Eight Mortal Secrets [Hetalia Drabbles] (Completed, to be Edited)

XLI: Just a Dream [AU]

Song: Hanging Tree by Suzanne Collins (cover by Adriana Figueroa)

"I love you."

"Okay."

"No, seriously, Shelbs. I love you. Why won't you let me make this all official and let me ask your father to let me court you?"

"Because there's no point in forming a union under God if I'll leave you alone after I die."

The two individuals speaking were laying on the ground in the forest. The woods outside the town were forbidden, of course, but they came here to escape the eyes of the other townspeople. They would not approve of how close the pair had grown without the consent of Shelby's parents. She laid next to him, staring up at the foliage above with content grey-blue eyes. Her long brown curls, which were usually held up in a tight bun and hidden by a hat, now laid loose among the ferns and grass, her layered dress covering her from her collarbones to her ankles, but she didn't mind it; her thicker body wasn't really anything worthy of flaunting. Next to her, holding her hand, was a male approximately 4 inches taller, with shaggy blonde hair that had a cute little cowlick sticking out at his part. His bright blue eyes sparkled, focused on the girl next to him, rather than the scenery. He wore fancier clothes for the era, but they were stained with dirt around his knees and sleeves.

"But that's what people do when they love each other." The boy, Alfred, argued gently, squeezing her hand.

Shelby remained silent for what seemed like a long time. A few birds flew through the foliage above, the grass and wild flowers swaying gently in a breeze. Alfred didn't pressure her to speak, he simply sat in silence with her, closing his eyes and sucking in the fresh air.

"What if we left." She finally spoke, her voice quiet as a raven cawed in the branches above.

Alfred let out a short laugh, opening one eye and glancing at his partner. "What?"

"You aren't allowed to be in love with me. My family won't let me love you if we aren't wed." Shelby explained, her gaze not wavering from their trained spot. "If we run, we can be free from all these expectations. We could do whatever we want, be whoever we want. I want to be with you, but it would never work, so long as we're here."

"Shelby, I can't just leave. I'm America. What would happen to the country if I just disappeared? I want to, but-"

"Then I guess it's just a far off dream." A small smile graced her lips, and she leaned her head against Alfred's shoulder. "I should get home before my dad finishes on the fields."

Alfred sighed, sitting up and guiding Shelby up with him, laying a kiss on her forehead. "Okay, let's go, my little dreamer." With that, they walked through the trees, towards their secret entrance and exit in the town.

Once the sound of their footsteps faded, a bush shook, and a man with a messy mop of blonde hair and green eyes stood up, brushing off his clothes, his eyebrows furrowed with anger.

"So, the git thought his could keep this secret from me?" He seethed, his fists clenching, "A desperate mortal girl, hoping not to get caught as she interferes with the life of a new nation. Alfred doesn't need any more distractions, especially with something so temporary. He will only be hurt in the end- doesn't she realize that?" He yelled, his voice traveling unevenly through the trees. The forest had no answer to offer. "She doesn't care. Humans are selfish. They have no virtues, morals. Girls like her, they are a vice to this earth."

Suddenly, Arthur's eyes widened in realization, and a wicked smile crossed him lips. "Vice. That's it."

As fast as his legs would carry him, he made his way back to the town of Salem, marching down the trodden dirt path to the church. He threw open the doors, the light of the afternoon flooding in, causing a rather startled reverend to turn around.

"Arthur Kirkland. What a surprise to see you here today. What can I help you with?" He inquired, taking a small step forward.

Arthur marched towards him, his eyes sparkling with a feverish fire. "Reverend, I know of a witch who resides in your town. I have just witnessed her dancing in the forest, singing chants to woe America, such a powerful country, into her hands."

All he heard at first, was the movement of people outside his house. As the minutes ticked on, Alfred could hear the children running past the door.

"They found another one!"

"I heard she cast a spell on the country, Alfred."

"I heard she killed three people!"

"I heard she was the cause of the Smiths miscarriage."

"I don't know, Shelby was always so nice..."

"Shut up! If a grown up hears you, they might think you're a witch too!"

Shelby.

His Shelby?

America burst out of his house, his breath prominent in the morning air as he head swung around violently. Down the road, he could see a crowd of people gathering by the gallows. His stomach dropped, and before his mind could even process a whole thought, his feet were flying, kicking up dust and dirt as he raced towards the square. It was eerily silent, the crowd watching in utter silence as the reverend stood on the wooden platform, facing Shelby, her clothes reduced to nothing but rags, purple bruises prominent on her grime-covered skin.

Alfred stared in horror. He hadn't seen the mortal in a couple days. Is that where she had been? Sitting in jail as she was accused over and over again of being a witch.

"Shelby Ferrell has refused to come clean, lying in the name of Christ as she danced around the accusations set forth by the Church." The reverend spoke, turned and looking at the teen with harsh eyes. "This is your last chance. Reveal to us who has brought you to these dark ways, and God will forgive you for your crimes."

Shelby looked the priest straight in the eyes, her blue irises like icicles. "I am not a witch. There are no names to give." She said in a strong voice, although the a tear fell down her dirt stained face.

"Then may you find your way to Judgement." The reverend whispered, and the men holding Shelby in place guided her to the noose that hung, awaiting her.

"SHELBY!" America screamed, stumbling forward, pushing past the men and women watching the scene play out with indifference. "She's not a witch! Please, she's not a witch!"

"America!" A sharp, accented voice cut through the crowd, and suddenly, strong arms wrapped around him, keeping him from reaching the platform of the gallows. "Let her go, Alfred! It's for the best."

Alfred screamed her name, tears flowing down her cheeks. "Shelby, just give them a name! Tell them any name, and I swear, I'll run away with you!" He yelled.

Shelby's eyes found his, and she gave him a gentle smile as she stepped up on the chair, the noose being placed around her neck. "That was just a dream, Alfred." She stated gently.

"Please, don't let them do this! I love you!" He exclaimed, his legs giving out from underneath him, causing both England and America to sink to the ground.

A couple more tears made trails on her cheeks. "I love you too." She whispered, before the chair was kicked out from underneath her feet.