It was pretty cold and pretty quiet up north, and perhaps his brother was worried that he'd become like some certain other country that was cold, big and northerly, but whatever the reason, he received an invitation to go visit his brother in LA.
When he got there, he was slightly surprised to see that America had a rather sullen China in tow, but America promised that it was supposed to be an uber special surprise.
"He's going to buy you a pet," said China flatly before getting jumped by a flailing America who was whining about how he spoiled the surprise.
"But, America, you know they don't last long." Compared to the lifespan of a nation (barring major disasters, of course), most living things just died too quickly and he didn't like the idea of keeping something just to watch it die. Watching them go about their own lives was fine, and sometimes even heartwarming, but mortal things weren't meant to live in close proximity with the anthropomorphic personifications of their nations. It would be too depressing.
"Ahah! But you see, this is a special petshop! It's in Chinatown."
Canada shook his head and opened his mouth to tell him that he had Chinatowns too, but then he caught the look on China's face. The Asian was staring off into space, preoccupied by what appeared to be distinctly unhappy thoughts. Was it because he was being dragged along into one of America's harebrained schemes? Or was it because he was annoyed that America couldn't even navigate Chinatown without his help? But no, the irritation didn't seem to be directed at his exhuberent brother. For the moment, anyway, because America seemed to be trying his best to change that.
"Go on, tell him! The petshop fellow came from China, right? So you can tell him!"
China merely pressed his mouth a little more firmly shut and walked on more quickly.
It was intriguing, if a little worrying, but he didn't have time to pursue that thought before America turned his attentions to him again.
"So, what kind of pet do you want?"
Seeing the bright and brilliant smile on his brother's face, Canada gave in. After all, just because they were going to look at pets, it didn't mean he had to pick one out in the end, no matter how insistent America was no doubt going to be. And having a companion would be nice, especially during winter, when he was snowed in. Something that would recognise him as 'Canada' instead of being mistaken for America or worse, completely forgotten.
"A dog, maybe," he mused aloud. "A big dog."
"Better to raise for emergency rations," agreed China over his shoulder.
"AHAHAHAHAHA, that's a good one, China!"
But from the coldness in his voice, Canada wasn't so sure China was making a joke. The Asian's behaviour was really beginning to worry him, but once again, he wasn't given the chance to ponder this before America was demanding attention again.
"Here! We're here!"
The sign outside said 'Count D', yet the decor was very Chinese. There was a flight of stairs leading down into relative darkness and he could hardly believe that this was meant to be a pet shop. Beside him, he heard China sigh.
The smell of incense immediately assaulted his nose as he stepped though the doors and it made him sneeze. America, however, was not so polite, waving his hands in front of his face as if trying to dispel it. Canda wanted turn around to see what China was doing, but someone stepped out from behind a curtain, smiling.
He couldn't tell whether it was male or female, though he could immediately tell that it wasn't human. Chinese, had American mentioned? It definitely reminded him of China, with that porcelain-pale complexion and raven-black hair. The dress seemed a little over the top, though, but he was pretty sure he'd seen something similar in history books. When China visited his house, he'd always worn western clothes... Perhaps this was just to sell on the Oriental intrigue? Or perhaps it was to distract people from its true nature?
"Welcome to Count D's petshop. We sell all kinds of animals here, from dogs to cats to other beasts that barely skirt the boundaries of the law. Are you looking for something in particular?" The voice was male, in contrast to the feminine appearence, and held a sort of polite distance that he sometimes heard in Japan's voice when that man was being pressed into doing something he wasn't keen to do.
"I'm looking for a pet for my brother!" said America cheerfully, taking over the situation without allowing Canada to say a single word. As usual. Sometimes, he was truly tempted to just gag him, but mostly, it was easier to go along with whatever America wanted. No matter what the others wanted to think, it was a conscious choice, and he didn't just bend because he was weak. Someday, when it was appropriate, he would show the world, but, for now, he merely smiled.
"Is there anything your brother has his mind on?" asked the petshop owner, speaking to America but looking at Canada. He met the man's(?) mismatched eyes briefly and saw them widen in realisation.
Was this why America brough him here? Because this petshop was run by something that wasn't quite human, something that could recognise them as nations? Was there a chance that there was a suitable pet for him under this roof?
