Oh Say, Can You See the Future? [1b/1]
anonymous
May 19 2011, 02:03:14 UTC
England whirled about in shock, his eyes betraying hurt at the sight before him. “What on earth...?” he muttered softly.
The older America reacted quickly. “Wait! Stop!” he shouted as he moved between the two.
“America, what's going on?” England asked, placing a hand, as if for reassurance, on the other's shoulder.
“Yes,” the younger America demanded. “Exactly what is going on here?”
The United States looked between the other two. “My past-self from the Revolution just sort of appeared, and we've been talking.” He slowly pushed the younger America's musket aside so that it wasn't pointed at anyone. “Um,” he awkwardly began. “And England is here because, well, we're lovers.”
England nodded his head and slid one arm over his lover's shoulder and the other around his waist. There was a little bit of possessiveness in his eye, but mostly affection, as he did so.
The younger America watched him suspiciously. “But everything I've worked for, the Revolution. Was that all for nothing?!” he demanded harshly.
“No, of course not!” the United States insisted. “If I'd never become independent, I wouldn't've been able to do half the things I've done. But you can't hold a grudge forever. Enemies in one conflict can become allies in the next. England's been one of my most trusted allies for a while now.”
America's expression softened slightly, but it was obvious that he remained unconvinced. England slid from behind his lover and stood at the man's side. He gently squeezed the United States' shoulder. The pair seemed to have a silent conversation through their eyes for a moment before the Englishman stepped forward.
“America, our relationship now is completely different from the one we had while you were my colony. First of all, I wouldn't dance in the sheets with someone I viewed as my little brother,” England explained patiently, a soft blush appearing on his face at the use of the older euphemism. The United States chuckled softly while his past-self flinched at the thought of what the other two had been doing.
“Second, we're equals in this relationship despite his,” England pointed at the U.S., “superpower status. Neither one of us would be here if we didn't want to be.”
The United States watched his lover talk with a mixture of amusement and interest on his face.
“I'm not going to lie,” the Englishman continued. “Your revolution hurt me very badly. It caused me to lose my younger brother, but it allowed you to grow on your own and become the man I fell in love with. He's saved my life more than once, and I've gladly returned the favor.” He paused to return the smile the older America sent him. “I'm not sure how to explain it, but I think our relationship has changed for the better. Can you accept that, America?”
The younger America looked at the tender smile on the United States' face and the slightly hopeful expression England bore. He inhaled deeply and then slowly released the air from his lungs. “I suppose it's acceptable,” he said quietly, barely louder than a whisper.
The United States whooped and pulled both of the others into an embrace, before he danced around the kitchen in celebration. England laughed in amusement as he watched his lover prance about. The younger America took advantage of the jubilation to slip back to the room where he'd first appeared. He still had to return to his time after all...
And suddenly America found himself discussing the fortifications of West Point with General Arnold, any memories of his trip to the future quickly fading into nothing. Soon America was left with only the taste of coffee lingering in his mouth and the feeling that England would forgive him one day as remnants of his journey.
Oh Say, Can You See the Future? A/N
anonymous
May 19 2011, 02:24:31 UTC
----- In case anyone was wondering, the 1700's is my favorite time period. Note to self: Don't write a fic from the point of view of a character if it means you'll have to describe things in a way the audience won't necessarily understand.
"Oh say, can you see..." - The opening line to "The Star Spangled Banner" aka the U.S.'s national anthem. (The poem that the lyrics are from was written during the War of 1812).
"...there were paintings, of very high quality..." - Photographs (The two people past!America doesn't recognize are Germany (which wasn't a country at that point in time) and Ukraine (because I doubt America would know much about Eastern Europe at that time).
Lexington and Concord - Basically the first battle of the Revolution. Most of the fighting was rebels hiding and shooting the British soldiers as they marched back to Boston.
"Metal-looking counter" - Stove, they had stoves at the time, but they looked more like modern wood stoves.
General Benedict Arnold and West Point - General Arnold led the American forces to victory at Saratoga, capturing a large number of British troops, but he is mainly remembered in the U.S. for attempting to arrange the British capture of West Point. He was found out to be a turn-coat when British Major John Andre was captured and found to have plans of West Point along with letters from General Arnold. The term "Benedict Arnold" is still used in the U.S. as slang for traitor.
“You've saved Europe and the world multiple times? You beat England twice and defeated Russia without firing a single shot?” - Referring to the two World Wars, the American Revolution and the War of 1812, and the Cold War.
"...wearing only some kind of short breeches and an open shirt..." - He's wearing boxers. Breeches were pants that came down to about the knee.
lobster-back - Derogatory slang for British soldier at the time. My favorite insult from this period.
Re: Oh Say, Can You See the Future? A/N
anonymous
May 19 2011, 03:05:33 UTC
Don't worry everything here was extremely understandable. Actually it required no notes what so ever. Perhaps the Arnold thing but the rest were very easy to know.
lol America WOULD say that he saved the world twice. Oh America XD He probably said he did it all by himself and created world peace while he was at it Silly dork.
