[FANFIC] USUKUS: Lucid Memories 6/20
Title: Lucid Memories
Author/Artist: Rain_Sonata
Character(s) or Pairing(s): America/England/America or US/UK/US
Rating: PG-13, might raise up later
Warnings: boy love, occassional swearing, confusion of what's happening, longer chapters later on, hints of the existence of state-tans
Summary: Rev!America is brought back to the present, replacing the current America. By chance, England was there when all of this happened. Why is he here? What about his broken heart from the Revoluionary War?
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( Link to Previous Chapters )
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Chapter 6: Investigation
In order to distinguish the two Americas apart from now on, I will refer to the older one as US. The younger will be America.
Summary: Rev!America is brought back to the present, replacing the current America. By chance, England was there when all of this happened. Why is he here? What about his broken heart from the Revolutionary War? US/UK, based on Kink Meme on Livejournal.
Disclaimer: Look, if I every own anything, I would be rich and I wouldn't be taking my time to write a fanfic. I would make USUK canon and England would get to top every now and than.
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*past*
US opened his eyes wide in response to a drench smell. What was that smell? Was that…? Alfred took a quick sniff. Manure? It didn't look like he was at his house (his room didn't smell that bad!), and the room was damp and stuffy, so he was definitely not in the hospital. The room lacked lighting and his side felt stiff from lying too long. Where was he? And what was he doing here? The last he remembered, he was at the park with…
"Arthur...!" US gasped out. He automatically sat up.
"You!" A voice barked at him. "Put your head back down!" US did not bother to look to see who it was. The voice did not belong to nation he knew. His intuition told him that it was just a citizen.
"Where am I?" US asked to the man who threw the order at him.
"Be quiet." The man told him. "You need to rest. You still need to recover from that wound."
"W-wound?" US was confused. What wound?
As if the man read US's mind, he explained. "One of the red coats aimed a good shot at you."
US was even more confused. Red coats? Wound? What was going on? The nation turned slightly on his side to inspect his body. Surely enough, there was a wound formed at his abdominals. The damage where the bullet had pierced his side was not a bloody mess. There were blood stains, but there was a pale red uneven skin that has yet to heal. No human could have survived the shot during this time period. While he rolled to his side, he also saw that he was not resting in a bed, but in a bed of straw. It was soft, but it was damp.
But US did not remember ever getting shot; unless the terrorists have decided to close in. But that did not explain the man's mention of the red coats. Or has Russia decided to become a communist nation again? The American nation scowled at the thought of the commie bastard converting back into the enemy's side.
"Excuse me," US cleared his throat. He looked to the side of the haystack. He realized that his caretaker was rather short and stubby. "What year is this?"
The man gave his country a strange look. Dim lights flickered at his scarred face. "Where have you been living? Under a rock?"
He realized that he had just thrown an insult at his fellow soldier. The man apologized to US. "I apologize for that, I have been away from my family and it has been a harsh year for us all." US still looked confused. Were they in another world war? "We have just won the war. It is 1783."
US just nodded. He patiently waited for the shock to soak in. 1783. 1783. 17. 83. Wait. 1783?
WHAT?
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~present~
"America! Are you okay? You have been asleep for awhile!" England called Alfred from the kitchen. Was the boy still in bed? How much did the boy sleep? When it was still six o'clock, England took the time and effort to wake up early to make breakfast for his former colony. It was a nice breakfast of scones, eggs, bacon, and blood pudding (1)!
"America! If you don't wake up, all of the scones will be gone!" England had specially made those scones for America. Didn't he used to love them (2)? The old nation was dressed in his casual attire of a green vest worn over a white collar shirt along with some loose slacks.
"America?" England peeked into the teen's bedroom.
It was no mystery that America's bedroom was a mess. Like most teenagers, Alfred was a messy teenager. The floor was littered with books and magazines, soft drink cans overflowed his tiny trash can, there were stains all over the once soft cherry wood floor. Stuff animals from Alfred's states were piled to the side of his room, along with his unwashed clothes. Unread letters were still waiting on his laptop that was on the floor, which was the only object in America's possession that seemed to still hold good condition. The room was just in chaos.
Near the window in the room was where Alfred slept. At least the bed looked okay. The teen slept in a rather strange position. Alfred's head rested on his eagle shaped pillow that he was hugging on to dear life, but his body was twisted in a way that pointed out to England that America was having a hard to sleeping.
"America." England was now starting to get impatient. "You need to wake to up to eat. We need to talk."
America was still "asleep". "Ten more minutes, Engwin."
"Aren't you hungry?" He could go to his last resort of carrying the boy out of his bed if he had to…
"Your scones suck." America mumbled. England's forehead almost busted out a vein, his notably thick eyebrows pressed against one another.
England lost his patience. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?" This boy was definitely America. He was definitely no imposter. Only the brat could annoy him this much! "I MAKE THOSE SCONES ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!" The British nation nearly strangled the former colony.
"Hahaha," America finally opened his eyes to weakly chuckled, which only annoyed England even more. Even the younger America acted like the older one! They both mocked his cooking… In his imagination, England mentally hung his head in depression.
"Damn you America…" England glowered at the boy he once raised.
But America's next few words surprised the British man. "Eh, but thanks for making breakfast."
"Huh?" Did America just thank him? England stopped strangling the former colony.
"So you do care about me!" America exclaimed. The boy was still wearing his old war uniform. The boy definitely needed new clothes, England thought.
"Yes, yes," England sighed. The boy was such a pain in the arse sometimes. "Just eat up, okay?" The younger America made him worry too much. Maybe US was right, he was getting old.
"I'm not laughing at your cooking." America added.
"You're not?" England thought it was too good to be true. He smiled a little. England straighten up himself and leaned over to hear more.
"Nope!" America grinned. "Nice apron." He was pointing at England's liberty blue apron that read, "I'm not British. I'm just gay." (3)
England's smile dropped. It was too good to be true. "DAMN YOU AMERICA!"
That boy was lucky that he was immortal!
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After arguing over breakfast, "You're food tastes like crap!" and "Is this something you got from the sewers?", England had to face his next challenge: washing and getting America new clothes.
"No one takes a shower everyday (4)!" America complained across the hallway.
"Just take a god damn bloody shower!" England shouted back. "Do you know how to use the showerhead?"
