[Oh good gods. When she finally sees him, she could only imagine what he went through (this has probably happened a few times before anyway.)
She follows on in after him, making sure his door is shut, before going over to him and lifting a bag.]
I have brought emergency provisions: coffee, croissants, I am certain I put in some dried fruits in here too... [And look at that, she's brought a range of savoury and sweet foods.]
I figured, because you were suddenly extremely desirable, weren't you? Everything turned back to normal today. Was there someone who caught your eye that left you in such a mess?
[She picks up the coffee and heads to the kitchen.] I will make some for you now.
Ah... You could say that people that would never come forward to admire me did so.
[His face. He's making a face at how you are putting that, Vietnam. It's one of those "Did you think I was not handsome and popular BEFORE this mess?!" looks. Still, she might've...just. Hit it on the nail. Crossing his legs, he might just watch her work]
Normal. You could say that... [No, he realized exactly when things went back to normal, because he'd been kissing the most amazing woman ever during. Talk about awkward.] We could have caught each other's eye. [...] That's over now.
[SHE MAY HAVE SAID IT LIKE THAT ON PURPOSE SHH.] I could tell. It was a very unusual feeling.
[And pretty gross, ew. She knew France was handsome and fabulous but when she had to feel attracted to it too? HELP. And there she goes, making his coffee completely black. The bitter hit will help him, really. And why not warm a croissant too.]
...did you fall for someone during the event? Who fell for you?
[Oh No, Vietnam. Don't admit you had a crush on your old man there. Might be a little awkward...]
I suppose you're right. I do not remember the last time I was so enamored with another person... [He frowns and leans back. Just going to reach a hand out and hope coffee is delivered into it before it gets tired from being held in the same place] But even that was a lie. I suppose...
She's the pretty blonde librarian that also works at the school? Very dreamy. [cocks his head to the side; lightly:] I actually behaved myself...
[He's aware of his Bad Behavior. He just ignores acknowledging the guilt for it MOST of the time.]
[Immediately waving her hand dismissively.} A-ah, nothing important. I mean, it's not important if I'm fine, no?
[IS THIS BULLET DODGED? Now she could be mean and just let him hang there a little, but she's not. So she puts the coffee in his hand, makes sure he's got a good hold of it, and then puts down a plate of croissants. She then sits down next to him.]
A pretty blonde librarian who works at the school... [This sounds familiar, but she can't quite put her finger on it yet...] And you behaved yourself?! Would you like to go into detail?
[He's gone through the anger and denial stages, Vietnam. Taking the coffee gratefully, France just kind of gives her a questioning look. A stare really. That might just continue through his first drink of the day and he might be feeling a little better already.]
What happened to you?!
[Well you can try to dodge it, but France would much rather talk rather than have to recall his week of popularity. His lips purse at the direct question and he just looks down at his cup. Damn it.]
The first time I kissed her was the last? After a week of talking to each other like there was nothing more important.
[You know his bad habits. A week attracted to someone in Hard Mode without kissing them? It doesn't happen with France. It just doesn't.]
[Nope. Way to go Vietnam, selling out your boy toy. Because he knows what he did with England and if the man did half with her, he might have to have a word. Or a dozen. Yelled at him through the phone later on that night.]
You -- [France just falters for a moment in that segue, raising his mug to his lips. He needs a dozen more to make this OK.] Just. Perhaps I did, alright? [He seems frustrated and disappointed; adding quietly:]
Perhaps I shouldn't have. It would have been less disheartening to have had kissed her before the spell wore off and we parted ways.
[Excuse him. Just going to nibble on a croissant or two. So sad, Vietnam. So very sad!]
Tell me about it. [That comes out a bit flat. He knows. He also knows he's not aware of her name (at the time) and doesn't have the nerve to be denied again. It's different with nations. Being denied by some girl for a second time shouldn't be so bad, it certainly does happen. He'd rather not.]
Well, no, I mean, there might have been some very inappropriate words involving anchoring and plundering, but I stopped that before--...
Wait, too? He mauled you?
[NO, ACTUALLY, SHE DOESN'T WANT TO KNOW. But she's horrified, look at how she's looking at him. And the window. Which probably means England in the distance, wherever he is.
But ah, better get this back on track before something happens here. So he was in a whirlwind romance WHILE getting it on with England at the same time. Right.]
But...I suppose sometimes we can have moments like that too. I mean, we maybe countries, but we can think and feel like humans in someway? Are you going to look for her?
