Hetalia One-Shots

UsUk : The Sun Will Shine For You

Every now and then, diplomats have to meet to discuss the state of their countries' relations, the evolution of the international trades market, and other important issues. These types of meetings were generally the dullest of all since there was no room to talk about interesting matters such as how to help prevent homelessness or how to handle increasing student debt. But America was obliged to attend the boring discussions as well as the others.

  The blue-eyed nation had come to visit England with his boss for a few days for the meeting taking place. The President, Prime Minister, England himself, and other diplomats were all deeply invested in the tedious conversation occupying the room. They were all sitting in a large conference room in one of the castle's many chambers. Everyone was sitting around the oval table, shouting numbers and weird statistical terms.

  Instead of listening to what was being said, America kept his mind roaming in vast fields of thoughts as he watched out a tall crystal window. The sky was mostly clear although spotted with a few gray clouds. Since it was spring, the trees were a bright, young green and had tiny blossoms sprouting on several branches. Even though America had come to England's home many times, he wished he could be sightseeing instead of cooped up in the stuffy room. The younger nation brought his gaze back into the room, searching for his friend. England was sitting across the table, a bit further to the left. He was listening attentively at what an American diplomat was saying, his eyes were focused and his eyebrows furrowed in concentration. At some point, he tapped his pen on his lips in thought, a habit America had noticed before. The green-eyed nation locked his eyes with America, staring at him with a soft gaze. The latter smiled bashfully for being caught staring, then suddenly noticed all the other people in the room were also eyeing him expectantly.

  "Mr. America," said the Prime Minister.

  The distracted country bounced in his seat, leaning forward on the table. "Huh? Uh, yes, yes, what?" he stammered as he adjusted his glasses.

  England lowered his eyes with a strained sigh. He gathered his paperwork and piled it up neatly in front of him.

  "We were wondering what your thoughts on this months petrol prices were," explained the Minister.

  "Oh, right, well obviously, I think that they are too high."

  "Too high?"

  "Um, no, too low? 'Cause you see, what I meant actually," blubbered the blond.

  "I believe," interrupted England, standing up, "we should take a ten minute recess. Let us all get some fresh hair, shall we?"

  "Of course, Mr. England."

  Everyone stood from the seats and the room instantly filled with chatter as the diplomats made their way out the conference room. America remained seated, mouthing "thank you" to England. The latter rolled his eyes and beckoned America to follow him. They exited one after the other, England leading the younger country down to the gardens. There was an outdoor table with chairs around it so they seated themselves there. England took out a cigarette and lit it. He inhaled the smoke then let it all out with a long, tired sigh.

  "I thought you were gonna quit," said America, leaning back in his chair with his arms crossed.

  England glanced at him from the corner of his eyes. He took another drag and replied while exhaling the smoke, "And I thought you were going to listen at conferences."

"It's not my fault Iggy," complained the blue-eyed nation. "The conversations are extremely boring and they are so not important right now! Do you know that my people are dying? They're suffering, everyday. And I want to help them, I really do, but instead, I'm dragged all over the world to listen to crap some old greedy coots have to say. I'm just not in the mood."

England remained silent. He tapped his cigarette to let the ashes fall to the ground. "I know," he finally said.

The two countries did not say anything else for a while. England snuffed his cigarette and placed it in the ashtray on the table. He leaned back to observe the gardens. The air was chilly but the sun was shining strongly onto their faces. It was pleasant to drift away in the warmth and the birdsongs.

"And also," piped up America, "it really sucks to be stuck inside when it's so nice out."

"That's true," acquiesced England.

"Speaking of, everyone always complains about how awful your weather always is, but every single time I come, it's all sunny and warm, which absolutely sucks because each time I come, it's for work."

The green-eyed country stiffened. He adjusted his tie around his collar. "I– I don't know. You're just unlucky I guess."

"Yeah probably..."

"Or, you know," ventured England, shrugging his shoulders, "you could come visit on your free time one day."

America looked over to the other nation. They briefly held each other's gaze before turning away bashfully.

"Yeah, I would like that," smiled America. He watched England's features as the country pulled on his shirt, biting his lips together. The older nation finally looked up again to catch America staring, again. England scrutinized the other's face, waiting fo him to say something else—something stupid—but he did not, so England let a shy smile adorn his cheeks.

"Mr. England, Mr. America, the meeting's about to resume," shouted a woman from the balcony above.

The call shattered the pleasant atmosphere of intimacy both countries were sharing, bringing them back to the dull reality. They each cleared their throats and muttered unintelligibly, agreeing that they should head back. England was the first to rise. He walked past America who was still in his seat, and rested his hand on the blond's shoulder.

"Come on, it'll be over soon."

America nodded with a sigh. He patted England's hand before it slipped away. He pushed himself up, stretched his arms to the blue sky, and breathed out. His mind was as filled with thoughts as before, but now, they did not seem that scary. The recess and fresh air did him some good. He followed England up the stairs as he arranged his bomber jacket over his shoulders. England held the large wooden door of the conference room open for him. The blond took a deep breath in at the frame, then entered, nodding to England in thanks and adjusting his glasses. It was time to buckle down and finish that meeting so he could take care of what was really important to him: the well-being of his people.

* * * *

Hello everyone! I hope you are all staying safe, especially the people out protesting, you are heroes, just like APH America!
And for those who can't go to protests, there are other ways you can help this very important movement. Please take the time to either donate some money or at the very least vote on and share petitions. It's really so simple but it's a small action which helps a lot.
Don't forget to talk about the Black Lives Matter movement to your friends and family, educate yourselves and educate them. We have been living in a hateful, ignorant world for far too long, and this needs to change once and for all. Be part of the change our society needs.
If anyone has any questions about why this is happening, how did it come to this, or what there is you can do to help, then please ask me and I will try my best to help clarify things to you.

Don't just stand on the side lines.