Unexpected love

Chapter 19: Confession

                                                    England's POV

     "She's alright. You know that right?" I looked back to see Alaska coming out of Italy's house.

     I could only turn my back to her, sighing as I sorted out my thoughts.

     "You should go see her, England. I assure you that sh-"

     "I need to tell her." I interrupted America's little sister before finally turning to face her.

     "Are you talking about what I think you're talking about?" She asked, eyebrows furrowing slihgtly.

     "My feelings, if that's what you mean, Alaska... Think about it. An hour ago, she was missing, and I never would have been able to tell her how I felt if was never found. I would rather risk heartbreak and know how she feels toward me rather than bottle up what I feel and get no closure." I took a deep breath. "I need to do this." I whispered, making my final decision before entering the house to find Monte.

                                               ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

     Sighing, I looked reached out and gently felt a lock of brown hair under my fingertips. I wanted to look away from Monte while she laid in bed, but I made myself study the gauze wrapped around her upper arm and a band-aid stuck to her cheek. I wanted to believe those where the only injuries she gained from whatever it is she went through, but I knew there were probably more under the blankets. I wanted to pull the covers away and try to help her any way I could, but I was able to resist the urge.

     I focused on the way her face help the same peace that I saw on it the morning I found her curled up on my couch. Now looking away, I shifted in my chair, unsure of how I would get things going with her...

     "England...?" I looked up to find dark brown eyes looking toward my own green ones.

     "Monte!" I leaned toward her, noticing how tired her eyes were. "Listen to me, I-I'm sorry if I woke you, but please don't fall asleep just yet, please." I scooted to the edge of my seat to hold her cheek in one hand to try keeping her from shutting her eyes again.

     "D...Did something happen, England?" She asked, eyes widening slightly. I felt a little bad for having to keep her awake, she sounded so exhausted.

     "N-No... I mean yes..." I quickly responded, clearing my throat. "I realized something a while ago, but I was too scared to say anything." I swallowed hard, looking down at Monte Carlo, her eyes brighter than before. "I..." I let out a soft breath, my face starting to warm up as I tried to think of the different ways to tell her this. "We haven't known each other long, Monte but...I want to get to know you in a better way....I like you, Monte and I would like it if we could get to know each other on a...different level...." I shied away a little, sitting back in my seat.

     "W...What do you mean, England?" I heard her ask, looking up as her fingers brushed over the back of my hand. The feel of her touch made me slightly more confident.

     Turning my hand, I grasped her fingers gently. "I like you a lot... I want to get to know you on a... more-than-friends basis... I suppose you could say I'm asking you to... be my girlfriend..." I whispered, unable to look her in the eyes.

     My eyes widened as I felt fingertips under my chin, pulling me close to her. I felt the gentle press of her lips over my cheek before she pulled back and laid against her pillows. Looking at Monte Carlo with a shocked look, she only seemed to smile weakly to me. "I'd like that, too, England... I've become fond of you as well..." She told me to my disbelief. Despite my doubt, I was happy to hear the feelings I had were mutual. Leaning forward, I pressed her fingers to my lips, placing a kiss to them before kissing her forehead.

     "Get some rest, okay, love? I'll be here when you wake up." I assured her. It didn't seem like she needed to be told twice, her eyes shut, my fingers still holding her's.

     I looked up to see Alaska there, smirking. I simply rolled my eyes before watching her leave the doorway, most likely going to tell her brother about the moments shared between myself and Monte Carlo.