[It actually pains her a little to see him like this. She understands perfectly how lonely it can be for a nation, even though she doesn't feel it as strongly as the others.]
[France might have had a few moments where they had verbal spats with England during the course of the week. If, by verbal spat you mean tonsil hockey and possible biting. But trust me it was angry! So. Spat--s... He seems distracted by te phone in his pocket that he's itching to pick up. He's got a certain man to call and yell at, or just chuck the phone at if by chance they're in throwing distance from one another. But he won't voice it, because he knows Vietnam is a kind woman and would probably try to keep him from beating the tar out of England.
Sneaky sneaky... It's easy to temporarily dismiss the issue granted she's asked him a question. Probably one that he's been thinking about himself all day. The smile is a bit bitter]
She's just a girl, Vietnam. What good would it do?
[Yes. Of course he wants to find her again, but why spoil the hope by voicing it. He calmly drinks the rest of his cup before leaning forward. He's just getting another one...
Maybe it's because when he's actually sad he doesn't care too much for others to witness it. Actual pity isn't something his pride acknowledges well. A little distance, even if it's just a few feet, might be nice if only for a moment.]
Is there anything I can get you while I am up? [He stands at the mouth of the living room, looking a little less bright than usual but putting more effort into maintaining appearances] You do not have to worry about me. I am a grown man, no? A little bump in the road is all.
[He doesn't seem to deny anything about this matter.
...] You didn't [Or did he. Get it on. With England?!
She quickly clears her throat though, since there's something else to worry about: A Frenchman in love.]
You are apparently just a human here. Besides, isn't it a dream of yours?
[She could tell the differences when France actually pursues someone, one of them is how inappropriate his advances are. This one actually seems rather...pure?]
You could always check, there's nothing to lose, it is better to known the answer conclusively before you give up entirely. [Thinking about it, love really is like a war. Only she's good at wars, but potentially shit at love. So she hopes this advice is actually...well, good.]
Perhaps a coffee too. [Making things is a good distraction for him. And yes, she knows 8| ] I-I'm not worried at all. [It's just France, gosh.]
[Rolling his eyes, he sighs and sits on the coffee table so they're facing each other. He did manage to bring her a mug of coffee as well though. So considerate.]
Why are you concerned about what England and I did? We didn't... It's not as if he'd willingly sleep with me without a couple of drinks in him. I gathered something was amiss...
[What. You... didn't need to know that. He resorts to rubbing his temple and clearing his throat and just. Averting his eyes for the other foods she brought in her bag.
He'll just shake his head. She was trying to help.]
I hardly believe that anymore. Dream or not, Vietnam, sometimes dreams are just that. Desires for normalcy that ought not be entertained. It will just hurt more when you are caught in the lie.
[He wishes, quite deeply actually, that he could stand by the everyday person and not see them grow in what he thought was just a blink. Firmly:]
We are not from the same world anyway, Vietnam. We could never go home together.
There is a very good reason I do not do relationships and this is no different.
Thank you. [When she gets her coffee! And really needs it with how detailed France was just then.]
A-ah I get it! [SHUDDERS] I am probably better off not knowing what really happens. But I believe you now, goodness.
[But after that scowl, she looks saddened. He's right. They were probably born and chosen because they could handle this kind of life. Sometimes, it was hard enough making friends, let alone lovers.]
I suppose so. We have already accepted this life, and we need to go home.
But are you really just going to leave it like this? What if...she wants to know too?
[That smile might be a little deprecating. He's sorry, Vietnam, but sometimes the shock value is ... well, valuable. Maybe his mood has been fouled up by that situation, too. Or something. That's a different scenario that's fairly complicated too, but at least France is used to dealing with that.
He has avoided, quite purposefully, engaging in a relationship with anyone, really. That endless string of one night stands and opportunistic unions had sort of worked out just fine for him for a very long time. Now, as fate had it, his attempts were thwarted and he feels heavy.
His brow wrinkles. Old man, don't start looking your age now.]
It didn't matter that I was a nation. [A dry chuckle and he leans forward, elbows on knees. Life's tough. Get a helmet.] I never told her, and I do not know if telling her WHY I am mentally incapable of a relationship would be understood.
She does not deserve that, does she?
[But he might sound uncertain. The heart is a miserably hopeful thing even with the mind is so quick to deny. Wow Vietnam. You're sorry that you came over to listen to him wallow right about now, right?]
[She takes a sip of the coffee after she blows to cool the surface. There, much better, more caffeine to be able to handle this and help this old man.
Gods, she really didn't expect this, but for some reason, she would take this over stories of France's sexual escapades over the season (looking at you, England, even though that was a close one.)
