[network] @ADMIN; Obituary [Day 206]

[snowblindmods]

We mourn the loss of those who have died in the time between the last announcement and this one:

Lila Zacharov
Natasha Romanov
Hans Christian Andersen
Jason Todd
Ecks
Gregory House

Comments

[keepscalm]

[England would never stop writing if he tried to enumerate the things that he misses about home. And he could offer something to America instead, but England knows it isn't just the stars; nothing can replace the home you've built for yourself.

He tugs America a little closer.] I used to count those whenever you'd drag me into your bed.

[fifty]

[Such a stupid thing to miss, and such a stupid thing to talk about, but America smiles a little thinking about England in his bed counting the stars.] They're the constellations from my place. You saw, right?

[keepscalm]

Of course. [They can't really see the stars here, but England would never forget the stars that led him to North American soil.

Norfinbury has taken so much from them, but thinking about what led England to count those stickers, he can't forget that this town has also given him something immeasurably important. He sighs out a breath and rests his chin atop America's head.] I always looked at them because I was so terribly nervous about sharing a bed with you. They were a nice distraction.

[fifty]

[America's voice has regained a little of its strength.] You wouldn't have to be now.

[keepscalm]

[There's a hint of a smile on England's face now.] No, I suppose not.

[fifty]

Maybe once we get back and make sure everything's okay you could come over and we could look at my star stickers together. [Okay, they probably wouldn't be doing that, but it's a sweet sort of image for an awful place like Norfinbury.]

[keepscalm]

[England's fingers continue their slow rhythm through America's hair as they speak.] Of course, if you'll still have me.

[It doesn't sound any different as far as England's tone of voice goes, but the seed of doubt in England's mind hasn't yet shriveled to nothing, especially considering their argument.]

[fifty]

[America looks up. England's face is blurry with his glasses off, but America looks him in the eye anyway.] I will. [Of course he will. It's not even a question!]

[keepscalm]

[England still smiles, but there's uncertainty in the way the corners of his lips fall and the way his eyes avert from America's.] Then I'd be happy to accompany you in your stargazing.

[fifty]

[America's expression falls a little, and he's reminded all over again how much he hates this place, and hates it more because it's some version of Alaska and somewhere in his mind because of that he can't hate it enough to be satisfying.] We can look at real stars, too.

[keepscalm]

[That isn't the first time they've spoken of that, though England's memory of the last time is surrounded by a haze of considerable distraction.] Yes. I still owe you that kiss.

[fifty]

I'll find the best place at my place to look at 'em and you can find the best place at your place to look at 'em and we'll go to both. [America smiles again, lopsided and sloppy.]

[keepscalm]

[That's so sweet that England feels it squeeze his heart. He really, really hopes that nothing happens to come between them before they get home.

And they will get home. They have to. They have to.

England nuzzles into America's hair.] That sounds wonderful.

[fifty]

Yeah. Yeah, it does. [America keeps hold of England. He wants to just stay like this for a while, so... So he's going to. He's going to stay like this with England, because at least he and England are here together.]