Disclaimer: I don't own Hetalia
A/N at bottom, as per usual.
The game is simple. You hook up, you act like a couple, hell, it doesn't even have to be an exclusive relationship since it's just a game; there is only one rule: you cannot fall in love, the whole game would be over.
Prussia and Canada decided to play the game known as 'Friends with Benefits' since as the name suggests; it indeed had benefits. They were both lonely, and in the Canadian's case he would never be seen by the one he truly loves so why the hell not? As for Prussia, well he was just looking for a good time and yes, it was a good time indeed.
Per Canada's request, they played the game in 'story mode', the one where there was the most danger of breaking the rule since it was the most realistic, but provided the most satisfaction so they both agreed. However it was only a matter of time before one of them lost.
To the other nations their charade seemed every bit the genuine relationship, except it was lacking one vital element: love, since to love is to lose.
Nevertheless they were congratulated, especially by the rest of the Bad Touch Trio and Francis was particularly enthusiastic and muttered along the lines of "ah, mon Mathieu 'as finally grown up!" whilst giving Prussia a wink and a warning glare simultaneously, something only Francis had mastered.
Only, the one person Canada wanted attention from never noticed but it was expected though, he was simply invisible to him. Gilbert stayed by his side and comforted him just like a real partner would, yet he still felt so empty since the words weren't coming from the mouth of the one he truly wanted.
Prussia on the other hand was genuinely concerned about how upset Matthew was. He only over referred to Canada as 'Matthew' in his mind since he didn't know how the other would react to something as intimate as his human name, even when they had engaged in other intimate activities often. Also, his concern was obviously that of a friend, the whole thing was a game, so why else would he feel concern? Surely he didn't care about him in that way right?
Unbeknownst to him he was slowly falling, falling for Matthew and losing more than the game.
Canada looked at the sleeping nation beside him. He was handsome, most definitely, the smooth porcelain skin marred only by the marks of battle, the vibrant red eyes that sparkled, the lean yet defined body and the trademark grin that he was known for.
Prussia was attractive, it wasn't hard to see and he had been told that he was lucky to have him but that meant nothing to Matthew when the one he truly wanted was involved with Francis of all people. That was why Canada was even more upset than Prussia thought the other night since Francis treated him like a child so that meant he surely thought so as well.
That thought killed him alone, and coupled with the fact that the whole world reckoned that he was enamoured with Prussia made him want to forget about the game completely.
But to withdraw would also mean he would receive pity and sympathy, two things that he loathed to be on the receiving end of; and it would also mean to be forfeited from the game. Prussia was admittedly keeping Matthew well distracted, so he decided to keep him a little longer.
Gilbert and Matthew were at the beach since it was a nice day and they were both visiting a certain loud-mouthed superpower for the weekend. Currently the North American brothers were messing about in the sea with Alfred splashing Matthew rather boisterously. Gilbert chuckled at the indignant expression Matthew wore before he splashed Alfred back, signally the start of a significantly large water fight.
Gilbert leaned back in the lounge chair and observed Matthew lazily. The way the light twinkled on the bright blonde locks was absolutely fascinating to Gilbert, and how some of the wavy strands stuck to his forehead with the special curl springy as ever was both amusing and appealing, but don't get Gilbert started on the mirth that made those amethyst orbs sparkle, or the water droplets that were running down the toned body.
As he contemplated what activities they should engage in later that day Matthew caught his eye and smiled. Gilbert felt his stomach flutter and melt a little at that. Of course, it was out of his affinity for cute things and not because he was in love with the nation.
Absolutely not.
"Hey Prussia! Come join us!" Matthew hollered. Gilbert ignored the slight sting he felt at the use of his nation name as opposed to his human name, of course the pang in his heart was due to the fact that he was reminded of the non-existence of his nation, nothing more.
"Yeah I'll help you kick America's sorry ass," He felt the trademark grin creep up, but so some reason it didn't feel as awesome as it usually did.
He knew he was in trouble the moment Matthew left the house to visit Arthur and Francis. The house had felt rather empty without the calming presence of the blonde Canadian, and Gilbert himself had felt empty too. For the past few days he had tried to ignore the strange and unwelcome feelings that overcame him every time Matthew was involved with anything.
First he just dismissed it as mere feelings of friendship, but how wrong he was: he was in denial. Next he just ignored the feeling and focused on other more important things such as teaching Gilbird tricks; that was the stage of ignorance. Now however, without Matthew there was nothing to distract his feelings of Matthew (very confusing indeed) he had to face up to his feelings; and he didn't like that one jot, no sire. Gilbert was terrible when it came to emotions and he knew it but chose to ignore it most of the time.
He knew that the butterflies and the heart-warming flutter and the giddiness and the blissfulness were all signs of danger, yet he refused to acknowledge the danger itself, instead choosing to spend more time with Matthew and dig himself a deeper grave at that.
He had it all planned out. They were going to spend a relaxed night in since those were Matthew's favourites, and then after the movie and the maple-flavoured popcorn Gilbert would confess. He knew that Matthew only thought of the situation as a game, but after spending so much time together maybe his feelings have changed? Surely the good mood from the relaxed atmosphere would cause him to change his mind? Gilbert was sure of it; after all he couldn't quit now that he knew he wanted a true relationship, as he had been lonely for most of his life.
Prussia's melancholy thoughts were interrupted by the sound of the door opening, and he suddenly grew nervous. Wait, the great Prussia nervous? No, he was excited to see Matthew's happy face after hearing his proclamation of love, he was sure. He didn't have time to think of the consequences otherwise, he knew he would break if Matthew didn't accept him so this had to work out. It couldn't work out any other way.
His mistake was that he forgot it was just a game, and games had rules; however this game had no winners since both participants are losers and the game just proves which is the bigger loser.
Upon seeing Matthew come back from a meeting of sorts Gilbert suddenly became even more nervous. He forgot what he had meticulously planned, he didn't remember to wait for the atmosphere, and didn't register that today's meeting hadn't gone well because someone was there. No, Prussia was too focused on his inner conflict and forgot.
"Oh, hi Prussia. Look I'm going to go straight up to my office since-" He was cut off as an emotionally deprived Prussian held his face in his hands and kissed him desperately. Matthew was confused but gave in to the heated kiss; after all he needed to forget about him. Gilbert took that as encouragement and it spurred him on for his next course of action.
He pulled back and looked at Matthew straight in the eyes. He felt that the very air between them was filled with an electrical charge that sent tingles all over his body. To Matthew, it felt all too ordinary. Gilbert felt that his soul was connected to Matthew's as they gazed into each other's eyes.
Matthew just thought it rather odd; the way Prussia was staring at him and all.
For Prussia this was the best moment ever. He mistook Matthew's enquiring look as one of affection and tenderness so he plunged right in.
"Matthew, I love you."
The spell was broken. If it were possible to feel the world crash onto your shoulders in the blink of an eye, to realise you had just made a mistake you will sorely regret for an indeterminable time but knew was inevitable right from the start, then this was it.
For he had broken the one and only rule.
His heart had shattered with it, and so had his dignity.
He knew that amends couldn't be made: it will never be the same again.
Game over. It was over.
Now he walks alone down a lonely road.
A/N: Sorry for the late update! I wanted to do all the prompts in order since I'm OCD like that, so this was meant to be chap 6, however the actual chap 4 and 5 were being annoying little bastards so I posted this first. It took me ages to come to this decision (and ruin the WHOLE order T_T) but I hope this was worth the wait since I felt that this one turned out better than the others, and it isn't pointless fluff this time around.
As always, concrit is welcome, but no flames please. Hopefully the next update won't take as long.
~ CBE
