[Hetalia] "A Walk in the Woods"
Title: "A Walk in the Woods"
Author: shuriken7
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Characters: Ensemble, America/Ukraine
Word Count: 2,882
A/N: Written for measuringlife at Write for Relief The prompt was a combination of two kink meme prompts here. I hope you like it! :)
Summary: The nations are forced to spend a week together in the name of world peace. It is a game of survival and possible romance blooms in this mountainous competition.
Warning: Kind of cracky XD Lots of changes in point of view.
It had all begun with the annual camping trip, a plot hatched by their bosses after World War II. The plot involved the nations getting together and rely on each other out in the woods. Since it would be impossible to fit all of the countries in the world together at once there was a drawing and twelve lucky (or unlucky in their minds) nations got to go on a trip to a specified location for a week. The challenge was for the team members to survive and make it to a specified location. There were two teams, six members each. This year’s trip was in the United States of America.
England had arrived early and he frowned upon opening the envelope listing the teams. These combinations would not do at all, and after the last event he was going to be on the winning team.
“What are you looking at?” asked France leaning over the smaller nation, England promptly pushed him away.
“Get off me! It’s the team roster.”
France frowned, “This will not do at all!”
“This is one of the few times you make a valid point.”
“Yes, well,” said France grabbing a pen and proceeding to cross out names and move them around, “Do you approve?”
England nodded, assured of his team’s now imminent success.
*****
America arrived last, entering upon a scene of absolute chaos. The team names had already been read and he was waved over to one side. Team One was filled by England, France, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Team Alpha consisted of America, S. Korea, Poland, the Italies, and Ukraine.
“Why am I not with Big Brother!” cried S. Korea clinging to China’s arm. China managed to extricate himself from the other nation, and Korea shifted his attention to Japan. The Asian nation’s pleading gaze caught America’s attention and he went over grabbed Korea around the waist and pulled him off the other Asian. Similar action occurred as Romano pulled N. Italy off of Germany dragging him back to the their side.
“C’mon man! You’re on my team, and we’re gonna win!” said America, carrying the struggling nation back to his side.
“So confident, America?”
“You know it England. You know pretty well what happens every time you underestimate me.”
“Good one, America!” said Poland patting the younger nation on the back. England glared at the other blonde. Poland rolled his eyes, “Like, let’s get this thing started.”
They all gathered around for the rules. Their mission was to make it from their current location, in Larimer, Wyoming down the Continental Divide to Leadville, Colorado in a week. They were given only food, water, a map and a pocket knife. Sabotage was allowed, however, it could not lead to any significant injury. They may also encounter obstacles along the way.
The teams broke apart and went on their way. The game was on.
*****
“C’mon everyone, follow me! You can all be my support!”
“Like, there are bugs out here!”
“What is wrong with your country, Bastard? Your squirrels are throwing things at me!”
“Ve, be nice to America, Romano!”
“When we win, Aniki is mine!”
“I’m sorry I’m so slow.”
America paused when he heard Ukraine speak up. She was walking behind most of the others, looking pretty tired already.
“Hey, Romano, why don’t you take the lead for a while?” he offered.
“Seriously?” the older Italy sputtered, looking surprised the self-proclaimed hero would give up an opportunity to lead. America nodded. Southern Italy took the lead, the others following after him. America walked back to Ukraine and wrapped an arm around her. She blushed.
“You don’t need to worry about me America, I can take care of myself.”
“Hey, it wouldn’t be very heroic of me to leave you behind!”
*****
Canada was left wondering if his team would be able to make it to their destination without someone ending up dead. In the first few minutes after losing sight of the other team, there was dispute between England and France about who was going to be the leader. China attempted to mediate making the whole situation worse. Japan just stood there looking flustered, and Canada didn’t bother because he knew the two Europeans wouldn’t listen to him anyway. It took Germany bodily separating the two before everyone calmed down enough to form a plan.
“Alright, I think is the best route.” said Germany, after a few minutes studying the map. “Taking into account the elevation and other factors, this should be the fastest and most efficient route.” There were some suggestions, a few almost fights and then they were off, certain individuals confident in their victory over the others. After all, the others probably had no plan at all.
******
Team Alpha was enjoying their hike. Italy’s discovery of some rather interesting butterflies had led them on a winding path through several valleys. They had paused several times to admire a flower to investigate a tree. This was after all, supposed to be a vacation.
“This place, like, totally looks like the Tatras! I approve America.”
“Thanks, Poland.”