"Wait, the what?" America poked out of the bathroom door and tilted his head to the side. "What's a shower-head?"
England's face froze. "You don't know who to use the facet?" England ran into the bathroom to check on him.
The next hour included a totally soaked England, and an America who had to clutch his stomach from laughing too hard.
"That was so awesome!" America declared as he watched England dump their clothes into the washing machine. America had to wear England's old clothes for awhile. "Let's do that again!" He was clearly amazed that the showers could conveniently heat up water in a few seconds. England however, was not. His head was drenched with hot water, and his face was red from the extreme temperature of the water.
England was angry, to say the least.
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"You said that none of your clothes fits you?" England asked America while he was cleaning the dishes. At least US kept his dishes in good shape.
"Yes." America grumbled. Well, England reasoned, this is the younger America. He grew up a lot after he separated from me…
England sighed again. "I guess that means you'll have to wear my clothes for today since we need to get to the library today before it closes."
"Really?" America's eyes grew wide. He hugged England in gratitude. "Thanks England!"
England was surprised and blushed at the youth's sudden embracement. His former colony may be smaller, but the American was still taller than him. America's strength was still impressive, world power or not.
"I-it's no big deal." England stuttered. He was too soft on the lad.
America realized that he was still hugging onto England. He quickly pushed himself away from the British man. "O-of course," Alfred blushed. "Of course it's nothing." He hollowly repeated England's last words. He turned away to hide his red face from Art-England.
What must I feel so awkward with him? The two nations rhetorically asked themselves.
England checked the back door to see if he was had forgotten something when he noticed that the US's swimming pool that was usually occupied by his whale friend was empty. What happened to that whale? (5) England absentmindedly thought. Tony wasn't at home this month either (5). Not that the British gentleman missed those strange creatures US fondly referred to them as his 'friends'.
Once England was sure that all of the doors were locked and that he had everything he needed, England and America started walking to the neighborhood's library that was located a few blocks away from America's house. Alfred was wearing England's clothes, a white collar shirt and a pair of those blue pants called jeans. Although the younger nation had hard times imagining his former brother wear such casual type of clothing.
England was wearing the same set of clothes he had worn earlier that morning. He had managed to get his clothes to wash and dry before heading out the door. America's eyes literally sparkled when England announced that they were to be heading to the library to check out some books.
America's eyes widen in delight. "There's a real library here?" (6) It has been a good while since he last had the chance to open a good book. The last time he went to the library, Paine shoved that book in his face (7).
"Well," England scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "It's just a public library, it's not too big."
"A library! A library!" America chanted as he bounced around the streets like a bunny rabbit. He seemed to have forgotten that he was too old to jump around like a small child. The boy cheered and skipped a few beats, ignoring the weird stares from the residents who were within the mile radius that could see or hear him.
"America…" What keep the lad so energetic all the time?
"A library! A library!" What was his secret? Or was England getting old as the older America claimed?
"Just remember to be quiet and sit still, please?" England's tired look only energized the teen's enthusiasm even more.
"This is going to be so awesome! Ah huh," America stopped jumping around to nod to himself. He wasn't bothered that he looked like he was talking to himself on the streets, or that he looked strange for jumping around so much.
"America, are you listening?" America didn't pay attention to England's words. America was bobbing his head up and down to the rhythm of their footsteps. He was too busy smiling and waving at every stranger who walked by them. Strangers who were probably thinking that he was mental.
I should let him enjoy this… England thought. He might have to come back to his time period soon… England was sure that his past self would not be so forgiving on the past America for his succession from the British Empire. He had spent centuries mourning over his lost of his favorite colony. Even recently, had England still struggled with that day when his America left him.
"So where is this library England?"
England mentally groaned. The library was only a few minutes away, so why did this journey felt so long?
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America just stared at the building. It was so big!
Proud and strong, the building stood at two stories tall. It windows' length was as long as one's arms stretched out from end to end, its clean glass surface gleamed and reflected its environment surrounding it. Around the area was the library's garden, which was adorned with flowers and blossoms, from blood red roses to liquid golden orchids. An old ancient oak tree sprouted its twisted branches that reached to the sky, enwinding its green silky leaves. The tree's roots rested beneath the soft fertile soil that provided the arbor life and nutrition.
Next to the entrance of the library was a metal pole that was twenty feet tall. The American flag was proudly waving in the air. The flag was new, yet slightly familiar to Alfred. Fifty bright stars rested against the liberty blue fabric that was on the upper left corner of the flag. Thirteen red and white flags stretched across the American banner.
At the library's door, a long rectangular double door, England pushed the door forward in order for them to get in.
The inside of the library was simple, but practical. Near the front of the library were comfortable couches that looked worn from years of use. Wooden chairs and tables were neatly arranged near some of the selves, which was where many of the computers were located.
There were arrays of book shelves lined up against the thick walls of the building. Each of the shelves was marked with labels of the author names and the subject of the following books that were listed in categories. To the right of the building was a small area that was labeled in block letters "Children Section", where stuff animals sat on the small round tables to accompany the young readers.
Near the exit of the library was a woman who was sat at the front desk, typing something on her computer. She looked to be in her forties. Plump and short figured, the librarian had short curly hair that went down to her neck. The librarian wore a woolen violet sweater with a pearl necklace around her neck.
When England and America stepped in, she told England, "If you need any help, I'll be at the front desk,"
"I'll be sure to ask you when I am in need of your help." England assured to woman.
"Okay, do you remember how you got here? Alfred!" England turned around to talk to the boy. Too late. America was caught up in staring at the long cases of the books. He was already into a book that he was holding in his hands.
Wonder accompanied America as he flipped a page, living in a different world from reality. His deep blue eyes were glazed with the words on the pale Chinese yellow paper.
"America," England tapped on America's shoulders to get his attention. "I'll be in the myths section, okay? I need to look up something for your problem." America turned his head around to jerk his head in response.
"Don't get lost!" The old nation reminded the boy. England did not know if America heard him or not.
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America's POV
Was this really a library? It was so huge! Way bigger than the one nearby his old house. Back in the colonial days, America would occasionally visit Dr. Franklin's private library whenever he was in Philadelphia.
