Promise (1/3)
anonymous
July 20 2009, 01:46:00 UTC
A/N: Sorry, above anon is impatient. Hope OP likes.
April 17, 1945 Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Canada’s boots sloshed through puddles as he led the 1st and 5th Armoured Divisions through the mangled streets of the newly liberated city. Dutch citizens lined either side of the street, cheering and crying. The red, white, and blue stripes of the Dutch flag fluttered everywhere, interspersed with a few hastily made-up maple leaves. Once in a while, the victorious soldiers stopped to receive flowers and words of sincerest gratitude from the celebrating citizens.
Canada’s heart swelled with pride as he looked out into the faces of those his people had helped free from the Germany’s tyrannical grip. This same adulation had greeted them after the hard-fought liberation of Arnhem only a day earlier. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stay long, needing to constantly press forward towards Germany. With the advances that England and America were making further south, it was beginning to seem there might actually be hope of this war finally ending sometime soon.
“God zij dank!” Canada heard one elderly woman exclaim. He smiled at her and tipped the front of his helmet respectfully. She repeated her exclamation followed by a stream of Dutch, mostly lost in grateful tears. The long hard slog across Europe, through rain and mud, fighting the Germans for every inch, finally seemed to be worth it.
He continued along the wet, pockmarked street, eyes still scanning the crowd, looking for that one face. He had to be somewhere…
“Canada!”
Canada whirled, searching for the source of the voice. Within seconds he found it.
“Nederland!” he exclaimed. Netherlands was standing on a street corner a few meters ahead, signaling wildly to Canada. Canada broke off from the rest of the soldiers and ran full speed towards Netherlands as the other nation did the same
They nearly ended up crashing into each other, Netherlands managing to splash to a stop in front of Canada. He gripped the other nation’s shoulders tightly, staring down into Canada’s face with a mixture of joy and disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe Canada was actually there.
He was terribly thin, Canada noticed, his ragged military uniform hanging off of his nearly skeletal frame. Canada’s fingers could almost wrap completely around Netherlands’ arms. Canada felt anger rise up in his throat at the hell that Germany had put his friend through. When he and the rest of the Allies reached Berlin the consequences were going to be terrible
“You made it,” Canada said, forcing his mind away from thoughts of vengeance, and back to the nation in front of him.
“Aren’t I the one who should be saying that?” Netherlands rasped, smiling broadly.
“Here.” Canada looked around him. “Let’s go somewhere else.” He led Netherlands through the crowd and around the corner, away from the crowds. They slipped into the lobby of an elderly apartment building left deserted.
Promise (2/3)
anonymous
July 20 2009, 01:47:53 UTC
As Canada watched, Netherlands made his way - unsteadily, Canada was worried to notice - to the main desk and leaned over it, hands working furiously at something. Canada was about to ask what he was doing, when Netherlands turned around with a small German flag clutched in his spindly fingers. Without looking up, Netherlands quickly tore the cloth Swastika in half, then in fourths, and was struggling to tear the cloth further when Canada walked over and gently placed his hands over Netherlands’. Slowly, the other nation’s quivering fists relaxed. Canada took the torn pieces of flag from him and stuffed them into his pockets.
The taller nation’s shoulders went limp and he smiled tiredly down at Canada. He swallowed. “I’m glad you came.” His fingers twined with Canada’s.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get here more quickly,” Canada answered.
“You’re here now, that’s enough.” His expression became earnest and he tightened his grip on Canada’s hands. “Are the Prince and Princess alright?”
“Of course,” Canada said immediately, grinning. “I promised you I would take care of them didn’t I? You should see Princess Margriet, she’s beautiful.”
Netherlands’ smile widened. Canada was glad to see the other nation happy at something. Before the war, their two countries hadn’t had much contact other than some scuffling over territory in the New World (it all went to England in the end, anyway). That was, until Germany conquered Netherlands and Princess Juliana, Prince Bernhard, and their children sought asylum with Canada. Since then, the nations had become much closer. Canada had made it his mission to liberate Netherlands, the brave, determined nation who still hung on and resisted, despite everything that Germany threw at him. He could hardly believe that the day had come where they were finally meeting.