"I want a pet that will last," said Canada quietly. "Something that can tolerate the cold, something that will allow itself to be loved, and..." he blushed slightly. "It should be cute."
"I thought you just wanted a dog," America interjected.
"No, I didn't even want a pet," Canada pointed out, slightly irritated at being upstaged yet again. "But you made me come here, so I think I might get one after all."
"Aw, I thought you would want a dog. I wanted to go play with it after you got one."
Canada rolled his eyes. "If you want a dog, why don't you get your own? Your backyard is big enough."
America shook his head. "Nah, I have lots of important things to do. I won't have time to look after a pet," he said, sounding wistful enough that Canada could forgive the indirect implication that he wasn't doing anything important. America probably didn't mean for it to come out that way anyway.
The petshop owner was watching them, apparently deep in thought. When the two brothers looked over at him expectantly, he smiled again. The small yellow thing that had been perched on his shoulder took off, flapping its bat-like wings when the petshop owner moved.
"If you would come this way, I'm sure we can find something suitable for you," said the petshop owner, gesturing to the back room.
"So, are you, like, Count D or something?" asked America, bounding forward with barely restrained excitment.
"The title was only passed down to my grandfather," explained the petshop owner patiently, though he must have heard the question many times before. "But for convenience, you may refer to me by that name."
"Cool, I didn't realise Chinese guys can become counts," commented America. "C'mon, Matthew, let's go see what pet you're gonna get!"
Canada winced slightly at America's remark, offering an apologetic smile to the petshop owner. A small smile was offered in return, as if to say, 'don't worry, I'm used to idiot Americans' and Canada felt a little happy. Even beside his brother, he was being noticed. Maybe he could find something good in here after all.
This anon is a total fan of PSoH and this is gorgeous so far, anon. D's perfectly characterized and I love the interactions between him and the rest of the cast--and your over-the-top Alfred and subtly-exasperated Matthew are spot-on. Keep going! 8D
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Dislocations (1/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-01 03:37 am (UTC)(link)When he got there, he was slightly surprised to see that America had a rather sullen China in tow, but America promised that it was supposed to be an uber special surprise.
"He's going to buy you a pet," said China flatly before getting jumped by a flailing America who was whining about how he spoiled the surprise.
"But, America, you know they don't last long." Compared to the lifespan of a nation (barring major disasters, of course), most living things just died too quickly and he didn't like the idea of keeping something just to watch it die. Watching them go about their own lives was fine, and sometimes even heartwarming, but mortal things weren't meant to live in close proximity with the anthropomorphic personifications of their nations. It would be too depressing.
"Ahah! But you see, this is a special petshop! It's in Chinatown."
Canada shook his head and opened his mouth to tell him that he had Chinatowns too, but then he caught the look on China's face. The Asian was staring off into space, preoccupied by what appeared to be distinctly unhappy thoughts. Was it because he was being dragged along into one of America's harebrained schemes? Or was it because he was annoyed that America couldn't even navigate Chinatown without his help? But no, the irritation didn't seem to be directed at his exhuberent brother. For the moment, anyway, because America seemed to be trying his best to change that.
"Go on, tell him! The petshop fellow came from China, right? So you can tell him!"
China merely pressed his mouth a little more firmly shut and walked on more quickly.
It was intriguing, if a little worrying, but he didn't have time to pursue that thought before America turned his attentions to him again.
"So, what kind of pet do you want?"
Seeing the bright and brilliant smile on his brother's face, Canada gave in. After all, just because they were going to look at pets, it didn't mean he had to pick one out in the end, no matter how insistent America was no doubt going to be. And having a companion would be nice, especially during winter, when he was snowed in. Something that would recognise him as 'Canada' instead of being mistaken for America or worse, completely forgotten.
"A dog, maybe," he mused aloud. "A big dog."
"Better to raise for emergency rations," agreed China over his shoulder.
"AHAHAHAHAHA, that's a good one, China!"
But from the coldness in his voice, Canada wasn't so sure China was making a joke. The Asian's behaviour was really beginning to worry him, but once again, he wasn't given the chance to ponder this before America was demanding attention again.