This library had everything. Alfred happily hummed a simple British bar tune as he strolled around the western side of the building. This side of the library had books on anthropology, listing the world's history and its contents. Human psychology books were filled to the brim on the left side of the section, while books on history were on the other side. America liked how the library was nicely organized that one would find the book of their chose in a short manner of time.
In many of the libraries he had previously visited in his time, many of them were in terrible disorder. The books would sometimes be categorized in the wrong topic or the author's names were unknown. The modern library had made sure the most of the book were in good condition and that it would be available for the public.
The book in Alfred's hand was rather interesting. It was written by a peculiar man who discussed about the nature of the human mind. How queer for the man to see that human's behavior would react in such manners in certain sequences. The contents of the subject were foreign for Alfred, as psychology has not become a true science of its own until the twentieth century.
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*past*
"What going on here?" A sharp voice jerked into the small barn. The man that was caring Alfred turned back to see the intruder. "I heard a racket back there." Alfred lay still on the hay bed.
England?
It was England. Tall and strong, but had a grim expression on his dirty face that was splattered with mud and rain. His corn light hair was frizzy and puffed out from drying. His cheeks and eyes were red from either anger or possibly crying, and most of all, he looked tired. Overall, he looked like England looked like every now and then. Specifically on his birthday, the birthday of the United States of America.
As Alfred's eyes traveled down the English man's body, he felt a numb shock on his spinal cord. England was adorned in an eerily familiar uniform that still haunted US's mind. He was dressed in a madder red coat that went down to his knees. His scarlet red coat was also dirtied by mud and debris; his stockings were soaked up with blood.
Alfred didn't believe it. He really was in the Revolutionary War time. But how was that possible?
"I'm surprised you still decided to stick around," The man grimaced. "After getting defeated by the traitors." He mocked the nation. Stressing on the word, 'traitors' to further more humiliate Alfred's former guardian.
England hesitantly paused before responding. "I was just getting ready to leave." He curtly bit his lips.
The man just shrugged. "All right then." He really did not care. "Go meet your cursed King," Already, it seemed like England and America the countries were separated from one another, and the treaties were not even declared official yet!
"Good day," England obliged, as he prepared to leave.
US could not watch. "WAIT!" US stretched out his hand to reach for England. "Don't leave!"
England barely looked over his back. "What do you want?" He did not automatically recognize US. The two Americas had a three human year difference that was apparently enough to distinguish them as two separate people.
"Please stay," US whispered. "Don't leave me." He had to talk to England. He had to know how he got into the past. He needed to know if it was possible for him to return back to the present time.
England gave him a soft laugh. His bitter chuckle surprised Alfred.
"Why should I?" He asked. Who was this man? "We are clearly not wanted here." By 'we', England was referring to the British men.
"Don't leave." US made sure to allow his hoarse voice to remain firm. "It's still raining out there. Don't you hear the thunder?"
Thunder and lightning clashed outside. How much would it rain until there was no rain left for the sky to drop?
England frowned at the soldier who asked of him to stay. Wasn't he American? He certainly had the accent of an American. England scrutinized Alfred for a few minutes. He even reminded him of someone!
"Hey!" The other man cried out. "Why don't you bloody Brits leave already!"
"Let him stay!" US commanded them. "It's too dangerous for them to be out there in this type of weather!"
"The lobsters could suffer for all we care!" Another American sneered. (8)
"If we let them die," US reasoned. "Then their King will have reason to attack us."
"Let him stay." Alfred pleaded. "He's my friend." He ignored the gasped from his fellow countrymen. "I need to ask him some questions."
England stared at the man across the barn who called him his friend. He went over to Alfred's hay bed and sat down beside him.
"A friend you say?" England softly asked. He never had a friend before. Well, a friend that didn't betray him. He hardly knew this man.
"Well," US corrected himself. "I will be your friend. Someday."
And later, more than that, Alfred mentally added.
"What nation are you?" England questioned him.
Alfred grinned. "So you know?" Good. There was no need to explain to England.
England smirked. "I know a nation when I see one."
"I supposed it's from living around so many in one continent." America assumed.
"Perhaps," England replied. They were talking to one another like they have known each other for years. However, England did not know this.
US gently smiled at the empire. "How about I start by asking you some questions concerning about your America?"
The small fire crackled behind them.
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~present~
Alfred was so contented with his book that he did not realize that he had been asleep when he was awoken up by Arth-England's urgent voice. "America! Wake up!"
"Huh?" Alfred was still woozy from his nap. "What time was it?" Alfred looked at the clock that was hanging on wall across from his chair. Crap! It was already six o'clock?
"It's getting late," England told him. "The library is about to close in a few minutes. Let's go home."
"Yeah," America nodded.
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"Say England," America asked when they were midway home. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
England shook his head. "Your case is a special one, America." He looked tired and worn out from the whole day of search and read. "No one has ever successfully time traveled and made it out alive in one piece."
America gave England a questioning look.
"Time traveling…" England tried to explain. "It a taboo. It has its risks and those who have pursued it…" He paused. "die. From accidently killing themselves or having their selves accidently kill them."
America blinked. Time traveling was that dangerous?
"It's a time paradox." America realized.
"You know," England pondered, "The search would be a lot easier if you could explain to me what happened. Don't you remember anything?"
"Hey, I'm hungry!" America declared. Damn it! England cursed. Stop getting distracted! Ugh? Stupid America! Why couldn't he just focus? He was sixteen for God's sake. (9)
"Can we eat something else other than your cooking?" America asked. Was he suggesting that his cooking sucked? Why that little…
"What do you want to eat?" England casually asked him. He had no idea where to eat. He didn't know any food joints in America's place.
"Well," America pondered. "New York told me of this place where they sold these foods called ham-bu-ger." He made a bunch of wild hand jesters as he separated the three syllables of the cursed food that England loved to criticize so much.
What the hell was wrong with this family? England wondered. They were all the same. Them and their blasted hamburgers! England lost.
"I know the place he's talking about," England gave in. He didn't bother fighting over which restaurant to choose. He was too tired to try. "I'll take you there."
What's wrong with me today? England thought. First he spared himself from yelling at America (too much), and now he allowed him to eat at McDonalds! England hoped that America would not remember anything when he returns to the past.
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"Wow!" Once again, America was in awe. What was there in the future that was not cool? "This looks delicious!" His eyes sparkled. Okay, here the hell did these bloody sparkles come from? Did America steal those sparkles from that stupid frog again?
