This is a joint story between myself and Akuoni.
Disclaimer: neither of us own Hetalia. (there is not near enough Prussia to make it true)
Warning: Prussia x America. They're both guys. Nothing yet but doesn't mean there's no plotting behind it.
The teen fretted, wearing a hole in what was probably a really expensive rug. And older gentleman, wearing a coonskin cap and a strange smile, watched him with no little amount of amusement. Neither spoke yet. The teen too strung up on his nerves. The man just uninterested in anything but the way the younger prowled, looking like a wild tiger in a too-small cage.
"Calm down," He said finally. The other shot him a glare and shook his head. He quirked an eyebrow and the boy sighed, flopping down in a chair with as much dignity and grace as a herd of buffalos. The man brought a hand to his face and shook his head. "What are we going to do with you Alfred?" he asked, only half-jokingly.
"I know Benjamin," the boy moaned, placing his head in his hands and his shoulders began shaking, "I... I Just... I don't know what to do! We always fought alongside him! For the love of god... We were France's enemy! And now we turn to him after ... after... We beat him! His army is weaker! He can't help us militaristically! We need military aid! We need someone who can teach us how to fight!"
He propelled to his feet and resumed his restless pacing. Though this time he seemed worse, his head tossing and movements jerky. A wild stallion in a corral. Annoyed, Benjamin told him to get some rest. He nodded absently and retreated, heading down the labyrinthine corridors towards his room.
It wasn't an uncommon sight to catch him at France's place. The silver haired man, if you really wanted to call him that, enjoyed it here. Besides once word reached his ears that England's brat was throwing a fit he had to rush to Francis to see if the news was true. If anything happened with Arthur, Francis would be among the first to know. The man smiled his ruby eyes showing his glee at the thought of what would hopefully come, a fight. He thrived off fighting, was born for it, from it.
A chuckle escaped his lips as he passed one of the sitting rooms. 'We beat him! His army is weaker' ah if France could only hear those words. His steps paused though catching the tail end of the rant. Slowly a grin spread across his face. The grin on his face didn't bode well for others though; it usually meant there was a trick up the male's sleeve. The brat needed someone to teach him how to fight? Now there might be a job worthy of someone as awesome as him.
After all England did need to be knocked down off his high pedestal. And the kid was right, France was pathetic at fighting. He turned on his heel and headed back for the lounge barely catching as the kid left the room. Well the older gentleman (old fart) in the room wasn't what he wanted anyway. Still wearing the grin he followed the boy waiting to see how long it took him to get hopelessly lost. "Only then will my awesome help will be required."
Alfred was soon about ready to strangle something. How Benjamin could find his way in this maze was beyond him. Alfred could follow a deer for six miles and be able to get to the nearest town unerringly. But he was lost in a building! It was only the barest force of will that kept him from exploding with incandescent anger. He growled and stopped, feeling a tingle against his senses. He pretended not to notice as his hand slowly, ever so slowly, reached to his knife. It, and his gun, was hidden away. He was still a little paranoid. The natives appeared and vanished like wood smoke. He was jealous, remembering when he could still do that, and frightened, he could no longer remember how to.
"I do not like being watched," he muttered to his unseen stalker, though it sounded like he was talking to himself. And turned, lunging with his vicious hunting knife pointed at the silver haired male that had been concealed. His eyes widened and he attempted to backpedal mid-lunge, recognizing that this was a nation and not a human spy. He let the knife hit the ground with a clatter, but his forward momentum propelled him into the other rather forcefully.
It was amusing to watch the nation wanna be wander about France's halls. Obviously he had no clue where he was headed and his irritation kept growing. It was rather hard not to burst out laughing watching him, but somehow he managed. The amusement turned to interest as he noticed the other male shift to attack. He had done it slowly as if not to alert anyone but it was still plain to see.
He had been prepared to grab at the knife soon as the boy attacked. Better a knife than a gun. Though the knife was dropped mid lunge, poor fighting there, and he was met instead with a surprised kid instead. 'Schiesse kid' he thought attempting to remain upright. Unfortunately the kid was strong, and he was unprepared to be tackled like this. They both toppled backwards, and refusing that the awesome him ever be on bottom of anything, even if it was a fall, the silver haired male rolled them soon as they hit the floor. His body hated that but years of fighting had taught him up quick no matter how hard the fall. "Hell kid you sure know how to great your awesome new teacher" he said grinning. With this kid's strength there might finally be someone for him to spread his awesomeness to.