"Here! We're here!"
The sign outside said 'Count D', yet the decor was very Chinese. There was a flight of stairs leading down into relative darkness and he could hardly believe that this was meant to be a pet shop. Beside him, he heard China sigh.
"Let's go in then."
Re: Dislocations (1/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-02 02:07 am (UTC)(link)Re: Dislocations (1/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-02 02:41 am (UTC)(link)Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-02 07:42 am (UTC)(link)He couldn't tell whether it was male or female, though he could immediately tell that it wasn't human. Chinese, had American mentioned? It definitely reminded him of China, with that porcelain-pale complexion and raven-black hair. The dress seemed a little over the top, though, but he was pretty sure he'd seen something similar in history books. When China visited his house, he'd always worn western clothes... Perhaps this was just to sell on the Oriental intrigue? Or perhaps it was to distract people from its true nature?
"Welcome to Count D's petshop. We sell all kinds of animals here, from dogs to cats to other beasts that barely skirt the boundaries of the law. Are you looking for something in particular?" The voice was male, in contrast to the feminine appearence, and held a sort of polite distance that he sometimes heard in Japan's voice when that man was being pressed into doing something he wasn't keen to do.
"I'm looking for a pet for my brother!" said America cheerfully, taking over the situation without allowing Canada to say a single word. As usual. Sometimes, he was truly tempted to just gag him, but mostly, it was easier to go along with whatever America wanted. No matter what the others wanted to think, it was a conscious choice, and he didn't just bend because he was weak. Someday, when it was appropriate, he would show the world, but, for now, he merely smiled.
"Is there anything your brother has his mind on?" asked the petshop owner, speaking to America but looking at Canada. He met the man's(?) mismatched eyes briefly and saw them widen in realisation.
Was this why America brough him here? Because this petshop was run by something that wasn't quite human, something that could recognise them as nations? Was there a chance that there was a suitable pet for him under this roof?
"I want a pet that will last," said Canada quietly. "Something that can tolerate the cold, something that will allow itself to be loved, and..." he blushed slightly. "It should be cute."
"I thought you just wanted a dog," America interjected.
"No, I didn't even want a pet," Canada pointed out, slightly irritated at being upstaged yet again. "But you made me come here, so I think I might get one after all."
"Aw, I thought you would want a dog. I wanted to go play with it after you got one."
Canada rolled his eyes. "If you want a dog, why don't you get your own? Your backyard is big enough."
America shook his head. "Nah, I have lots of important things to do. I won't have time to look after a pet," he said, sounding wistful enough that Canada could forgive the indirect implication that he wasn't doing anything important. America probably didn't mean for it to come out that way anyway.
The petshop owner was watching them, apparently deep in thought. When the two brothers looked over at him expectantly, he smiled again. The small yellow thing that had been perched on his shoulder took off, flapping its bat-like wings when the petshop owner moved.
"If you would come this way, I'm sure we can find something suitable for you," said the petshop owner, gesturing to the back room.
"So, are you, like, Count D or something?" asked America, bounding forward with barely restrained excitment.
"The title was only passed down to my grandfather," explained the petshop owner patiently, though he must have heard the question many times before. "But for convenience, you may refer to me by that name."
"Cool, I didn't realise Chinese guys can become counts," commented America. "C'mon, Matthew, let's go see what pet you're gonna get!"
Canada winced slightly at America's remark, offering an apologetic smile to the petshop owner. A small smile was offered in return, as if to say, 'don't worry, I'm used to idiot Americans' and Canada felt a little happy. Even beside his brother, he was being noticed. Maybe he could find something good in here after all.
Re: Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-03 02:13 am (UTC)(link)reCaptcha: 'Short nations' - hmm, now that you mention it, where DID China wander off to?
Re: Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-03 06:59 am (UTC)(link)Re: Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-04 05:40 am (UTC)(link)But...that bear will never remember your name Canada
Re: Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-05 04:00 am (UTC)(link)Anyway, thank tou, anon! This is something that I really wanted to see.
Re: Dislocations (2/?)
(Anonymous) 2009-04-05 05:57 am (UTC)(link)I absolutly love your America! Is Leon wanna appear, Leon and America would be best friends~
Please do continue!