“Here, take this,” Canada said suddenly, rifling through the pack over his shoulder. He dug out an emergency ration chocolate bar and pressed it into Netherlands’ hand.
Netherlands’ vibrant green eyes shimmered, his gaze never leaving Canada’s as he quickly tore open the packet and shoved a portion of the bar into his mouth. He quickly chewed and swallowed as if the meager D-ration was the best thing he had ever tasted. “Dank u,” he murmured in a cracking voice.
“It’s nothing. We can get more food to everyone once we’ve-“ Canada was cut off as Netherlands suddenly bent over and pulled the shorter nation into a tight hug, pushing Canada’s neck into his chest as he buried his face in Canada’s shoulder.
“Dank u,” he repeated into Canada’s ear. “Voor alles. For everything.”
Canada, used to being ignored by everyone, was at a loss for what to say. He settled for just hugging Netherlands back. He could feel the hard points of Netherlands’ spine through his uniform shirt and the crinkle of the chocolate packet against his hair as Netherlands pressed a hand to the back of his head. Canada felt something warm and wet land on his neck, but he didn’t mention it. For a few moments they were so silent that they could hear the sounds of the Dutch National Anthem being belted a few blocks away.
Finally, Netherlands pulled back and held him at arms length. His eyes were red, but he was smiling. Wordlessly, he put his hand on either side of Canada’s face, leaned down and kissed him on the mouth.
Promise (3/3)
anonymous
July 20 2009, 01:50:02 UTC
The kiss was full of all of the aching desperation of his years of bondage. Canada held the back of Netherlands’ head and pulled him close, having to stand up on the tips of his toes to reach the other nation. He could still taste the stale chocolate on Netherlands’ dry, chapped lips.
Netherlands pulled away from the kiss and brushed hair off of Canada’s forehead. “Mind if we sit down?” Canada shook his head gently and followed Netherlands over to the narrow staircase, a few steps from the desk. They squeezed into the stairwell and sat down next to each other. Canada watched as Netherlands stretched out his emaciated legs and pressed his hand on the back of Canada’s neck.
“You’ll have to leave soon?” he murmured.
Canada opened his mouth to answer, decided against it, and settled for nodding. He sighed. “We’re heading on to Putten tomorrow, then we need to keep pushing Germany on to the Grebbe Line, if we want to press our advantage and negotiate for a full surrender. We’ll make sure that emergency rations get through, though.”
He nodded tiredly and rested his head on Canada’s shoulder. Canada ran his fingers through Netherlands’ shoulder-length blond hair. Tired, that was the word that Canada would use to describe the strong nation, the great colonial power, who sat on the steps next to him. Germany might not have broken Netherlands’ spirit entirely, through all of the raids and terror and imposed starvation, but he was wavering.
“Oh.” Netherlands straightened, smiling wanly. “I’ve got something for you, too.” Netherlands plunged his hand into the inside of his uniform jacket.
“You don’t need-“ Canada began.
He broke off as Netherlands withdrew his hand and held out a single wilted scarlet tulip. He placed it into Canada’s slack hand.
“I had some trouble finding one,” Netherlands said absently as Canada’s fingers closed around the bruised stem of the flower. “They’re usually just coming into bloom now, and there’s been all of this rain. You should see the fields when they’re in full bloom…” he trailed off dreamily.
“It’s beautiful,” Canada said quietly. He thought for a moment, then attempted, “Het is mooi.”
Netherlands’ face lit up. He wrapped his fingers around Canada’s hand clutching the tulip.
“I’ll give you as many of them as you want,” he said. “Thousands, tens of thousands, for the rest of your life. I promise. Ik beloof.” He leaned forward and kissed Canada on the forehead, his lips lingering on the other nation’s skin, before he got to his feet, pulling the shorter nation with him. “C’mon, let’s get back to the celebration,” he said enthusiastically, before making his way towards the doorway.
Canada paused for a moment and looked down at the mangled red tulip clutched in his hand. One of the petals looked like it was about to fall off and the stem was broken in half, but the flower was still vibrantly red. He brushed his fingers against the petals.
Maybe, Canada found himself thinking, Netherlands was stronger than he thought he was.