The two nations ordered and received one Big n' Tasty, two Chicken Sandwiches, two large bag of French Fries, four boxes of Chicken McNuggets, two cups of Pepsi, and one McFlurry with M&Ms.
"America," England tried to ask him again. "Do you remember how you traveled to the future?"
"Slllllppppp~" England watched with annoyance as the young nation took a long slurp from his second cup of pop (10). He had consumed nearly all of the food in a fifteen minute record. Apparently, this America could eat a lot too (11). The British nation only ate a Chicken Sandwich and ate a little bit of chips (10).
"Nope!" America smacked his paper cup onto the laminated table.
England groaned. "Anything at all?" He had to drag out the answer from his former colony if he had to!
"Well," America started nibbling on a French fry. "I was at war with you,"
"The American Revolution War?" England tried to sound casual. America noticed England's discomforted look.
"Think so," America dipped his fry whole into the ketchup sauce. "I fainted, but that's it. That's how I got here."
It sounded so simple. England was even more curious. That's it? America just fainted? Just like that? It felt like something was missing. England watched America take a last bite from his food.
"Well, that's go!" America cheerfully chirped. Did he remember what they had discussed? England watched America yahooed as he swung the door to go home.
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England watched America when the young nation was asleep. His always smiling persona has faded into a calm state. His soft snoring was at an even tempo. Breath in…breath out…breath in…breath out…
When England and US were together, he had always enjoyed resting his head on US's muscular chest. The rhythm of his lover's breathing was like music to him. It calmed his nerves down.
England worried about the sake of US. Where was he? Was he in the past with the other England? The British Empire? England wasn't too sure if it was a good thing or not to know that US might have to face the British Empire. He wasn't too sure of how he would react back then with an America with over three hundred years of experience.
Two Americas. Both were stuck in the wrong time. England wasn't even too sure why or how they switched. America's earlier description of his journey to the future was too general. Too vague. England would have to research more to find out. New York had given England his cell phone in case of emergencies and to keep in touch with him if any of them were to have found the solution to the Americas' problems.
England took his time to look at the younger America. He had no noticeable muscles like his older self had. He was a nation fresh out of independence. His face was still childlike; his cheeks were round and soft like soft peaches. His cowlick was lazily swaying in the tranquilized breeze. Arthur caressed the teen, he was a child. He was still a boy. It was strange how Arthur felt to this America. This America was more like a brother to him than a lover. Not like the way it was for the other America. Why was that?
"Don't worry too much England," A faerie that was passing by said to the English gentleman. Her voice twinkled like the chime of a glass bell.
"I'm not." England hollowly said. He tried to wipe a tiny tear from his eye. He need to sleep now. England exited out of America's room to sleep in the guest room.
The Sandman appeared behind England. "Go to sleep," He insisted.
"I will." England murmured. He was too used to the numerous creatures that have always followed him. He changed into his pajamas and was soon under the covers.
"Sweet dreams England," The Sandman whispered has he welcomed England into his slumber with America.
"Sweet dreams."
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References:
(1) - I heard from people that it tastes disgusting. What does blood pudding taste like? Would anyone like to tell me?
UK: My food does not tastes that bad! -waves arms around-
(2) RS: - _-;;
England: What are those punctuation suppose to mean?
US: Ha ha, the old man doesn't know what does mean? (BTW, I hate those scones you made for me the other morning.)
England: Shut up, stupid America! (Oh, and I hate those burgers you made in the second chapter.)
RS: I have nothing to say about those scones… (She actually likes them, and is American.)
(3) - Actually, the funny thing is, back in the old days, before the word 'gay' became slang, gay was used to mean happy. But from England's point of view, he thinks that America is making fun of his sexuality. Alfred just means it as it is. England is just overreacting. :)
(4) - People in general did not take baths very often before electricity was discovered to warm up bath water. It's interesting to note that today, compared to most of the world; we Americans are a bit OCD to sanitary. While we take showers on a daily basis, some nations, such as those in Europe, mainly take showers a few times a week.
(5) - Huh. I just realized. I never mentioned what happened to America's pet whale and Tony. The whale is migrating to Alaska and Tony is sharing rooms with New Mexico (he doesn't want to deal with the "fucking limey").
(6) - For the most part, many of the libraries in the colonial days were either private or owned by the town, but were very limited by the number and subject of books. So for Rev!America, a library is a very big deal for him. Too bad modern America doesn't see it the same way. He takes the luxury of books for granted.
(7) - The book Alfred is referring to is A Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, which is a book that argues why America should be independent from England and be freed from its imperialism. One of its famous arguments included that a huge mass of land (America) should not be under the rule of an island (England).
(8) - The American rebels were a bit brutal to the British at times. They were prone to mock, insult, and throw rocks at passing British soldier. When the British refused to give them taxation with representation, they burned paper dolls of King George and tortured the tax collectors. They would coat the tax collectors in glue, cover them in chicken feathers, and then hang them on a fence in rebellion to the rising taxes. The rebels were also known to force down several pots of tea down tax collector's throats in revolt against the Tea Taxing Act, choking or burning the poor victims.
Although it is interesting to note that only 1/3 of the colonists were against the British Empire. Another 1/3 of the American population was Tories, or the Loyalists who supported the British. The rest of the colonies did not care about which side was which and only wanted peace.
(9) - Oh, but England, you forgot that 16 years olds are always hungry and energetic. We teenagers get distracted quite easily. ^_^d
(10) - soda and French Fries
(11) - Americans have always been eating more than the typical European did, even back in the colonial days. They ate in bigger proportions and normally lived longer lives, depending on location.
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Author Notes:
Does it look like I was trying too hard? I admit that I got a little carried away in some parts that it looked like I was getting off track. Enjoy my nice writing while it lasts. My writing style will only be like this while summer is still in the air. When school comes back, I will no longer have the luxury to have a full week to spend typing up nicely written chapters.
Please read and review for the sake of Rain. BTW, has anyone listened to the full UK's Song that has come out today? You know, the marshmallow song? I just love listening to his voice! Does it sound weird that I was drooling while I was listening to his sound as I am typing this? Iggy can beat Sasuke any day!
