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Post by America on Sept 11, 2012 16:15:53 GMT -5
America had always hated patrolling the area around the warehouse. It was far too quiet, the usual hustle and bustle of the city noise that he was used to completely gone. Everything was empty, the grass stretching for such a long time, tall and untamed. Every rustle America made as he walked sent shivers down his spine, reminding him that anything could appear at any moment. Especially with spring coming around the corner. Though he was unsure how different the transition from winter to spring was in Canada as opposed to his own country, he could still feel it coming. And, with the snow and ice melting, the zombies would be quicker, lighter on their feet. They could come in mass amounts of numbers, even more so than they had already seen, and attack without the worries of freezing up.
Just the thought made America shudder. "Alright, just think happy thoughts," he whispered to himself, glancing over his shoulder and holding his rifle steady. Nothing. There usually wasn't anything to worry about, but America felt like zombies were all around him, just waiting for their chance-
"No. Happy thoughts. Hamburgers and...and milkshakes." Ah, yes, McDonald's. He was so totally building one once the threat of zombies was done with. |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 11, 2012 16:45:52 GMT -5
"Cold...why is it always so damn cold!"
Though not one to complain, the little nation known as Czech Republic could not help but utter this little complaint over and over again as she walked out into the cold Canadian night air. Czech was a young lady who was easily cold...even on a nice warm spring she would bring her blue scarf closer to her body and hold in shivers while seeking some way to satisfy her body's need for a certain climate.
This night she had found herself restless and had decided that she wanted to go for a walk around the warehouse to ease her busy mind of her busy thoughts. After placing on one of her warm handmade sweaters, a pair of mittens, her rifle's sling over her shoulder, and wrapping her scarf tightly around her, she snuck out from the bunks and proceeded on her peaceful nighttime stroll.
She found the air was very chilly tonight yet found that there was a slight change in the atmosphere...her sharp nose was able to smell a faint trace of spring.
'Thats just great...now the Zombies will move with ease! dammit...'
"Achoo!"
The sneeze came so suddenly that she barely had time to take it in as she sniffled. She rolled her eyes. That was just what she needed...another cold. She wiped her nose with the back of her hand only to stop her walking at the sound of another pair of feet. Her eyes trailed ahead and caught sight of a very familiar nation...
Who could ever mistake America for anyone else? Such a handsome and very confident
face was not one that you'd forget easily...yet she only knew his name and face which is what prevented her from calling out a hello. Though she might act tough Czech was actually a very shy young lady who had problem with getting to know others...at the sight of a stranger she would either flee or hide behind France like a scared little girl. She sighed pushing her hair from her eyes. She decided that it was better to leave him alone...he was after all on patrol she didn't want to disturb him.
She turned to leave but paused. She could feel it coming, the mother of all sneezes. 'No not now!' she was helpless to stop it as she opened her mouth, crinkled her nose and let it loose without any control.
"AAAAACHOO!"
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Post by America on Sept 11, 2012 19:49:47 GMT -5
There was a quick moment where America had been certain that he had heard some sort of noise from somewhere behind him, but after pausing to listen, he dismissed the idea as silly. A zombie would have certainly allowed itself to be known, what with the moans and stumbles and obvious clumsiness. What he heard was probably just the wind. Or, considering how there was no wind, it was most likely a wild animal. A rabbit, perhaps? Or a beaver. Maybe a moose. Goodness knows Canada was known for his abundance of moose.
However, then he heard the sound again, only it was louder this time. And right behind him. Spinning around, he quickly got in a defensive stance, aiming his rifle at the figure standing there, his heart speeding up when he realized he had been followed.
The zombies were getting sneaky.
It took him a second to realize that it wasn't a zombie, thankfully. Just Czech. He sighed deeply, both relieved and still jumpy, lowering his gun. "Sorry 'bout that," he muttered, smiling up at her face. "Thought you were one of them." He couldn't even count the number of times where he had mistaken one of his fellow nations as an undead creature. He was alert these days, more so than he had ever been in all his years as a country, and the smallest of movements would bring him to imagine zombies crowding around, zombies waiting to strike, zombies tearing their teeth into his neck.
