I had been spending a lot more time with France than I thought I ever would in my life. We had our little arguments here and there, but it wasn't anything like before. On some level that kind of made me a little sad. Yet at the same time it was nice to not be obligated to throw back insults in retaliation all the time. Plus it was like I actually had a friend for once. One that wasn't just for the military standpoint. He did get annoying as per usual, but that was just France's personality much like I was naturally stubborn and such. Annoying and stubborn. Go figure… As it turned out France and I got less hostile toward each other. More so on my end since I was the one who had been hesitant while he just jumped right into it. I had slowly inched along with whatever this had been at first to me and he had jumped into the middle of it all. I suppose he was just more outgoing than I. Either that or he was really that worried about me. Then again he always seemed outgoing to me. More accepting of others really. I believe that, that one night he showed up during a rainstorm just to make sure I was ok had made the most impact on me. After all trying to pull me out of that illusion wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do and doing it a second time didn't sound all that fun on his end either. At least now I knew I would have France to pull me out of it the next time it happened though.

France had pretty much forced me into walking around Paris with him. He really wanted to give me a tour apparently. So I had reluctantly agreed to it. I had wanted to get home and get a head start on the paperwork that sat on my desk, but I supposed that as long as I had a little time I might as well humor him a little. He always got so excited about his culture and Paris in general. I guess I could relate. I had London after all. London was as special to me as Paris was to France. So it wasn't like I wasn't paying attention or anything. I know that I'd want someone to listen if I wanted to talk about my precious city. My lovely capital, so I listened to what the Frenchmen had to say and he chatted on and on. His eyes lit up like he was having the time of his life and I didn't doubt it.

At each new thing he pointed out a new light flashed in those bright blue eyes. Like there was different kind of appreciation or love for each thing. I felt a crooked half smile appear on my lips as I watched him hop a little as he pointed out what appeared to be his favorite shop. Had almost everything apparently. He looked back at me and stopped. He gave me a weird look and I felt the lightheartedness of the situation leave me. What had I done wrong? I was actually enjoying myself. We weren't fighting. How did I possibly screw it up?!

"Wh- what?"

"You were smiling." He grinned.

"Well I'm sorry. It's usually something people do when they're happy. Am I not allowed to smile?" I crossed my arms across my chest and fixed him with a not so threatening glare.

"So you're happy?" His eyes lit up again.

I looked away. "Che. Would it bother you if I was? And I'm Not saying I was."

He laughed and I gave him a more serious glare.

"What's so funny?"

"Stubborn as usual."

"Well excuse my personality."

"Come on. I have more to show you."

He practically sang as he easily brushed off the possible argument starter and started off again. I followed along and things quickly eased back into what it had been like before. For that I was grateful.

-?-

I leaned back against the nearest building as I watched the two move here and there through Paris. I shadowed them at each turn no matter what path they took. At one point during the little adventure of theirs France had taken a hold of England's hand as he pulled him through a more crowded area. That did nothing to improve my foul mood. The dusting of pink on his cheeks may have gone unnoticed by his chatting companion, but I saw it clear as day. I frowned. Just why were they both so friendly with each other now?

Not too long ago they were practically ripping each others heads off whenever they met. It had really been something to see, that last fight. Both had looked like they wanted to kill the other but they had just turned and walked away. I remember well that giddy feeling. The feeling I got just before I won. After all those side comments I mentioned to each of them in turn about what the other had supposeably said behind their backs had worked perfectly and left me in a good mood for the rest of the day. Then I was angry yet at the same time excited. England was avoiding France while France gave chase and tried to start up a conversation. Then suddenly the next thing I knew they were acting like they were best friends or something. Like they never hated each other in the first place. What happened in that time I'd probably never know, but whatever This was I had to break it up. I had already failed in stopping it before it began, but it was never too late to destroy something.

All I had to do was get to work on my Master plan early. Then I'd have to kick the extra link out of the picture and then everything would be back on track. It would be perfect.

-England-

"Pretty cool, huh?"

I just nodded as I had through this entire exploration. I really didn't see the need to actually say anything. Nodding seemed to be enough. I kept feeling the left corner of my mouth wanting to pull up into that amused, content grin, but I resisted it. As of why I suppose I just didn't want a situation like before. Either that or I was embarrassed of my smile or to smile. Every once in a while I'd feel it perk up a bit, but I'd force it back down before France could notice. I felt… I wouldn't say Happy… Then again I wouldn't even be able to admit it to myself so I was Content with our… not… friendship? Whatever this was… yeah I'll just go with that. I was content with whatever it was. It was nice and I was content with how it was and I didn't really want it to change.

I spared a glance around. More roses. The thought of that frog playing such a cruel joke made me sick. I thought we had gotten past the cruelty thing. The hostility. The need to throw the other off if only for a moment. I threw them out and headed to the meeting. Well I wouldn't have it. I went straight back to avoiding France. Both gaze and conversationally. I'd show him I was pissed. I'd show him that I wasn't hurt by it. That if he really wanted to stab me in the back he'd have to try harder. I mean I never really believed that he had been my friend in the first place anyway. I mean there had to be something up. No one was naturally nice to me. Not one. Not unless they wanted something. I suppose he got what he wanted, whatever it was. Maybe he just wanted to see if he could manipulate me. Maybe he just wanted to see if he could fool me.

"Psst."

I looked away as he tried to get my attention. Just pretending to be focused on the speaker. Not really listening at all. I was just having another war in my head. A lecture to myself was more like it. Being alone protects me and trying to change that was never a good idea. How Dare I be so stupid?! How Dare I even think that way?! How DARE I do that to Myself?! I was not to be manipulated by hope and emotions. Emotions were a weakness that I could not afford to have.

"England." Came that persistent, hushed voice.

I ignored it and continued my lecture. There is a reason that you're an island nation. There is a reason that you're separated from the rest of Europe. It meant that is was best not to be near the others. Look, but not touch. Watch, but not be seen. Touch and you're poisoned. Be seen and be beaten.

"England."

Do Not let anyone get close. Fight off the intruders. Bare your fangs. Be threatening and you will be safe. Keep away and protect yourself. Protect yourself whether it be cloak and dagger or full out battle. Pull whatever strength you have to fight and if that isn't enough-

"Are you ok?"

then flee from the threat. I stood and pulled my phone from my pocket thus gathering everyone's attention in the room. I headed toward the door an I texted in random letters.

"Something wrong?" America questioned.

"Something came up." I muttered distractedly as I left the room, eyes on the phone.

I slipped it back into my pocket as soon as the door closed and fled down the hall and out the front door.

Uh oh. What's going on?