Title: Hetalia Academy

Pairings: Germany/Italy, America/England, France/Canada, one-sided France/America

High schools tough, we all know that. But how about an international boarding school? With Germany constantly fighting, America and England bickering and Russia just being...weird, tears and teenage emotions are running high, will these kids ever get their act together?

Chapter 3 - Just trying to help

Japan turned to the next page of his book, relaxing into the bean bag he was sat in. Briefly closing his eyes he smiled to himself. One of the main reasons he'd enrolled at Hetalia academy was for the magnificent library, the shelves of books seemed to go on for miles, Japan could go to any shelf and pick out a good book, it was his favourite pass time when not in class or with Germany or Italy.

"Excuse me." Japan looked up as a young English girl approached him, holding onto a handful of books. "Would you mind if I asked you to help me with my ancient history homework?"

"What?" Japan asked, quite confused. "I'm sorry, but I don't study that particular subject."

"What?" this time it was her turn to look confused. "But...yes you do, you're in my class."

Japan shook his head. "No, I do not study that."

She blinked, "...are you sure? I could have sworn you sat right in front of me."

"You must have me confused with someone else." Japan concluded, going back to his book.

"Oh..." she was silent for a moment. "...you are China aren't you?"

Japan almost dropped his book in shock, his mouth hanging open. "Wha...I...how?"

"Ciao Japan!" Italy bounded over to the stunned Asian man, about to sit next to him when he spotted the English girl. "Oooh...hello you are very beautiful!" she giggled slightly as Italy took her hand, kissing it softly. "How are you today pretty lady?"

She was about to answer when suddenly Italy was pushed roughly into a bean bag by Germany. "Hallo, would you mind leaving us alone?" he spoke dangerously and she squealed slightly, hurrying off, Italy watched her leave sadly.

"Germany! You never let me flirt with any girls!" Italy pouted, rubbing the back of his head where Germany had pushed him.

"You should get your priorities right, you've been here almost a week now und I haven't seen you do any studying." Germany shook his head, taking a seat beside Japan, looking over at his friend slightly concerned. "What was she saying to you? You look strange..."

Japan shook his head, fiddling with his book in his lap. "Germany...do you think I look like China?"

Germany looked confused, "What? No...no you look nothing like him Japan, why?"

Japan sighed, "No reason." this relieved him slightly, however this wasn't the first time it had happened. Occasionally in the corridors when someone bumped into him they'd say 'Sorry China!' usually it annoyed him slightly but he'd let it go, although this was the first time someone had directly talked to him, thinking he was China. 'I'm nothing like China...' he thought to himself. '...right?'

"China?" Italy quirked, "Who's that?"

"He's a country, you haven't met him yet?" Germany asked, oblivious to Japan's gloom.

Italy shook his head, getting to his feet. "No but he sounds fun! Will you show me him?"

"Fun isn't exactly how I'd put him...but yes, I'll introduce you."

"I'll come with you." Japan also stood up, suddenly determined to see China. 'I've never actually spoken to him properly...I'm sure if I did I can be sure that we're nothing alike.'

"Yay! Come on Germany!" Italy took Germany's hand, pulling him up. Germany looked down at their joined hands, his face going slightly pink, he glanced up at Italy who looked up at the same time. Their eyes locked for a second before they both looked away, their cheeks heating up in embarrassment.

"...are you okay?" they both jumped away from each other at the sound of Japan's voice.

Germany cleared his throat. "Ja ja...come on he's probably outside."

~0~

"You really haven't seen him yet?"

"Dude! How can you not see him?"

"He's practically everywhere!"

"Shut up guys!" America waved an arm at his friends. "If this is such a big deal lets go find him."

"No need man." one pointed towards the cheery Italian who was half running half skipping to keep up with Germany and Japan as they wandered down the path towards one of the gardens. "There he is."

America looked over at him curiously, "So that's Italy huh?"

Italy smiled, having reached Germany, he grabbed hold of his arm so he could stay walking with him. "You walk too fast Germany."

"Hello Germany." The Aryan stumbled slightly as Russia suddenly appeared out of no where, smiling creepily at him as he stood directly in front of the three of them. "Would you like to talk?"

"Nein, maybe later, we're a bit busy at the moment." Germany tried to step round him, usually he didn't mind Russia but he could feel that Italy was slightly nervous being near him.

"I would like to talk now." Russia smiled, placing a hand on Germany's shoulder and manoeuvring him away from the other two.

"Germany..." Italy reached out to grab him but Japan stopped his arm gently.

"I advise you let them talk, we'll wait here." he smiled kindly, trying to reassure him as a slightly irritated Germany got taken away.

"Whoa! He's so small!" Italy looked over as a group of Americans were fast approaching them, two of them he recognised as the ones who'd tripped him, and the tallest one wearing spectacles was homing in on Italy. The Italian squeaked slightly, trying to hide behind Japan. "Hi Italy I'm America!" the obvious leader of the group stuck out one gloved hand towards the Italian boy, beaming brightly. Italy took it, shaking it quickly before hiding again. "Aww come on man don't be scared."