“What do you think, we go for that ridge and then make camp?” asked Romano pointing out into the distance at a nearby peak.
“Sounds like a good plan, ve? I will make dinner!”
“I’ll race you!” said Korea, skipping off happily. America and Romano immediately chased after him. Poland waved them off. He floated back to walk next to Ukraine and Italy who decided they did not feel like running.
“I hope they don’t hurt themselves.” said Ukraine quietly. Poland gave her a calculating look. He was going to have to invite her over sometime to dress her up. Her clothing was far too modest. Russia was a poor influence in the fashion department. Poland enjoyed the girls coming to visit him, it gave him a chance to use some of his fashion skills, since most of the other men could not care one way or another. He had observed the female member of their group for much of the day, and a few ideas about how they could slow down the other team came to mind. Even though this was for fun, there was no reason his team could not win.
“So, Ukraine, you’ve been staring at America, like, all day.” he said, waiting for a reaction.
She blushed, “I have not!”
“Ve, do you like him? He is really nice, even though his food his weird.” added Italy, jumping in on the conversation.
“Well, there was that party, he and I...”
“You should totally go for it! I have a plan! This competition is ours!” The other two leaned in closer to Poland and listened to his plan, Ukraine blushing fiercely by the end and Italy grinning. Poland was actually surprised that the flustered female agreed to it.
*****
The entire walk to camp, Ukraine thought through the ways she could get America to agree to the plan. She unconsciously twirled a finger in her short hair hoping her nerves wouldn’t cause her to burst into tears and run away. She had to be brave. Poland had not been wrong, she did like him. It was hard not to, and events that had occurred in the past gave her reason to hope her feelings would be returned. Camp was pretty well underway as they arrived, Romano was building a shelter and Korea was gathering firewood. America was hard at work trying to cut some of the larger branches into tinder.
She watched as Poland gestured Korea over to him. The boy almost always knew China’s location somehow and Poland wanted to use him to find Team One’s location. It was possible they had made it farther than they had, but Korea always seemed to have enough energy to go anywhere and back in record time. She took a deep breath before making her way over to America.
“Um, America?” she said, walking over to him. The size of the supplied pocket knife was not helping his task of creating tinder, and slight frustration lined his face. He looked up when she spoke, frustration fading into a kind smile. The perspiration from his race with Romano and Korea, along with his current work, caused his hair to stick oddly to his forehead. She smiled to herself, it was really cute. “I was wondering if you wanted to look around before it was too dark...”
“Sure! This isn’t working anyway.” he said, folding up the knife.
He offered her an arm and they wandered off into the woods. Poland giggled at the brilliance of his plan. Not only would it get Ukraine what she wanted, it would probably give them a head start for the next day too.
******
“Poland has this plan for us, so that we can get ahead in the race...” she began. He looked at her curiously, she leaned over and whispered into his ear. By the time she had finished his face was as red as hers.
He cleared his throat, “Are you sure? I mean it’d probably work... but... taking advantage like that isn’t really that heroic...”
The lack of confidence in his usually boisterous voice actually made her laugh. She nodded, and gathered him into a crushing hug. They went back to await the return of Korea so that the plan could be put into motion.
******
Team One was not in the best of moods. Canada had needed to spend half an hour trying to get their attention because they thought they had lost him. France had tripped over a rock and twisted his ankle, creating the need for Germany to carry him. England stop teasing him about it and Canada was starting to wonder if Germany was going to have an anuerism from high blood pressure that was causing his face to turn red.
When they finally made camp, they separated themselves, hoping to get a bit of distance from the pressure of defeating the other team. Canada was cooking something over the campfire when France started a commotion.
“Hey, England! Look what we have here.” said France, gesturing the other nation. England rolled his eyes and wandered over to the bush that France was busily peering through. It was twilight now and harder to see. “Look at young America, he has more skills than I give him credit for.”
England had been taking a sip of water, before he began choking on it. France trying to muffle him did nothing to help him breathe. Canada, curious as to what they were looking at, wandered over. What was his brother up to now? Canada turned bright red, not quite believing what he saw. Was America really making out with Ukraine, psychotic Russia’s sister? Did he have a death wish? Wait a minute, he did remember America telling him about a date he had gone on with Ukraine. How long had America been putting on the innocent routine? How long had they been together? A scuffle caused him to draw his attention away from his twin’s antics as France seemed to be trying to body block England from interfering.
