Matthew Williams didn't think he would get caught up in an awkward situation the night he and Francis visited Arthur's house.

It began as a normal social call; Matthew, his polar bear cub, Kumajiro, and Francis conversed with each other as they strolled up the gravel garden path, past a couple of trees and shrubbery in the front garden. Francis pulled his hands out of his red coat and pressed the doorbell, expecting the Englishman to open the wooden door promptly and let them in.

After five minutes of repetitive doorbell pressing and waiting, the faint sound of the smoke alarm beeping told them one thing; Arthur was in the kitchen, burning salad or defying the laws of gastronomy. Without hesitation, Francis entered the house into the hallway. Matthew followed eagerly and was immediately hit by the smell of the poor, burnt substance. As both their hands grabbed their noses, Francis told the Canadian to stay by the phone, in case he needed to call the fire brigade to save them from the flaming inferno. As the Frenchman disappeared into the thick, grey smoke fuming from the kitchen, Matthew squeezed Kumajiro tight for some kind of comfort.

He waited for a sign of life while planted on the spot near the telephone for at least ten minutes. At that time, no more smoke or sound escaped underneath the door to the kitchen, causing Matthew to become suspicious. After debating to see if his adoptive fathers were unconscious from the noxious fumes, the Canadian took cautious steps towards the wooden door. With one hand and the other holding his polar bear, he grabbed the door handle and swung it slowly away from himself.

"Arthur? Francis? Is everything-" Matthew's stopped as his violet eyes widened. The cause of his sudden pause was in form of Arthur and Francis in a loving embrace, their lips captured in a kiss. Whatever Arthur burned lay on the kitchen top forgotten, as both blondes remained oblivious to the fact Matthew watched them in a stunned state. He watched his former guardians caress each other's bodies until the process of thought returned the Canadian's head.

"Maple leaf…" he exclaimed, causing the other two nations to snap their gaze to Matthew with expressions as shocked as his. At that moment, everyone froze in what could only be described as an awkward silence. The first thing Matthew thought as his mind snapped out of its frozen state, was that Arthur and Francis' minds must be panicking over the fact that he had seen them perform a deed they would consider forbidden in reality. The second thing he noticed was the silence dragged for at least three minutes. Matthew bit his lip and glanced at the floor before turning his gaze back to Arthur and Francis. "Um… I'll wait for you guys in the living room," He finally mustered before closing the door behind him quicker than he normally would. As soon as it clicked closed, the Canadian turned his back to the kitchen and clutched Kumajiro with both arms. Did he really see Arthur Kirkland and Francis Bonnefoy make out in the kitchen? It had to be a dream, he thought to himself. Those two had been rivals from the moment they set eyes on each other. Surely they would never kiss and touch each other in a loving way as a normal couple would. When did they decide they loved each other in an intimate way? That question provoked a third thought into Matthew's head as he made his way to the forest green couch.

It had been at least a year and a few months since Arthur and Francis were imprisoned in the cell Ludwig had constructed. No one expected the results to be dramatic (even if it was for the wrong reasons) but there was some good came out after they were cured from 'cabin fever'. The difference in their behavior towards each other did not go unnoticed by anyone; instead of breaking into schoolboy brawls, they'd argue for a bit until they felt it would escalate to name calling and put it on hold until they found a place to finish it. And even when they did, they'd forget as though the fight never occurred in the first place. The first few times they spoke to each other like civilized people unnerved a few other nations at first but they were grateful for the peace.

So then how did they fall in love in the first place? That was the question that repeated in Matthew's head over and over again. He knew by the time Francis and Arthur enter the living room; they would owe him an explanation.

!

"Oh God…" Arthur's fingers dug into the skin on his face and paced around the kitchen. Francis leaned against the counter with his arms folded, his expression pensive. He only turned his gaze from the blue and white-checkered floor when Arthur screeched "Bloody Hell! He saw us! I can't believe he saw us! I knew it was a bad idea to give into temptation! You could have reminded me someone else was with you!"

Francis let out a sigh. "It can't be 'elped. Our love for each ozer was too powerful to resist."

"And that love has exposed our secret to Alfred! He's going to tell everyone about us and it'll all be over for us Francis! We won't get any peace!" Arthur ruffled his already straw-like hair until he saw Francis place his hands on his shoulders, stopping the ruffling a little.

"Art'ur, zee man 'oo saw us just now was Matthew, not Alfred," The Frenchman assured him calmly.

"It doesn't make a difference!" The Englishman snapped. "Someone found out Francis! Someone found out about our secret relationship! Others will know and God damn it, I don't know!"

