[Fanfic] Apple Pie (2/3) Dessert Trilogy

[kasumirose.livejournal.com]

Title: Apple Pie
Author: Kasumi Rose
Genre: Romance/ General Slice of Life
Characters/Pairings: America, England, France, Canada/ USxUK
Rating/Warnings: PG/ A little kiss and hug. Nothing major.
Summary: Alfred's feeling homesick; so, Arthur tries to bring him a little slice of home.

 

Apple Pie

I do not own Axis Powers Hetalia. All copyright belongs to Hidekaz Himaruya.

“Alfred,” a voice called.

“Alfred!” the voice repeated more urgently this time.

“Hmmm? Oh Arthur, it’s just you,” Alfred replied absently

“What do you mean just me?” Arthur asked indignantly

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it like that.” Alfred replied, coming out of his revelry.

“You’ve been spacing out a lot lately. What’s on your mind?” Arthur wondered

“It’s nothing. It’s silly. Don’t worry about it.” Alfred answered hurriedly

The blonde American flashed a half convincing smile, and then got up from the table.

“There’s definitely something wrong. He hasn’t even touched his ice cream,” Arthur noted

“Ah perhaps Alfred is simply feeling homesick,” Francis suggested

“We have been in Europe for quite a while now. Also we’ve all been working hard at the meetings. There are a lot of friends we haven’t been able to talk to, and lots of foods we haven’t been able to get. I mean not that we don’t like Europe, but you know,” Matthew added

“Possibly,” Arthur conceded

He glanced around the table at his dinner mates. Kumajiro nodded too and made a forlorn noise. Alfred returned, and the four nations all paid the bill for dinner. The waiters wished them a good evening as they left, but Alfred hardly seemed to notice. Arthur murmured his thanks and followed his lover out into the London night. Arthur and Alfred waved goodbye to Francis and Matthew as they separated for the evening.

“Bon nuit. My friends,” the Frenchman called out

“Bye, Al. Bye Arthur,” Matthew smiled

The North American brothers hugged quickly, and then Canada and France shuffled into the Friday night crowd. Arthur wrapped his green scarf around his neck and pulled on his gloves. Alfred zipped up his bomber jacket and pulled on his black gloves as well. London bustled around them, but Alfred was lost in thought and staring out into the distance. Arthur truly became worried when he nearly stepped out at the wrong time because he was watching the wrong side of the road.

“Be careful! Try to remember that in England cars come from the left,” Arthur admonished

“Oh right, sorry,” Alfred apologized

Soon they reached Arthur’s house. Arthur had paper work to worry about, so he retreated to his study for a little while. His heart squeezed as he closed the door to the office, but he hoped he would finish soon. Alfred decided to shower and call it an early night. He seemed to be feeling better by the time they cuddled next to each other in Arthur’s four poster bed, but Arthur could swear he had heard Alfred humming the Star Spangled Banner in the shower. The next morning found Alfred still listless and distant despite the gorgeous autumn weather outside. At this point the Englishman was truly worried.

“Homesick…” He murmured

Then he snapped his fingers.

“Alfred, I’m running out for a bit okay?” He called

Pulling on his coat, Arthur rushed off to a special grocery store and began gathering supplies. In a half an hour, he arrived home and quickly rushed into the kitchen as if he were going to lay siege to it. Alfred only stared after him with a puzzled look. The American immediately began running through his list of excuses to avoid eating Arthur’s cooking. In the kitchen Arthur began pulling out his old pie pans. Then he began mixing the ingredients for the dough. Soon he had managed to make a crust. Arthur continued to work. Burning one pie and having to start over. However in his second attempt Arthur managed to pull out a golden brown piping hot pie from the oven. He placed it on the table to cool and went to find Alfred.

“Close your eyes,” Arthur ordered

“Why?” Alfred wondered backing away slightly

“Oh just do it you git!” Arthur groused

“Fine,” Alfred consented

He closed his eyes and let Arthur lead him into the kitchen. Whatever it was, Arthur seemed agitated, and Alfred realized that resistance would only make it worse.

“Okay open them,” Arthur breathed

Alfred opened them and scanned the kitchen for the big deal. A golden brown pie sat on Arthur’s kitchen table. The familiar smell sent another wave of homesickness crashing through Alfred’s heart.

“You made a pie,” Alfred said wearily

“Not just any pie-an apple pie,” Arthur bragged

“I figured you might be homesick; so, I figured American comfort food would probably cheer you up,” Arthur explained

They both stood there for a minute. The Briton glanced away shyly.

“Well, go on. Try it,” Arthur urged

Alfred fished out two spoons from the silverware drawer while Arthur gathered two plates. Alfred cut himself a small slice and took a bite. There was too much cinnamon and the crust was somehow far too dry and crunchy. He kept his face neutral as he chewed and swallowed. He glanced at Arthur’s hopeful face. Knowing that Arthur was trying to do something for him made Alfred feel unnaturally self conscious and unsure. One thing Alfred was sure of, though, was that Arthur had made an effort for him, and a hero always appreciated an honest effort. He put on what he hoped was a convincing smile.

“It’s good, Iggy. Thanks for thinking of me,” Alfred said

He put down the plate and hugged the Englishman, planting a little kiss on his forehead. Arthur smiled and began eating his piece too. Alfred just watched. Arthur grinned from ear to ear as he swallowed his own spoonful of pie. Alfred felt himself melt a little, and a warm feeling flooded his stomach. Alfred leaned down and kissed Arthur, tasting him slightly.

“Now, that apple pie really tastes like home,” Alfred stated

Smiling, Alfred went to the fridge and got some milk, while Arthur tried to compose himself.

The End

Yes, I know the whole America and apple pie thing is cliché, but it just feels right. Poor Arthur, but at least he tries. Alfred has a rare moment of emotional insight and maturity. Part one of the series featuring Ger/Ita can be found here http://community.livejournal.com/hetalia/3955110.html#cutid1

Anyway here is a supposedly simple recipe for apple pie in case anyone feels like trying. http://elise.com/recipes/archives/002155old_fashioned_apple_pie.php

Thanks for reading.