[England sort of gathered that from America's sexual history. Or rather, the fact that he had none before England. They're separate things, for England, though they are better when they're together.
He won't mention it, to spare America the embarrassment.] We were on good terms and I'm not blind, so it was inevitable for me. [Does he realise the compliment he has just given to America's appearance? Not completely.] And I still— I mean...
[His expression becomes touched with nervousness again.] ...I always...cared deeply for you, regardless of the form it took. So I suppose I didn't entirely notice when it changed.
[America might brag about that compliment under different circumstances. As it is, he finds himself trying to absorb all of England's words and feeling like he's saturated, as far as feelings go.] For me it was always impor--well, of course I could have survived, but--I wanted you to like me.
[Why America would pursue England's friendship even after his revolution is still a mystery to England. Particularly when it seemed like most of the world was against him, it would have been easy to find camaraderie with any of England's enemies.
He wants to ask why, but that would be particularly burdensome at the moment, when England is missing his nation and America knows he's not in the best of ways. It would just be too pathetic.
Still, the flush of his face is not much better.] There were other people who liked you.
[England bows his face to cover it with one hand almost immediately in response.] You say that like I'm so—
[No, don't do this. England breathes in to steady himself and then sighs. He doesn't want to upset America, but he knows he has to say something, but all he can think of is how ridiculous it is that anyone claims to think he's that special.
Eventually a better alternative bubbles out of him.] ...I'm glad you picked me.
[This time, and all the other times America has ever picked him.]
[America grins at him, because as always he doesn't much care what England thinks is foolish and anyway, he really does like hearing England say that.] Love you too.
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He won't mention it, to spare America the embarrassment.] We were on good terms and I'm not blind, so it was inevitable for me. [Does he realise the compliment he has just given to America's appearance? Not completely.] And I still— I mean...
[His expression becomes touched with nervousness again.] ...I always...cared deeply for you, regardless of the form it took. So I suppose I didn't entirely notice when it changed.
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He wants to ask why, but that would be particularly burdensome at the moment, when England is missing his nation and America knows he's not in the best of ways. It would just be too pathetic.
Still, the flush of his face is not much better.] There were other people who liked you.
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[No, don't do this. England breathes in to steady himself and then sighs. He doesn't want to upset America, but he knows he has to say something, but all he can think of is how ridiculous it is that anyone claims to think he's that special.
Eventually a better alternative bubbles out of him.] ...I'm glad you picked me.
[This time, and all the other times America has ever picked him.]
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He doesn't have to think about what to say this time.] I love you. Even if you're very foolish.
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