Be Well, My Darling (Fruk)

11

I lay on the snowy field, out of breath. I could see the mist being created as I breathed in and out of my mouth. I had lost this game of futbol. "I'm so surprised you beat me," I laughed. Mr. Germany laughed at what I said and began to sit beside where I lay. "Your movements were predictable; it seems you always go in strong; really easy to tell your next move," he laughed. This kid...he was right; I did have that bad habit. I had only played against Francis a couple of times, but even he mentioned the same thing.

We stayed silent for a moment, and soon, snow began to fall. For some strange reason, my heart ached badly. I felt lonely and sad for the first time in a long time. Sure, I had been lonely before, but it didn't feel like this. My heart was aching.

"So, why did you suddenly ask for a ceasefire?"

"Ahh...why?...well..."

I could only think of the letter that Francis had sent me. It is best not to bring something like that up in a conversation like this. "Well, it is Christmas...is there really a reason needed?" I asked. I looked toward him as he played with the snow beneath him. "I suppose you're right; Christmas is about loving each other and having fun, not bloodshed..."

"Exactly..."

Are my motives selfish for not doing it for happiness? Only because Francis would have thought of something this absurd. I say I didn't do it because of the letter, but I think I did. "Again, I am sorry for what I told you a few months ago; I needed you to take me seriously, even if the outcome was terrible. I only wish I could tell Ms. Belgium I'm sorry, and it wasn't personal," he spoke. I bit down on my lip as I looked at him. He really was just a kid following orders, just as we all were at some point. I have committed terrible crimes against humanity but was taught to move on. I am starting to wonder if I have moved on from any of the things I was forced to do.

"I'm sure she'd forgive you," I spoke. We had grown quiet again, and I continued to look up at the sky. My heart aches for one person. Someone who I wanted to punch in the face, yet, someone I was risking my safety for.

"I do find it amazing, though," he whispered.

"Hmm? What?"

"How despite hating each other for so long, you didn't hesitate to jump and save him. It is very confusing, but I admire your dedication to Mr.France. I am sure he'd do the same for you..." he spoke. He smiled at me, and I felt my heart racing. "Well, I'd hope so; that idiot owes me his life for all the crap I've done for him," I muttered. Although that was probably true, I didn't necessarily hold it against Francis.

"Right, of course," he laughed.

It was silent again, and this time I sat up beside him. I'm glad I was able to do this; it feels relaxing. "I hope this war doesn't go on very long...I'd hate to be away from the people I care about any longer. Also, I'm not sure if my old body could take much more of this," I laughed. Germany laughed along with me, and he adjusted his gloves. "What do you think we'll be doing next Christmas?" I asked.

His face suddenly got still, and his face turned red. Something was on his mind, and I could tell. I'm sure his surrounding himself with certain people is frustrating too. "Well, if I'm going to be completely honest..." he started. I had never seen him get so flustered and nervous before. I suppose there was a first for everything. He looked like a kid, but he had been around for a long time; sometimes, it could feel overwhelming.

"Well...I think I'll be...TAKING CARE OF ITALY!" He shouted. My eyes widened at what he said, and my jaw dropped. He'll be doing WhATttttttttt? He looked determined and actually happy, and it threw me off to no end.

How could he say something like that so openly? And with so much confidence?!

"Ah...is that so?" I asked, shocked. He laughed at my facial expression, nodding. "I know that look! But I'm serious! He is annoying, and a pain in my ass, and sometimes I want to smack him across the head, and sometimes he may try to nudge his way into my life despite trying to get him to go away; also, he is hopeless and stupid...but...I care about him..."