"An-Anyway, what are you doing out here?" |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 11, 2012 20:51:44 GMT -5
It took a moment for Czech to get a sense of what had happened...then when she realised that he had mistaken her for a Zombie she relaxed allowing just a tiny smile to touch her lips. Her smile was replaced with an embarrassed look. She used her scarf to cover her face of her scarlet blush as best as she could not wanting him to see her when she was bashful.
"I--I'm sorry if I scared you!" She cried sincerely before she gave another sneeze.
"I was a little restless and wanted to get some fresh air..." She pushed her hair from her blue green eyes looking up at him with a nervous look then looked away fast.
"I'm sorry if I've made you angry..." she added more quietly as she fiddled with her scarf, a small habit she had picked up since she was a child.
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Post by America on Sept 12, 2012 10:28:07 GMT -5
America laughed it off, waving his hands to calm her down. "Hey, don't worry about it!" he exclaimed, stepping closer towards her until he was standing just in front of her, gentling ruffling her hair. "And you didn't make me angry. You're fine! i was just a bit startled by your sudden appearance, that's all." He wanted to add that he was always startled by sudden appearances such as that one, but he felt as if that would be stating the obvious. After all, who wouldn't be a little bit jumpy in this day and age, in this place, and during this weather?
And then his heroic side kicked in and he realized that she had been sneezing. That was the sound he heard. "You okay?" he asked sincerely, a concerned gaze sweeping over her face. "You're sneezing a lot. Maybe you got a cold." A cold wouldn't be good at all, especially not if they were to get into a fight with some zombies. A cold would null her senses, slow her movements, and then how would she be able to protect herself? |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 12, 2012 11:10:12 GMT -5
The hairs on Czech's neck stood on edge when America placed a hand on her head and ruffled her hair. If there was one thing that you did not do with the European nation it was touching her without permission.
She was fine with a handshake with strangers even a small pat on the shoulder was fine but a complete touch!? She was fine with this if it was from family or a very close friend. If it was from anyone else it was not welcomed.
Giving a nervous laugh she took a complete step back from him to avoid her tendency to knock the block off of those who touched her without her consent.
"Yes I have a cold! I hope it's not contagious!" She said quickly using it as an excuse for her want for distance. She did not want him to think that she was being rude and trying to keep away from him...even though that was the case.
"But it's nothing to worry about!" She added quickly. "I get colds easily! I have a very weak immune system which is why I am always wearing one of these." She gestured to the scarf around her neck as she gave a small yet very cute smile.
She looked him over quietly with a very critical eye her big sister instincts kicking in as she gave him the 'look'. The look that said she was about to scold him for something.
"Are you warm enough Mr. America? It is a rather cold night! We can't have someone as skilled and important as you getting sick!"
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Post by America on Sept 12, 2012 15:49:01 GMT -5
When Czech backed away from his touch, America got the suspicion that maybe she just didn't like contact. He figured it was a European thing, seeing as England was iffy on holding hands and France...okay, well, France actually was pretty touchy. And Italy. And Spain. Maybe it was just England and Czech and that other grumpy Italian dude. Whatever the case, America sighed, willing to give her the space she wanted, but feeling a bit insulted that she didn't want to stand too close to him.
"Nah, I'm warm. I got on a ton of layers!" He had learned to dress accordingly to the weather up here in Canada. And it seemed that she had, too. He wasn't too well-versed on world geography, especially not with all those tiny countries over in Europe, but it seemed she tended to dress warmly all the time, what with the scarf to keep her from getting too sick.
And then he told himself that his fears had been confirmed, that Czech did indeed have a cold. "You might wanna rest up," he said, smiling softly at her. "Colds aren't much fun for anyone. Take some medicine, sleep for a while, and maybe you can start patrolling again in a couple of days. I'm sure England wouldn't mind." |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 12, 2012 16:01:35 GMT -5
Czech crossed her arms tightly against her chest...there was that tone again...though those words were meant to be a good piece of advice she couldnt help but feel like it was babying. Being the youngest of two brothers she was constantly babyed and fussed over...even France and England did it when she was but a little girl! She remembered when she and France were young and she would constantly get colds and he would act like a mother hen much to her annoyance. She didn't like to be treated like a child! She was a strong independent nation who take care of herself thank you very much!
