1939
Lovino couldn't believe it. The German actually took over Poland. He was actually serious about this. It didn't help that creepy Russian was around too. Sorry…'Soviet Union'. Whatever. His little brother still seemed completely oblivious to it all. It had only been a few seasons and things were looking…Bad. He had expected his little brother to surrender and switch sides by now but he was actually liking this bastard. He prayed this wouldn't become a common thing.
"Southern Italy. Pay attention. These plans have to do with you too."
"Why should I care? You haven't included me before. Hell, this is my first meeting since fratello decided to join up with you."
"That is enough backtalk."
Geez…He was sounding a lot angrier these days. He also had an unnerving glint in his eye he hadn't noticed before. He'd definitely need to talk to his brother after this for both their sakes.
"Now…We have finally gained the alliance of Japan and we have taken over half of Poland. If we are to reunify Germany as a whole again we need to more towards other nations and take over."
He heard this talk before but whe- SHIT. This sounded like Holy Roman Empire. Third Reich…Oh fuck they were in for a lot of trouble then. He knew what happened last time. He didn't want this again. He decided to let his eyes scan the room. Did Prussia look paler than usual? He was definitely nursing a flask as if some huge bombshell was dropped on him. Both their eyes flicked to the map. Oh…Austria. Well that explained it. He didn't want to hurt him. All's fair in war…At least with this blonde potato it did. He decided to keep his eyes on his papers as he thought back to a happier time for the moment.
"Yo! 'Mano!" "I told you not to call me that!"
"Sorry. Sorry. I just wanted you to come dancing tonight." "Dancing? Why the fuck would I do that?" "It's fun that's why! Just one night pleeeaaaaseeee?" "…Fine but you're buying me food!"
Everything was easier back then…But everything was also glitz and glamour. He figured he was stuck listening to the meeting instead of dancing from now on…Alfred did know how to swing dance though. Wait…WHY THE HELL WAS HE THINKING ABOUT HIM!? He tried to shake the thought from his head as Germany yelled again.
"Sorry. Had something on my mind…Go on."
What he wouldn't give to know how Alfred was right now. Was he planning for War too or was he still dancing his little heart out under the stars. He knew that the other had declared neutrality a while ago but not even he knew the depths of the other's mind anymore. It had been over a decade since they last met. Maybe he even managed to grow up some. His brother definitely had. Canada was already at war with them. Who knew the little guy had it in him. Speaking of little guys…Russia looked like hell because of Finland. He wasn't to laugh about it but he knew he would probably get hit again…He definitely knew Alfred was having a better time than he was right now.
"One…Two…Three!"
Alfred pulled on the rope, helping lift a child out of a well. Sure, he was just a nameless face in the crowd but he was getting better. He was growing. He even had some money again. Sure, it was from selling weapons to England but that was all details. As soon as the child was safe out of harm's way he disappeared into the crowd and went back to his apartment. He'd gained an appreciation for the little things these days after what happened to him after the Roaring 20s. He saw there was a letter on his desk, opening it and reading. Just some news from his brother about the war and what was happening. He tossed it aside and went about his paperwork. It wasn't his war to fight in. He had to keep rebuilding the country he helped break apart. He put a record on and hummed to the music as he worked, glasses occasionally sliding down his nose. He remembered how he taught Lovi how to swing dance back in the 20s and he smiled softly.
"Come on 'Mano it's really easy! Just follow my lead." "I am going to punch you in the throat Alfred…" Alfred laughed as he turned the music on, taking the other's hand and leading him in the dance in the ballroom. Easy steps that were so beautiful in the low lights and filtered starlight from the glass roof. "See? It's easy!" "Fine…But now I get to lead got it?" "Whatever you say Lovi." He could have sworn there was a ghost of a smile on the Italian's features.
He was brought out of his thoughts by the phone as he picked it up, cradling the receiver between his head and shoulder as he worked.
"Alfred Jones speaking."
"You're still using that stupid name?"
"Oh England! Sorry. I use it when I don't know whose calling."
"It's fine. Do you have that shipment signed out yet?"
"Yeah. Should be on the way to you shortly. Why?"
"Well I just wanted to know. Also your brother wants to talk to you."
"Oh? Cool!"
There was a rustling on the other end of the line as Canada got the phone.
"Hey Al."
"Canadia! What's up!"
"Oh nothing…How's your place doing…"
"Fine but I know that tone. You're holding back something. Tell me."
"I think the Axis are planning something big…We really need you."
"No. I'm neutral."
"Alright…I thought I'd ask. I have go now there's a meeting. See you around."
"See you bro!"
He hung the phone and sighed, taking his glasses off. He wanted to help, sure. He'd do anything to be the hero and end the war before it began. He couldn't though. He'd signed that neutrality. He just had to focus on himself. He put his glasses back on and saw an old envelope on his desk. It was the last letter Lovino sent him. He had read it over a lot by now and he could admit he had a crush on the other. He quickly grabbed a pen and some paper. It was time he finally wrote him.
"Thou shalt not be a victim, thou shalt not be a perpetrator, but, above all, thou shalt not be a bystander." ― Yehuda Bauer