"Art'ur, look at me," Francis gave him a brief shake triggering Arthur to gaze deeply into the sincere blue orbs. "Right now, zhere is a confused man in your living room, wondering whezer what 'e saw is a dream or reality, 'e's probably in as much shock as we are at zee moment. Beside, we made zat promise on zat island remember? Repeat what we promised each ozer on zee island we used to fight on."

Arthur's hand floated to one of Francis' hands resting on his shoulder and gently squeezed it as his other hand gathered some of his sleeveless, green sweater vest. "No matter what happens… we'll always love each other as we did that time we did the craziest thing in that cell."

"Zat's right," Francis raised a smile and threaded his fingers through Arthur's clinging hand. "We swore our love never be extinguished by anysing and anyone. So in a moment, we're going to go in your living room wiz zee tea set and remain calm and composed. If Matthieu does ask for an explanation for our actions, we'll tell 'im zee truz and answer any questions 'e poses, d'accord?"

Arthur nodded. "All right. Keep calm and carry on," he breathed and broke away from the Frenchman to carry the metal tea tray with the already hot teapot, three floral embellished teacups, a small pot of sugar lumps, and petite porcelain jug containing milk. Francis beamed another smile before following him out of the kitchen and into the living room.

!

Matthew had sat on the couch, clutching Kumajiro for over ten minutes, still musing over the incidents; which could have triggered the romantic relationship between each other. From an outsider's point of view, he bored his eyes at the wooden coffee table but really they weren't focused on anything in particular. The sound of the door opening and footsteps from Arthur and Francis however snapped Matthew from his trance like state. He could tell both of them were making the effort to remain calm (especially since Arthur's shaking hands held the tea set).

"I'm sorry it took so long making the tea," The Englishman apologized with a nervous laugh as he settled the tray on the coffee table. The Canadian watched the couple sit down and signaled to Kumajiro to move to the empty space on the couch before receiving the cup full of tea. Taking a sip, Matthew couldn't help but feel like a pink elephant was present in the room: which everyone tried to ignore. The atmosphere was tense and Matthew shifted awkwardly, wanting to say something although he couldn't think of anything to talk about without making the situation problematic. Finally, Francis let out an exhaled growl.

"I've 'ad enough of zis awkwardness! We may as well talk about what 'appened to put it all be'ind us! Zee tension is killng me!" Arthur shot glare at the Frenchman.

"Francis, please! Matthew doesn't want to talk about what happened in the kitchen!" He objected as the Francis frowned at him.

"Non! We may as well get it out in zee open so we don't 'ave to feel awkward around each ozer zee next time we meet!"

"I don't think this is the appropriate time to talk about that incident!"

"You can't exactly sweep all zis under zee carpet like nosing 'appened! Someone was bound to know eventualement!"

"The idea of keeping this relationship a secret is about making sure no-one finds out about it!"

"Hee hee…"

The two arguing nations stopped to the sound of giggling and turned to find Matthew the one sniggering. The Canadian placed his teacup on the coffee table and burst into laughter until he realized Francis, Arthur and Kumajiro stared at him with confused expressions. He tamed his laughs to sniggers and took deep breaths to vanquish them, although he kept the smile on his face. "I'm sorry! It's just… it's been such a long time since you two argued properly!" The two nations glanced at each other in confusion before turning back to Matthew.

"We do argue," Arthur stuttered slightly, rolling his eyes at Francis. "They're just not as violent as they used to be."

"Oui," Francis closed his eyes and sighed nostalgically. "It's nice not to 'ave a broken nose after every meeting we go to." He then opened his eyes and stared at Matthew with a gentle expression. "But in terms of our relationship, if you 'ave any questions, we'll answer zem 'onestly. If you don't zen we won't force it upon you." Arthur didn't object although he looked as though he didn't want to discuss the matter. Matthew took another sip of his tea and cradled it in his hands.

"Well… I am curious about a couple of things," The Canadian rubbed the edge of the teacup with his thumbs. "How long have you two been going out with each other?"

Francis pinched his chin with his index finger and thumb. "If we were to make an estimate, I would say about a year and three months." Arthur simply nodded in confirmation while Matthew blinked several times.

"You managed to keep your relationship a secret for that long? And no-one knew?"

"If everyone knew about us being together, I would think there would be chaos," Arthur threaded his fingers together and gazed at the coffee table. "God help us if America finds out. He'd go on some kind of rampage."

"Why do you feel that way? I'm sure everyone would be a little understanding," Matthew asked.

