Hetalia One-Shots

PruCan : Autumn Aesthetics

Everyone has a favorite season. Even if some people say they love every time of the year with equal passion, they still have one certain season which brings a warm feeling to their hearts as they think of it, or that embodies a joyous occasion, or it is just the perfect time for them to do the things they love most. For both Canada and Prussia, autumn is that special time of year. The frisk breeze compels everyone to wear warm, earth-colored pullovers, but the weather is not yet unbearable to live in. Most of the trees undergo the most beautiful metamorphosis nature has to offer, coloring the streets and the forests with happy, cozy hues of yellow, red, orange, and brown. Even the thick mist rolling out from the hills calls out to any soul who seeks to be lost only to be truly found again. All these wonderful, unique aspects proper to autumn enthrall both northern countries.

Canada's vast lands of mountains and forests create the perfect autumn tone once the long days of the summer progressively shorten. Prussia always adored spending his autumns locked away in a wooden cabin lost in a deserted forest, surrounded by mountains, wilderness, and the beauty of Nature and her creatures. He was very grateful to Canada for letting him spend so much time at his place. There was never a more quiet and peaceful moment of the year. The shy country loved having his European guest over, they always shared some of the most magical moments during their autumnal escapades.

This year, Prussia was determined to take his lover to Oktoberfest in Munich. Although it was very different from the tranquil, remote trips they had to the Canadian Rockies, the excitement and livelihood of Prussia's people was bound to rub onto the couple. They attended a few concerts, saw people dressed in beautiful traditional German clothing, drank a lot of beer (both nations' favorite drink), and were able to enjoy a new autumn spirit. After three days of living like they were 67 year-old countries, they were quite spent and hungover. Canada had wanted to spend the next few weeks sleeping in their hotel room and reading books by the large window overlooking the splendid old town, however, his over-eager boyfriend was very excited to take the blond to a very special place. Reluctantly, Canada acquiesced, and followed his partner.

They were walking on the cobbled streets of Munich, hands entwined in each other's grip, braving the chilly weather. Prussia kept tugging at Canada's arm, urging him to stride faster. The latter hung onto his wool hat with a queasy frown.

"Prussia, please slow down, I'm having a hard time staying upright," murmured the country, trying to stop his boyfriend from running away.

"Aw come on Canada, we're just walking," replied Prussia, chortling as he kept trudging forward. "Besides, you're the one supposed to be pulling me along everywhere, what are you, 3000 years old already?"

"Well I'm not used to partying like this anymore, and I like my quiet days spent inside."

The silver-haired nation spun around and took both of Canada's hands into his. He smiled in excitement. "Don't worry baby, I promise we'll head back to our room as soon as we're finished with our little stroll. Besides, it's not healthy to stay cooped up inside for a whole day."

"You have a point," sighed the blond, clinging onto Prussia's right arm. "But let's just go slow then, please."

"Of course," replied his lover, kissing his hair with affection.

They resumed their walk through the old town until they reached the shore of the Isar River. On each side were long cobblestone boardwalks with beautiful metal fences picketed along the edge. Shading the promenade were hundreds of sturdy elm and oak trees, showering the pavement with golden, amber, and scarlet leaves. The colorful tones of the foliage stood out against the gray sky the river reflected and the fog dancing over the surface of the water. Very few people were out in the streets, so the Isar bank was deserted. Prussia and Canada strolled along the riverside, being surrounded by a mesmerizing mixture of colors and gothic architecture, creating a world of intricate mysteries waiting for them.

"This is beautiful," whispered Canada under his breath. He dared not break the fascinating spell the river was under, so he tried to remain as small and quiet as he could, just desiring to observe the magic emanating from every element present that autumn afternoon.

The albino nation led his boyfriend to a cozy park on the other side of the river. They stopped on the bridge as they crossed the currents to look at the water rush down between the city. The tall cathedral towers and the town hall glockenspiel were visible from the bridge, although draped in a thick coat of mist. Canada took a picture of the surreal scenery, wanting to keep the image forever. The couple pursued their promenade to the small park. They sauntered between trees and bushes, admiring Nature as she gently laid herself down to sleep for the winter. Prussia guided Canada to the edge of the river, nudging him against the iron railings as he held onto his waist and gazed into the blond's eyes.

"I have never loved autumn as much as I have when I'm with you," said the exuberant country.

Canada smiled and arranged the scarf adorning Prussia's shoulders then crossed his arms behind the latter's neck. He leaned forward to kiss his lover. "Neither have I."

"I think I love it so much because, just like how the leaves fall from the trees every year, I always fall in love with you again every autumn."

"Thank you, this is perfect," blushed Canada, nuzzling his face in Prussia's chest. "I love you."

"I love you too," whispered Prussia as he tightly embraced his boyfriend.

They remained still for a while, feeling the heat of one another wrap around them, protecting them from the cold wind blowing over the Isar. The soft chirping of birds and the rippling murmurs of the river stole the lovers away to a tranquil nook in their souls, leaving everything behind except their bright young love. Even in the festive streets of Munich they were able to find the peace they loved about the autumn season. It made them wonder, perhaps it was not the secluded cabins in the woods or the mountain wilderness that made them so relaxed and appreciative of autumn, but perhaps the act of being together—two souls residing so close they slowly begin merging into one—and simply living by one another is enough to create true peace and happiness.