"Ugh! You sound just like France!" She complained while jutting her lip out in a pout. "I am perfectly fine! I'll decide if I am too sick to patrol or not!" She stomped her foot on the ground making it clear that, that was her decission and that was final!
She looked him over once more, her sharp eyes even more critical. Still in a rather bad mood she was determined to find at least one thing wrong with him...then she found it...no scarf!
"You forgot to wear a scarf, kreten!" While half muttering half nagging in her native tongue she reached under her sweater and pulled out her spare scarf. It was a pretty shade of scarlet red with golden stitching and the emblem of a lion sewn on it. Taking it she walked up to him standing on her tiptoes and wrapped it around his neck. She knew it would be nice and warm...it was after all her own handiwork!
She pulled back then planting her hands on her hips gave him a stern look.
"Now make sure you wear that around your neck! If you get sick I'll kill you!"
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Post by America on Sept 12, 2012 17:34:29 GMT -5
America blinked as she placed the scarf over him, staring at it with curious eyes for a few seconds. It was a lovely scarf, probably hand-knitted, and quite warm. America couldn't say he was displeased when Czech wrapped it around his neck. After all, it was very kind of her to be looking after him, especially when he made it his own personal goal to look after everyone else. He certainly didn't mind this.
Did he mention it was warm?
"Thanks, Czech!" he exclaimed cheerfully, grinning up at her. "I won't be getting sick with this thing ever." He made a mental note to return it after his patrol was finished with. He couldn't keep it, no matter how pretty it was. The scarf was hers and hers alone. "It's really nice and warm, too!" He pulled it up to his chin, sighing when he felt his neck already being heated up. Well, this was helping him a lot. "Where'd ya get it?" |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 12, 2012 19:57:52 GMT -5
The young nation gave a very pleased smile. She was happy that one of her silly little knittings were being put to good use! It really was a simple design and not none of her more extravagant works nothing that she was really super proud of...but it served it's purpose nicely!
She looked up then her cheeks flushed red at America's question. She was a very modest girl who hated to brag for it reminded her too much of her brother Poland. And there was no way she was going to, in anyway mimic his behaviours. She fiddled with her scarf again then looked up at America with a small yet proud smile on her face.
"I--I made it myself..." She admitted keeping her smile. "But it's nothing special!" She added quickly. "Just a little something I did when I was bored...nothing more nothing less!"
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Post by America on Sept 13, 2012 8:55:08 GMT -5
America smiled at the young girl's modesty, wondering how she could live within the midst of so many of those gloating European nations (never mind the fact that he was a gloating North American nation) and still be so much against bragging. Why, if it had been America, he would be prepared to explain the entire scarf-making process before his conversation partner would loudly interrupt his story. He couldn't deny how adorably sweet it was.
Deciding to give her the gratitude she deserved, he shook his head. "Don't say this isn't anything special! It is! It's keeping me warm and making me look handsome at the same time!" He laughed, picking up one of the ends to look at the row of stitches. "I tried my hand at knitting once. All I came out with was a jumbled mess of yarn." He remembered getting quite angry that he couldn't work his hands with it correctly, and finally throwing it down in anbger before he decided to stick to what he was best at.
With a spark of genius (which he so totally got a lot), he looked straight into her eyes, his face bright. "Hey, you think you can teach me how to make stuff like this one day?" |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 13, 2012 10:37:59 GMT -5
Czech's face became as red as the scarf. It was hard for her to take such a wonderful compliment such as America's. When she was little she never received praise for her work from Mr. Austria or Miss Hungary. What she was use to was critism. Her big brother Poland always made it a habit to tell her exactly what he thought about her work which consisted only of critism. So a compliment or a pat on the back was considered something of an oddity.
She looked into his eyes, seeing those large eyes looking at her so bright and cheery like a Christmas tree. She swallowed hard not sure how to respond to his request. No one had ever asked her to teach them her skills it just seemed so weird to her.
After taking the moments pause her face brightened up too taking a small step towards him now as she began to nod her head 'yes'.
"I'd love to Mr. America! It would be a pleasure to teach you some of my measly skills!"
