USUK - I Hate You pg. 9

"I won't let you hurt him!"

The fingers were suddenly torn away from England's throat and he felt his shoulder collide with the ground. He gasped in pain and rubbed his neck gingerly. He looked up groggily, still dizzy from his near-death experience. America was standing in front of him, his arms thrown out protectively. The Thing was standing in front of America, laughing that chilling laugh. In short, America was the only thing standing between it and England.

The Thing smirked. "Trying to play the hero, hm? You're quite the show off."

"This has nothing to do with being a hero," America replied curtly.

The Thing stepped closer, staring intimidatingly into America's eyes. The young nation tensed, but glared right back. The Thing started to laugh again.

"You're very amusing, you know," it said. "It's all you're really good for. You're quite lucky, that's the only reason I'm not going to kill you. Now step aside, we had a deal, and I'm going to fulfill it."

"A deal?" America gritted his teeth, his eyes ablaze. "A deal is when two people reach an agreement! You just came out of nowhere one day and forced me to do horrible things to my only friends! That isn't a deal!"

"Very perceptive of you. Did you just figure that out?" it replied mockingly. America's eyes flashed dangerously. "Now stand aside, I'm getting tired of playing games. Or do I have to use force?"

America bit his lip. "Please don't hurt him!" he pleaded. "I could take his place! You could kill me, instead! Right?" he added challengingly. The Thing paused, and then nodded.

"I suppose," it said slowly. "Although, I'd have to add it up."

"Alfred, you can't be serious!" England exclaimed.

America nodded. "More serious than I've ever been."

"I'm not worth it!" England said desperately. "Save yourself!"

"No."

"What?"

"I said 'no.'" America turned his head and looked at England seriously. "I don't know if I could live without you, Arthur. If it kills you, it kills me, too. I won't let you die!"

The Thing sneered and pointed at America. "I've come to the conclusion that killing you would actually be best. Thank you for the suggestion."

"What? N-No!" England felt helpless. He couldn't let this happen. "Alfred, don't do it! I… I don't think I could live without you either…" America's eyes widened slightly, and he smiled.

"I'm sorry, Arthur," he said gently. "For everything."

"Are you done yet?" the Thing said impatiently.

"Yeah."

"Wait!" England cried. "Alfred, please-"

"England!" America's eyes were fierce. England's shoulders sagged and his vision started to blur. Was this really it?

America turned back to the Thing. "I'm ready." It smiled, satisfied.

"Good." It lifted its hand, palm upward. A tiny ball of icy light appeared in its hand, growing bigger every second. England's thoughts raced around his head, making him dizzy. Why was this even happening? What was the point?

Why can't I stop this?

America closed his eyes and smiled at England sadly. "Sorry," he murmured.

There was a flash of blinding light and England felt cold.

"Alfred!"