Natural Attraction [Prussia/Liechtenstein]

[Königreich Preußen]

As Prussia walked down the empty streets, all the could be heard was the soft crunch of gravel underneath his feet. His lips were pursed in a small frown, shoulders slumped, lacking their normal proud and confidence stance, and his hands were clenched in tight fists in his pockets. The sky above him was a bright and friendly blue, with almost no clouds in sight, promising a wonderful day, but the beautiful weather around him went unnoticed as the albino continued on his path.

"Who needs them?" he muttered, taking another sharp turn without bothering to stop and look around to see where he was. "It's most awesome with just the two of us, huh, Gilbird? We don't need to be at the meeting..." Crimson eyes shifted briefly toward the top of his head where the small yellow chick that always seemed to accompany him was nuzzled happily in his hair. The bird chirped quietly in response and ruffled it's feathers, pecking the top of Gilbert's head affectionately. The feathered-creatures gesture made the corners of Prussia's mouth twitch upward and his mood lifted slightly.

As he turned another corner, he narrowly avoided crashing into a couple walking arm and arm down the street. The albino side-stepped, muttering a rushed apology in German and brushed past them, his gaze falling on a shop window just to his right as he did. The display was filled with various objects that were far too effeminate for his tastes and looked like something he might expect to find in Hungary's room. Most of them were pink in colour and he was forced to blink as the scene made his eyes water slightly. Just as he started to turn away, something in the far corner of the display caught his eye and he stopped, peering through the glass curiously.

The object itself was simple enough: a small white box that opened at the top with a mirror on the inner lid. Inside the box, however, was what had caught his attention. Carefully folded so as not to get tangled in one another were numerous and colourful ribbons. The small sign beside them indicated that the hair accessories were made of pure-silk and the price below backed-up it's claim. Still, there was something about them that wouldn't allow the Prussian to tear his gaze away. His eyebrows furrowed in annoyance as he tried to figure out what it was, nearly jumped as a pair of emerald eyes and blond hair flashed before his eyes. Why would I be thinking of... the thought trailed off as his phone buzzed in his pocket.

Pulling it out, he gave the mobile device a bored look, barely paying the message from his brother any mind. The meeting would be running until the late evening. It was hardly something that he needed to be reminded of. It wouldn't the first time that one of the World Summit's reached far into the late hours of the night, but even then he couldn't help but scowl. "At least he cares enough to..." before he could finish, Prussia's eyes snapped toward the small letters at the top of his screen indicating the date.

July 12th.

So, that's why... As moving on auto-pilot, Gilbert found himself walking into the shop and back out a few moments later with the white box in hand, carefully wrapped in a pale-pink wrapping paper that the shop-owner had been more than happy to provide. "Guess it's up to the awesome me to make sure the day doesn't pass without something happening. No one should be left alone on their birthday."
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A/N: Don't shoot me. DX I thought it'd be cute. I sort of rambled in my starting post, though. I apologize. Gaaah... >>; Feel free to assume that Prussia actually made it to the house or something in your reply, if you want. Or ignore this all together. But I thought it'd be cute. And HetaliaWiki backed me up for that birth-date.
Also. Teehee. Disney reference for the title. XD Because obviously Prussia and Liechtenstein can be related to Todd and Vixey. Somehow.

[Liechtenstein]

When she awoke that morning, the "special" date didn't even register. Liechtenstein got up like she always did and changed from a pastel pink nightgown into her favorite rose-colored dress, pulling on a pair of pure white stockings as well. She swiftly tied the red ribbon around her neck into a pretty bow and straightened her mid-length skirt as she checked her reflection in the vanity mirror. She ran a hand through her cropped golden tresses, remembering her twin plaits and sighed, glad to be rid of the painful memories that seemed to vanish along with her hair. Lili smiled softly and laid her eyes upon a thin strip of blue ribbon that was her most cherished item and picked it up with utmost delicacy. She tied the gift carefully in her hair, noticing that it'd began to look worn and slightly tattered at the ends, and wondered if she should ask Switzerland to go out with her to buy a new one.