“What is going on, aru?” China gasped when he saw what the others were looking at. When Japan arrived he promptly got a nosebleed, but did not look away. France soon had to include Germany in the body lock, when the German threatened to intervene. Canada had to admit he was impressed that France could manage that with a twisted ankle.
“No everyone, this is much more fun than listening to England summon the devil around the campfire!” said France, slyly. A muffled ‘Hey!’ was heard from England as he attempted to get out from under France.
******
America was surprised that Ukraine would go along with such an idea. He really had no clue that Poland even had it in him to suggest it in the first place. Although, now that he though about it, Lithuania had always had some interesting stories about his time with Poland.
However, as soon as his lips met hers he stopped caring. America had always had a soft spot for the female nations, especially the ones that were more the “damsel in distress” type like Ukraine. When she started looking for friends he had jumped at the opportunity to help her. She was kind and pretty, and he always enjoyed the time they got to spend together.
He was aware that most of the other nations thought him silly and air-headed, and he had never imagined that Russia’s sister would ever be interested in him. He thought that Russia made a point of telling his sisters horrible lies about America so that they would stay away from him. Apparently this was not true, in fact, she had confessed her affection for him at a party a few years back. They had gone to dinner once, before business and politics made them too busy to see each other.
It was comfortable here, Ukraine wrapped in his arms, a soft contrast to the rough bark of the tree he was leaning on to hold them up. She ran her fingers through his hair and along his neck in a way that made his knees go weak.
“I think we got their attention.” he whispered into her lips. In response she giggled and kissed him harder.
The way she was kissing him, America could easily stop caring that they were being watched, since that was after all, the point. America really wished he could have a photo of England’s face, though. Instead he focused on the feeling of Ukraine in his arms and the emotions she was making him feel.
******
America woke up the next morning extremely comfortable wrapped in Ukraine’s arms. It had been quite dark when their voyeurs had fallen asleep. They decided it was a wise decision to stay put before risking getting hurt in the dark. Not that they really wanted to go anywhere so they had simply curled up for the night.
“Good morning.” he said to her smiling. She smiled back repeating his sentiments.
“Did you guys pull it off?” said Poland appearing from the other side of the bush. He gave them a suggestive look as they straightened their clothing and got up, identical blushes adorning their faces.
“Let’s see.” The group creeped over to where they knew the others had been hiding. The creeped around the bush and saw Team One lying on the ground, snoring contently.
America laughed, “They must have been watching all night! Our show must have been pretty good.”
“We should do it again sometime, when no one is watching.” she whispered to him.
“I’d like that.” he whispered back.
The Italies and Korea appeared from the same direction Poland had come. They looked down at their sleeping opponents.
“Mission success!”
“I can’t believe such a lewd plan worked on those bastards.”
“Germany is so cute when he’s sleeping!”
“Korea, leave China alone!” said Ukraine, giving him a stern look. The boy pulled his hands back from China quickly a pout on his face.
Poland turned to the group, “Italy, do you have that rope you made?”
******
France made to stretch when he woke up, his dream had been pretty good. As soon as he went to stretch his muscles he noticed, he couldn’t move. His eyes popped open, to find himself tied to the other members of his team sans one.
“Where is Canada?” There was an audible sigh from right beside him. “Oh there you are.”
“Why are we tied up?” asked England.
“It seems that the other team pulled a fast one on us while we were asleep.”
“I must admit I’m impressed.”
“Shut up, let’s just get out of this, aru!”
******
“I hope Germany is okay...”
“Relax, that potato bastard will be fine.”
“They won’t be very happy, but it’ll be worth it to see the look on their faces!” said Poland grinning, “Like, I feel like we should have stuck around to see them when they woke up.”
“We’ll be able to rub it in when we win.”
******
Several days later...
America smiled, leaning back into the chair in a small old western themed restaurant. Victory was theirs. Team One came in behind Alpha by several hours. Team Alpha was relaxing, enjoying their victory in one of the local hotels by the time the other team wandered into town. They rearranged a few tables and dragged some more chairs over so they could join them.
Italy immediately attached himself to Germany, as Romano glared at them both. China kept changing where he sat, because Korea kept talking other people into switching chairs so he could sit by him, much to the older nation’s displeasure. After a few drinks, England and France were actually being civil to each other for more than a few minutes at a time. After the long arduous week, it was as peaceful an evening as the world could reasonably exist.
Beers were passed, congratulation were given (some a bit more begrudgingly than others) and the game was over, until next year when some hapless nations would be pushed into a new competition in a different place, all in the name of world peace.