She looks over at him, he might be full of life and flamboyant normally, but when he's depressed, it really shows how much he has lived through.]
I wonder. [She takes another sip.] I mean, I might not be the right person to ask this of, but I know many would think that the other deserves better. She might even think the same.
At least she doesn't have to wonder why it is impossible, and that it's not her.
...
And maybe it really wouldn't matter to her if you are a nation. Hong Kong and Minako are happy, no?
[Damn it... Looking down at his reflection in the mug he was holding he might have grimaced. He's looked better. He drinks down half of his cup out of spite and warily regards her for a moment, trying to read her.
Not that he'd put it on Vietnam to lie to make him feel better when it's something he's taken to heart.]
That just sounds like a weak ploy. I may as well just tell her that it isn't her, but me and retreat into the night to wallow in my own pity. I confess that I miss her...
[Kind of like what he's doing, anyway.]
Hong Kong and Minako are different. [He doubts they started doe eyeing each other at the gentle guidance of the Landlord. Actually France can't imagine Hong Kong doe eyeing at all...]
[She gives him a firm look now. But not one to judge him. It was a determined look, encouraging him. He's a mess right now, and she is 100% sure that he's doing what they all fear the most: overthinking. Not that she can say she's not guilty of doing that either, but someone always has to remind the other.]
See, you miss her. So go see her. Even if nothing comes out of it, at least you can make a friend? You may say that is not enough, but it can help, really.
...
But why are they different? Love comes in different forms, no? But in the end it's all the same. Well, aside from the fact that it started out on a more natural basis. [Yeah, pretty sure the day Hong Kong does that, his face will break.]
[It's pretty much all or nothing at this point. Oh sure, they could laugh about this and go 'oh that was silly' but perhaps a few Words had been exchanged that would keep this from being an easy transition. Nobody knows about that however and France doesn't want to release such delicate information. He sighs and it sounds rather pinched... just kill him now. Or get him a hooker though Good Golly Miss Holly is definitely Out Of Question now to disappoint.]
They came to be on their own. They were not toyed with by some bottle. It's a terrible start to a romance, Vietnam. I just know that enough has happened, bottle or no, to make things complicated enough that I just do not see it being okay.
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no subject
Date: 2014-02-25 02:58 am (UTC)She follows on in after him, making sure his door is shut, before going over to him and lifting a bag.]
I have brought emergency provisions: coffee, croissants, I am certain I put in some dried fruits in here too... [And look at that, she's brought a range of savoury and sweet foods.]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-25 03:57 am (UTC)I just ran out this morning. [...] I might have been a little distracted lately and have not gone shopping for a few necessities.
[God France. It's just a girl. You shouldn't be so hung up. There's like, an ocean of other ones that could be awesome, too!]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-25 06:44 am (UTC)I figured, because you were suddenly extremely desirable, weren't you? Everything turned back to normal today. Was there someone who caught your eye that left you in such a mess?
[She picks up the coffee and heads to the kitchen.] I will make some for you now.
spot light, pls.
Date: 2014-02-25 12:16 pm (UTC)[His face. He's making a face at how you are putting that, Vietnam. It's one of those "Did you think I was not handsome and popular BEFORE this mess?!" looks. Still, she might've...just. Hit it on the nail. Crossing his legs, he might just watch her work]
Normal. You could say that... [No, he realized exactly when things went back to normal, because he'd been kissing the most amazing woman ever during. Talk about awkward.] We could have caught each other's eye. [...] That's over now.
[Nope. It's not. Not even close.]
oh my god that's so perfect i bet she's questioning why the rest of the lights are off
Date: 2014-02-25 12:28 pm (UTC)[And pretty gross, ew. She knew France was handsome and fabulous but when she had to feel attracted to it too? HELP. And there she goes, making his coffee completely black. The bitter hit will help him, really. And why not warm a croissant too.]
...did you fall for someone during the event? Who fell for you?
[oh my god.]
these are his mourning lights.
Date: 2014-02-25 12:53 pm (UTC)[Oh No, Vietnam. Don't admit you had a crush on your old man there. Might be a little awkward...]
I suppose you're right. I do not remember the last time I was so enamored with another person... [He frowns and leans back. Just going to reach a hand out and hope coffee is delivered into it before it gets tired from being held in the same place] But even that was a lie. I suppose...
She's the pretty blonde librarian that also works at the school? Very dreamy. [cocks his head to the side; lightly:] I actually behaved myself...