The tiny nation continued her usual morning routine and slipped downstairs to start breakfast, as she always did. She wasn't surprised to find her brother already awake and politely bade him a good morning. The morning progressed as usual until she saw the date on the newspaper Vash was reading. She knew that July twelfth was important, but how? Lili felt a little pang of disappointment when she realized it was her own birthday. Had her own brother forgotten? I-I can't expect him to remember...Bruder is very busy, after all.

After Switzerland left for the World Summit Meeting, she kept herself busy with various chores though the house was already very clean. Liechtenstein tried to keep herself from thinking about the fact it was her birthday, but no matter how much she tried, her selfish thoughts reigned. It's not fair that the World Summit is on my birthday... Bruder would have remembered and maybe Miss Elizaveta and Mr. Austria could have visited! Knowing there was nothing she could do about this, she simply sighed sorrowfully. Lili decided to make herself a present, if no one else would, and returned to the kitchen to make cheese fondue.

Her heart leapt when a knock resonated through the house, and she quickly turned the stove off to rush to the front door. Lili knew Switzerland wouldn't forget; was he going to surprise her? She straightened her skirt quickly before pulling open the door, a polite smile gracing her lips.

"M-Mr. Prussia?" her soft voice questioned, her face falling a little. "Umm, bruder isn't home, if you needed something from him..."

ooc;

AAH. ;u; Sorry, I rushed at the end since I have to go to dinner. ><;

[Königreich Preußen]

When Liechtenstein's face fell at the sight of him, Prussia couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed himself. After all, it was the awesome him who was coming to visit. People should be bowing when he did things like this, dropping to their knees in fascination and admiration at his sheer awesomeness, but when he allowed himself a moment to think about it, he couldn't claim to be surprised. He knew the feeling of opening the door and hoping to see a certain face and finding another instead. On the day of his own birthday he'd eagerly rushed to the door when he believed that Germany had actually skipped the meeting to spend the day with him, only to meet a pair of violet eyes instead. Not to say that, all in all, he'd rather enjoyed spending the day with his best friend--it had to have been the first time that he and the Austrian nation had gone an entire day without a single fight, regardless of how small--but he'd wanted Ludwig there all the same.

"I know he's not," Gilbert answered matter-of-factly. "He's at the Summit Meeting, ja? Just like West and the others. I'm not here to see him." He offered the smaller nation a small grin and shifted the box hidden behind his back between his hands. Normally, he would have simply walked into the house he was visiting by now without waiting for an invitation. With Roderich, he'd never bothered waiting, and most of the time he ignored the door in favour of a window, but they'd also been friends (or some semblance of the word once wars were set aside) for nearly as long as (most of) the other nations had been alive. Other nations simply expected it from him and by now it was merely an annoyance and few bothered to continue scolding him over it, and with Ludwig, they shared the house, and waiting to be invited into the place he lived was rather silly.

Clearing his throat, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other and waited, fingers curling around the wrapped gift. Standing on the porch was beginning to make him feel awkward, and awkwardness was not a feeling that Prussia often associated with. His self-confidence was ridiculous for one person alone, but standing before the young nation that barely reached his shoulders seemed to make it all disappear. And for the life of him, he didn't know why. "Do you, uh... mind if I come in for a while? It's a bit warm out today and I'm in my uniform. I should have thrown on something cooler, but..."
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A/N: It's alright. Sorry I wasn't around for a bit. I was listening to Bennett the Sage read My Immortal and other things that were generally weird. Woo.

[Liechtenstein]

She blushed a little in embarrassment, realizing she'd stated the obvious by telling him Switzerland was at the international conference. Of course Gilbert would know; his brother was usually the one attempting to maintain order at the insane asylum also known as Earth. Liechtenstein wasn't a regular attendee but the times she went, she recalled seeing the albino male there occasionally. For the most part she saw him pestering those around him, especially Germany, as well as the fluffy little bird that nested in his silvery hair. Even though she was warned constantly to stay away from the males of the group by Vash, Lili couldn't help but admire Gilbird from afar. She was a bit disappointed when she didn't immediately see the chick sitting atop Prussia's head.