Author: shuriken7
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Characters: Ensemble, America/Ukraine
Word Count: 2,882
A/N: Written for measuringlife at Write for Relief The prompt was a combination of two kink meme prompts here. I hope you like it! :)
Summary: The nations are forced to spend a week together in the name of world peace. It is a game of survival and possible romance blooms in this mountainous competition.
Warning: Kind of cracky XD Lots of changes in point of view.
It had all begun with the annual camping trip, a plot hatched by their bosses after World War II. The plot involved the nations getting together and rely on each other out in the woods. Since it would be impossible to fit all of the countries in the world together at once there was a drawing and twelve lucky (or unlucky in their minds) nations got to go on a trip to a specified location for a week. The challenge was for the team members to survive and make it to a specified location. There were two teams, six members each. This year’s trip was in the United States of America.
England had arrived early and he frowned upon opening the envelope listing the teams. These combinations would not do at all, and after the last event he was going to be on the winning team.
“What are you looking at?” asked France leaning over the smaller nation, England promptly pushed him away.
“Get off me! It’s the team roster.”
France frowned, “This will not do at all!”
“This is one of the few times you make a valid point.”
“Yes, well,” said France grabbing a pen and proceeding to cross out names and move them around, “Do you approve?”
England nodded, assured of his team’s now imminent success.
*****
America arrived last, entering upon a scene of absolute chaos. The team names had already been read and he was waved over to one side. Team One was filled by England, France, China, Germany, Canada, and Japan. Team Alpha consisted of America, S. Korea, Poland, the Italies, and Ukraine.
“Why am I not with Big Brother!” cried S. Korea clinging to China’s arm. China managed to extricate himself from the other nation, and Korea shifted his attention to Japan. The Asian nation’s pleading gaze caught America’s attention and he went over grabbed Korea around the waist and pulled him off the other Asian. Similar action occurred as Romano pulled N. Italy off of Germany dragging him back to the their side.
“C’mon man! You’re on my team, and we’re gonna win!” said America, carrying the struggling nation back to his side.
“So confident, America?”
“You know it England. You know pretty well what happens every time you underestimate me.”
“Good one, America!” said Poland patting the younger nation on the back. England glared at the other blonde. Poland rolled his eyes, “Like, let’s get this thing started.”
They all gathered around for the rules. Their mission was to make it from their current location, in Larimer, Wyoming down the Continental Divide to Leadville, Colorado in a week. They were given only food, water, a map and a pocket knife. Sabotage was allowed, however, it could not lead to any significant injury. They may also encounter obstacles along the way.
The teams broke apart and went on their way. The game was on.
*****
“C’mon everyone, follow me! You can all be my support!”
“Like, there are bugs out here!”
“What is wrong with your country, Bastard? Your squirrels are throwing things at me!”
“Ve, be nice to America, Romano!”
“When we win, Aniki is mine!”
“I’m sorry I’m so slow.”
America paused when he heard Ukraine speak up. She was walking behind most of the others, looking pretty tired already.
“Hey, Romano, why don’t you take the lead for a while?” he offered.
“Seriously?” the older Italy sputtered, looking surprised the self-proclaimed hero would give up an opportunity to lead. America nodded. Southern Italy took the lead, the others following after him. America walked back to Ukraine and wrapped an arm around her. She blushed.
“You don’t need to worry about me America, I can take care of myself.”
“Hey, it wouldn’t be very heroic of me to leave you behind!”
*****
Canada was left wondering if his team would be able to make it to their destination without someone ending up dead. In the first few minutes after losing sight of the other team, there was dispute between England and France about who was going to be the leader. China attempted to mediate making the whole situation worse. Japan just stood there looking flustered, and Canada didn’t bother because he knew the two Europeans wouldn’t listen to him anyway. It took Germany bodily separating the two before everyone calmed down enough to form a plan.
“Alright, I think is the best route.” said Germany, after a few minutes studying the map. “Taking into account the elevation and other factors, this should be the fastest and most efficient route.” There were some suggestions, a few almost fights and then they were off, certain individuals confident in their victory over the others. After all, the others probably had no plan at all.
******
Team Alpha was enjoying their hike. Italy’s discovery of some rather interesting butterflies had led them on a winding path through several valleys. They had paused several times to admire a flower to investigate a tree. This was after all, supposed to be a vacation.
“This place, like, totally looks like the Tatras! I approve America.”
“Thanks, Poland.”
