#ameriden

oh my god they were roommates

@ladycolumbia-liberty asked for hc’s and history on them, so I typed up my interpretation on them!

Quick explanation of why I ship it: it started from a crack rp a long time ago! While I didn’t intend to have Denmark and America as a couple at first, we came up with a lot of interesting dialogue and situations that got me into shipping them. They are inevitably friends-to-lovers in most ways I see them get together: a steady friendship where they can be themselves without hesitation, coming to find what they need most in each other is what they’ve been searching for. They both have traumas of abandonment and loneliness to some degree, and their overbearing approach to others mirror their way of coping with it. (This is my personal character flavor of them ofc) 

Historically, both nations are cordial allies (when a US president isn't trying to buy Greenland). Denmark recognized the US after winning independence and established relations, however I like to think they'd be at arm's length in those early years of American history. Denmark had nations/territories under its monarchical rule and the US didn't want European influence in its hemisphere (and Alfred was probably sore on monarchies for awhile). In my opinion, if they were to ever start a relationship it would take root in the start of the 20th century onward.

"Relations" relations wouldn't be a possibility until Alfred tackles the subject of his sexuality. Because I think with all his years, Magnus would be accepting of his attraction to the same sex. I can’t say Alfred would be as quick to resolve his internal turmoil about it and would take his own feelings for camaraderie. There’s room for pining in this era and I couldn’t say how soon it would be for Alfred to come around, but the sexual revolution of the roaring twenties is getting him there (definitely with regards to his idea of romance and sex).

Truthfully, they’re both family orientated people that have a complex history with said families. Some of their traits derive from how they separated from them and it carries through to their own relationship with each other. They take solace in coping with a fractured family and make it a point to be there for each other when needed. For a time they keep their affairs a secret, but Magnus has loose lips when he drinks and Alfred is not as sneaky as he thinks, stealing glances throughout the whole diplomatic conference. While everyone else mostly accepts the arrangement, I think Arthur would be the most upset at being kept in the dark about them. It just strikes a chord for him to see the two of them that into each other (something, something, Alfred the Great..)

The world wars and the US taking active interest in european affairs result in the establishment of the NATO alliance. They’re both founding members, so this is the point of close cooperation between both nations. Peacetime suits their relationship with each other best. There are too many strong emotions unpacking themselves during wartime and they tackle them in opposing ways; Alfred picks at old wounds and digs up grudges that are older than he is, while Denmark is a master at the cold shoulder and can put up barriers that are tough to break through when he gets hurt. I think the cold war brought out a lot of those moments between them due to the stress of nuclear eradication, the world changing faster than before and nations becoming more closely connected than ever in the past.

I don’t like to write or summarize modern history and politics between nations. I like to see them as people first rather than to evaluate their positions as nations and explain away every international blunder. I couldn’t even begin to unpack the nuance of their relationship if the nations were known to the world, because I think they would be scrutinized constantly. 

Full Image 🔞🔞

Commissioned from Pumkinet for this scene from We Two Boys Clinging Together:

When he entered the tent, Mathias had his eyes closed and seemed to be falling asleep. Gently, just like his mother had done for him as a boy, Alfred dabbed the handkerchief on Mathias’ forehead and cheeks. Some dirt from earlier came away and Alfred felt a warmth growing in his chest.

Mathias opened his eyes slowly and watched Alfred patiently as he worked.

“Need to tell you something,” Mathias rasped.

“Don’t talk, just save your strength.” Alfred moved the handkerchief down to Mathias’ neck, trying his best to judge how hot the fever was through the damp cloth.