She seemed to be lighter as she took that step closer to him...she felt more comfortable around him now that she had broken her little barrier..though there was still a barrier between them she felt safe enough to venture just a little ways out of it and towards America.
A thought touched her mind as she stood up a little straighter looking up to America with a smile that was more confident.
"Uh...Mr. America I was wondering...what does your nation specialise in?"
She asked this with great curiosity in her big eyes. She was a naturally curious child and liked to know everything about every nation...particularly what made them special from one another
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Post by America on Sept 13, 2012 14:34:17 GMT -5
With raised eyebrows, America decided not to comment on the 'measly skills' part, though he truly did want to. He didn't think Czech's skills were measly. Now, he didn't have an eye for what was good knitting skills and what wasn't, but this sure looked pretty damn good to him, that was for sure. He made up his mind that, by the end of his patrol, he would convince her just how amazing of a skill she possessed.
Now, though, he had to answer her question. Since he loved talking about himself (he was only a little bit vain), he saw no problem with telling her. Besides, it always warmed his heart when others inquired about his amazing country. Grinning brightly, he started, "Well, we focused a lot on agriculture for a while. That's one of the reasons all the European countries liked my land- it was really rich with farming and stuff. And, as I grew, I became more and more interested in machinery and the likes. And we had the best army and the coolest people."
He trailed off, giving a small sigh. "I wish I could just go back to those days, you know? Focus on farming and sending out exports and just..." Just living back in his country without the knowledge that all of his citizens were either living in Europe or roaming their homeland as zombies.
There weren't any Americans anymore. |
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Post by Czech Republic on Sept 13, 2012 14:55:47 GMT -5
Czech listened intently nodding as he spoke finding it very interesting. The truth was that she admired him afar even as a teen. When she was a kid she always let Austria, Hungary and Prussia push her around...then as a teen she was pushed around by Germany. It took a long time for her to finally have the courage to say 'no' to them and oppose their views on how she should live her life. With America he opposed England...the man who had raised him as a child and declared his own indepenence refusing to back down. She could never imagine herself doing that to someone like France or her own brothers. He had courage and she liked that about him very much.
She looked at him closly, her sharp eyes able to pick out the trace of sadness. She knew what he was going to say...it was about his country and about the zombies inhabiting their lands tearing apart everything that each nation had worked hard for. Hesitating, she reached over and placed on on her hands covered by mittens on his shoulders as she gave him a soft gentle smile.
"I know how you feel Mr. America...when I was young I dreamed of having a nation of my own. I wanted it to be just mine...not a territory for my brother Poland, or my cousin Russia...a nation that I alone controled and was mine to do as I wish."
She smiled hold back the bitter tears at the thought of all the hardships she had endured.
"At last I recieved permission to create my own independent nation and from my own sweat and blood I molded a small slavic nation that was to be a beacon of peace."
She kept her smile as her eyes fell to her feet.
"It was small...there wasnt really anything impressive about it compaired to most of the others but...it was mine. It was the one thing that I had desired my whole life..."
She let one small tear roll from her eye as she wiped it back quickly wondering why she was crying over somthing so silly such as this.
"And now its gone."
(I'm having so many feels right now! *sobs* )
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Post by America on Sept 13, 2012 16:24:33 GMT -5
America was quiet, listening to her speak about her country, his heart straining more and more as he story went on. How must she feel to have everything she wanted snatched from her like this? She was away from her home in Europe, in lands she probably knew very little about. She was having to face new enemies that she knew nothing about. America didn't doubt her strength, but this whole situation was overwhelming, even for him.
Hesitating at first, he sighed softly, reaching forward to gather her in a hug. "Don't cry," he soothed, rubbing her back with his gloved hands. "After all this is over, you'll be back up to the country you used to be. Promise."
After all, if he was going to get back up on his own feet, he'd wish for others to do the same thing. It wouldn't do for some countries to just lose their home, their life, simply because they couldn't build themselves up to how they once were. The world needed to go back to the way it once was. That was the reason they were all here, after all- to get rid of the zombies and press the restart button.
Or, that was America's case, anyway, because it sure would take a whole lot of effort to raise up his nation once more. The situation was so hopeless that he had half a mind to cry alongside Czech. But he didn't, because, with enough work and strength, he knew they could fix anything. |
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