“What do you think, we go for that ridge and then make camp?” asked Romano pointing out into the distance at a nearby peak.
“Sounds like a good plan, ve? I will make dinner!”
“I’ll race you!” said Korea, skipping off happily. America and Romano immediately chased after him. Poland waved them off. He floated back to walk next to Ukraine and Italy who decided they did not feel like running.
“I hope they don’t hurt themselves.” said Ukraine quietly. Poland gave her a calculating look. He was going to have to invite her over sometime to dress her up. Her clothing was far too modest. Russia was a poor influence in the fashion department. Poland enjoyed the girls coming to visit him, it gave him a chance to use some of his fashion skills, since most of the other men could not care one way or another. He had observed the female member of their group for much of the day, and a few ideas about how they could slow down the other team came to mind. Even though this was for fun, there was no reason his team could not win.
“So, Ukraine, you’ve been staring at America, like, all day.” he said, waiting for a reaction.
She blushed, “I have not!”
“Ve, do you like him? He is really nice, even though his food his weird.” added Italy, jumping in on the conversation.
“Well, there was that party, he and I...”
“You should totally go for it! I have a plan! This competition is ours!” The other two leaned in closer to Poland and listened to his plan, Ukraine blushing fiercely by the end and Italy grinning. Poland was actually surprised that the flustered female agreed to it.
*****
The entire walk to camp, Ukraine thought through the ways she could get America to agree to the plan. She unconsciously twirled a finger in her short hair hoping her nerves wouldn’t cause her to burst into tears and run away. She had to be brave. Poland had not been wrong, she did like him. It was hard not to, and events that had occurred in the past gave her reason to hope her feelings would be returned. Camp was pretty well underway as they arrived, Romano was building a shelter and Korea was gathering firewood. America was hard at work trying to cut some of the larger branches into tinder.
She watched as Poland gestured Korea over to him. The boy almost always knew China’s location somehow and Poland wanted to use him to find Team One’s location. It was possible they had made it farther than they had, but Korea always seemed to have enough energy to go anywhere and back in record time. She took a deep breath before making her way over to America.
“Um, America?” she said, walking over to him. The size of the supplied pocket knife was not helping his task of creating tinder, and slight frustration lined his face. He looked up when she spoke, frustration fading into a kind smile. The perspiration from his race with Romano and Korea, along with his current work, caused his hair to stick oddly to his forehead. She smiled to herself, it was really cute. “I was wondering if you wanted to look around before it was too dark...”
“Sure! This isn’t working anyway.” he said, folding up the knife.
He offered her an arm and they wandered off into the woods. Poland giggled at the brilliance of his plan. Not only would it get Ukraine what she wanted, it would probably give them a head start for the next day too.
******
“Poland has this plan for us, so that we can get ahead in the race...” she began. He looked at her curiously, she leaned over and whispered into his ear. By the time she had finished his face was as red as hers.
He cleared his throat, “Are you sure? I mean it’d probably work... but... taking advantage like that isn’t really that heroic...”
The lack of confidence in his usually boisterous voice actually made her laugh. She nodded, and gathered him into a crushing hug. They went back to await the return of Korea so that the plan could be put into motion.
******
Team One was not in the best of moods. Canada had needed to spend half an hour trying to get their attention because they thought they had lost him. France had tripped over a rock and twisted his ankle, creating the need for Germany to carry him. England stop teasing him about it and Canada was starting to wonder if Germany was going to have an anuerism from high blood pressure that was causing his face to turn red.
When they finally made camp, they separated themselves, hoping to get a bit of distance from the pressure of defeating the other team. Canada was cooking something over the campfire when France started a commotion.
“Hey, England! Look what we have here.” said France, gesturing the other nation. England rolled his eyes and wandered over to the bush that France was busily peering through. It was twilight now and harder to see. “Look at young America, he has more skills than I give him credit for.”
England had been taking a sip of water, before he began choking on it. France trying to muffle him did nothing to help him breathe. Canada, curious as to what they were looking at, wandered over. What was his brother up to now? Canada turned bright red, not quite believing what he saw. Was America really making out with Ukraine, psychotic Russia’s sister? Did he have a death wish? Wait a minute, he did remember America telling him about a date he had gone on with Ukraine. How long had America been putting on the innocent routine? How long had they been together? A scuffle caused him to draw his attention away from his twin’s antics as France seemed to be trying to body block England from interfering.