Author/Artist: Rain_Sonata
Character(s) or Pairing(s): America/England/America or US/UK/US
Rating: PG-13, might raise up later
Warnings: boy love, occassional swearing, confusion of what's happening, longer chapters later on, hints of the existence of state-tans
Summary: Rev!America is brought back to the present, replacing the current America. By chance, England was there when all of this happened. Why is he here? What about his broken heart from the Revoluionary War?
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( Link to Previous Chapters )
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Chapter 6: Investigation
In order to distinguish the two Americas apart from now on, I will refer to the older one as US. The younger will be America.
Summary: Rev!America is brought back to the present, replacing the current America. By chance, England was there when all of this happened. Why is he here? What about his broken heart from the Revolutionary War? US/UK, based on Kink Meme on Livejournal.
Disclaimer: Look, if I every own anything, I would be rich and I wouldn't be taking my time to write a fanfic. I would make USUK canon and England would get to top every now and than.
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*past*
US opened his eyes wide in response to a drench smell. What was that smell? Was that…? Alfred took a quick sniff. Manure? It didn't look like he was at his house (his room didn't smell that bad!), and the room was damp and stuffy, so he was definitely not in the hospital. The room lacked lighting and his side felt stiff from lying too long. Where was he? And what was he doing here? The last he remembered, he was at the park with…
"Arthur...!" US gasped out. He automatically sat up.
"You!" A voice barked at him. "Put your head back down!" US did not bother to look to see who it was. The voice did not belong to nation he knew. His intuition told him that it was just a citizen.
"Where am I?" US asked to the man who threw the order at him.
"Be quiet." The man told him. "You need to rest. You still need to recover from that wound."
"W-wound?" US was confused. What wound?
As if the man read US's mind, he explained. "One of the red coats aimed a good shot at you."
US was even more confused. Red coats? Wound? What was going on? The nation turned slightly on his side to inspect his body. Surely enough, there was a wound formed at his abdominals. The damage where the bullet had pierced his side was not a bloody mess. There were blood stains, but there was a pale red uneven skin that has yet to heal. No human could have survived the shot during this time period. While he rolled to his side, he also saw that he was not resting in a bed, but in a bed of straw. It was soft, but it was damp.
But US did not remember ever getting shot; unless the terrorists have decided to close in. But that did not explain the man's mention of the red coats. Or has Russia decided to become a communist nation again? The American nation scowled at the thought of the commie bastard converting back into the enemy's side.
"Excuse me," US cleared his throat. He looked to the side of the haystack. He realized that his caretaker was rather short and stubby. "What year is this?"
The man gave his country a strange look. Dim lights flickered at his scarred face. "Where have you been living? Under a rock?"
He realized that he had just thrown an insult at his fellow soldier. The man apologized to US. "I apologize for that, I have been away from my family and it has been a harsh year for us all." US still looked confused. Were they in another world war? "We have just won the war. It is 1783."
US just nodded. He patiently waited for the shock to soak in. 1783. 1783. 17. 83. Wait. 1783?
WHAT?
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~present~
"America! Are you okay? You have been asleep for awhile!" England called Alfred from the kitchen. Was the boy still in bed? How much did the boy sleep? When it was still six o'clock, England took the time and effort to wake up early to make breakfast for his former colony. It was a nice breakfast of scones, eggs, bacon, and blood pudding (1)!
"America! If you don't wake up, all of the scones will be gone!" England had specially made those scones for America. Didn't he used to love them (2)? The old nation was dressed in his casual attire of a green vest worn over a white collar shirt along with some loose slacks.
"America?" England peeked into the teen's bedroom.
It was no mystery that America's bedroom was a mess. Like most teenagers, Alfred was a messy teenager. The floor was littered with books and magazines, soft drink cans overflowed his tiny trash can, there were stains all over the once soft cherry wood floor. Stuff animals from Alfred's states were piled to the side of his room, along with his unwashed clothes. Unread letters were still waiting on his laptop that was on the floor, which was the only object in America's possession that seemed to still hold good condition. The room was just in chaos.
Near the window in the room was where Alfred slept. At least the bed looked okay. The teen slept in a rather strange position. Alfred's head rested on his eagle shaped pillow that he was hugging on to dear life, but his body was twisted in a way that pointed out to England that America was having a hard to sleeping.
"America." England was now starting to get impatient. "You need to wake to up to eat. We need to talk."
America was still "asleep". "Ten more minutes, Engwin."
"Aren't you hungry?" He could go to his last resort of carrying the boy out of his bed if he had to…
"Your scones suck." America mumbled. England's forehead almost busted out a vein, his notably thick eyebrows pressed against one another.
England lost his patience. "WHAT THE HELL DID YOU JUST SAY?" This boy was definitely America. He was definitely no imposter. Only the brat could annoy him this much! "I MAKE THOSE SCONES ESPECIALLY FOR YOU!" The British nation nearly strangled the former colony.
"Hahaha," America finally opened his eyes to weakly chuckled, which only annoyed England even more. Even the younger America acted like the older one! They both mocked his cooking… In his imagination, England mentally hung his head in depression.
"Damn you America…" England glowered at the boy he once raised.
But America's next few words surprised the British man. "Eh, but thanks for making breakfast."
"Huh?" Did America just thank him? England stopped strangling the former colony.
"So you do care about me!" America exclaimed. The boy was still wearing his old war uniform. The boy definitely needed new clothes, England thought.
"Yes, yes," England sighed. The boy was such a pain in the arse sometimes. "Just eat up, okay?" The younger America made him worry too much. Maybe US was right, he was getting old.
"I'm not laughing at your cooking." America added.
"You're not?" England thought it was too good to be true. He smiled a little. England straighten up himself and leaned over to hear more.
"Nope!" America grinned. "Nice apron." He was pointing at England's liberty blue apron that read, "I'm not British. I'm just gay." (3)
England's smile dropped. It was too good to be true. "DAMN YOU AMERICA!"
That boy was lucky that he was immortal!
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After arguing over breakfast, "You're food tastes like crap!" and "Is this something you got from the sewers?", England had to face his next challenge: washing and getting America new clothes.
"No one takes a shower everyday (4)!" America complained across the hallway.
"Just take a god damn bloody shower!" England shouted back. "Do you know how to use the showerhead?"
"Wait, the what?" America poked out of the bathroom door and tilted his head to the side. "What's a shower-head?"
