"You can be such an idiot sometimes, England," he heard a feminine voice say through the darkness.

When England had first opened his emerald eyes, the first thing he registered was pain. The light burned his green orbs and he shut them as he lifted a hand to his bandaged forehead. His body ached all over and he soon dropped his sore arm. He had paused a moment before opening his eyes again, squinting and gradually widening his eyes as they adjusted to the light. Then, he recognized Vietnam leaning over him. Her straight black hair, neatly tied back with a green bow, her matching silken European dress flowing around her. England's first thought?

She looks like an angel...

...and then he heard her speak...

"God damn it, England! You need to be more careful!" Vietnam let out, the most defiant and most words he had ever heard her speak.

Despite the shock, the Englishman couldn't help but hear the worry in her voice. He sat up in his bed, trying to hide any pained looks his face would give. Coolly, as though he didn't realize something was wrong, he said, "Now, now...no need to raise your voice. I daresay, a woman has no need to-"

"A woman!? What does that mean!?," Vietnam exclaimed. Now he had done something wrong...but he couldn't help but ask himself when his little territory had become so outspoken. "I asked you for one thing...one thing since you took me from China...I only told you to be careful..."

Ah. So it was worry he had sensed. She really was a sweet girl now, wasn't she? Calmly, he asked her,"What happened?"

"That pervert, France, knocked you on the head with his hilt," she explained.

Pervert? So she did understand what he was...,"And how is the war effort looking?"

"Terrible...," she said solemnly, "Don't let me be taken by him...please..."

England paused and shook his head, "There's no way in hell that Frog could defeat me. Don't worry, love."

A short silence followed before Vietnam repeated,"Love?"

England's emerald eyes widened a moment.

Damn.

"It just slipped out," England justified,"It simply means..." He trailed off. What would he say? He loved her? No...it was still much too soon...wasn't it? How long had she been his territory? And how long had he loved her?

"I know what it means...," she said as she stood,"Get some rest. I'm sure your general would like to speak with you in the morning."

"Yes, of course...," England let out a tad awkwardly.

Vietnam nodded and left. England layed down in his bed. The white sheets reflected the sunlight from the window opposite of him. The brown, oak nightstand sat stationary beside him. A black and white picture of Vietnam and him sat facing him. England sighed and looked up at the white ceiling.

"I mustn't lose...I can't lose...," he said aloud to himself as he closed his eyes once more, hoping he would be able to see Vietnam again soon.