"I'm not surprised, look at him he's a little wimp."

"Yeah what a loser, look at him he's shaking!"

"Hey come on guys that's not cool." America tried to shush his friends, looking at Italy apologetically. Italy ignored the look, he was frowning, looking down at the floor as the Americans seemed to enclosing around him, he scooted closer to Japan, who stood his ground, sighing softly, barely even registering the people around them.

One of them suddenly lunged forwards, grabbing Italy's arm. "Why don't you come with us shorty?"

Italy stared up at him, his heart pounding nervously in chest. "W-Wha...no."

"Guys what are you doing?" America looked confused as a couple more of his friends grabbed hold of Italy, starting to pull him away from Japan, who stood helplessly not knowing what to do or say. "Guys where are you taking him?"

"For a ride." one grinned motioning to one of his friends to come over, he was sat upon a lawn mower that had been 'borrowed' from the school's tool shed. He rode over to them on it, cutting ugly lines into the grass as he did so. When he was near enough to them he turned it off and jumped down from it.

"Guys we're not supposed to even have that...what are you doing now?" America looked on in shock as his friends hoisted Italy up onto there shoulders, attempting to secure him to the lawn mower. The Italian struggled and kicked but he wasn't strong enough to wriggle free. "Guys come on this isn't funny!"

"Oh lighten up America, we did this to that Canada guy."

"Well yeah but he's my brother so it was okay, we don't even know this guy!" America attempted to climb onto the lawn mower along with Italy, with the intent of helping him down. Suddenly the lawn mower came to life as one of his friends flipped the switch and put it into gear, it started moving of its own accord across the garden and America yelped slightly as he got wedged in between Italy and the controls. "God damn it guys I'm stuck!" His friends all burst into laughter as they watched America and Italy being carried away by the machine, Italy was squealing and calling out for Germany, the weight of America on top of him meant he couldn't escape. America was thrashing around and whacked his arm against the controls, with the intent of trying to turn it off, but instead he only succeeded in making it go much faster. It gave a loud bang before speeding off across the garden and right through a fence, carrying a screaming Italian and struggling American along with it.

~ Meanwhile ~

"So, that is what I propose we do." Russia smiled sweetly, waiting for Germany's response.

The German just stared at him, very disturbed and confused. "...I'm uhh...flattered that you thought of me...however I have no interest in trying to take over the school with you."

"Are you sure?" Russia took a step closer to him. "I don't think America deserves his current title."

"America isn't in charge, he just thinks he is." Germany stepped round him, itching to leave. "If you'll excuse me I have things to do." he started making his way back over to Japan, slightly confused as Italy was no where in sight. "Where's Italy?" Japan simply pointed, too appalled to move. Germany followed his arm and stared, cut into the grass were the markings off an out of control lawn mower, following the tracks he saw them lead off through a fence and out into the open fields, and in the distance he could vaguely hear his name being screamed. "What za hell!"

"He's on a lawn mower with-"

Germany growled. "America." he clenched his fists, his angry stare fixed on America's friends who were rapidly backing away. "Arschloch!" he looked over at Japan, "Hold on while I get him." Germany took off as fast as he could, following the tracks that lead to his friend, he jumped through the hole in the fence left by the lawn mower and chased after them. "Italy!"

"Germany help me!" Italy cried, reaching out his arms as Germany got nearer. Instead of grabbing hold of the Italian Germany grabbed hold of the lawn mower, running along side it as it sped along, fast approaching the woods. He reached out a hand and flicked the switch off, it came to a sudden halt, throwing Germany onto the ground along with Italy.

Germany sat up, cursing slightly as he had landed on his face, then he saw Italy and he rushed over to him. "Italy, are you okay?"

"Sì I think so..." Italy sat up, rubbing his arm where he'd landed on it. By this point America's friends, Japan and even Russia had made there way over to them, America himself slowly sat up, still on the lawn mower, gripping the back of his head painfully.

"You!" Germany spat, storming over to America, grabbing him by the front of his bomber jacket.

"H-Hey I didn't do anything man!" America looked up at the German in fear, trying to struggle away.

"You endangered the life of my friend and damaged school property in the process!" he shook America slightly, boiling with rage.

"I didn't! I mean okay I did but it wasn't my fault! I was trying to help him!"

"Like HELL you were!" Germany snarled, throwing him to the ground. "Just get out of mein sight before I do something I'll regret!" America's friends quickly rushed to help him up before they all dispersed, leaving a rage shaken Germany standing by the abused lawn mower.

"Germany..." Italy approached him slowly, a smile playing on lips, "That was amazing, grazie." he wrapped his arms around his friend, pulling him into a tight cuddle. Germany blushed slightly before he slowly wrapped his arms around the little Italian, hugging him close, 'Thank God he's okay...' Germany thought, stroking the back of his neck as they embraced.