England's face froze. "You don't know who to use the facet?" England ran into the bathroom to check on him.
The next hour included a totally soaked England, and an America who had to clutch his stomach from laughing too hard.
"That was so awesome!" America declared as he watched England dump their clothes into the washing machine. America had to wear England's old clothes for awhile. "Let's do that again!" He was clearly amazed that the showers could conveniently heat up water in a few seconds. England however, was not. His head was drenched with hot water, and his face was red from the extreme temperature of the water.
England was angry, to say the least.
---------------------------------------------------
"You said that none of your clothes fits you?" England asked America while he was cleaning the dishes. At least US kept his dishes in good shape.
"Yes." America grumbled. Well, England reasoned, this is the younger America. He grew up a lot after he separated from me…
England sighed again. "I guess that means you'll have to wear my clothes for today since we need to get to the library today before it closes."
"Really?" America's eyes grew wide. He hugged England in gratitude. "Thanks England!"
England was surprised and blushed at the youth's sudden embracement. His former colony may be smaller, but the American was still taller than him. America's strength was still impressive, world power or not.
"I-it's no big deal." England stuttered. He was too soft on the lad.
America realized that he was still hugging onto England. He quickly pushed himself away from the British man. "O-of course," Alfred blushed. "Of course it's nothing." He hollowly repeated England's last words. He turned away to hide his red face from Art-England.
What must I feel so awkward with him? The two nations rhetorically asked themselves.
England checked the back door to see if he was had forgotten something when he noticed that the US's swimming pool that was usually occupied by his whale friend was empty. What happened to that whale? (5) England absentmindedly thought. Tony wasn't at home this month either (5). Not that the British gentleman missed those strange creatures US fondly referred to them as his 'friends'.
Once England was sure that all of the doors were locked and that he had everything he needed, England and America started walking to the neighborhood's library that was located a few blocks away from America's house. Alfred was wearing England's clothes, a white collar shirt and a pair of those blue pants called jeans. Although the younger nation had hard times imagining his former brother wear such casual type of clothing.
England was wearing the same set of clothes he had worn earlier that morning. He had managed to get his clothes to wash and dry before heading out the door. America's eyes literally sparkled when England announced that they were to be heading to the library to check out some books.
America's eyes widen in delight. "There's a real library here?" (6) It has been a good while since he last had the chance to open a good book. The last time he went to the library, Paine shoved that book in his face (7).
"Well," England scratched the back of his head in embarrassment. "It's just a public library, it's not too big."
"A library! A library!" America chanted as he bounced around the streets like a bunny rabbit. He seemed to have forgotten that he was too old to jump around like a small child. The boy cheered and skipped a few beats, ignoring the weird stares from the residents who were within the mile radius that could see or hear him.
"America…" What keep the lad so energetic all the time?
"A library! A library!" What was his secret? Or was England getting old as the older America claimed?
"Just remember to be quiet and sit still, please?" England's tired look only energized the teen's enthusiasm even more.
"This is going to be so awesome! Ah huh," America stopped jumping around to nod to himself. He wasn't bothered that he looked like he was talking to himself on the streets, or that he looked strange for jumping around so much.
"America, are you listening?" America didn't pay attention to England's words. America was bobbing his head up and down to the rhythm of their footsteps. He was too busy smiling and waving at every stranger who walked by them. Strangers who were probably thinking that he was mental.
I should let him enjoy this… England thought. He might have to come back to his time period soon… England was sure that his past self would not be so forgiving on the past America for his succession from the British Empire. He had spent centuries mourning over his lost of his favorite colony. Even recently, had England still struggled with that day when his America left him.
"So where is this library England?"
England mentally groaned. The library was only a few minutes away, so why did this journey felt so long?
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America just stared at the building. It was so big!
Proud and strong, the building stood at two stories tall. It windows' length was as long as one's arms stretched out from end to end, its clean glass surface gleamed and reflected its environment surrounding it. Around the area was the library's garden, which was adorned with flowers and blossoms, from blood red roses to liquid golden orchids. An old ancient oak tree sprouted its twisted branches that reached to the sky, enwinding its green silky leaves. The tree's roots rested beneath the soft fertile soil that provided the arbor life and nutrition.
Next to the entrance of the library was a metal pole that was twenty feet tall. The American flag was proudly waving in the air. The flag was new, yet slightly familiar to Alfred. Fifty bright stars rested against the liberty blue fabric that was on the upper left corner of the flag. Thirteen red and white flags stretched across the American banner.
At the library's door, a long rectangular double door, England pushed the door forward in order for them to get in.
The inside of the library was simple, but practical. Near the front of the library were comfortable couches that looked worn from years of use. Wooden chairs and tables were neatly arranged near some of the selves, which was where many of the computers were located.
There were arrays of book shelves lined up against the thick walls of the building. Each of the shelves was marked with labels of the author names and the subject of the following books that were listed in categories. To the right of the building was a small area that was labeled in block letters "Children Section", where stuff animals sat on the small round tables to accompany the young readers.
Near the exit of the library was a woman who was sat at the front desk, typing something on her computer. She looked to be in her forties. Plump and short figured, the librarian had short curly hair that went down to her neck. The librarian wore a woolen violet sweater with a pearl necklace around her neck.
When England and America stepped in, she told England, "If you need any help, I'll be at the front desk,"
"I'll be sure to ask you when I am in need of your help." England assured to woman.
"Okay, do you remember how you got here? Alfred!" England turned around to talk to the boy. Too late. America was caught up in staring at the long cases of the books. He was already into a book that he was holding in his hands.
Wonder accompanied America as he flipped a page, living in a different world from reality. His deep blue eyes were glazed with the words on the pale Chinese yellow paper.
"America," England tapped on America's shoulders to get his attention. "I'll be in the myths section, okay? I need to look up something for your problem." America turned his head around to jerk his head in response.
"Don't get lost!" The old nation reminded the boy. England did not know if America heard him or not.
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America's POV
Was this really a library? It was so huge! Way bigger than the one nearby his old house. Back in the colonial days, America would occasionally visit Dr. Franklin's private library whenever he was in Philadelphia.
