We're Enemies

Chapter 17

Why are you telling me all of this like it hasn't been haunting me for the entire week...

"I... I can not answer that. I am sorry... I really am."

"You better be!" I feel the pressure on my knees as he kneels in front of me and grabs me. I feel the tears roll down my own cheek as I force myself to look into the boy's eyes...

He's so young... 

so vulnerable in this moment... 

...And so much like Him.

"America...?"

He rests his forehead on my lap and stays quiet. I tentatively put my hand on the back of his head. His hair is rough... It's so much like His... This boy truly is so much like Him..

"Hey France...?"

"Yes, America?"

He doesn't bother to look up.

"Do you think I could have stopped him?" 

I don't know what to say...

I could have..

He wanted me to...

No... 

He needed me to...

"I mean, I saw him when he entered the hotel you know... I was right there in the lobby. I even said hello to him... ... He said good night to me, he sounded so tired... I said that I'll talk to him the next day... but... but he... I never got the chance!..."

He looked up. His eyes red. Probably matching mine...

"I understand how hard this is for you... I really am sorry."

"But, why did he go to you? Germany told me he had tried to talk to you at the bar before spilling a drink on you and running off? You guys have always been enemies, right? so why did he go to you if he was troubled? Why didn't he come to me? He knew I would have helped him right? I'm the ... hero, after all. Do you think it's because of the Scotland issue?"

"It must be the Scotland issue" I answer.

Of course it is... Hasn't Scotland always been the damn issue!

"Maybe he came to me to talk about my alliance with Scotland... I can't think of anything else..." 

I know exactly why he came to me... why he came to me with my name on his lips... But I don't know what name to give it...

"I wish he knew how much I cared for him... Do you think he would have ever come to me if I acted less self centered?" he chimes in...

"Alfred... both of us know it was his own sense of pride in front of others that stopped him from seeking help... He loved you just the way you are. You know it."

You aren't the only one who cares for him, you know?

He gets up and quickly wipes his face. He walks to the other end of the room and picks up the cushion and hands it to me. 

"Sorry about this, man. I'm just a bit on edge since..."

"It's OK Alfred, I understand."

I know exactly how that feels.

He picks his glasses from the coffee table, and at once, his face is back to his usual self with only puffy eyes as proof of his vulnerability... But this boy has never been afraid to express his emotions, he finds strength in them...

... I wish He could have too...

"Anyway, I don't think I'll find too many answers here, so I'll head off. He's buried back in his own country. There's an official memorial today. Ends at 6:00 P.M. ... Make it if you can."

And when does it start?... You're smarter than you let on... No wonder He was so proud of you... He raised you right... Thanks.

"You know, somehow, finding the scars, old an new, littering his arms was more painful than the exit wound through his skull. I know you know more of the story than you are letting on, but I'll let you keep your secrets..."

"America... what are you..."

Scars?... No......

"I know you guys were enemies and stuff, but I guess you would still want to go visit once. After all, staying off the grid for a whole week and drinking day and night till you lose your own renowned sense of fashion, and having eyes red and puffy, from what I assume is definitely not crying, is a bit of an overkill for the death of an enemy, no? Clean up and get some fresh London air, old man."

He leaves without turning back. 

I don't want to think... but I can't help the images my mind is creating...

... His arms... covered in scars...

... the empty gun...

Goodness England! I'm so sorry...

I ignored Him when he came begging to me for help...

It's a little too late.

Notes:

idk man... I just really like this America(USA) as the new England comparison...
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I hope the story is enjoyable so far. A few more chapters left. Maybe 3 more and an epilogue depending on my mood.

also, see how the chapters keep getting longer? I just can't help the angst.