Francis leaned back against the couch and placed one arm on top of it behind Arthur while the other hand held itself in the air. "Well as you and everyone else knows, our rivalry stems deeper zan any ozer pair of nations. It would be a great shock to zem if one day, zey found out zee greatest pair of adversaries 'ave become lovers. Alzough Art'ur is more worried about 'ow zee ozer nations would treat us differently if we want to be togezer, I am not. If we do get some abuse and worst comes to worst…" Francis folded his arms and closed his eyes. "We 'ave agreed to be just friends 'oo 'ave learned to tolerate each ozer. We would no longer be lovers."

"Wait! You'd finish your relationship if no-one accepts that you love each other?" Matthew placed his cup onto the tray, giving them a sincere look.

"If I could, I would gladly take all the abuse-" Arthur said sadly before Francis shot him a frowned expression.

"You know as well as I zat I won't let you carry zat burden!"

"I'm sorry…" Arthur hugged himself, not lifting his head.

For Matthew sitting on the green couch, he was amazed at the bond of the two nations in front of him. Never had he seen them care for each other in such a loving way. There were some occasions where they did comfort each other but only as friends, and even that were short lived when the rivalry returned. Suddenly, that question and an answer returned to Matthew: when did they fall in love with each other? The answer may be a long shot but his curiosity wasn't yet satisfied. "Um… can I ask you guys something?"

Francis and Arthur turned their attention back to Matthew. "Of course," The Frenchman nodded.

Matthew's fingers curled around his knees. "Well, it's more of a guess but the moment you both fell in love with each other… was it at some point inside that cell you were forced to stay in that time?" Francis raised a smile of affirmation.

"Of course we fought against each other on the first day but after realizing we were taking our anger out on the wrong people, we started getting along," Arthur followed the Frenchman's cue to grin.

"And zen our new found friendship blossomed in adoration in form of a wonderful world we boz discovered, alzough Art'ur didn't see it at first." Francis smirked at the blushing Englishman.

"That's because you startled me with that kiss!" He snapped back.

The Frenchman chuckled before continuing with the explanation to a bewildered Matthew. "At first, we only saw a cell zat we considered to be a prison but as time passed, it became what we would consider a world like any ozer country. Zee more we explored, zee more we learned of 'ow close we've become. It was as if zis place made us fall in love."

Matthew stared at the nations in wonder at how "magical" (if he could call it that) their discovery for each other's feeling must have been. They must have felt euphoric to think they have found love in each other and the things they must have done… oh God! Matthew shook those thoughts out of his head. Curse some of Francis' influence rubbing off on him! Once he set his thoughts straight, Matthew tucked a piece of his wavy blonde hair behind his ears. "But wait: you two had cabin fever didn't you?"

"Yes, about that," Arthur pulled a proud grin worthy of his former life as a pirate, causing Matthew to shudder slightly. "As grateful as we are, we weren't going to let you, Germany and the others off easily for locking us up. So we devised the plan as a way of exacting our revenge."

The Canadian was amazed how the ex-rivals planned everything down to the last detail. "So all the time when you were supposed to be sick and at least one of you disappearing from the face of the earth, you were visiting each other?"

Francis nodded. "Along wiz zat, we devised a way for us to meet in secret wizout anyone else suspecting anysing. Zat information 'owever is classified."

"I see," Matthew gave a pause and looked at his knees. Arthur and Francis glanced at each other before turning back to the Canadian.

"Are you all right?" Arthur asked. "I do admit, it is a lot to take in. When we first found love in each other, we were a little surprised ourselves."

"Oui. I'd love to see Germany's reaction if 'e knew what we've been up to in secret," Francis chortled. That was when Matthew looked up from his knees and smiled at both his adoptive father figures.

"I think you two will be fine together," he beamed. "From what you've told me, it's clear your relationship has gotten better, even if it did go to a more intimate level. But whether you love each other in that way or not, it's been more peaceful than before you wound up in the cell. You two hardly fight and people didn't go home with headaches. What difference would it make if everyone else found out that you two are in a romantic relationship? They'll probably think it will be better since things are less tense when you don't argue. So for the sake of your relationship, I will keep it a secret unless you tell me otherwise."

Francis and Arthur stared at the Canadian in surprise, blinking themselves back into the room from their dazed states. Finally, Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you. I appreciate you feel that way."

"Ever zee considerate one mon petit pois," Francis agreed.

Matthew blushed while letting out a laugh. "To tell you the truth, I think you two make a… um… lovely couple. After everything I've seen so far anyway."