This library had everything. Alfred happily hummed a simple British bar tune as he strolled around the western side of the building. This side of the library had books on anthropology, listing the world's history and its contents. Human psychology books were filled to the brim on the left side of the section, while books on history were on the other side. America liked how the library was nicely organized that one would find the book of their chose in a short manner of time.
In many of the libraries he had previously visited in his time, many of them were in terrible disorder. The books would sometimes be categorized in the wrong topic or the author's names were unknown. The modern library had made sure the most of the book were in good condition and that it would be available for the public.
The book in Alfred's hand was rather interesting. It was written by a peculiar man who discussed about the nature of the human mind. How queer for the man to see that human's behavior would react in such manners in certain sequences. The contents of the subject were foreign for Alfred, as psychology has not become a true science of its own until the twentieth century.
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*past*
"What going on here?" A sharp voice jerked into the small barn. The man that was caring Alfred turned back to see the intruder. "I heard a racket back there." Alfred lay still on the hay bed.
England?
It was England. Tall and strong, but had a grim expression on his dirty face that was splattered with mud and rain. His corn light hair was frizzy and puffed out from drying. His cheeks and eyes were red from either anger or possibly crying, and most of all, he looked tired. Overall, he looked like England looked like every now and then. Specifically on his birthday, the birthday of the United States of America.
As Alfred's eyes traveled down the English man's body, he felt a numb shock on his spinal cord. England was adorned in an eerily familiar uniform that still haunted US's mind. He was dressed in a madder red coat that went down to his knees. His scarlet red coat was also dirtied by mud and debris; his stockings were soaked up with blood.
Alfred didn't believe it. He really was in the Revolutionary War time. But how was that possible?
"I'm surprised you still decided to stick around," The man grimaced. "After getting defeated by the traitors." He mocked the nation. Stressing on the word, 'traitors' to further more humiliate Alfred's former guardian.
England hesitantly paused before responding. "I was just getting ready to leave." He curtly bit his lips.
The man just shrugged. "All right then." He really did not care. "Go meet your cursed King," Already, it seemed like England and America the countries were separated from one another, and the treaties were not even declared official yet!
"Good day," England obliged, as he prepared to leave.
US could not watch. "WAIT!" US stretched out his hand to reach for England. "Don't leave!"
England barely looked over his back. "What do you want?" He did not automatically recognize US. The two Americas had a three human year difference that was apparently enough to distinguish them as two separate people.
"Please stay," US whispered. "Don't leave me." He had to talk to England. He had to know how he got into the past. He needed to know if it was possible for him to return back to the present time.
England gave him a soft laugh. His bitter chuckle surprised Alfred.
"Why should I?" He asked. Who was this man? "We are clearly not wanted here." By 'we', England was referring to the British men.
"Don't leave." US made sure to allow his hoarse voice to remain firm. "It's still raining out there. Don't you hear the thunder?"
Thunder and lightning clashed outside. How much would it rain until there was no rain left for the sky to drop?
England frowned at the soldier who asked of him to stay. Wasn't he American? He certainly had the accent of an American. England scrutinized Alfred for a few minutes. He even reminded him of someone!
"Hey!" The other man cried out. "Why don't you bloody Brits leave already!"
"Let him stay!" US commanded them. "It's too dangerous for them to be out there in this type of weather!"
"The lobsters could suffer for all we care!" Another American sneered. (8)
"If we let them die," US reasoned. "Then their King will have reason to attack us."
"Let him stay." Alfred pleaded. "He's my friend." He ignored the gasped from his fellow countrymen. "I need to ask him some questions."
England stared at the man across the barn who called him his friend. He went over to Alfred's hay bed and sat down beside him.
"A friend you say?" England softly asked. He never had a friend before. Well, a friend that didn't betray him. He hardly knew this man.
"Well," US corrected himself. "I will be your friend. Someday."
And later, more than that, Alfred mentally added.
"What nation are you?" England questioned him.
Alfred grinned. "So you know?" Good. There was no need to explain to England.
England smirked. "I know a nation when I see one."
"I supposed it's from living around so many in one continent." America assumed.
"Perhaps," England replied. They were talking to one another like they have known each other for years. However, England did not know this.
US gently smiled at the empire. "How about I start by asking you some questions concerning about your America?"
The small fire crackled behind them.
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~present~
Alfred was so contented with his book that he did not realize that he had been asleep when he was awoken up by Arth-England's urgent voice. "America! Wake up!"
"Huh?" Alfred was still woozy from his nap. "What time was it?" Alfred looked at the clock that was hanging on wall across from his chair. Crap! It was already six o'clock?
"It's getting late," England told him. "The library is about to close in a few minutes. Let's go home."
"Yeah," America nodded.
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"Say England," America asked when they were midway home. "Did you find what you were looking for?"
England shook his head. "Your case is a special one, America." He looked tired and worn out from the whole day of search and read. "No one has ever successfully time traveled and made it out alive in one piece."
America gave England a questioning look.
"Time traveling…" England tried to explain. "It a taboo. It has its risks and those who have pursued it…" He paused. "die. From accidently killing themselves or having their selves accidently kill them."
America blinked. Time traveling was that dangerous?
"It's a time paradox." America realized.
"You know," England pondered, "The search would be a lot easier if you could explain to me what happened. Don't you remember anything?"
"Hey, I'm hungry!" America declared. Damn it! England cursed. Stop getting distracted! Ugh? Stupid America! Why couldn't he just focus? He was sixteen for God's sake. (9)
"Can we eat something else other than your cooking?" America asked. Was he suggesting that his cooking sucked? Why that little…
"What do you want to eat?" England casually asked him. He had no idea where to eat. He didn't know any food joints in America's place.
"Well," America pondered. "New York told me of this place where they sold these foods called ham-bu-ger." He made a bunch of wild hand jesters as he separated the three syllables of the cursed food that England loved to criticize so much.
What the hell was wrong with this family? England wondered. They were all the same. Them and their blasted hamburgers! England lost.
"I know the place he's talking about," England gave in. He didn't bother fighting over which restaurant to choose. He was too tired to try. "I'll take you there."
What's wrong with me today? England thought. First he spared himself from yelling at America (too much), and now he allowed him to eat at McDonalds! England hoped that America would not remember anything when he returns to the past.
----------------------------------------------------
"Wow!" Once again, America was in awe. What was there in the future that was not cool? "This looks delicious!" His eyes sparkled. Okay, here the hell did these bloody sparkles come from? Did America steal those sparkles from that stupid frog again?
