Between the Lines [Hetalia; America/England, 4/4]

[xtwilightzx]

Title: Between the Lines
Fandom: Axis Powers Hetalia
Character/Pairings: eventual America/England; Canada, France
Word Count: 5203 for this chapter
Warning/Spoilers: PG. Use of human names.
Summary: Sparked by a comment from Francis and prompted by how current world events have strained his and Alfred’s relationship, Arthur decides to step away

Comments

[buddha_loves_me]

;A; omg. Resisting the urge to just run to the minibang and read this in one go was SO worth it. Aaaaah what a satisfying ending. I like that the two of them actually had to TALK, and it wasn't that Alfred arrived and within moments Arthur was dropping everything and flinging himself at Alfred. The progression was so, so lovely and so painful. I was definitely holding my breath through parts and some lines they said made the bottom of my stomach drop out because I wasn't sure WHAT was going to happen. But alsdhgasd; omg that was so perfect.

Arthur gave a choked laugh. "Oh god. You're one of those horrible romantic types, aren't you?" That line is probably one of my favorites. It made me crack up so bad. The image of Alfred being a stupid romantic is just too cute

[xtwilightzx]

I'm actually glad you didn't read this on the minibang, because I ended up adding quite a few small scenes to each chapter (particularly this one), and I think they made the story stronger. So thank you for waiting XD

Arthur really had thought about the whole "falling out of love" strategy through. So to have Alfred appear in front of him, asking for the contrary - he clung to his conviction because he truly believed it was for the best. If Alfred had wavered (and didn't recover) at any point during this conversation, or if he had found out a few weeks later, I don't think Arthur's feelings would have been swayed.

In my head, Arthur's the sweet romantic, but Alfred - Alfred's the really cheesy, over-the-top romantic. Together, they are deadly. I'm really amused at the thought of what they would do if they decided to compete in the romantic department, trying to one up the other. It would be something they'd do, stupid loveable idiots that they are XD

Thank you for sticking with this story and commenting all the way! I really love

[chiisana00]

This thing is so damn sweet! Q_____Q

The moment between Arthur and Alfred was so intense! Good thing Alfred didn't do any harsh move to ruin everything. But damn, I love how you characterized Arthur here!

“-I hate it that you can just come in here and turn my world upside down in a matter of minutes. <...> and now you just crash through my defenses, you settle in and take root and I can’t get rid of you-”

God, I loved this part Q____Q

Long live happy ending TTwTT Thank you so much for writing this <3 I say it again, I LOVE your characterization of Arthur in this fic! Thank you over and over again!

[xtwilightzx]

Alfred came very close to tipping Arthur off the wrong way several times, honestly. But the thought that Arthur might completely close off his romantic feelings for Alfred was enough to jump start Alfred into being as truthful as possible.

You picked out my favorite scene ♥ I'm really glad you liked my characterization of Arthur; he's my favorite and gaaaah I just wanted him to get his due so badly, and to do his character justice in my writing.

Thank you so much for following this story!

[xtwilightzx]

I'm glad you liked it - I was a bit worried the extra scene might have been too much ^^;; I was editing through this chapter and realized that we get to see Arthur ponder and consider his relationship with Alfred, and we learn a lot about Matthew's relationship with his brother and Arthur (and Francis, but whatever XD), but we never did get much of a glimpse into Alfred's head.

I loved studying literature back in high school and uni, and it slipped into the story, a little - and definitely, it's something that really ties them together.

♥ Thank you!

[wisteria02]

Oh thank you for the happy ending!~

You, my dear, are a magnificent writer. I love how you keep it both low-key and dramatic at the same time. My heart was fit to burst at this:

When Arthur finally moved, Alfred almost smothered him in a hug in a knee-jerk reaction. But he held himself still, his heart almost stuttering to a broken halt when Arthur’s hand reached past his own and settled on his head, petting. A second later, his heart jolted to a frantic run, because Arthur continued the motion, sliding his hand down the side of Alfred’s face.

“Are you listening, Alfred?” Arthur said, and Alfred drew a breath; held it.

Oh the happiness is so sweet when the heart has been through the utmost agony...

*bookmarked and reread from the very beginning*

You've just made my day! Thank you!

[xtwilightzx]

Oh... thank you very much, I really flattered you liked my writing enough to say that; I have a big silly grin on my face right now ^^;;

Oh the happiness is so sweet when the heart has been through the utmost agony <-- that's a poetic way of putting it ♥ I'm glad the roller coaster of emotions worked for you, and I'm sure Alfred felt just as you did (probably worse. Arthur's too stubborn for his own good, sometimes).

I'm glad you enjoyed the journey!

[xtwilightzx]

And thank you for reading and commenting ♥ I'm glad you enjoyed it on the reread as well, it's always great to hear that!