Clutching the tulip to his chest, Canada ran over to where Netherlands was waiting by the doorway.
Re: Promise (3/3)
anonymous
July 20 2009, 22:02:51 UTC
*takes a deep breath*... Aaaaaaaaaw!!
That was so beautiful author!anon! The part where NL cries when he gets the chocolate bar was so incredibly touching (well.. for me it is XD) Really well done!
Just one thing! Ik beloof should be 'Ik beloof het'. Just wanted to let you know! :)
April 17, 1945
Apeldoorn, Netherlands
Canada’s boots sloshed through puddles as he led the 1st and 5th Armoured Divisions through the mangled streets of the newly liberated city. Dutch citizens lined either side of the street, cheering and crying. The red, white, and blue stripes of the Dutch flag fluttered everywhere, interspersed with a few hastily made-up maple leaves. Once in a while, the victorious soldiers stopped to receive flowers and words of sincerest gratitude from the celebrating citizens.
Canada’s heart swelled with pride as he looked out into the faces of those his people had helped free from the Germany’s tyrannical grip. This same adulation had greeted them after the hard-fought liberation of Arnhem only a day earlier. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stay long, needing to constantly press forward towards Germany. With the advances that England and America were making further south, it was beginning to seem there might actually be hope of this war finally ending sometime soon.
“God zij dank!” Canada heard one elderly woman exclaim. He smiled at her and tipped the front of his helmet respectfully. She repeated her exclamation followed by a stream of Dutch, mostly lost in grateful tears. The long hard slog across Europe, through rain and mud, fighting the Germans for every inch, finally seemed to be worth it.
He continued along the wet, pockmarked street, eyes still scanning the crowd, looking for that one face.
He had to be somewhere…
“Canada!”
Canada whirled, searching for the source of the voice. Within seconds he found it.
“Nederland!” he exclaimed. Netherlands was standing on a street corner a few meters ahead, signaling wildly to Canada. Canada broke off from the rest of the soldiers and ran full speed towards Netherlands as the other nation did the same
They nearly ended up crashing into each other, Netherlands managing to splash to a stop in front of Canada. He gripped the other nation’s shoulders tightly, staring down into Canada’s face with a mixture of joy and disbelief, as if he couldn’t believe Canada was actually there.
He was terribly thin, Canada noticed, his ragged military uniform hanging off of his nearly skeletal frame. Canada’s fingers could almost wrap completely around Netherlands’ arms. Canada felt anger rise up in his throat at the hell that Germany had put his friend through. When he and the rest of the Allies reached Berlin the consequences were going to be terrible
“You made it,” Canada said, forcing his mind away from thoughts of vengeance, and back to the nation in front of him.
“Aren’t I the one who should be saying that?” Netherlands rasped, smiling broadly.
“Here.” Canada looked around him. “Let’s go somewhere else.” He led Netherlands through the crowd and around the corner, away from the crowds. They slipped into the lobby of an elderly apartment building left deserted.
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The taller nation’s shoulders went limp and he smiled tiredly down at Canada. He swallowed. “I’m glad you came.” His fingers twined with Canada’s.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t get here more quickly,” Canada answered.
“You’re here now, that’s enough.” His expression became earnest and he tightened his grip on Canada’s hands. “Are the Prince and Princess alright?”
“Of course,” Canada said immediately, grinning. “I promised you I would take care of them didn’t I? You should see Princess Margriet, she’s beautiful.”
Netherlands’ smile widened. Canada was glad to see the other nation happy at something. Before the war, their two countries hadn’t had much contact other than some scuffling over territory in the New World (it all went to England in the end, anyway). That was, until Germany conquered Netherlands and Princess Juliana, Prince Bernhard, and their children sought asylum with Canada. Since then, the nations had become much closer. Canada had made it his mission to liberate Netherlands, the brave, determined nation who still hung on and resisted, despite everything that Germany threw at him. He could hardly believe that the day had come where they were finally meeting.
“Here, take this,” Canada said suddenly, rifling through the pack over his shoulder. He dug out an emergency ration chocolate bar and pressed it into Netherlands’ hand.