If he's not here to see bruder, then... her lips twisted into a thoughtful frown in a slightly contemplative manner. Lili couldn't think of any business he would have with her; he was no longer a country, so she ruled out business and political matters. She let herself consider his visiting for her birthday for a moment, but forgot it immediately. She didn't remember ever mentioning her birth date to the Prussian, nor did she even know him particularly well. He was even on the 'do not associate with list' made by Vash.

"Don't trust France, Russia, or Prussia. If any of them talk to you, just call for me and I'll take care of them."

Prussia's charming grin seemed to melt the words of caution, however. The thrill of going against her brother for once tantalized her, intensifying her desire to do what she wanted for once. Bruder wouldn't want me to let Mr. Prussia in... As she noticed that he wasn't even there at the moment, though, Liechtenstein became more attracted to her rebellious thoughts.

His uncomfortable demeanor sealed her decision, and she overrode her better judgment when she stepped back and held the door open for him. Liechtenstein didn't have the heart to be impolite to guests, and the ex-nation seemed harmless enough. "O-of course!" Lili replied, maybe a little too eagerly, and smiled cordially.

[Königreich Preußen]

Sighing in relief, the ex-nation happily stepped into the spacious hallway of his fellow German nation's home. His shoes were carefully removed and placed on the mat beside the door before he walked further inside, taking special care to keep the package hidden behind his back. The Prussian's pale fingers were twitching nervously around the wrapping, threatening to rip it if he wasn't too careful. An odd flipping sensation had started in his stomach, but as to what it was, he hadn't the slightest of ideas.

"It's too bad he couldn't get the day off, huh?" Gilbert muttered as he waited for Liechtenstein to move before following her down the hallway. "I know the feeling, trust me. I don't think West has ever taken the day off for me. It's always Roddy... I mean, sure, while he's pretty awesome for a guy who has a stick up his--" Prussia paused, carefully switching around the words he'd normally use. Lilly was a lady, of course, and even he knew how to speak around a lady. "--backend, sometimes, I really wish it'd be West."

Pausing just before they hit the living room, Prussia glanced back and forth, as if expecting an alarm of some sort to go off. He wouldn't put it pass Switzerland to have alarms in every room, and the albino was convinced that if he made one wrong move, the trigger-happy nation would pop out from behind the nearest piece of furniture and turn him into a new target. Of course, Gilbert loved a good fight, and loved riling up the other nations even more, but he was always careful when it came to Vash. Bullets hurt.

Tch, the awesome me can't get nervous over something like this. I'm just being awesome! After all, I have to be the first person to get her a gift. Kesesesesese~ She'll be so grateful, maybe she'll convince her brother to give me some of his land. Despite the seemingly self-aimed thoughts moving through Prussia's mind, there wasn't a single fiber of his being that actually planned to follow through with it. Liechtenstein was a sweet girl, and the type of innocent that you just didn't mess with--the one patch of snow that you didn't ruin with your footsteps and decided to leave alone because, upon closer inspection, there was a single bloom of a beautiful flower.

Clearing his throat, he approached the smaller nation from behind and shifted awkwardly. "Uh, h-here..." With a silent curse at himself for allowing a stutter, Prussia quickly moved the package from behind his back before he could find another reason to keep it hidden. "It's your birthday, ja? No one should be left spending this along, so..." He shrugged and held the gift out further, silently pleading with Liechtenstein to take it before he ended up making a fool of himself. Why was he so nervous, anyway? "Alles Gute zum Geburtstag."
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A/N: ...Thisisalreadysomewhatadorable.

Also... Alles Gute zum Geburtstag - Happy Birthday. Just in case.

[Liechtenstein]

Liechtenstein felt a small rush as he stepped over the invisible, previously considered impassible, border and into she and her brother's house. She was pleasantly surprised when he took his shoes off before entering, the prior mindset towards Gilbert (that were drilled into her by Switzerland) identified him as a rude, obnoxious narcissist. As far as she could tell, he was none of those things and was a perfect gentleman in her eyes.

