Hetalian Protectors

Flags

She stepped forward and set that same hand against her gate. I watched as the muscles in her arm and hand tensed for a minute before the gate swung open without so much as a creek. She turned back around and gave us all a beaming smile, and something in my chest did flips.

"Welcome home!"

*****

Prussia's POV: Arwen's slim form lead us up the slight incline, following the black bricked path to her front door. A pleasant wind stirred the air, sending my hair into my eyes. The occasional rose petal would float pass my face or just dance through the air and land on the ground gently, like a ballerina ending her performance. They came from rose bushes that sat scattered around Arwen's front lawn. Two rather large ones sat on either sides of the door, their flowers were in full bloom and their petals glistened with water in the afternoon light. A particular sting gust of wind blew though, shaking those those two bushes, and I watched as one petal broke off and swirled through the air, landing unnoticed in Arwen's pale blondish brown hair. It looked just right there.

She reached the door first, grabbing the knob and swinging it open, revealing a small, short hall that lead to a larger space. I could just make out a well-sized couch sitting in the middle of the room, right in sight. Arwen strode forward, leaving us to scramble after her. Picture frames hung on the wall and I found myself studying them as I walked after the group. They were all pictures of Arwen and the other girls. One showed them on the peak of a hill or mountain, I'm not really sure which, with their arms wrapped around each other and long grins on their faces. Their eyes glowed with happiness, the sun behind the camera making their faces light up. Another picture showed them next to a river, Scarlett standing off to the side watching as Luna shoved Kyoko into the water, Aridan and Arwen laughing as Kyoko went down. A pang of jealousy ran through my body for a moment. Even though they're countries they're still so close...? It was kind of beautiful in its own way.

Someone cleared their throat, causing me to jump in surprise. Red eyes connected with hazel. "A-Arwen!"

She laughed, "Did I scare the great Prussia?" A glint of mischievousness sparkled in her stare. 

A smirk crossed my features at the sarcasm in her voice, because while it was sarcasm her eyes showed no ill will. She was really starting to remind me of... well... me. Her eyes re-focused on the frame behind me. A far away look entered her gaze. "That was when we first visited Luna's home... She was so ecstatic," Arwen's face took on a dark look or a moment, "It wasn't that long before we left The League..." She shook her head in an effort to clear her mind, even I could tell she didn't like remembering that much. She made an obvious attempt to smile, grabbing my hand which made my face heat up slightly.

"Come on, I'm gonna show you guys around the house now." I could only nod as I caught Austria and Turkey staring at our intertwined hands. I didn't let go, though I did shift a little awkwardly. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around it. Why wasn't this stuff with Arwen making me feel weird? Shouldn't I feel more... distant? I did just meet her... But when I looked back at her and saw her smiling face I couldn't help but grin too.

She dragged me off, both of us passing the others and leading them into a large living area. The room was a circle, four couches situated in the middle, surrounding a big circular table, all of which were facing the far wall where a large flat screen television hung. The floors were made of white polished tile and the walls were colored a light shade of mahogany. Along the sides of the room suits of armor stood proudly and at attention, looking right out of medieval times. Then, looking less conspicuous next to their counterparts, horse statues made of medal were shown in different poses and forms. One was rearing up on its hind legs while another was seemingly eating grass. Everything was spread out evenly and neatly and I had no doubt that with this group it would stay that way.