Netherlands’ vibrant green eyes shimmered, his gaze never leaving Canada’s as he quickly tore open the packet and shoved a portion of the bar into his mouth. He quickly chewed and swallowed as if the meager D-ration was the best thing he had ever tasted. “Dank u,” he murmured in a cracking voice.
“It’s nothing. We can get more food to everyone once we’ve-“ Canada was cut off as Netherlands suddenly bent over and pulled the shorter nation into a tight hug, pushing Canada’s neck into his chest as he buried his face in Canada’s shoulder.
“Dank u,” he repeated into Canada’s ear. “Voor alles. For everything.”
Canada, used to being ignored by everyone, was at a loss for what to say. He settled for just hugging Netherlands back. He could feel the hard points of Netherlands’ spine through his uniform shirt and the crinkle of the chocolate packet against his hair as Netherlands pressed a hand to the back of his head. Canada felt something warm and wet land on his neck, but he didn’t mention it. For a few moments they were so silent that they could hear the sounds of the Dutch National Anthem being belted a few blocks away.
Finally, Netherlands pulled back and held him at arms length. His eyes were red, but he was smiling. Wordlessly, he put his hand on either side of Canada’s face, leaned down and kissed him on the mouth.
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Netherlands pulled away from the kiss and brushed hair off of Canada’s forehead. “Mind if we sit down?”
Canada shook his head gently and followed Netherlands over to the narrow staircase, a few steps from the desk. They squeezed into the stairwell and sat down next to each other. Canada watched as Netherlands stretched out his emaciated legs and pressed his hand on the back of Canada’s neck.
“You’ll have to leave soon?” he murmured.
Canada opened his mouth to answer, decided against it, and settled for nodding. He sighed. “We’re heading on to Putten tomorrow, then we need to keep pushing Germany on to the Grebbe Line, if we want to press our advantage and negotiate for a full surrender. We’ll make sure that emergency rations get through, though.”
He nodded tiredly and rested his head on Canada’s shoulder. Canada ran his fingers through Netherlands’ shoulder-length blond hair. Tired, that was the word that Canada would use to describe the strong nation, the great colonial power, who sat on the steps next to him. Germany might not have broken Netherlands’ spirit entirely, through all of the raids and terror and imposed starvation, but he was wavering.
“Oh.” Netherlands straightened, smiling wanly. “I’ve got something for you, too.” Netherlands plunged his hand into the inside of his uniform jacket.
“You don’t need-“ Canada began.
He broke off as Netherlands withdrew his hand and held out a single wilted scarlet tulip. He placed it into Canada’s slack hand.
“I had some trouble finding one,” Netherlands said absently as Canada’s fingers closed around the bruised stem of the flower. “They’re usually just coming into bloom now, and there’s been all of this rain. You should see the fields when they’re in full bloom…” he trailed off dreamily.
“It’s beautiful,” Canada said quietly. He thought for a moment, then attempted, “Het is mooi.”
Netherlands’ face lit up. He wrapped his fingers around Canada’s hand clutching the tulip.
“I’ll give you as many of them as you want,” he said. “Thousands, tens of thousands, for the rest of your life. I promise. Ik beloof.” He leaned forward and kissed Canada on the forehead, his lips lingering on the other nation’s skin, before he got to his feet, pulling the shorter nation with him. “C’mon, let’s get back to the celebration,” he said enthusiastically, before making his way towards the doorway.
Canada paused for a moment and looked down at the mangled red tulip clutched in his hand. One of the petals looked like it was about to fall off and the stem was broken in half, but the flower was still vibrantly red. He brushed his fingers against the petals.
Maybe, Canada found himself thinking, Netherlands was stronger than he thought he was.
Clutching the tulip to his chest, Canada ran over to where Netherlands was waiting by the doorway.
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And the tulips. You remembered the tulips. I cried when Netherlands gave Canada the tulip, it may not seem like it but they're very important.
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That was so beautiful author!anon!
The part where NL cries when he gets the chocolate bar was so incredibly touching (well.. for me it is XD)
Really well done!
Just one thing! Ik beloof should be 'Ik beloof het'. Just wanted to let you know! :)
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