Re: Oh Say, Can You See the Future? A/N
anonymous
May 19 2011, 23:39:55 UTC
This was pretty cute, and I liked that America and England communicated to each other using their eyes. The only thing, the US lost the War of 1812. Unless maybe America didn't want to admit that he'd lost?
Thank you. Actually, I've found that what you learn about the War of 1812 depends on where you're from. I'm from the U.S. and was taught that we won, until my Advanced Placement U.S. History class where we were taught that it was basically a giant tie. Who you feel won and lost that war depends on your definition of lost. I view it as a tie, but Revolutionary!America would probably view it as a victory since Britain didn't take the U.S. over.
Re: Author!Anon
anonymous
May 20 2011, 00:09:56 UTC
Non America and non British anon was taught that England won the war though it was less spectacular that it could have been if it weren't because of Napoleon and the more vital European matters.
As a (former) student and current teacher of US History, I view it as essentially a stalemate. I also teach that the American people could consider it a win because it reinforced their independence and because they didn't lose against the mighty British Empire (and its damn fine navy). I'd agree that the British could have won if they weren't distracted by Napoleon. LOL, France, always interfering with England's plans!
Again, although I consider it a stalemate between the US and the British Empire (and Canada!), the real losers were the Native Americans. The British won a little by keeping their territories while managing to get rid of Napoleon at the same time; the Canadians won a little by defending themselves against the US. The Americans won a little by defying the great empire once again and reaffirming their independence, as well as by ending British impressment of US sailors, ending British trade restrictions, ending the threat of any "Indian" raids and opening a path for expansion to the west. None of them really exchanged any important territories or anything.
In other words, the British Empire stayed strong, but the US was able hold their ground against the British because of the distraction of Napoleon. The war was kind of a pointless fiasco that could have been avoided through half-decent diplomacy, but it was just too soon after the Revolution. And in Hetalia terms? America and England being diplomatic together? ... Yeah.
The Americans then celebrated their survival/pseudo-"victory" with crazy westward expansion. And the Native Americans got screwed and lost their last chance of remaining even kind of autonomous. D:
Re: Author!Anon
anonymous
May 20 2011, 00:46:28 UTC
I'm so amused I stumbled on this conversation on a kink meme. I'm going to pretend my students don't read this kind of thing, even though a few of them clearly are familiar with Hetalia and giggle every time I write something about "US-UK relations" on the board and stuff. >_>;
Re: Author!Anon
anonymous
May 20 2011, 01:08:05 UTC
That's an awesome endless cycle, though! I wish I was young enough to be in school, because that would have made World History so much more interesting. God only knows what strange facts I would have included in my essays, though. XD
I agree with this. I think both sides like to consider it a victory, even though it was a big pointless waste of life that left things pretty much the same way they were before.
If you consider the fact that our (American) national anthem comes from the war of 1812, and that it's lyrics are the along the lines of "Yay we didn't die!" you can see how we painted it as a victory.
"...that our flag was still there" it's all we need to be happy.
Re: Oh Say, Can You See the Future? A/N
anonymous
May 20 2011, 00:34:26 UTC
This is really fascinating, A!A; I'm kind of amused by Revolutionary!America's easy acceptance of his future greatness. Especially considering his difficulty accepting his future relationship with our favorite limey lobster-back.
Ah, and I really liked the inclusion of Benedict Arnold and the fact that past!America pretty much forgets his excursion. Except for that little bit of confidence that England will forgive him someday. Very cool, A!A. :D
The older America reacted quickly. “Wait! Stop!” he shouted as he moved between the two.
“America, what's going on?” England asked, placing a hand, as if for reassurance, on the other's shoulder.
“Yes,” the younger America demanded. “Exactly what is going on here?”
The United States looked between the other two. “My past-self from the Revolution just sort of appeared, and we've been talking.” He slowly pushed the younger America's musket aside so that it wasn't pointed at anyone. “Um,” he awkwardly began. “And England is here because, well, we're lovers.”
England nodded his head and slid one arm over his lover's shoulder and the other around his waist. There was a little bit of possessiveness in his eye, but mostly affection, as he did so.
The younger America watched him suspiciously. “But everything I've worked for, the Revolution. Was that all for nothing?!” he demanded harshly.
“No, of course not!” the United States insisted. “If I'd never become independent, I wouldn't've been able to do half the things I've done. But you can't hold a grudge forever. Enemies in one conflict can become allies in the next. England's been one of my most trusted allies for a while now.”
America's expression softened slightly, but it was obvious that he remained unconvinced. England slid from behind his lover and stood at the man's side. He gently squeezed the United States' shoulder. The pair seemed to have a silent conversation through their eyes for a moment before the Englishman stepped forward.
“America, our relationship now is completely different from the one we had while you were my colony. First of all, I wouldn't dance in the sheets with someone I viewed as my little brother,” England explained patiently, a soft blush appearing on his face at the use of the older euphemism. The United States chuckled softly while his past-self flinched at the thought of what the other two had been doing.