He looked up at the silver-haired guy hovering over him somewhat dazedly. He had fought a guy who did the same thing once, but for the life of him he could- oh yeah... He grinned up at him, filing the fact that the guy said he was Alfred's new teacher away to ask later, and twisted. His jacket slipped off and he grabbed the underside of the other mans arms, using them for leverage as he pushed himself downwards. He slipped completely under and behind, and rolled awkwardly to his feet, passing the knife and slipping it back into its holder as he did.
"Can't teach a guy what he already knows Hessian." He said, the grin still in place as he finally figured out the accent. Germanic. He shrugged loosely, "I wasn't expecting a nation though. I thought you might be one of... The British Empire's spies..." He quirked an eyebrow at the guy, wondering if he had met him. When he was little everyone wanted to colonize his land... Most left. His eyes flickered minutely as he resisted the urge to scan the room for spies, and he ran a hand through his hair. He was terrified, and it translated into insane amounts of nervous energy. He needed to pace. It helped him reign in the energy in 'civilized' countries. He snorted in frustration. He wanted to hunt, to fight. He wanted to fight. He gritted his teeth and tossed his head impatiently.
"Damned French..." he grunted, they were equivocating about helping him and it was leaving him metaphorically clawing at the walls, "Can't they just say yes or no! Noooo~ of course not! They have to party and talk about the bloody damned weather. It's driving me utterly batty! I want to get started! I want to prove I can do this! But no one will let me!" He was breathing heavily and his eyes were fever-bright with anger and fervor. He believed in his people implicitly. He didn't believe he would win. He KNEW... His conviction was the conviction of one who believes what they were the ones in the right, the same fire that burned in him was the fire that burned in the Knights who fought against the Muslims in the crusades. He looked at the silver-haired man intensely and stared... through him and into a point only he could see, "I'll show them... I'll prove I can do this! Even if I have to stand alone... I can still do it!"
Again he was surprised by the colony brat. He stood up grinning in return, "It is the awesome Prussia, I am no push over English spy," he said laughing. He couldn't help it, tossing an arm around the excited youth's shoulders he pointed down the hall. "So you really headed to your room or should I steer you outside before I'm the one to blame for you doing something stupid?" he asked. Prussia looked closer at the boy; he didn't beat around the bush. He liked that. "Their French my boy, nothing is strait forward here. Besides didn't you kick Francis's ass recently? Real smart turning around now begging him for favors." he teased dropping his arm. Prussia wished there was another present just to see the youth leap at them.
A hand wave dismissed the rant, obviously none of them believed in him. This seemed like a stupid impulsive move from someone who had no idea what they were getting themselves into. He could agree with that though. And taking a look at the conviction in the other's eyes he could find a reason to stand with his claim. His voice dropped, done with mocking. "You honestly believe you can defeat him. You know some tricks but you lack the discipline." A shrug, God this kid was so much like him. It was easier to stand alone, friends were for the weak. "I shouldn't talk though after all I was there fighting France at your last little war. Well have fun standing alone, I'll let France know," he said his tone returning to the light mocking. His eyes glinted with mischief; after all he knew his way around here.
"I know... But it doesn't mean I have to like it," he huffed, crossing his arms to keep from tossing them about like an Italian. He ruffled his hair and smoothed it back down repetitively. "That's why Benjamin is the diplomat here. I'm just here to get trotted out like a prize workhorse to all our potential allies. A 'look at the good teeth and the fine coat and strong musculature and He stands at sixteen hand' hah! I'm just a ... a doll to be passed around. I'm going to be in Denmark next week, and someone said something about this place called Russia after that," He snorted and rolled his eyes, tugging the cuffs of his blue jacket. He didn't want to be running around asking for help. He had grown up with only minimal aid from anyone and he was expected to give up that freedom with a snap of the fingers? He wasn't going to stand for this. He inhaled deeply, trying to hold the reins on his temper.
"If I go to my room I'm going to break something," he admitted, tensing at the touch on his shoulder. He gingerly picked the hand up and off of himself and put a good couple of inches between them. He was not a tactile person with people he didn't know. And he was sure he didn't know this guy Prussia. And even so, England had some Germanic provinces that helped him. He nibbled his bottom lip absently and tried to think of something to do. Or something to say. He was about the same height as the guy, maybe slightly taller. But he knew size wasn't the only factor that won a war. He bit his thumbnail gently before speaking, glancing at him out of the corner of his eye. He had had time to stew and he was curious...
