Medium

Angst

= America's POV =

- Flag World - America -

After leaving my father's house, I hurried back to my home, where TR was waiting.

He had offered to help with the chores and was better at housekeeping than me. By the next day, we had divided the house chores. He was in charge of the laundry and dishes, and when he wasn't working on that, he was reading the history textbook Austria lent.

I opened the door but heard nothing. That was odd; he had always greeted me when I returned. But then, I thought it weird that I should expect him to answer me. It's probably the meeting I had with the others today.

I stretched a little and went to the living room to find TR immersed in a history book with a dictionary and an encyclopedia. He was looking at the section of the Reformation. Right, about three-fifths through the book in two days. No wonder he was the smart one of the Axis.

"Hey, you fine there?" I called to him from the door. He looked up to see me and jolted. "Oh, yes! I'm sorry I didn't recognize you."

He was about to close the book, but I stopped him. He stared back at me.

"You can keep reading. I wanted to ask you what you would want for dinner." "Dinner?" He looked puzzled. I nodded, "Yeah, dinner. You should be hungry."

He thought for a little and slowly moved his hands. "I don't know. But something more healthy, I guess?" It seemed like burgers and fries weren't his favorite dishes.

"Hmm, OK," I recalled what I had in my fridge. Maybe chicken will work, I guess?

Gosh, I should have listened to the others when they were grumbling about my diet. Especially my father, though I don't think he has the right to say anything about food.

I grilled some chicken and vegetables and got some rice. I do not have those rice cookers, which every Asian household seemed to have, so I had to cook them using a pot. Japan did not make a good face when he saw me do it, and that was the first time I saw him without a smile. China and North Korea never make a good expression to me, and South Korea doesn't have the unusual attachment towards food. Seriously, what's with Japan when it comes to food and manners?

I hummed while making the dishes, and by the time I was done, TR came into the kitchen too.

"It smells good." He commented, not even hiding his shining eyes, "You think so? Well then, I guess I didn't make any mistakes making it." I laughed.

I got out the utensils, and TR took the dishes to the table. It was nice having someone to talk to, even if it was, well, him. But again, it probably helped that he lost his memories and is acting sane because if he remembered it all, I would have killed him on the spot.

I also felt bad for him, looking at how normal he is now. His son hates him, his father always pretends he does not even exist, and one of his friends betrayed him. If what his friends said was true, and if what they said wasn't a lie on his behalf, it's just miserable.

"This meat's good." The German smiled a little, showing his fangs.

"Oh, really?" I smiled too. "That's nice to hear."

= Germany's POV =

- Flag World - Germany -

Just when Italy's father was about to leave after exchanging some words, the door of my house opened, revealing my grandfather. He was not happy at all when he saw me with Fascist Italy.

"Ciao, Impero tedesco. No time, no see!" FI smiled and bowed. I feel my blood freeze, that comment does not help at all.

"Schön, Sie kennenzulernen, Italien." ("It's nice to see you too, Italy.") Second Reich put on the expression of derision.

Scheiße.

How horrible can this be? I should have just forgotten about my work and spent the night over at the Italians. That would have been better. But of course, there's no crying over spilled milk.

"Deutschland, get in the house. Now." My grandfather ordered.

I looked back at FI, and he just waved like I was his friend. I couldn't bear the pressure SR was giving off, and I whispered a farewell, and ran inside. The German Empire was staring at me as if he had a sharp icicle by my throat.

Just as I entered the house, he went outside and slammed the door behind me. I heard some swears and shouts from outside and felt like my heart was getting ripped apart.

The German Empire hates his son. He hates his son's friends too. He probably hates me for being his son's child.

I ran to my room and locked myself in. I never should have gone to the talk today. What the countries said, especially what the past countries said, just crushed what I believed. I was told by the Allies, by my father, and by every other random person that my father was a gruesome villain. 

How many years did I have to fight against the claim that I was the same as him? 

And now what? He was a normal person, and the true villain was the government? The government isn't the same as the flag?

I flopped on my bed after writing my diary. There were a lot of things that I learned today, and I had to write it down quickly before I forgot it. After that, I took my glasses off and closed my eyes. I didn't feel like eating or taking a bath.

The things my father's friends said today were circling in my mind. They said he cared about me. Then why did he suddenly leave the house? And why did I forget such memories?

I did sense that his friends should know something about him, but I don't think they'll give out anything. I'll have to search it by myself if I want to, but will I benefit from doing that at all?

Then, I heard a knock on my door. It was familiar. It was my grandfather outside in the hall, waiting for me to open it.

I quickly got up, stretched the wrinkles on my clothes, and wore my glasses.

"What do you want?" I opened the door.

My grandfather looked at me from head to toe.

"Who were you meeting with today? Only the Fascist? Or was that Yellow brat with you too?" I was shocked by how he expressed my friend's family. How could he call them that?

"The US and Britain were there too," I answered. I didn't dare mention the USSR. No way am I going to dig my own grave.

Second Reich looked at me carefully but seemed to be convinced. He patted my head and told me to rest.

I felt something come through my head. I didn't know what it was, but my worries seemed to get erased. I felt relaxed.

What was that?