“Second, we're equals in this relationship despite his,” England pointed at the U.S., “superpower status. Neither one of us would be here if we didn't want to be.”
The United States watched his lover talk with a mixture of amusement and interest on his face.
“I'm not going to lie,” the Englishman continued. “Your revolution hurt me very badly. It caused me to lose my younger brother, but it allowed you to grow on your own and become the man I fell in love with. He's saved my life more than once, and I've gladly returned the favor.” He paused to return the smile the older America sent him. “I'm not sure how to explain it, but I think our relationship has changed for the better. Can you accept that, America?”
The younger America looked at the tender smile on the United States' face and the slightly hopeful expression England bore. He inhaled deeply and then slowly released the air from his lungs. “I suppose it's acceptable,” he said quietly, barely louder than a whisper.
The United States whooped and pulled both of the others into an embrace, before he danced around the kitchen in celebration. England laughed in amusement as he watched his lover prance about. The younger America took advantage of the jubilation to slip back to the room where he'd first appeared. He still had to return to his time after all...
And suddenly America found himself discussing the fortifications of West Point with General Arnold, any memories of his trip to the future quickly fading into nothing. Soon America was left with only the taste of coffee lingering in his mouth and the feeling that England would forgive him one day as remnants of his journey.
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In case anyone was wondering, the 1700's is my favorite time period. Note to self: Don't write a fic from the point of view of a character if it means you'll have to describe things in a way the audience won't necessarily understand.
"Oh say, can you see..." - The opening line to "The Star Spangled Banner" aka the U.S.'s national anthem. (The poem that the lyrics are from was written during the War of 1812).
"...there were paintings, of very high quality..." - Photographs (The two people past!America doesn't recognize are Germany (which wasn't a country at that point in time) and Ukraine (because I doubt America would know much about Eastern Europe at that time).
Lexington and Concord - Basically the first battle of the Revolution. Most of the fighting was rebels hiding and shooting the British soldiers as they marched back to Boston.
"Metal-looking counter" - Stove, they had stoves at the time, but they looked more like modern wood stoves.
General Benedict Arnold and West Point - General Arnold led the American forces to victory at Saratoga, capturing a large number of British troops, but he is mainly remembered in the U.S. for attempting to arrange the British capture of West Point. He was found out to be a turn-coat when British Major John Andre was captured and found to have plans of West Point along with letters from General Arnold. The term "Benedict Arnold" is still used in the U.S. as slang for traitor.
“You've saved Europe and the world multiple times? You beat England twice and defeated Russia without firing a single shot?” - Referring to the two World Wars, the American Revolution and the War of 1812, and the Cold War.
"...wearing only some kind of short breeches and an open shirt..." - He's wearing boxers. Breeches were pants that came down to about the knee.
lobster-back - Derogatory slang for British soldier at the time. My favorite insult from this period.
Phew. I think that's it. I hope you enjoyed!
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lol America WOULD say that he saved the world twice. Oh America XD He probably said he did it all by himself and created world peace while he was at it Silly dork.
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Because America won the war! U-S-A! U-S-A!
In all seriousness, he probably wouldn't outright lie, but he might stretch the truth a little. XD
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The only thing, the US lost the War of 1812. Unless maybe America didn't want to admit that he'd lost?
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Actually, I've found that what you learn about the War of 1812 depends on where you're from. I'm from the U.S. and was taught that we won, until my Advanced Placement U.S. History class where we were taught that it was basically a giant tie. Who you feel won and lost that war depends on your definition of lost.
I view it as a tie, but Revolutionary!America would probably view it as a victory since Britain didn't take the U.S. over.
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Yeah, if the British hadn't been distracted by Napoleon trying to take over the world they would have beaten us easily.
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Again, although I consider it a stalemate between the US and the British Empire (and Canada!), the real losers were the Native Americans. The British won a little by keeping their territories while managing to get rid of Napoleon at the same time; the Canadians won a little by defending themselves against the US. The Americans won a little by defying the great empire once again and reaffirming their independence, as well as by ending British impressment of US sailors, ending British trade restrictions, ending the threat of any "Indian" raids and opening a path for expansion to the west. None of them really exchanged any important territories or anything.
In other words, the British Empire stayed strong, but the US was able hold their ground against the British because of the distraction of Napoleon. The war was kind of a pointless fiasco that could have been avoided through half-decent diplomacy, but it was just too soon after the Revolution. And in Hetalia terms? America and England being diplomatic together? ... Yeah.
The Americans then celebrated their survival/pseudo-"victory" with crazy westward expansion. And the Native Americans got screwed and lost their last chance of remaining even kind of autonomous. D:
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If you consider the fact that our (American) national anthem comes from the war of 1812, and that it's lyrics are the along the lines of "Yay we didn't die!" you can see how we painted it as a victory.
"...that our flag was still there" it's all we need to be happy.
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Ah, and I really liked the inclusion of Benedict Arnold and the fact that past!America pretty much forgets his excursion. Except for that little bit of confidence that England will forgive him someday. Very cool, A!A. :D
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