Lili’s emerald gaze followed him as she closed the door behind him, detecting something unusual in his body language. It took her a moment until she realized he hadn’t yet turned his back to her, and his hands were still behind his back. She raised an eyebrow suspiciously but didn’t allow herself to get her hopes up, the chance of him knowing her birthday must have been slim to none. But even with her mental restriction she wished that someone would remember. Liechtenstein knew she was a microscopic country on the map, but she was also a person.

“I mean, sure, while he's pretty awesome for a guy who has a stick up his--backend,”

Liechtenstein giggled softly and covered her grinning mouth with a hand. She found it funny that he'd changed his intended wording when speaking to her, like nearly everyone else. Usualy, though, there was the threat of Switzerland and his gun to keep them from tainting her innocent ears.

"I like Mr. Austria, he's very courteous," she added quickly, "Bruder acts like he doesn’t, but I think he does.”

She had led him into the living room and was watching his hesitation when she remembered the fondue. Lili knew she’d turned the stove off, but if she hadn’t and the house burned down, her brother wouldn’t be very happy with her at all. She turned as if to hurry back into the kitchen, realizing Prussia would be blamed for it as well, but paused when she heard an uncharacteristically nervous voice.

Liechtenstein turned, heart leaping silently and her mouth falling open into a soft, surprised “o” at the sight. Every muscle in her face fought to maintain it; it wouldn’t be polite for her to grin excitedly like an idiot. She couldn’t help the embarrassed blush that graced her cheeks, however, as she simply stared at the pink package held out to her.

“D-danke,” she stammered, her slightly trembling hands gently taking the present from his. “L-let’s sit, shall we?” Lili smiled and guided him over to the old-fashioned loveseat couch, lightly steering him with a hovering hand. She waited until he sat first, then took the opposite end.

The moment she’d been waiting for had arrived. Liechtenstein had expected it to be with someone else, but it didn’t matter. She began to unwrap the gift, careful not to rip the paper loudly, the anticipation climbing. Her fingers shook uncontrollably, either with nervousness or excitement, though she wished they would just stay still. After what seemed like an eternity, the delicate white box was visible and her jaw dropped again.

It was probably the most beautiful and expensive thing she’d ever been given; Switzerland would never spend so much money on her! Lili had a feeling that wasn’t all, either, when she noticed a little clasp on the front of the box. She looked tentatively up at the silver-haired male and back down at the object in her hands. Her hand fumbled to unfasten it, both eager and uneasy to find out what the real present was.

Her entire face lit up when she lifted the lid and saw the countless ribbons hidden inside. Green eyes sparkled at the different colors and the cute little mirror like she was a starving kitten seeing tuna for the first time. Liechtenstein set the box down on her lap and turned to face Gilbert again. “I-I really can’t accept this, Mr. Prussia…it-it’s too nice for me.” she mumbled, eyebrows furrowing. “I-I love it, but it must have been expensive.”

Why would he spend so much on someone he barely knows?

ooc; SORRY. Dx I had this weird writer's block for a couple days.

[Königreich Preußen]

The small animal that had made it's home in Gilbert's stomach purred happily at the look of pleasure on Liechtenstein's face. A grin worked it's way onto his lips, making his crimson irises light up under the room-lights. "Bah, prices aren't important," he muttered, waving his hand nonchalantly in the air. "Besides, what would I do with it if you did return it? I can't use it, my hair is too short. If I tried offering it to Lizzy or Roddy, they'd lock me out of their house, and West would pitch a bit if I tried to tie one on the dogs."

Standing up, the ex-nation moved to the other side of the loveseat and belt forward, reaching into the box as he produced the black and white ribbons from inside. "You'd look much cuter in them than anyone else would, anyway. They suit you. And it's your birthday. The one day people are supposed to be allowed to splurge and get you awesome things no matter what the price." With a gentle tug, Gilbert removed the tattered ribbon in Lili's hair and placed it in her palm, taking the other two he'd picked up earlier and intertwined them, carefully tying them into the nation's hair where the blue one had been hanging previously.