"You said something about being a teacher? Why would you help me? What would you get out of this?"
"You're a feisty doll," Prussia replied. He motioned for the boy to follow, he was a boy after all, abet a tall boy but still a boy. He continued to talk headed outside "You know what you're supposed to do with feisty horses," he wasn't sure if the blonde was following him. But he knew that he would eventually. He grinned glancing back, "It might be better to be on your own, but lucky you have something we all want so maybe you'll be left intact" he crackled walking outside. He sighed enjoying the sunlight.
"The awesome me, is going to teach you how to win. You need me. I know how fighting is done," he replied. Prussia wouldn't lie and say he never lost a battle, but he would be the first to say that no one knew how to fight like him. In the end he got what he wanted, simple enough. "Daz geht dich einen feuchten scheissdreck an, "It was simple enough of an answer, what did anyone care why he did something? He wanted to damn well do it so he was. "Why you wanting to be independent suddenly? You'll be open to attack from the rest of us, what if France decides you're his? Then again with my awesome help wouldn't matter, you could take on Francis easily then." Prussia smiled again. That look from before in his eyes. He was doing this because it was a fight, and he be damned if he let this fight slip past him.
He bared his teeth in a vicious grin as he followed. He heard that all before and he hadn't changed his mind then. He wouldn't change his mind now. He snorted and tossed his head impatiently. Not liking the way the conversation was going. He looked at Germany slyly and then at his own hands. "How would you fight against an enemy that could learn to vanish like wood smoke? One that has the same face as the townspeople who are loyal to you? That wears the same clothes you do and talks the way you do. One that knows the terrain better than you could ever dream of."
"That is what they will have to deal with," He grinned, almost leering as he drew closer than was comfortable for himself. He stepped back, running a hand over his face. "Now if only that was all that was needed..." he whispered to himself, his face falling. He needed money. He needed professionals... Soldiers. Not hunters and tradesmen. But he could not teach them. There weren't enough people from the French and Indian War to teach the fresh-faced green recruits. He looked at Prussia, a challenge lighting his eyes.
"Can you make an army do that? They already know the land. They have the will to learn. But they have no discipline. It will be tough... Maybe impossible. But if a person is as... Awesome... as you claim to be..." He left the sentence hanging.
"I wouldn't, I'd burn it all to the ground. But England loves you more than that," Prussia replied smirking. A brow arched as the other male leaned in closer. The threat was almost convincing, but since he knew there was no actual action behind those words yet there was no reason to be scared. As if he actually was ever scared; no awesome people did not become nervous or scared. He crossed his arms the brow still raised; his eyes still mocking the country wanna-be. They needed him. They just didn't know how much they needed him. That was how it always was.
"You doubt my awesomeness," he said a scowl gracing his mouth for a second. He accepted the challenge. He stepped closer invading personal space again. "I can turn your puny citizens into soldiers, but that's all I'll do for you. And you'll owe the awesome Prussia."
Prussia had to admit it was good to hear that the men already knew the land. They had no idea what hell they were signing up for but what did he care? Hopefully they were not as much of a lost cause as believed by him. Though, he was never wrong. Ah the price of being awesome. He already envisioned coming battles. The lust for it showed clearly in his eyes, he'd need a moment, or a dozen to calm down again. "Go run show horse before you're dragged around and have Francis's hands at your ass." He ordered still not stepping back.
Alfred laughed, more than if it were simply a joke. He knew deep down that Prussia spoke the truth. And that scared him. Not the first part, but the part about England. He didn't want to hurt his former caretaker, but he needed his freedom. He took a half step back as the Germanic nation invaded his space bubble, but otherwise didn't move. Despite the desire to move further away, retreat from the proximity. He hated that. Being forced to stand so close. It made him uncomfortable. But England didn't care that closeness made him nervous, and Prussia didn't know. Not that he was going to tell that jerk that...
"What will I owe you?" He asked curiously, one of his biggest sources of trouble. He HAD to know EVERYTHING. And he always wanted to know it NOW. He leaned forwards slightly in anticipation, his eyes gleaming with interest... And hope. A teacher. One who could train his men to greatness. Then he was called show horse... He gave a rather horse-like snort of annoyance... Which didn't help his protests at all. Though... He blinked, utterly baffled by what Prussia said next... about France. He tilted his head curiously, "What do you mean by that? Why would he want to have his hands there?"
