As stated in the last chapter, this chapter will be a bit of a time jump forward. I may go back later after the entire story is finished and add something between these two, but as of now the first chapter will act as a prologue.

I still don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 2:

The Day Things Began

On the day things began the first month and a half of school had flown by fairly uneventfully, on my standards at least. I was able to keep up my school work in the dirty bathroom I called my living space and I hadn't caused my father too many reasons to try and kill me. It was at this time that our first projects were starting and autumn was in full swing. I was preparing to do the brunt of the work, only to meet up ten minutes before the presentation and put everything together with the annoying person I was put with. However on this day, things went differently than they normally did. I knew I shouldn't have gotten off my bathroom floor.

The night before would have been horrific to anyone who wasn't me. I wasn't quite sure what I had done, but by the end of the night I found myself in the corner of my father's room, with no dignity or energy left in my small body. I could vaguely remember getting to the tub and trying to clean myself of him at least a little before falling asleep on the cool, chipped tile that seemed so inviting. This morning, I ached all over, but was more worried about what I saw when I looked into the mirror. There was a fine cut going across my cheek, surrounded by black and blue. It screamed at me as I tried to find something to hide it with. It was the largest mark I had at that point. I could hear the monster sleeping in his room, so I knew he wouldn't be going into work today. That ruled out my first option of staying here and recovering. I would rather have the whole school know about this than stay home with this man for a full day, as he worked on weekends as well. Those were the only times I could be someone relaxed at home. Luckily for me, most of my clothes were baggy and long so most of my marks would be hidden. As for my face, I began working on an excuse that everyone was supposed to believe. Supposed to.

I managed to find a dark green hoodie that could hide the awful thing and quickly slipped out of the house into the sharp cool air. I watched the dark sky as I walked the four blocks with one left turn down to the old brick building. I took awkward steps to avoid the pain I always felt after those unspeakable actions. Wind blew and howled as if it was angry, sending chills down everyone's spines as it ranted and raved and swirled all around. How I wish I could do that. No one noticed me as I walked in as usual, and I hurried to get to my first class, despite my condition. I wanted to get this over with, knowing the frog was in this period. Unfortunately, I didn't realize how close I was to being late; everyone was already in their seats by the time I arrived, and it was more interesting to look at someone coming in than the assignments on the board. I bowed my head and shuffled to my seat, avoiding anyone or anything until I felt a pair of annoying eyes on me. I tried my hardest to ignore them, but even when the teacher began her lesson, I felt them watching me. Why? Why did he have to stare at me all the damn time? I shouldn't be looked at. The entire period was consumed by my wandering thoughts and I only paid the slightest ounce of attention when I heard the words:

"The next partner pair will be Bonnefoy and Kirkland."

My head shot up, and looked around for an explanation. What? My eyes finally took the time to read the board and my heart sunk. How wonderful, a project with the frog. It looked rather extensive as well. Shit. I could almost feel the other's smirk. The bell sounded through the class room, and I planned to bolt before he could get a word in. That plan didn't go as well as I had hoped when I bent to get my bag and was hit by a wave of pain. My hand gripped the table as I waited to gain my composure before standing. After was seemed like minutes, while only a few seconds, I reached down for that bloody back but only felt air. I moved my hand all around until I heard the soft thump of it being set on the table. My eyes followed the sound until I saw a perfectly manicured hand releasing the straps and proceeding to set my books into the main pocket. I heard light humming and met the face of my new partner, who was still watching me.

"You seem a little under the weather, Lapin, are you alright?" his tone was meant to be teasing, but there was something in his eyes that seemed off. It was that same look he sometimes had after studying me for moments at a time. Worry perhaps? Unlikely.

"As if I would tell you, git!" I heard myself saying before I could stop myself. But a part of me did want to tell him. Part of me wanted someone to know, someone who would help me. But that person would never be Francis, right? He would laugh. I knew he would.

I grabbed my bag from his hands and went as quickly as I could manage out the door and into the hallway traffic. I couldn't do this. Not today. I had to find some peace. I was so tired, and my body ached. Thoughts swirled through my mind like a hurricane, driving me mad. Each step felt like a thousand. As the students all found their respective class rooms, I managed to find an isolated corner in a small hallway. Sinking down to the floor, I let my muscles relax at least a little bit. How pathetic I was. My eyes were heavy as I tried to stay awake. I only needed a few minutes to rest I told myself. Then I could go back to class. My body had other ideas. I was too done to move. My consciousness was slipping away, and I moved to get a bit more comfortable. It was unlikely that anyone would look for me anyway. Why not take a small nap. My eyes finally fluttered closed, and my world was consumed in black until I was in a deep abyss of slumber.

"Arthur…Arthur! Arthur God dammit, wake up!"

This voice was so familiar yet so far away from me as I fought to stay asleep. A pair of hands were then on my shoulder and I felt myself being pulled out of my peaceful state. Why now? Light filled my vision as I allowed my eyes to flutter open. I was instantly met with a shade of blue that I had seen so many times before. How lovely… they really were, and peaceful-

"Arthur!"