"See?" Prussia grinned again and tilted the box upward, angling the mirror toward Liechtenstein's face. "You pull them off nicely. And trust me, I'm an expert in the cute department, just ask Gilbird." The mentioned bird perked on his master's shoulder and began ruffling his feathers as he chirped happily, pecking the albino affectionately on the cheek before peering down at Lili curiously. He'd never seen this girl up close before, and his head quirked to the side curiously.

"Pyio, pyio~"

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A/N: Ffff... it's fine. >>; I'm sorry my post is kinda crappy. T___T *will try and make her next one better*

[Liechtenstein]

Liechtenstein's doe eyed gaze met his incredulously. O-of course prices are important... Since she started living in Switzerland's house, it had been impressed upon her that saving money was priority number one, taste and style were not given precedence. Saying that prices didn't matter was practically blasphemy in her naïve, innocent eyes.

Lili tried to convince herself it was okay for her to accept the gift, but even with his argument, her frugality got the better of her. She predicted how much food that could be bought with the money spent on her, wondering what Vash would think. How do I explain this to bruder? I’ll have to tell him I let Mr. Prussia in… Lili feared the retaliation, and though she knew he would never harm her physically, she knew he’d be disapprove of her actions. To her, verbal reprimand was worse than any physical punishment she could imagine; she imagined the disappointed tone in Switzerland’s tone would kill her.

"B-but... she began, attempting to protest, but it was to no avail. She flinched when he tugged on her old ribbon from her brother, but allowed him to tie the colors of the Prussian flag in her hair. Still, her emerald eyes followed his hands cautiously, remembering the warning about France, Prussia, and Russia. Lili realized she wouldn’t be able to defend herself against the warlike ex-nation, though she was a little late on the uptake, as he was already inside. No, I mustn’t distrust Mr. Prussia like that…he’s very kind and generous! But why would bruder not want me to talk to him…?

“D-danke schön,” she mumbled, blushing at all the unfamiliar attention and compliments, “I-if you say so…” Liechtenstein smiled weakly, both flattered and uncomfortable by being called ‘cute.’

At the appearance of Gilbird, however, her face brightened into a genuine grin of awe. Lili simply loved small animals, though was never allowed to have real pets. Switzerland said they were too expensive, so all she could do was admire from afar. It’s so much cuter from close up! She was tempted to reach out and pet the little bird but was hesitant to ask. “He’s so adorable,” she cooed at the chick, then averted her gaze from Gilbird to his owner. “C-could I…?” she began shyly, letting her voice trail off into a small, sheepish smile.

ooc;
Danke schön - Thank you very much

; Liechtenstein thinks about Switzerland a lot. ><;; She and Belarus with the brother complex. xDD

edit; And that's the last color change, I swear. Dx; Pink is totally unreadable. ><

[Königreich Preußen]

"Not high with self-confidence, are you?" Prussia asked quietly, taking his seat beside Liechtenstein on the loveseat again. It had always bothered him when people had no confidence in themselves, but when he himself faked the self-assurance he lacked, possibly more than the young nation beside him, himself, the question was almost ironic. "You should be..." he nodded. "Sure, you're small, but you're pretty damn smart for someone so young. I don't know anyone that could rival Estonia or Japan when it comes to being techno-nerdy."

The albino's crimson gaze shifted briefly over to the ribbons he'd just tied in Lili's hair before moving back down to the box below. What on earth had possessed him to do something like that? Hell, why was he here in the first place? If Switzerland had suddenly decided to play "big brother" and return home early from the meeting, the only greeting he had waiting for him would be a click and the barrel of a gun staring him down. It was dangerous, stupid, even, and a complete risk to both himself, and possibly his brother if Ludwig should suddenly be the target of Vash's anger for revenge. None of it made sense.

“C-could I…?”