Both nations let out a snigger before facing each other and nodded. Matthew stared at them puzzled before they turned back to him. "Matthew, I know we got you involved in an awkward situation and we've overwhelmed you with information, but I think we can trust you with another secret under one condition." Arthur said, holding his hand up and pointing his index finger to the ceiling.

"And what would that be?" Matthew asked, wondering whether he would be able to handle another secret after the discovery about Francis and Arthur's relationship. Francis leaned into Arthur and wrapped an arm around his shoulders.

"No one but us would eventually announce zis secret to everyone else when zee time is right." Without hesitation, Matthew nodded his head.

"Of course," he said. "I believe you guys are the only ones who have the right to proclaim whatever you're going to tell me."

"But first, we 'ave to tell you a story zat will lead up to zis secret," Francis interjected and cleared his throat. "About a week or so ago, after anozer European meeting, Art'ur and I wanted to meet on zee island zat we used to fight at some point during zee night but until zen, we both requested we do not see each ozer until zen."

"Niether Francis and I knew what we did for the rest of the day until we met on our island," Arthur continued. "Soon night fell and we both arrived at the island at our designated time. We talked for a while until we both asked whether we could say something. What we said was that we wanted to give the other a present and a question for them to answer. But none of us expected to receive the same present from the other." Arthur pulled his shirt collar away from his neck and slipped a hand underneath it, as did Francis. Matthew watched Arthur and Francis each pull out a thick, gold chain necklace, a ring swung on each chain causing the Canadian to blink in shock.

"Arthur… Francis… you're…"

The Frenchman nodded while the Englishman smiled. "We asked for each ozer's 'and in marriage."

"And we both said 'yes'," Arthur finished the sentence. All Matthew could do was stare at them with a dumbstruck expression. Imprisoning two of the biggest rivals in history in a cell for three weeks had lead to not only start an intimate relationship but to propose to each other on the island; which they used to fight on. Matthew couldn't believe Germany's plan had worked too well and he didn't even know about it. Not one clue. All kinds of thoughts swirled in his head, yet neither of them could be described in coherent words. Arthur and Francis had pretty much told him the biggest secret in history as far as he was concerned. They were engaged… engaged. Arthur and Francis, Francis and Arthur. They are now bound by adoration for each other; a bond so… so…

"Matthew, are you all right lad?" Arthur's voice finally penetrated through the whirlpool of Matthew's thoughts as he gently shook him by his shoulder.

"I sink we broke poor Matthew's mind wiz zat secret," Francis commented. Their voices snapped the Canadian out of his stunned state and he shook his head to clear them away. He didn't realize both nations sat either side of him (and Kumajiro moved to sleep on his lap) and gave quick glances at all of them before blushing.

"I'm sorry! I didn't mean to space out for so long!" Matthew stammered.

"That's all right. You have been through more than a few shocks tonight," Arthur gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"I'm just really happy for you two," Matthew beamed at both nations and stroked his polar bear. "It's strange to think that about a year ago, you two fought like cats and dogs, eh?"

Francis laughed. "Zat we did! We do 'ave zee odd disagreement but zhere's nosing a little make-up sex can't fix, non?"

"Francis!" Arthur hissed before turning his attention back to Matthew. "I think you've been through enough today and rest yourself. We don't want to over load you with too much content. You can stay in the guest bedroom."

"Oh? Does zis mean I get to sleep in your bed avec vous?" Francis grinned. The Englishman shot daggers at the perverse man.

"You can sleep on the couch, you bloody pervert!"

"Oh but you love it when I'm lying next to you, caressing you my loving 'ands, planting kisses on your lips, neck, chest, stomach-"

"Matthew doesn't need to hear that, you bloody git! I know he's found out a lot about us but spare him those details, please!"

"What's wrong wiz sharing a little more of what we get up to? It's nosing 'e 'asn't seen before, non?"

"He doesn't need to know everything about us just because he's the only one who knows so far!"

Although Matthew was stuck in an awkward place on the couch, he couldn't help but keep smiling while the two nations argued. He stroked the sleeping polar bear's fur; finding comfort in the bond Arthur and Francis have established themselves not because they were forced, but because they loved each other. After seeing how determined they were about staying together, Matthew had no doubt in his mind that nothing will sever the intimate bond they had developed in that cell one year and three months ago.

!

A/N: Here it is folks! The sequel to Two Countries One World has finally begun! There are less chapters than Two Countries One World but the chapters are extra long to make up for it; this chapter alone (excluding this Author's Note) is 3,795 words long! Comment and review, I'd love to hear from you guys.