Chapter 2

Britain stood by the mirror, admiring himself, patriotic as he was, he was in his best dress, a handsome red uniform, and he was keen to stand out as impressive to the great Prussia when he arrived. He continued to admire his handsome, somewhat leonine like appearance; his almost catlike green eyes glinted with pride.

'Britain! Britain!' called America 'Someone is knocking at the door!'

'What are you waiting for?!' gasped Britain 'Get the door!'

'Yes Mr Britain sir!' replied America and he trotted off in the direction of the door.

Arthur followed America but with a slower and a more elegant stride in his step. Finally when he arrived at the door, he watched America open it slowly.

There he stood, the great Prussia, he was a nation about the same age as Britain but he was taller and he sported broader shoulders. He was albino in appearance making him somewhat like a spectre but Arthur saw something of the eagle of Prussia's flag shining in his scarlet eyes. He was wrapped in a red travelling cloak and he strode into the house slowly with a pace not dissimilar to Britain's.

'Prussia,' Britain said, bowing respectfully as Prussia approached him

'Britain,' Prussia said, bowing back 'I am honoured to have you as my ally, Arthur.'

'It is simply splendid you could join me!' replied Britain heartily; he then turned to America 'This is Mr Gilbert Beilschmidt, America. Or you can just call him Prussia.'

'Hi there!' beamed the small boy staring in awe at the great nation, then he bowed 'My name is America!'

'You have a very cute little brother, Britain!' beamed Prussia who bent down to ruffle America's hair

'He is a bit of a troublemaker at times I must say!' laughed Arthur 'But yes... I suppose he is very cute...'

America had the look like he was about to ask Prussia many extraordinary questions but then Britain said calmly to the young boy.

'Now, now America, let Mr Beilschmidt take some rest, he has come a long way you know!'

America nodded as Gilbert slowly removed his travel cloak, revealing a magnificent Prussian blue uniform, with elegance to rival Arthur's.

'How do I look Arthur?' asked Gilbert puffing out his chest and grinning broadly

'Er... splendid!' laughed Arthur weakly

'Awesome don't you mean?' suggested Gilbert, raising an eyebrow

'Erm... yes... awesome!' grinned Arthur nervously

'Let it be known that I am the most awesome of all the nations!' bellowed Prussia proudly but then he mentioned in a calmer tone 'Of course I wouldn't be this awesome if it wasn't for Old Fritz!'

'Who is Old Fritz?' asked America excitedly

'America,' sighed Gilbert proudly 'he is only the most awesome boss a nation could possess!'

'Wow really!?' gasped America with excitement, as Gilbert nodded but then he sighed in a sadder tone

'Unfortunately he is going through a lot of trouble at the moment...'

'Oh...' said America quietly, but then Arthur cut across him

'Port?' he asked

'Just beer, Arthur, Port is too sweet for my liking,' explained Gilbert

'Get the beer America!' sighed Britain

'Yes sir!' America replied, he quickly dashed off in the direction of the cellar.

Britain and Prussia strode into the lounge, Prussia tired from his travels slumped onto one of the elaborate armchairs and in the minutes America wasn't there, they both began to discuss more serious matters.

'That sneak France has been discussing affairs with that spoiled brat Austria!' spat Gilbert 'After all him, Spain and me got up to, he goes and speaks to the very nation we were fighting against back in those years, even though I am pretty sure those two have hated each other's guts for a while now...'

'It's all poppycock that's all I can say!' exclaimed Arthur 'But yes I am worried too, particularly for Hanover, there is a chance that France may try to attack it, but you are my biggest hope in defending it Gilbert!'

'So that is why you have decided to side with me?' smirked Gilbert 'You want me to defend your precious Hanover from Mr Francypants is that correct?'

'Look Gilbert!' interjected Arthur 'Part of the deal is that I will not help Austria as long as you help me to defend Hanover. You should also respect the fact that I am the only of many nations who is welcoming you to get stronger.'

'I see...but what is in it for me?' asked Gilbert coolly

'Well... if the worst happens I will probably fund you of course, I'm not completely patriotic!' exclaimed Arthur emphasising his words, 'I do have a heart you know!' but then Gilbert looked at Arthur and then said in a dark undertone

'I am suspicious of that Russia too...' but then America came back, carrying two tankards of beer.

'Good chap,' said Britain, not really paying much attention to the little boy

'Danke' said Prussia taking one the beers and taking a large swig from it but then he sighed quietly to Arthur

'I wish I had a little brother like yours, Arthur...'

Arthur looked at Gilbert more sympathetically and said patting him on the back 'Having a brother isn't easy Gilbert; you have to be a responsible big brother and keep him out of trouble, you have to protect him from other nations who may want him for themselves and you also have to make him understand that you are the one in control!' He explained but then he stated 'But yes, maybe one day you will have a little brother of your own...'

Gilbert smiled at Arthur slightly at these words before taking another large swig.