Independence chapter 3: Independence

21st Century

America and England were on their way to America's house. The World Summit Meeting was the following day so England was staying with America. The walk to the younger country's home was silent. America was stuffing his face as always, but England hadn't made one comment since America had met up with him. In fact, the older of the two was too preoccupied with his thoughts. England didn't want anything to do with America today. Why? Today was the day his little brother waged war against him. Eventually, his thoughts ended when the hamburger obsessed country began slurping his shake very loudly. After a minute of listening to his counterpart's slurping, England decided to end the "silence". "Honestly, can you ever do anything besides eat like a pig?" England said, obviously annoyed. America gave the older country a strange look.

"I'm not a pig, England. I eat like a normal person," America responded in a matter-of-factly tone. England rolled his eyes.

"You're quite an idiot…" England muttered as he walked ahead of America, mumbling, "I can't believe I have to stay with you until the meeting is over." America stopped eating and looked quizzically at England.

"What's wrong with staying with me? You've never had a problem in the past," America stated. After a few moments of silence, a look of conceit crossed America's face. "Or maybe the idea of me being the hero has finally made you jealous!" America was as stupid as usual.

"You idiot... I would never be jealous of your pride," England answered, glaring at the younger country a little before sighing. "But you really must have no clue what today is."

"Yeah, I do. It's a Tuesday. In June." America was still an oblivious idiot.

"That's not what I meant, you bloody idiot. I meant... nevermind. Let's just hurry to your place and get some rest," England said, speeding up a little. America followed from behind, very confused. He wondered what was making England so upset today and more than usual. As they travelled, America had attempted multiple times to get an answer but to no prevail. England would not budge on the topic. However, once inside the house, America burst with questions.

"Alright, England, what the heck is wrong with you!? Why are you being so depressing? And what the heck did I do to you?" America asked, confusion and anger expressed in his voice. England stopped walking and turned around, greatly annoyed.

"You want to know you bloody idiot...? Alright then I'll tell you!  Today is the day you decided to be the idiot you are and declare war on me!" England shouted, receiving a strange look from America.

"THAT'S what's making you so depressing and mad? Why are you so hung up on that? It's over and done!" England grabbed the collard of America's shirt. The two glared at each other before the British country slowly lowered his American counterpart.

"You could never understand... it hurt so much when you left. You were the one brother I truly loved and cared for entirely..." The elder country became silent and continued walking to the guest room. The younger country stood in shock. However, the shock did not last long and was replaced with guilt.

"England, I had to. I told you times were getting tough and you weren't helping. As I said on the last day of war, I'm not a child anymore or your little brother." America waited for England to respond. When no response came, he continued to talk. "I was growing up, England. We both know that. I did what I had to do to show you that. I wanted to show you... that I needed to grow up on my own... that I didn't need someone to hold my hand all the time anymore." England stopped walking but still didn't respond. "I'm only going to say this once, England. But... I'm sorry that I had hurt you." And with that, America headed straight to his room, leaving England by himself in the hallway.

"So... he really did apologize in the end..." The former pirate smiled a little. "I'm glad..." England headed toward his room with day at its end. The day had ended much better than he had expected.