"How cute." Russia commented, Japan jumped slightly at the sound of his voice. "This reminds me of my relationship with China." Hearing China's name reminded Japan of his initial intentions, he was about to say something but saw that Germany and Italy were still hugging, oblivious to anyone else around them, so instead of interrupting them he left silently, determined as ever to find China.

~0~

"I used to rule the world...seas would rise when I gave the word, now in the morning I sleep alone...sweep the streets I used to own..." England sang softly to himself, turning the pages of his note book to a clean page, preparing to start his homework. He grabbed his pillow and placed it under his stomach, shifting slightly on his bed into a more comfortable position.

"Hey English dude!"

England cringed as America suddenly burst into the bedroom, he was about to tell him to get out when he saw the state he was in. "Why are there twigs in your hair and your jeans covered in mud?"

America looked down at himself in confusion. "I hadn't even noticed that! God damn it Germany!" he growled slightly, throwing himself onto his bed next to England's. England rolled his eyes, going back to his work. "...don't you even wanna know what I'm talking about?"

"Not really."

"Well let me tell you, that German guy has gone too far this time!"

England sighed, "By 'not really' I meant no."

"I mean it's totally unfair! It was the guys who were trying to mess around with Italy, I was trying to help him and I got the blame!"

"Please, it's bad enough we have to share a room but I really don't want to have to listen to your problems."

America sat up in bed, completely unaware of what England was saying. "I mean don't you think it's just so unfair?"

"Nope."

"I mean come on! That guy threw me on the god damn ground! And I was in way more pain than that Italy guy."

"I don't care."

"That Germany guy just has it in for me."

"Probably." England rolled onto his side, facing away from America.

"And now I'm probably gonna get in trouble for breaking down the fence, and it wasn't even my fault!" England lifted up a pillow and placed it over his head, holding it down over his ears. "I mean I'm the victim here! Look at this bruise." America held up his shirt, even though England wasn't even looking at him. "It's huge! And it really hurts, and that Italy didn't even have a scratch on him! But oh no he still got help from that Germany guy, I mean who was there to help me? No one! I tell you-"

"I don't care America!" The pillow fell from England's head as he sat up, glaring at him, "Can you please just shut up! I'm trying to do some work and so should you! I mean I know you don't actually study any subjects that are worthwhile but please! Just shut up and do some homework or get the hell out!"

America looked at him, pouting slightly, "...media is a worthwhile subject."

"Yeah...sure." England rolled his eyes, opening up a text up ready to start his work. "Just be quiet."

America sighed, rolling over on the bed, giving up. He couldn't be bothered arguing with him. Really he just wanted England to like him and be his friend, he never really understood why they never got on. When he first enrolled at the academy he was thrilled at the idea of him and England sharing a room (mostly because they spoke the same language) and he was determined that they'd become best buddies by the end of the first term...it'd been almost a year and all he'd managed to do was make him hate him. Sliding off the bed onto the floor America sat and watched him for a moment while he worked, sighing softly. "England-"

"If you value your life, don't say a word."

"I'm bored."

"Don't care."

America sighed in exasperation, rolling across the floor. "You're no fun." England didn't respond, so instead America decided he'd simply have to entertain himself. Reaching into his bag he took out a bag of chips, he ripped it open, shovelling a handful into his mouth, he saw England cringe slightly in annoyance at the crunching sound but he still didn't say anything. America swallowed his mouthful. "Hey England." no response. "What do you call these?"

England clenched his teeth. "...call what?"

"These." America held up the bag.

He sighed, slowly turning to look at what America was holding. "...crisps."

America snorted slightly, "Awesome." he put them away, chuckling slightly to himself, England looked slightly confused but went back to his work. "Hey England...what do you call an elevator?"

England looked over at him again, one fuzzy eyebrow raised, "A lift." America laughed again and England glared at him, "Why are you asking me all these daft questions?" he demanded.

America shrugged, "I...like your British words." he said bashfully, glancing over at England he could see that his words had put a slight blush on his cheeks.

"Oh...thanks."

America smiled '...that's probably the nicest thing he's ever said to me.' however England went straight back to his work, America sighed, bored again. Getting up off the floor he stepped over to England's bed, casually picking up a few of England's discarded clothes that lay in a crumpled heap at the end of the bed. Shirts, ties, a couple of socks and a...cape?

"Hey England...what's this?" America held up the black cape, wrinkling his nose in confusion.

"What's what?"

"This...cape thing." America jumped slightly as England suddenly sat up, snatching the cape from out of his hands. "What's it for?"

"What have I told you about going through my things?" England glared at him, holding the cape behind his back, biting his lip slightly.

"Yeah but why do you have a cape? You a vampire or something?"

"Just...just stop asking questions!" England got up off the bed and hurried to the door. "It's...it's nothing." he left quickly, cape in hand, leaving a very confused America behind.

'What the...' America stood staring at the door for a moment. 'Weird...' he might of imagined it, but he could of sworn he saw outright panic in England's eyes when he saw America holding onto that cape...

Hmm was supposed to have the main focus on Germany and Italy's relationship...next chapter will focus on them more I think. Still I hope you enjoyed :)

Reviews are love :)