[He's aware of his Bad Behavior. He just ignores acknowledging the guilt for it MOST of the time.]
old man this is turning into a dramatic stage play!!
Date: 2014-02-25 01:04 pm (UTC)[IS THIS BULLET DODGED? Now she could be mean and just let him hang there a little, but she's not. So she puts the coffee in his hand, makes sure he's got a good hold of it, and then puts down a plate of croissants. She then sits down next to him.]
A pretty blonde librarian who works at the school... [This sounds familiar, but she can't quite put her finger on it yet...] And you behaved yourself?! Would you like to go into detail?
[It might help if he lets it all out.]
Let him get the costumes.
Date: 2014-02-25 10:42 pm (UTC)What happened to you?!
[Well you can try to dodge it, but France would much rather talk rather than have to recall his week of popularity. His lips purse at the direct question and he just looks down at his cup. Damn it.]
The first time I kissed her was the last? After a week of talking to each other like there was nothing more important.
[You know his bad habits. A week attracted to someone in Hard Mode without kissing them? It doesn't happen with France. It just doesn't.]
OKAY!!! what a champ
Date: 2014-02-26 11:22 am (UTC)I...ah, may have punched England in the face. [YES, IS THIS A SUCCESSFUL DEFLECTION?!]
But goodness, you spent a week courting her without even kissing her?
...
...how. You're in very deep, France.
no subject
Date: 2014-02-26 12:47 pm (UTC)[Nope. Way to go Vietnam, selling out your boy toy. Because he knows what he did with England and if the man did half with her, he might have to have a word. Or a dozen. Yelled at him through the phone later on that night.]
You -- [France just falters for a moment in that segue, raising his mug to his lips. He needs a dozen more to make this OK.] Just. Perhaps I did, alright? [He seems frustrated and disappointed; adding quietly:]
Perhaps I shouldn't have. It would have been less disheartening to have had kissed her before the spell wore off and we parted ways.
[Excuse him. Just going to nibble on a croissant or two. So sad, Vietnam. So very sad!]
Tell me about it. [That comes out a bit flat. He knows. He also knows he's not aware of her name (at the time) and doesn't have the nerve to be denied again. It's different with nations. Being denied by some girl for a second time shouldn't be so bad, it certainly does happen. He'd rather not.]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-26 01:01 pm (UTC)Wait, too? He mauled you?
[NO, ACTUALLY, SHE DOESN'T WANT TO KNOW. But she's horrified, look at how she's looking at him. And the window. Which probably means England in the distance, wherever he is.
But ah, better get this back on track before something happens here. So he was in a whirlwind romance WHILE getting it on with England at the same time. Right.]
But...I suppose sometimes we can have moments like that too. I mean, we maybe countries, but we can think and feel like humans in someway? Are you going to look for her?
[It actually pains her a little to see him like this. She understands perfectly how lonely it can be for a nation, even though she doesn't feel it as strongly as the others.]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-26 10:29 pm (UTC)Sneaky sneaky... It's easy to temporarily dismiss the issue granted she's asked him a question. Probably one that he's been thinking about himself all day. The smile is a bit bitter]
She's just a girl, Vietnam. What good would it do?
[Yes. Of course he wants to find her again, but why spoil the hope by voicing it. He calmly drinks the rest of his cup before leaning forward. He's just getting another one...
Maybe it's because when he's actually sad he doesn't care too much for others to witness it. Actual pity isn't something his pride acknowledges well. A little distance, even if it's just a few feet, might be nice if only for a moment.]
Is there anything I can get you while I am up? [He stands at the mouth of the living room, looking a little less bright than usual but putting more effort into maintaining appearances] You do not have to worry about me. I am a grown man, no? A little bump in the road is all.
[Yep, pretty good at lying to himself too.]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-27 03:26 am (UTC)...] You didn't [Or did he. Get it on. With England?!
She quickly clears her throat though, since there's something else to worry about: A Frenchman in love.]
You are apparently just a human here. Besides, isn't it a dream of yours?
[She could tell the differences when France actually pursues someone, one of them is how inappropriate his advances are. This one actually seems rather...pure?]
You could always check, there's nothing to lose, it is better to known the answer conclusively before you give up entirely. [Thinking about it, love really is like a war. Only she's good at wars, but potentially shit at love. So she hopes this advice is actually...well, good.]
Perhaps a coffee too. [Making things is a good distraction for him. And yes, she knows 8| ] I-I'm not worried at all. [It's just France, gosh.]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-27 04:01 am (UTC)Why are you concerned about what England and I did? We didn't... It's not as if he'd willingly sleep with me without a couple of drinks in him. I gathered something was amiss...
