was delayed. "Welcome... home?" she trailed off, her gaze catching sight of Marie, her eyes widened in surprise. She was soaked, she looked like a drowned cat, she looked exhausted, her clothes were dripping wet and she was shivering, why hadn't she called? She would have picked her up in an instant, she didn't care about traffic or the weather, she would come get her rain or shine. Marie was usually so much better prepared. "Marie? What happened pet?" she pestered impatiently. What had she been thinking? Why hadn't her boss informed her? She hurried towards her wife, helping her remove parts of her damp clothes, the weight of their dampness soaking her. She had been working from home a lot lately, luckily today hadn't been a world meeting, just a situation between Marie and her bosses. Including some meetings needed with some of her personal allies. She had wished her luck and told her to come home safe but work hard. She knew how stressful and inconvenient the job could be sometimes, how much pressure was placed on the shoulders of nations. But she would always help Marie when she needed insight or support, just as she would return the sentiment.
Marie smiled sheepishly, there was no excuse she could make to get out of this, her wife was too perceptive and would see through her lies. She knew Alice was about to lecture her on being reckless and foolish, given she teased her wife a lot this was warranted payback. She wouldn't let her forget this, reminding everyone of how careless France was capable of acting. She had no right to make fun of Alice after this, she was capable of making her own mistakes. "A thunderstorm" she explained, the rain had been like bullets, splattering the ground into an ocean. She expected the storm of texts, calls and more she would get, her friends and coworkers asking if she got home safely. All of them watching the weather worsen knowing she was facing it. But she was indeed safe, home with her relieved wife, who would be reminding her about this for weeks to come.
Alice sighed, the immaturity her wife was capable of displaying could be exhausting sometimes, it was like she forgot she was thousands of years old. But then this would be an entertaining story to tell Scotland and the others at some point. She would get sick if she didn't warm up, she had only herself to blame if she got a head cold or fever from this. All the years she had scolded her, she had no right to speak, running home in thin clothes in the middle of a storm? She had been so irresponsible. Her mind flooded with every what if situation that could have gone wrong. What if there was an accident? What if she hurt herself? But she was safely home, unharmed albeit exhausted. "Go change, I'll put the kettle on, and take a hot shower while you're at it" she soothed. Her history and experience with nursing came handy at a time like this. She ushered Marie into the bathroom, handing her fluffy towels and a dressing gown, not taking no for an answer. She could take as long as she liked so long as she warmed up. The latter headed to the bathroom like a scolded child, crying about how sorry she was and how England was so kind. Alice loved her wife with all her heart but her childishness was both endearing and frustrating.
Marie sighed happily, her body flushed red from the heat of the shower, her skin felt warmer, like her core had been revitalised. All of her senses were returning to normal, she could feel her hands again. She felt like she could fall asleep on this very couch, just falling into a deep slumber and wake up with no memory of what happened. She'd changed into her pyjama's, her hair released from it's usual top bun, grabbing her light cotton V neck purple top with long sleeves and matching bottoms with flowers. Alice had made her a mug of honey milk, knowing it was a comfort memory from their childhood together. England smiled, sipping her tea as she watched her wife get comfortable, the colour had come back to her cheeks, she had stopped shivering. She looked livelier, calmer, comfier "Are you feeling better now love?" she asked fondly. She was glad to see her back to her usual self, being as reckless as she had, she could have made herself sick. Though their marriage vows had involved in sickness and in health, that didn't mean she couldn't confront Marie on making stupid decisions.
Marie smiled, this was just what she had needed as a boost, she felt like such a fool, why hadn't she just gotten a taxi? Why hadn't she taken the train? Upon hindsight, her choices had been immature. She was so lucky to have a stubborn wife like Alice, her doting, affectionate and maternal side made her a brilliant caregiver. "Mmm, Angleterre, your honey milk is the best, you spoil me so amour" she giggled, she truly married an angel, she felt so lucky. England may have been perceived as bossy, a know-it-all and controlling, but deep down she was responsible, mature and self aware. She'd endured suffering, loss, grief and more. She was merely trying to protect others.
England sighed, France called herself a big sister to others, and yet none of them had any idea how immature she could be. The dork she ended up marrying became the best decision she ever made, they had been watching over one another since their adolescence. Marie was a huge advocate in sharing love, in every form it came in, first love, young love, soulmates, queer relationships, platonic love. Sharing affection for the people closest to you. Accepting and embracing heartache, rejection and learning to use them as lessons until you found your person. Reaching out to stroke Marie's wet hair affectionately, thinking of what could have happened to her while she was gone, the risks and dangers involved. Her stomach turned thinking of Marie enduring some form of harm. The rain was no joke, though walking it was merely protecting yourself from water; accidents, floods, leaks and more, all risks caused by water. Bad weather was always a risk, never knowing what could happen, how something ordinary could be flipped instantly. "Honestly, you should have called me, I would have come and got you in a heartbeat" she scolded.
Marie winced, waiting for England to arrive in her car would have been easier, she could have listened to music or found another distraction until she arrived. She had gotten herself into this mess "Oui, but it was only light when I left, the storm came out of nowhere before I could find shelter, it was too late" she protested. The rain had gotten heavier without warning, slowly worsening into something heavier. Running to find cover and hoping it was just a brief cloudburst and would slowly decrease. Taxis were booked up, call lines were unavailable, she knew trains would be delayed, she didn't want to endure that. Waiting hours for a taxi to arrive until the rain inevitably stopped, having to change trains just to get home, it would just be a waste of time.
Alice sighed, they were supposed to be adults, everyday was a learning lesson and brought unexpected problems no matter the occasion. Raising her finger, mimicking a teacher "Be prepared for anything love, rain or shine" she encouraged. Sometimes life threw inconveniences at you, ruining a seemingly perfect day and ruining your plans. But adapting, considering your options and finding a solution was always a suggestion. Marie pouted, Alice looked like a schoolteacher when she did that, making her look like an even bigger fool. Like she was a student being scolded, waiting for her to learn her lesson and then speaking for her when she couldn't understand. She always had to have the last laugh, she sipped her honey milk in silence, she knew she'd already lost this argument. Alice chuckled, leaning over to dry Marie's hair with the towel, carefully ruffling her head "I'm glad you're home safe, just take an umbrella next time". Marie relaxed, softening as Alice doted on her, enjoying being babied.