The voice caught Prussia off guard and be blinked, staring blankly at the blonde nation as he tried to figure out what she was asking. It took him several moments to realise where her gaze had been lingering before, and his lips curved into a slow smile as he glanced at his shoulder. "Gilbird?" he asked, gesturing to his feathered friend. "Cute, isn't he? Soft, too. He's a lot of fun to pet."

Without bothering to directly answer the young nation's question, Gilbert held a hand up to his shoulder and nodded as Gilbird leapt into his palm. The other free hand carefully cradled the back of Liechtenstein's in his own, almost holding it like a bowl, and moved it forward. "Careful now, his nails can be kinda sharp. I haven't cut them in a few days." The hand holding Gilbird was positioned beside Liechtenstein's and after a quiet 'go on' from the Prussian, Gilbird leapt into Lili's hand, ruffling his feathers with a quiet 'piyo' bas Prussia pulled back.

[Liechtenstein]

The girl blushed guiltily at his observation.

"Not high with self-confidence, are you?"

She knew he was right as Gilbird was transferred between the two, the tickling sensation of the bird's little claws perking up her small, worried frown a bit. Lili carefully stroked the little creature, for fear she crushed it with her thin fingers. The girl nodded curtly at his question. It was fun to pet, he was rather soothing as well. The corners of her mouth turned upwards as it cheeped contentedly, unable to resist the chick's spell.

When she thought about it, they did seem a bit of a strange contrast, Gilbert and Gilbird. The Prussian was supposedly a heartless (which had been proven wrong moments prior) warmonger that enjoyed and reveled in the pain of others while his little pet was tiny and innocent and needed someone to protect and take care of him. Yet, the pair got along perfectly. Suddenly, a glaring similarity struck her, making her blush a little, ashamed with herself for even thinking it. She found her own naivety and dependence could be replaced for the little chick's, which bluntly suggested she would be perfect with the silver-haired German.

She'd read in love stories in which opposites attracted, but they seemed too different. Besides, her brother wouldn't be happy with her if she told him she had affections for the Prussian, let alone welcomed him inside. Lili reassured herself he was a gentleman, not the soldier he used to be, though a gentleman with a big mouth and an even bigger head.

But for this, Liechtenstein couldn't help but feel jealous of Prussia, even with her small admiration for him. She struggled to absorb the self-confidence that exuded from him like a sweet cologne, but it was to no avail. In his presence she maybe even felt even less clever and important in comparison. Even though he isn't a country he walks around as if he still had the biggest army in all of Europe...how could one person be so self-assured? she wondered, looking from the little yellow fuzzball into the blood red eyes of Gilbert Beilschmidt. Not a single sign of nerves were evident. Her own face had warmed up uncontrollably when he touched her hands gently, to her dismay. I envy him. Bruder would kill me if he knew this...but I wish I were more like Mr. Prussia.[/color]

"I-I suppose it'd be easy for you to say..." she mumbled, the foreign mix of boldness and irritability both sweet and bitter on her tongue. Lili broke eye contact to observe Gilbird; the Prussian's gaze was hard to keep, his eyes were intimidating even with the softest of expressions.

Suddenly uneasy about his reaction, Liechtenstein considered taking the meek challenge back. However, she wanted to prove to him that she had at least a little confidence and forced herself to put up a strong front. She refused to look up at him again, but she resisted from playing with her hands, hair, or skirt nervously.

ooc; Crappy post yay~ And sorry for a single line of dialogue to work with. u_u

[/size]

[Königreich Preußen]

Prussia almost laughed at Liechtenstein's sudden show of courage. It was both impressive and somehow adorable at the same time. While most nations wouldn't have taken the sudden boldness as threatening in the least, the albino had to admire that she tried. Most wouldn't have bothered. Especially to an ex-nation like himself. "Ahaha, yeah, I guess I do seem pretty awesome, huh?"

On the surface, his words seemed cocky, but the way in which they were said lacked any of his normal self-assurance. While Lili didn't seem to be able to hold her gaze with his own, the Prussian's crimson eyes had drifted toward the floor as he noted how clean it was in an attempt to distract himself. Clean floors always reminded him of his brother and Austria; the two of them were anal about keeping the house in order. His attention shifted from the floor to the young nation's foot beside him, and a sigh tumbled from his lips. He still couldn't find a reason for why he was here. Why did he care? He couldn't remember a time he'd ever spoken to Liechtenstein outside a meeting (and the time he'd interrupted their lunch didn't count.)

