21. Rise
Rise. Higher, until the clouds disappear, and the stars are so close they burn. Stardust, prickly and ticklish, brushes against his skin. He loves the feeling of stardust. Laughing, he smiles at the people below; they don't realise that space is actually deepest blue. Higher, even higher, he rises, and he can practically taste the vacuum. It is terribly tempting to leap into the abyss, say goodbye to the world, and kiss the moon hello.
“Arthur?” Blinking, England realises he's dozed off at a conference, and blushes. The dream had been so vivid, too. He's a little sad to see it go. America nods and continues his babbling, rambling presentation, his face in shadows because the sun is behind him.
Sighing, Arthur runs a hand through his hair, scratches an itch. A tickling is in his palm. Frowning thoughtfully, he looks down, then smiles. The dream is not gone quite yet. Stardust sparkles in his palm, and he closes his hand around it.
“Arthur?” Blinking, England realises he's dozed off at a conference, and blushes. The dream had been so vivid, too. He's a little sad to see it go. America nods and continues his babbling, rambling presentation, his face in shadows because the sun is behind him.
Sighing, Arthur runs a hand through his hair, scratches an itch. A tickling is in his palm. Frowning thoughtfully, he looks down, then smiles. The dream is not gone quite yet. Stardust sparkles in his palm, and he closes his hand around it.