[What. You... didn't need to know that. He resorts to rubbing his temple and clearing his throat and just. Averting his eyes for the other foods she brought in her bag.
He'll just shake his head. She was trying to help.]
I hardly believe that anymore. Dream or not, Vietnam, sometimes dreams are just that. Desires for normalcy that ought not be entertained. It will just hurt more when you are caught in the lie.
[He wishes, quite deeply actually, that he could stand by the everyday person and not see them grow in what he thought was just a blink. Firmly:]
We are not from the same world anyway, Vietnam. We could never go home together.
There is a very good reason I do not do relationships and this is no different.
no subject
Date: 2014-02-27 04:16 am (UTC)A-ah I get it! [SHUDDERS] I am probably better off not knowing what really happens. But I believe you now, goodness.
[But after that scowl, she looks saddened. He's right. They were probably born and chosen because they could handle this kind of life. Sometimes, it was hard enough making friends, let alone lovers.]
I suppose so. We have already accepted this life, and we need to go home.
But are you really just going to leave it like this? What if...she wants to know too?
no subject
Date: 2014-02-27 04:57 am (UTC)He has avoided, quite purposefully, engaging in a relationship with anyone, really. That endless string of one night stands and opportunistic unions had sort of worked out just fine for him for a very long time. Now, as fate had it, his attempts were thwarted and he feels heavy.
His brow wrinkles. Old man, don't start looking your age now.]
It didn't matter that I was a nation. [A dry chuckle and he leans forward, elbows on knees. Life's tough. Get a helmet.] I never told her, and I do not know if telling her WHY I am mentally incapable of a relationship would be understood.
She does not deserve that, does she?
[But he might sound uncertain. The heart is a miserably hopeful thing even with the mind is so quick to deny. Wow Vietnam. You're sorry that you came over to listen to him wallow right about now, right?]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-27 04:40 pm (UTC)Gods, she really didn't expect this, but for some reason, she would take this over stories of France's sexual escapades over the season (looking at you, England, even though that was a close one.)
She looks over at him, he might be full of life and flamboyant normally, but when he's depressed, it really shows how much he has lived through.]
I wonder. [She takes another sip.] I mean, I might not be the right person to ask this of, but I know many would think that the other deserves better. She might even think the same.
At least she doesn't have to wonder why it is impossible, and that it's not her.
...
And maybe it really wouldn't matter to her if you are a nation. Hong Kong and Minako are happy, no?
no subject
Date: 2014-02-28 04:51 am (UTC)[Damn it... Looking down at his reflection in the mug he was holding he might have grimaced. He's looked better. He drinks down half of his cup out of spite and warily regards her for a moment, trying to read her.
Not that he'd put it on Vietnam to lie to make him feel better when it's something he's taken to heart.]
That just sounds like a weak ploy. I may as well just tell her that it isn't her, but me and retreat into the night to wallow in my own pity. I confess that I miss her...
[Kind of like what he's doing, anyway.]
Hong Kong and Minako are different. [He doubts they started doe eyeing each other at the gentle guidance of the Landlord. Actually France can't imagine Hong Kong doe eyeing at all...]
no subject
Date: 2014-02-28 02:57 pm (UTC)[She gives him a firm look now. But not one to judge him. It was a determined look, encouraging him. He's a mess right now, and she is 100% sure that he's doing what they all fear the most: overthinking. Not that she can say she's not guilty of doing that either, but someone always has to remind the other.]
See, you miss her. So go see her. Even if nothing comes out of it, at least you can make a friend? You may say that is not enough, but it can help, really.
...
But why are they different? Love comes in different forms, no? But in the end it's all the same. Well, aside from the fact that it started out on a more natural basis. [Yeah, pretty sure the day Hong Kong does that, his face will break.]
no subject
Date: 2014-03-01 02:13 am (UTC)[It's pretty much all or nothing at this point. Oh sure, they could laugh about this and go 'oh that was silly' but perhaps a few Words had been exchanged that would keep this from being an easy transition. Nobody knows about that however and France doesn't want to release such delicate information. He sighs and it sounds rather pinched... just kill him now. Or get him a hooker
though Good Golly Miss Holly is definitely Out Of Question nowto disappoint.]They came to be on their own. They were not toyed with by some bottle. It's a terrible start to a romance, Vietnam. I just know that enough has happened, bottle or no, to make things complicated enough that I just do not see it being okay.