Shaking his head, Gilbert's lips curved into a wry smile as he raised his gaze to stare at the wall. "...I'm not nearly as confident as I look, you know. It's just... easier to pretend I am." The moment he said it, the silverette winced. It was as if the words were forcing himself from the depths to which he'd shoved them away. He didn't talk to anyone like this. Not even his own brother. It was frustrating. Why would someone so small, so young, be able to make words he'd kept buried for years suddenly bubble up again? He could only hope she wouldn't think much of his slip.. or else the word vomit might come.
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A/N: Bah, it was enough for me. Prussia, you're a derp. *smacks self for being OOC*

[Liechtenstein]

Lili nodded, mainly to appease him, and rubbed Gilbird's head with her thumb. Miss Elizaveta was right…he does say ‘awesome’ often. She’d nearly forgotten his notoriousness for being an egomaniac (since he’d been so generous to her before) and wondered how the man’s little pet could live with it. Her train of thought was halted suddenly when he surprised her, causing her to react in an unladylike manner.

"Really?" Her head snapped up abruptly to gape at him slightly but couldn't help how incredulous she looked and sounded. Realizing this a moment later, she blushed, ashamed at how tactless and impolite her disbelief had seemed. Liechtenstein hadn’t been aware at first, too confused with his confession to remember the proper way to behave. A wave of humiliation swept over her for her lack of poise and politeness, and she bowed her head.

Lili wondered if he thought her nosy and rude, lips twisting uncomfortably at the thought. She had always been concerned with others’ opinions of her, but it felt almost more important with Gilbert; nearly as important as with Switzerland. She was yet again reminded that she shouldn’t be doing this, though suddenly she was less concerned about her brother’s return. This concerned her a little as she’d regarded him just a few steps down from God until the Prussian had stepped foot through their door.

The thought disconcerted the blonde; she would have been fumbling with her hands if it weren’t for Gilbird, and for that she was grateful to the little chick. Liechtenstein struggled for a set of proper apologetic words. Her courage not yet replenished, she wasn’t able to look at him so she ended up just mumbling into her lap. “P-Please pardon me, Mr. P-Prussia, I…h-hadn’t expected you to say that.”

"B-but I mean, why would you pretend to be something you're not...? she continued seconds later, wondering aloud in a slightly naïve manner, in an attempt to right her faux pas. Her head was tilted to the side a bit in curiosity and concern, not different from how a dog does, after she frowned and glanced back up at him tentatively. Liechtenstein studied his wandering, distant eyes and body language, surprised to find something that looked like uncertainty or even vulnerability. She felt a strong urge to take his hand comfortingly, but not in her wildest dreams could she be so forward, and with Gilbert no less. The Liechtensteinerin shoved the suggestion from her mind as she offered Gilbird back to his owner, cupping the chick in the hands she offered.

[Königreich Preußen]

Of course she caught on... Prussia thought bitterly. Way to go, me. Awesome job. With a shrug, Gilbert attempted to play off his earlier words by acting nonchalantly. His shoulders slumped, the normally proud way in which the albino held himself completely gone. "It's easier to pretend, because I've got nothing else." He paused, chewing his lower lips. It didn't really matter if he said much more. Who could she tell? Switzerland was out of the question, his mere presence was risking getting the young girl into trouble--and he felt guilty enough about that as it was.

"You know I'm not a nation anymore, ja? If I don't act like I'm confident, what else do I have?" A wry smile graced his lips as he spoke, staring up at the ceiling. "I've heard the things that the other nations have said about me. They all want to know why I'm not dead--why I didn't fade away like Grampa Rome or Ancient Egypt. I have nothing... I'm..." he paused, laughing weakly. "Just a waste of space. I think your brother worded it 'an annoying leech that Germany is only taking pity on out of family obligation'."

