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

[ 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. ]

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ he's already turned away, but he's paused on the way to his bedroom. ]

I refuse to believe that. Maybe that's what they want. Too many people die for me to think that I'm not gonna get my happy ending. And I'm not just talking as a country.

[ shoulders sagging as he walks away. his voice is almost quiet for once. ]

It's my story, I'll end it how I want to.

[ annnnddd after a while, he returns with a bunch of cothes that need holes sewn back together. his face remains surprisingly neutral. ]

[ not even bothering to look up at America, England's busy arranging the various clothes into piles that only make sense to him ]

I'm happy enough with the way things are. I'm happy enough alone, and watching my economy prosper is enough happiness for me.

Are you?

[ His lips twitch, just slightly, into a wry grin. ]

I'm almost jealous. But, I'd rather tell people: don't fear death, but rather the unlived life. You don't have to live forever. You just have to live. That's what they do, and that's what I do.

Obviously, idiot.

[ STILL STARING AT HIS SEWING PILES... ]

Some of them, perhaps. Most of them seem content enough wasting their lives and ignoring all well-meant advice.

[ and after a slight pause, and after finishing patching a shirt ]

If you're really that lonely, I suppose you could visit every now and then. But only sparingly.

Only if you want to, but you never do.

[ flopping down on the sofa and sighing as he says that last bit. not very dignified, but he tries to make up for it by sitting still and upright. ]

It would be nice if you did, but you don't, so it's kinda a moot point. I see ya at world meetings anyway. I can find someone to hang with 'til then.

I'm a busy man; I just can't drop all my obligations and duties just to visit you halfway 'cross the globe.

[ a curious thought crosses England's mind as he says this; this was partly the cause of their split in the first place, wasn't it? it's a curious thought, but England's so caught up in his sewing that he shoves it aside into the mental drawer labeled 'I'll give it a thought later over tea'. ]

I suppose I could visit every now and then, but only if you pleaded enough. I'm a very busy man, you see, and I've plenty of other friends I could visit in Kensington.

I know.

[ America pauses as he seems to be considering the same thing, but he recovers quickly. Pffft pleading. His face just reads AS IF. ]

I wouldn't want to be an inconvenience. It's alright. If nothing else, the flower children will gladly welcome my company.

[ grin grin THIS IS WHAT AMERICA DOES ON HIS WEEKENDS. ]

You're not allowed to play with flower children. They're a bad influence and a burden on your government.

[ THROWING A PAIR OF PANTS AT AMERICA'S FACE ]

I adjust the waistband on these; see if they fit.

They have their redeeming qualities. It's not your burden, you needn't concern yourself.

[ TEARING THE PANTS OFF HIS FACE. Stealing so many pants for this later. ]

Uh... 'kay. Excuse me.

[ For once, he doesn't immediately get naked. He actually goes into his bedroom to change. Emerging wearing the pants. ]

Do they look alright?

They're an eyesore, and they're influencing my youth as well.

[ VERY CREEPED OUT NOW. and while England has asked before, he needs to ask again. ]

What are you up to?

Are they?

[ SO PROUD. Also randomly, I'm pretty sure the American punk movement started in 1969 with the Velvet Underground. That's where my book on punk history starts anyway. ]

As I've said, I'm not "up" to anything. Why do you ask?

They are.

[ awwww ;w; teach me more sifu ]

You're acting modest, for one. You're drinking tea and you're saying please and you're beign nice and you're obviously up to something.

I'm sorry, but I can't imagine anyone British behaving so... free.

[ It's called "Please Kill Me: The Oral History of Punk." I bought it at the train station when I was stranded in NY because the title was how I felt at the time.

Experimentally walking to make sure the pants don't rip. ]

People thought I couldn't be charming or decent. So I decided to change.

[ Only until he proves his point, but he fails to mention that. ]

How do these pants look?

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

keywords. the song is now in your head.

THERE WILL BE PEACE WHEN YOU ARE GONE.

LAY YOUR WEARY HEAD TO REST

DON'T YOU CRY NO MORE.

/guitar riff

I FORGOT WHAT THE REST OF THE SONG WENT LIKE

CASTIEL FROWNS UPON YOU

CASTIEL'S ON A BENDER.

HOW MANY LIQUOR STORES DID HE DRINK THIS TIME?

ALL OF THEM.

BUT WHERE WILL I GET MY SMIRNOFF NOW?

WALMART.

THEY DON'T SELL ALCOHOL OUTSIDE OF LIQUOR STORES IN MARYLAND