[video] in which America will prove that he's right and YOU ARE WRONG

[starspangledhero]

[ Something is amiss in Hetalialand. If you thought Italy!Japan was odd, you're in for something else tonight. Instead of America's usual bomber jacket/hippie clothes/nudity, he's actually cleaned himself up. The horrendous bowl cut is slicked back to be less... awful, he's clean-shaven, and he's managed to patch together a semi-respectable navy blue suit. (Kinda like the icon but way more dusty/moth-eaten/DAMN IT DISCEDO RUINS EVERYTHING AND HE'S TRYING.) Also, red bow tie. Of course. There is nothing to be done about the cowlick. Oh, and the bandages are gone yay! All that's left is a bruise around his left eye.

America had currently set the communicator aside to finish fixing his hair in the mirror. Even his apartment is cleaned up what the hell have you done to him, Japan. ]

Japan's love life aside, there's still a lot of other work to be done to Discedo. Things to be mended, repaired, restored, removed, explored. And I hope you know all know that I fully intend to do all that. As much as is possible for a world power, anyway, though I have to say that's a lot to look forward to!

[ He finishes combing his hair and, to the side of the screen, effortless hoists a washing machine onto his shoulder and moves it off-screen. Walking back over: ]

Doctor Whoever You Are, whenever you're free, I'd very much appreciate any help with this. I can move them all to the basement no problem, but I'm afraid I'm a bit lost when it comes to piping and repairs. Still, I'll do all I can!

In the mean time... I've decided to take everyone's advice and give myself a night off. I've already worked myself to death once; it wouldn't do anyone a favor to repeat that. Not when there's so much left to do!

Anyone is welcome to join me for a drink, or just to hang out-- er, socialize. Whatever. Point is, company's welcome. Otherwise I guess I'll... go fight my way through the library and hope they have one of my writers. Or something sci-fi!

[ America grins, winks at the camera, and bows slightly before moving to shut it off. Blame Japan. BLAME THE COMMUNISTS TOO IF YOU'D LIKE. ]

Comments

[starspangledhero]

[ SCREAM ]

I don't see what being shy has to do with charm. In fact, I prefer if people are more direct and outgoing!

[brbmodernizing]

For example, if I were to give you a compliment, and you were to say something along the lines of "I know," then it would no longer be a charming moment.

[starspangledhero]

Even if it's true?

[brbmodernizing]

Yes. The point of modesty is to politely shy away from compliments, regardless of whether or not they are true. In turn, you seem more likable, and are open to new compliments.

1/2

[starspangledhero]

[ THIS. FACE. ]

[starspangledhero]

[ Followed by a cough. ]

I'll uh, keep that in mind.

[ And then IMMEDIATELY IGNORE IT. ]

[brbmodernizing]

If you deny a compliment, others are supposed to insist. It results in hearing it a few more times than you would normally.

[BUUUUT he doesn't expect America to listen.]

[starspangledhero]

What, seriously?

[ THAT WORKS? ]

[brbmodernizing]

Yes.

[starspangledhero]

...Well then.

[brbmodernizing]

...well?

[starspangledhero]

[ KEEPING HIS MOUTH SHUT FOR ONCE. He's achieving this by discreetly stuffing it with food. ]

[brbmodernizing]

[STAREEEE]

[starspangledhero]

[ SWALLOW. STARE BACK. ]

...How are you, Japan?

[brbmodernizing]

I am just fine, thank you. ...And yourself?

[starspangledhero]

[ "Denmark says I have syphilis" ]

...Good.

[brbmodernizing]

[You people and your risque behavior of sitting on toilets.]

I am glad to hear it.

[starspangledhero]

Same.

[ ... ]

So.

[brbmodernizing]

So? [Could totally start a conversation but this is mildly entertaining...]

[starspangledhero]

[ Do you delight in his struggles, Japan? ]

Sorry. I haven't... done this in over a century. And usually that was in the South. ...When I was the South. You know what I mean.

[brbmodernizing]

[...A little bit]

Ahh, I recall that. You were... ah... he was...? very kind.

[starspangledhero]

[ HAHA EXCUSE FOR ME TO RAMBLE ABOUT THE CIVIL WAR YES. ]

I was big on chivalry, especially when it came to the ladies, and I remember being so excited to go off to war at first, 'cause it would be like an adventure--that's what I thought on both sides! Sure Johnny liked to gamble and cuss up a storm, and he was as all of us get during times of war, but he was good at heart. They both were.

...What was the point I was trying to make?

[brbmodernizing]

[Every day forever]

...

I believe you may have been trying to show that both parts of you during that time were good.

[starspangledhero]

[ God I could ramble about the Civil War until the end of time. ]

Good people. The Confederacy's intentions weren't entirely pure, but he was good people. He ultimately just wanted to be on his own, I think. My second revolution. Didn't quite do exactly what was intended, but hey, I turned out alright.

[ cough oh yeah modesty. ] Well, you saw a snippet of me back then, and you can certainly see me now. I guess you can decide for yourself.

[brbmodernizing]

[So knowledgeable..]

I can. ... Still, I admit it is interesting to hear your thoughts on the matter.