Shifting his weight, the Prussian turned to stare at the floor. His eyes burned as he spoke, an annoyance with himself building up in his chest. He shouldn't be talking like this. He shouldn't be pouring his soul out to a young nation he barely knew. Liechtenstein didn't deserve this burden. She wasn't his personal journal. What right did he have to ramble at her? "...He's right. I have no land and no power. I'm just... there. I'm a landless nation that can't age or die. All I can do is stick with my brother and hope I don't piss him off enough that he tosses me out on my ass."
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A/N: >>; Wow. That was depressing. And kinda poorly written. DX Sorry.

[Liechtenstein]

During his short speech, she released Gilbird, allowing him to wander about the spotless floors. In the back of her mind, Liechtenstein hoped he was as innocent as he looked and wouldn’t get into trouble. However, it was soon forgotten as Prussia progressed, her flexible, pale hands were raised to her mouth to rest on her lower lip thoughtfully. Her thin blond eyebrows were pushed up into a concerned, furrowed frown.

Lili tried to shift herself closer to him with as much subtly as possible, allowing her knee to touch his leg as she turned her torso to face him. She leaned her shoulder on the plush backing of the loveseat and allowed her cheek to rest against it as well, eyeing him with sympathetic emerald eyes. Her attitude towards him had changed significantly since she’d discovered him on the doorstep, now transformed into pity. It’s only destroying him from the inside by living a lie on the outside…if he keeps it up he’ll be just a lifeless shell.

She truthfully wasn’t sure what was evoking such feelings towards him. Liechtenstein assumed it was because she herself was close to ‘death’ and could relate to his dependence on his brother, nothing to do with how he was pouring out his heart to her. The German-speaking girl didn’t allow herself to consider the non-platonic possibilities; they were ‘just friends,’ right? (Well, she supposed they could be called as such.)

An angry, alien emotion surfaced for the first time when she heard what Vash had said about the silver-haired ex-nation. Lili spoke out against her brother without a second thought.

“Th-then my bruder is wrong.” she muttered, slight disdain evident in her voice. Her tone used while mentioning her brother was quite unlike her usual and she paused, realizing she’d never said--let alone thought--that he wouldn’t be right. A weak smile found her lips as she continued, “W-we’re not just countries…We’re people, too.”

She felt like he needed someone to reassure him and pushed aside her previous qualms. Liechtenstein hesitantly reached out to place a slightly trembling yet supportive hand on his arm. “And d-don’t be silly, your brother l-loves you.” She paused, wracking her brain for more names. “A-and Mr. Austria and Miss Elizaveta and Gilbird…” her soft, comforting voice trailed off as if she had forgotten someone on the short list.

ooc; Aww, poor Gilbo~ *huggles him!* You have no idea how hard it was to not make Lili hug him. Dx Stop making him so loveable. xDD

[Königreich Preußen]

Without even thinking about it, Prussia subconsciously leaned into the young nation's touch. It was amazing how touch alone could both comfort and terrify him at the same time. When he was finally able to return home after thirty years in an icy prison with the Russian nation who seemed to enjoy making his life hell, the albino had never taken to any form of physical contact he didn't start himself as "bad." But this... it was different. Liechtenstein's delicate hand resting on his arm was just different, and for the life of him, Gilbert couldn't properly place the reason why.

"West does, but I now I'm just a being a burden. I don't do paperwork for him, and whenever I try to help, he always sends me off. Lizzy... heh, Lizzy might care, but the only way she shows it is with that damn frying pan. As for Roddy..." Gilbert trailed off fighting the urge to laugh. "I guess Roddy is the only person I can really say is my best friend. Sure, I piss him off to no end, but he always lets me come back, even when I don't deserve it."

With a soft shake of his head, Gilbert turned to Liechtenstein and offered her a wide grin. "Hey, why are we talking about stuff like this? I know I've got a pretty awesome life, but today is about you, ja? You got a cake? I know how to make some pretty good ones. Roddy made me take lessons from him a few times. What kind do you like?"