I was snapped out of my sense and everything came into sharp focus. There was an odd silence that was not what one usually heard when school was in session. Was I home? I sat up slowly, being painfully reminded how poorly off I was. My mind slowly registered the person in front of me. Blonde hair tied messily back, an annoying accent, and those eyes. Francis? What was he doing here? I looked and saw the hallway we were in. Ah, still in school. He was bent over in front of my curled up position, with two hands on my shoulders, and he peered into my eyes intensely, as if trying to read everything about me.

"What is it?" I mumbled, trying to remain cold as ever.

His eyes seemed to get even more concerned and I grew confused. What could he possibly be up too now? He shifted, never letting go of my shoulders, and sat on his knees, and I was surprised he'd let anything other than his shoed feet touch such a dirty floor.

"You idiot, you slept through the day! No one knew where you were… I've been looking for you for the last half hour!"

I didn't process the words right away. The whole day? I missed everything? I could slap myself. My mind exploded into action of trying to figure out what time it was, where I needed to be, and most importantly, if he had realized yet. I shot up into a full sitting position, intent on standing, but I was held in place. I then remembered that there was indeed another person there with me. He said he had been looking for a half hour…why?

"What time is it?" My voice sounded too rushed and concerned. He would be suspicious; I needed to pull it together.

"Almost three…" he whispered. My heart sunk.

"Three?!" I shrieked, moving to push out of his grip to stand up. I was an hour past curfew. A full sixty minutes.

I couldn't listen to his snarky comments. I had to go. I stumbled as I began to move out of the corner once again forgetting how weak I was. I had never seen such a serious look on the Frog's face as he watched my pathetic display. I had to stop moving so much, or else I would be in to poor of a shape to handle tonight's punishments that would definitely come. My thoughts hit me like a wall and I almost whimpered. I looked around for my bag until a felt a hand on my shoulder, turning me and placing my belongings in my hand.

"Oui, three…" he began slowly, studying my face, causing me to shrink down. I was sure he thought I was disgusting. "Is there something wrong? You can tell me…" his voice was so soft and almost inviting. I couldn't though. He would laugh I knew it.

"It's nothing!" I said quickly, trying to move past me. I wasn't expecting him to grab my wrist. I don't know what came over me after that. I heard myself cry out and cower. Why was I acting this way? I couldn't have made a worse mistake. As quickly as he had touched me, he let go, seemingly startled by my outburst. I could only look the other way. Maybe he wouldn't think anything of it-

"Arthur…what is this?" I felt a hand on my cheek, causing me to instinctively flinch. His touch was smooth and delicate, nothing like I had ever experienced at home. For a moment I forgot what he was referring too, still getting over the shock of what happened a few moments before, until he brushed his thumb over the cut that was there, and a stinging sensation hit me.

"O-Oh that?" I heard myself stutter. "That's nothing! I bumped myself a few days ago on my locker is all-"

"You did not have this a few days ago, Arthur." His voice was sharper than I had ever heard it before. "…Is there someone that is hurting you?" I could feel his voice waver slightly at the idea.

Yes. "No, of course not!" I tried to sound like my irritated self, but I was so tired. Francis didn't look convinced in the slightest, but as he opened his mouth to continue prying into something I deserved I made my move to cut him off.

"Really it was my fault, I was being stupid, I'm like that sometimes, and I just bumped it, Im fine." I was rambling on and on, but I had to get out before father came here himself. I was able to gather myself enough to pull away and I pulled my bag over my shoulders. "I-I'll see you tomorrow or whatever, I just really need to go!" I yelled lightly before turning to leave.

"Wait!" His voice called. I couldn't bring myself to keep walking. And so I turned to meet those concerned blue eyes of his. "When should we do this project…?" He even sounded upset, but seemed to know I wouldn't talk about this anymore. Why did he care though?

"I can just do it if you want-"

"Don't be stupid. I always do my share." This was all so new. Never had anyone actually wanted to do something to help. I felt him come closer, as I must have looked surprised.

"How about my house tomorrow afternoon?" I could only nod. Anything to get him to leave and for me to get home faster.

He seemed to accept my response and I watched him walk away. I stood there dumbfounded. I had just said yes to going to his house after school. I couldn't do that! Why had I said yes? I would normally have given a cold response or something similar. This was too much. I could feel myself slipping down into a panicked state. I didn't want to go. I would never be allowed, especially after today, but another part of me was overjoyed that I would go somewhere nicer. Moving my feet as quickly as I could I ran home, only stopping a few times when the pain was too intense. The wind was chilled and howling again, causing my hands and ears to throb. It was almost three thirty by the time I made it to those cracked front steps.

The door was cracked open and my heart started pounding. The old hinges creaked as I pushed it open more and slow steps propelled me into the dark room. I scanned the room before moving in further, looking for him. That's when the door suddenly closed. My heard clenched. I heard the footsteps approaching and tears threatened to blur my vision. A hand touched my shoulder. The fear began coursing through my veins, and I wanted to escape. I wanted out so badly. Why did this have to be me? Why was I the one that was about to suffer more pain? I felt that same hand slide down my side in such a disgusting way. It was rough, preparing to re-mark me. The gruff voice came with a soft harsh tone and I couldn't dare look at him.

"Where have you been, Arthur?"

A Single tear rolled down my cheek.

Updates will come soon, and I'm actually starting on the third chapter now; I just wanted to post this before I forgot. R&R.