Spread My Wings (countryhumans)

Part 19: We Need To Stick Together

Me and Poland were sitting in the lounging area drinking tea.

"So, Canada said you wanted to check on me?" I say. Poland nods.

"I just wanted to see how you were holding up. I know the past week has been stressful, and you can't even go outside," Poland says. I sigh.

"Yeah, it really sucks for me. Y'know, stuck in my million dollar mansion. While you guys stay outside and have to deal with a killer on the loose," I say, remembering what Poland said at the meeting. He sighed.

"I'm sorry America, I really am. It's just... Germany brings back so many bad memories. I just got really defensive. And it all kind of manifested into unchecked aggression. I don't think you're useless," Poland says.

"I know, and I'm sorry for not being more mindful. I know that was a hard time in your life and it was a bit unthoughtful of me for shaming you for being a bit cautious. And I did really want to help during both wars! It was just too dangerous for me I guess," I say. Poland smiles.

"So, are we good now?" He asks. I smile.

"We're good," I say.

"But seriously, how have you been recently?" Poland says in a serious tone. I sigh.

"I-I.... I can't believe... he...," I try to speak, but the words won't come out. Poland put his hand on mine.

"You don't have to talk about it if you don't want to," Poland says.

"No, it's not that... it's just... what if he's... dead?" I say that last word very quietly, but Poland seemed to have understood anyway.

"Well, we have to have some hope of finding him, but America, no matter what happens, I don't want you to blame yourself. You're only human after all, we all make mistakes," Poland says. I let out a small, sad laugh.

"Thanks but, I can think of about a hundred different ways I could have saved him. Maybe if I hadn't let go of his arm... maybe if I had just kept running... maybe...," I start to trail off. Poland tightens his grip on my hand.

"And maybe if I had kept my mouth shut you wouldn't have gone to the roof. Maybe if I decided to go after you immediately instead of hesitating I could have stopped you before you got there. But if I keep listing all the things I could have done differently in my head, I'll eventually be too wrapped up in the past to focus on what's happening in the present. Thus repeating the cycle," Poland says. I sigh.

"I guess you're right, I just... I can't help but feel like it's my fault y'know? And I'm really worried about New Zealand," I say, trying not to tear up. Poland sighs.

"I know. we'll figure this out, ok?" Poland says. I nod. I'm glad Poland came over today, it's nice to just talk through my issues sometimes. I usually have Germany to talk to, but the past few letters have been more about his research and less about how we are both feeling. I really miss him, but if Poland doesn't want to talk about Germany, I won't force him to.

"Have you talked to your father about any of this?" Poland asks. I sigh.

"No... I don't really talk to him much. Well, actually, that's not true. I talk to him about less serious things, like my favorite books or plays. I just don't like talking to him about emotional stuff," I say.

"Really? Why is that?" Poland asks. I look down in thought. Good question, why is that?

"I'm not really sure... I just don't want to I guess. I just never wanted to, ever since I was little. Like, he was always an authority figure, not someone I could talk to. Now that I'm older it's different, but I just never felt comfortable talking to him on an emotional level," I start ranting. Poland is thankfully still paying attention though. I laugh. "Sorry, do you need a paper to take notes? After all, you're turning yourself into my own therapist," I joke. Poland laughs. "Now that I think about it, did my father invite you? Y'know, so I could talk about my feelings," I ask. Poland sighs and looks away.

"Well, I suppose I can't lie. Your father did ask me to come and talk to you. He was just really worried about you. And... well, you weren't talking to him," Poland says. I sigh.

"I can't even really be mad at that. I have been kind of avoiding him. And I gotta admit, it's nice to talk to someone," I say. Poland nods.

"Besides, I probably would have visited you anyway. To apologize and check on you," Poland says. I smile.

"Thanks Poland. I'm really glad you came," I say.

"Ok, they have moved the meeting to tomorrow, but thankfully we got all that we needed, didn't we China?"

"You bastard! How could you do this?"

"Quiet. It's not like you can fight back now, can you China?"

"When I find my way out of here I swear...,"

"So, what were you saying about the meeting?"

"Ah yes! The meeting! We have enough crystals to take the powers of about half of the countries attending. Once they get their powers taken, they will not be a threat. After all, what is the warrior without his sword?"

"Why is the progression of our plan your top priority? I thought you only wanted to kill America?"

"Oh, I decided it would be much more fun to make him watch his whole world fall apart before I kill him in front of his family,"

"No! Please! Don't hurt them! Please, I'll do anything!"

"Shut up New Zealand! You've served your purpose,"

"Not to be to persistent, but what ever happened to him?"

"He actually agreed,"

"What? How?"

"You just have to find a weak spot, my friend. It was actually a lot more simple than you made it out to be,"

"Pft, just wait until the winter time-,"

"SHUT THE HELL UP,"

"Calm down you two! We have to work together if we want this plan to work,"

"No... I-I won't let you hurt my family...,"

"God, will you ever shut up?"

"You may have taken my power, but I won't let you take my family!"

"New Zealand... please... he'll hurt you again..."

"I don't care Indo! I love my family!"

"Oh really. What exactly were the last things you said to your twin brother? 'I wish you were never born?'. Not to mention you almost killed America before I could even get to him,"

"I-I... I didn't mean to...,"

"Whatever, I'm just wasting my time now. Gentlemen, come with me,"

*door slam*

"Please don't cry Kiwi. He's just trying to get under your skin-,"

"And It's working! Look at us Kaz! We've all been tricked and now we have to sit here and listen to them talk about killing everyone we love!"

"Well, I mean, they only really said that they were gonna kill America..."

"China!"

"What? I'm just saying,"

"It'll be ok. We... we just need stick together. What other choice do we have?"