“What is going on, aru?” China gasped when he saw what the others were looking at. When Japan arrived he promptly got a nosebleed, but did not look away. France soon had to include Germany in the body lock, when the German threatened to intervene. Canada had to admit he was impressed that France could manage that with a twisted ankle.
“No everyone, this is much more fun than listening to England summon the devil around the campfire!” said France, slyly. A muffled ‘Hey!’ was heard from England as he attempted to get out from under France.
******
America was surprised that Ukraine would go along with such an idea. He really had no clue that Poland even had it in him to suggest it in the first place. Although, now that he though about it, Lithuania had always had some interesting stories about his time with Poland.
However, as soon as his lips met hers he stopped caring. America had always had a soft spot for the female nations, especially the ones that were more the “damsel in distress” type like Ukraine. When she started looking for friends he had jumped at the opportunity to help her. She was kind and pretty, and he always enjoyed the time they got to spend together.
He was aware that most of the other nations thought him silly and air-headed, and he had never imagined that Russia’s sister would ever be interested in him. He thought that Russia made a point of telling his sisters horrible lies about America so that they would stay away from him. Apparently this was not true, in fact, she had confessed her affection for him at a party a few years back. They had gone to dinner once, before business and politics made them too busy to see each other.
It was comfortable here, Ukraine wrapped in his arms, a soft contrast to the rough bark of the tree he was leaning on to hold them up. She ran her fingers through his hair and along his neck in a way that made his knees go weak.
“I think we got their attention.” he whispered into her lips. In response she giggled and kissed him harder.
The way she was kissing him, America could easily stop caring that they were being watched, since that was after all, the point. America really wished he could have a photo of England’s face, though. Instead he focused on the feeling of Ukraine in his arms and the emotions she was making him feel.
******
America woke up the next morning extremely comfortable wrapped in Ukraine’s arms. It had been quite dark when their voyeurs had fallen asleep. They decided it was a wise decision to stay put before risking getting hurt in the dark. Not that they really wanted to go anywhere so they had simply curled up for the night.
“Good morning.” he said to her smiling. She smiled back repeating his sentiments.
“Did you guys pull it off?” said Poland appearing from the other side of the bush. He gave them a suggestive look as they straightened their clothing and got up, identical blushes adorning their faces.
“Let’s see.” The group creeped over to where they knew the others had been hiding. The creeped around the bush and saw Team One lying on the ground, snoring contently.
America laughed, “They must have been watching all night! Our show must have been pretty good.”
“We should do it again sometime, when no one is watching.” she whispered to him.
“I’d like that.” he whispered back.
The Italies and Korea appeared from the same direction Poland had come. They looked down at their sleeping opponents.
“Mission success!”
“I can’t believe such a lewd plan worked on those bastards.”
“Germany is so cute when he’s sleeping!”
“Korea, leave China alone!” said Ukraine, giving him a stern look. The boy pulled his hands back from China quickly a pout on his face.
Poland turned to the group, “Italy, do you have that rope you made?”
******
France made to stretch when he woke up, his dream had been pretty good. As soon as he went to stretch his muscles he noticed, he couldn’t move. His eyes popped open, to find himself tied to the other members of his team sans one.
“Where is Canada?” There was an audible sigh from right beside him. “Oh there you are.”
“Why are we tied up?” asked England.
“It seems that the other team pulled a fast one on us while we were asleep.”
“I must admit I’m impressed.”
“Shut up, let’s just get out of this, aru!”
******
“I hope Germany is okay...”
“Relax, that potato bastard will be fine.”
“They won’t be very happy, but it’ll be worth it to see the look on their faces!” said Poland grinning, “Like, I feel like we should have stuck around to see them when they woke up.”
“We’ll be able to rub it in when we win.”
******
Several days later...
America smiled, leaning back into the chair in a small old western themed restaurant. Victory was theirs. Team One came in behind Alpha by several hours. Team Alpha was relaxing, enjoying their victory in one of the local hotels by the time the other team wandered into town. They rearranged a few tables and dragged some more chairs over so they could join them.
Italy immediately attached himself to Germany, as Romano glared at them both. China kept changing where he sat, because Korea kept talking other people into switching chairs so he could sit by him, much to the older nation’s displeasure. After a few drinks, England and France were actually being civil to each other for more than a few minutes at a time. After the long arduous week, it was as peaceful an evening as the world could reasonably exist.
Beers were passed, congratulation were given (some a bit more begrudgingly than others) and the game was over, until next year when some hapless nations would be pushed into a new competition in a different place, all in the name of world peace.