Ah the blissful ignorance of a young nation-to-be. Who had a falsely prudish caretaker... That had refrained from giving the poor deprived lad... "The Talk"...
"There is nothing a non-awesome nation could give to me. We'll have to see if you become awesome enough for me to consider collecting my favor. If not, well this was a waste of my time." He replied waving a careless hand in the air again. Honestly there was nothing from there that he wanted, perhaps trade or something but that was for diplomats to figure out.
Prussia noted that whenever he got too close his new 'student' would back away. At the moment there was nothing to do with that information, but it was as amusing as hell. So he shoved that information back until he wanted to do something with it. Right now there was an eager faced kid in front of him who was just beginning to comprehend his greatness.
He laughed; there was nothing else to do as he was asked about France. Surely the kid was joking he couldn't be that naïve. Looking at the other again he noticed he was, and he laughed harder. Damn England really had kept the kid locked in a box. "Your caretaker didn't let you near France much did he?" he managed out once his laughed was reduced to a mocking smirk. "Well with a prime coat like yours I suppose that would be stupid. Francis would jump you at the spot." He tapped his lips looking thoughtful, "As your teacher I guess it is my job to inform you of such tasks." A once over of Alfred from head to toe had him slightly more interested in teaching the kid other things besides warfare.
Alfred gritted his teeth. Why that- he growled and narrowed his eyes, but otherwise did nothing. He didn't know enough about Prussia to be able to fight him. And of course the guy kept invading his personal space... All Europeans were the same, he snorted in annoyance. It was only because he needed training that he stayed with this guy. Something about him just... Alfred was easy to rile up, and Prussia seemed to know just which buttons to push.
A vein throbbed in his temple when Prussia laughed at his innocent question. He wouldn't have asked if he didn't know. He folded his arms over his chest and scowled. He was being mocked! He snorted, tossing his head impatiently. Not entirely understanding what Prussia meant.
"Why would I be anywhere near an enemy for?" he retorted, "In case you forgot... I was his enemy pretty much the entire time I've been in existence. And if he tries to jump me, I'll kick his ass again. I can handle my own in a fight. Watch." He looked around the immaculate gardens and scowled. He had hoped to- Ah~... He grinned impishly. France wouldn't mind if Alfred 'borrowed' a tree would he? He went over to one, a thick olive tree, probably centuries old, and uprooted it like it was a mere sapling. He flashed a Hollywood grin at the Albino. "What do you think?"
Prussia applauded, "If I ever need my trees up rooted I will be sure to send for you." He said. He was rather impressed with the show of strength. This kid had really good potential; damn he hadn't actually seen potential like this in a long time. Alright he'd admit it, to himself not aloud, he didn't know if he ever had seen potential like this.
Part of him hated to crush the hope of this kid. Especially when that smile said to give him a pat on the head and tell him he did well. Well, if he really wanted that he, damn he needed to remember his name, should just go back to Arthur right now.
This show didn't wipe the mocking smile off his face though. No matter what… you know it would be helpful if he remember the kid's name. Whatever, he'd hear it later and make sure to remember it then. No, no matter what this kid did it didn't change the fact that he was clueless in a lot of matters. Especially when it came to dealing with Francis, Prussia snickered, it would be more fun not to tell him. "Well you're here now kid. Dealing with Francis, and I'm sure your old fart will want you to talk to the country. After all you're the one that pointed out you're the prize workhorse to be won." Prussia couldn't keep the laughter out of his voice. He was tempted to call the nation wanna be a mare considering the situation.
"Well you've proven you won't unwillingly let him fuck you over"
Alfred snorted, almost dropping the tree in his amusement, and put it back, carefully smoothing the ground down and dusting his hands off. That... was really easy to pick up for some reason. He tested the ground with a finger and ralized why. "No wonder it was so easy! You don't have a lot of rocks to anchor the roots like back home~" He said cheerfully, "man I thought something was wrong, but nope. It's just the soil. You guys are kinda... Oops! sorry. What where you sa-" a vein twitched. There was the horse comment again...
"Would you kindly refrain from insulting me? I may not have an official name, but still! You could ask what I'm called!" He crossed his arms and tapped his foot in annoyance, unconsciously mimicking his caretaker. After a moment though, he threw up his hands and stalked back towards the house, not wanting to spend another moment in that arrogant jerk's presence. He growled and cracked his knuckles, wishing he was back home and able to go on a hunting trip or work as a temporary farm hand.
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