The two nations ordered and received one Big n' Tasty, two Chicken Sandwiches, two large bag of French Fries, four boxes of Chicken McNuggets, two cups of Pepsi, and one McFlurry with M&Ms.
"America," England tried to ask him again. "Do you remember how you traveled to the future?"
"Slllllppppp~" England watched with annoyance as the young nation took a long slurp from his second cup of pop (10). He had consumed nearly all of the food in a fifteen minute record. Apparently, this America could eat a lot too (11). The British nation only ate a Chicken Sandwich and ate a little bit of chips (10).
"Nope!" America smacked his paper cup onto the laminated table.
England groaned. "Anything at all?" He had to drag out the answer from his former colony if he had to!
"Well," America started nibbling on a French fry. "I was at war with you,"
"The American Revolution War?" England tried to sound casual. America noticed England's discomforted look.
"Think so," America dipped his fry whole into the ketchup sauce. "I fainted, but that's it. That's how I got here."
It sounded so simple. England was even more curious. That's it? America just fainted? Just like that? It felt like something was missing. England watched America take a last bite from his food.
"Well, that's go!" America cheerfully chirped. Did he remember what they had discussed? England watched America yahooed as he swung the door to go home.
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England watched America when the young nation was asleep. His always smiling persona has faded into a calm state. His soft snoring was at an even tempo. Breath in…breath out…breath in…breath out…
When England and US were together, he had always enjoyed resting his head on US's muscular chest. The rhythm of his lover's breathing was like music to him. It calmed his nerves down.
England worried about the sake of US. Where was he? Was he in the past with the other England? The British Empire? England wasn't too sure if it was a good thing or not to know that US might have to face the British Empire. He wasn't too sure of how he would react back then with an America with over three hundred years of experience.
Two Americas. Both were stuck in the wrong time. England wasn't even too sure why or how they switched. America's earlier description of his journey to the future was too general. Too vague. England would have to research more to find out. New York had given England his cell phone in case of emergencies and to keep in touch with him if any of them were to have found the solution to the Americas' problems.
England took his time to look at the younger America. He had no noticeable muscles like his older self had. He was a nation fresh out of independence. His face was still childlike; his cheeks were round and soft like soft peaches. His cowlick was lazily swaying in the tranquilized breeze. Arthur caressed the teen, he was a child. He was still a boy. It was strange how Arthur felt to this America. This America was more like a brother to him than a lover. Not like the way it was for the other America. Why was that?
"Don't worry too much England," A faerie that was passing by said to the English gentleman. Her voice twinkled like the chime of a glass bell.
"I'm not." England hollowly said. He tried to wipe a tiny tear from his eye. He need to sleep now. England exited out of America's room to sleep in the guest room.
The Sandman appeared behind England. "Go to sleep," He insisted.
"I will." England murmured. He was too used to the numerous creatures that have always followed him. He changed into his pajamas and was soon under the covers.
"Sweet dreams England," The Sandman whispered has he welcomed England into his slumber with America.
"Sweet dreams."
-----------------------------------
References:
(1) - I heard from people that it tastes disgusting. What does blood pudding taste like? Would anyone like to tell me?
UK: My food does not tastes that bad! -waves arms around-
(2) RS: - _-;;
England: What are those punctuation suppose to mean?
US: Ha ha, the old man doesn't know what does mean? (BTW, I hate those scones you made for me the other morning.)
England: Shut up, stupid America! (Oh, and I hate those burgers you made in the second chapter.)
RS: I have nothing to say about those scones… (She actually likes them, and is American.)
(3) - Actually, the funny thing is, back in the old days, before the word 'gay' became slang, gay was used to mean happy. But from England's point of view, he thinks that America is making fun of his sexuality. Alfred just means it as it is. England is just overreacting. :)
(4) - People in general did not take baths very often before electricity was discovered to warm up bath water. It's interesting to note that today, compared to most of the world; we Americans are a bit OCD to sanitary. While we take showers on a daily basis, some nations, such as those in Europe, mainly take showers a few times a week.
(5) - Huh. I just realized. I never mentioned what happened to America's pet whale and Tony. The whale is migrating to Alaska and Tony is sharing rooms with New Mexico (he doesn't want to deal with the "fucking limey").
(6) - For the most part, many of the libraries in the colonial days were either private or owned by the town, but were very limited by the number and subject of books. So for Rev!America, a library is a very big deal for him. Too bad modern America doesn't see it the same way. He takes the luxury of books for granted.
(7) - The book Alfred is referring to is A Common Sense, by Thomas Paine, which is a book that argues why America should be independent from England and be freed from its imperialism. One of its famous arguments included that a huge mass of land (America) should not be under the rule of an island (England).
(8) - The American rebels were a bit brutal to the British at times. They were prone to mock, insult, and throw rocks at passing British soldier. When the British refused to give them taxation with representation, they burned paper dolls of King George and tortured the tax collectors. They would coat the tax collectors in glue, cover them in chicken feathers, and then hang them on a fence in rebellion to the rising taxes. The rebels were also known to force down several pots of tea down tax collector's throats in revolt against the Tea Taxing Act, choking or burning the poor victims.
Although it is interesting to note that only 1/3 of the colonists were against the British Empire. Another 1/3 of the American population was Tories, or the Loyalists who supported the British. The rest of the colonies did not care about which side was which and only wanted peace.
(9) - Oh, but England, you forgot that 16 years olds are always hungry and energetic. We teenagers get distracted quite easily. ^_^d
(10) - soda and French Fries
(11) - Americans have always been eating more than the typical European did, even back in the colonial days. They ate in bigger proportions and normally lived longer lives, depending on location.
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Author Notes:
Does it look like I was trying too hard? I admit that I got a little carried away in some parts that it looked like I was getting off track. Enjoy my nice writing while it lasts. My writing style will only be like this while summer is still in the air. When school comes back, I will no longer have the luxury to have a full week to spend typing up nicely written chapters.
Please read and review for the sake of Rain. BTW, has anyone listened to the full UK's Song that has come out today? You know, the marshmallow song? I just love listening to his voice! Does it sound weird that I was drooling while I was listening to his sound as I am typing this? Iggy can beat Sasuke any day!