Hello everybody! I know most of you probably won't even read this so I'll keep it short. The chapters will be kind of long, sorry. Implied pairings include AusxSwiss (obviously), RusCan, HongxTai, GerxIta, and PruxHun plus several others. Contains language, violence and sexual content (which is probably why you're even reading this xD) and is marked MATURE accordingly. Now, please enjoy!

Wow, I really do apologize for how long this chapter took to come out. I hope you all stick with the story, though, and I will try to do my best to get the next chapter out quicker!

...xXx...

Hungary set down the letter, playing with the sleeve of her green kimono. It was kind of Liechtenstein to give her an update of how things are going, despite the fact that it made her even more anxious to go home. But she was still stuck with her boss. And Japan, which was a plus, of course.

And Greece had come to visit on their day off today. Not that she minded—it was a good thing she always had her camera at the ready.

Japan came and sat down beside her on the porch. "What did the letter say?" he asked cautiously, his brown eyes inquisitive.

The woman stared out at the autumn colors rippling through the trees around them. A breeze ruffled her long hair. "Liechtenstein said 'Hello' to you, and I think it can count for you, too, Greece," she said as the sleepy man lowered himself on the other side of Japan. "Also, she told me that they got back from Salzburg just fine yesterday. . ."

"And?"

Hungary lowered her gaze, and her voice. "He had another attack." And what's with these scratches that Lilli mentioned in her letter?

Japan's eyes widened slightly with pity. "I hope he's ok. Would you like to check up on him?" he asked.

"Yes, please." Hungary stood up slowly and moved to go back inside.

"You can use—ah . . . m-my laptop," Japan squeaked, his cheeks flushing as a dozing Greece leaned on him. Hungary smiled at the sight, thanking him.

She went and got the white Toshiba off a desk in the corner and walked into her room. She plopped down on her bed eagerly and plugged in her flashdrive. Bringing up a specialized program—made just for her—she was instantly looking at the piano in Austria's living room.

Hungary panned the camera up a bit. There wasn't anyone there. She clicked to the family room. Click. Dining room. Click. Hallway. Click. Kitchen . . .

Liechtenstein was cutting up vegetables on a chopping block, dropping the pieces into a pan on the stove. Hungary felt the corners of her mouth tilt up. She is such a sweet girl, the woman thought. Perhaps the little blonde could sense her, because no sooner than the thought had passed through her mind than the girl turned her head up to look at the ceiling camera. The girl gave a bright smile and a wave. Her voice sounded light, if a bit robotical. "Mr. Austria's in his room."

She must be able to see the light on the camera. Hungary made the camera tilt up and down to show that she heard the girl before clicking over to the aristocrat's room.

The aristocrat was sitting bent over on the edge of his canopy bed, head resting in his hands as he stared out the window. She zoomed in a bit. His skin was very pale and he looked completely exhausted. Switzerland appeared suddenly beside him, holding out a glass of water to the musician. Austria murmured something and took the glass from him. He gave a sip, took the medication offered to him, and set the glass down before moving to lie back down.

The camera's speaker caught a huge crack of thunder as the Swiss helped the man get settled under the comforter. The blonde walked back over to the door and flipped the lights off just as a flash of lightning illuminated the room with another boom. Then he left.

Hungary sat there for a few moments, watching silently as the aristocrat fell into a restless sleep, lights flashing through his window. Her mouse moved slowly as she closed down the program and Japan's computer, putting away her flashdrive.

So, what Lilli had told her was true.

The woman felt a heaviness settle in her chest as a small groan rose up in her throat. She felt like she was going to tear up. Poor, poor Roderich . . . What did he ever do to get this sick? Certainly nothing had changed in his usual schedule—he was always a stickler for stability—so she had no idea where he had gotten it from, let alone how. Countries stood up to most illnesses and diseases, only getting sick if there people were suffering. But then, how had it spread among his citizens so fast?

Hungary shook her head, whipping out her phone. Smiling, she quickly thumbed a text to one of her closest friends asking a favor. Putting away her phone, the woman stood and made her way back out to the porch. She was going to get to the bottom of this using her super awesome spy resources.

Great.

Now she sounded like Prussia.

xXx…

The black-haired girl frowned, handing her suitcase over to the man behind her and walking out to the curb. Her brown eyes scanned the crowds in front of the airport—tourists, businessmen, airline personnel. It was dark out, the time on the wall clock saying it was quarter after three in the morning. The electric vibe of people looking at the glowing city around them did not seem to reach the woman.

Hong Kong sighed and stopped a few yards back, setting both of their bags down. He glanced around them, not really sure what they were supposed to be looking for. "Um, Mei—"

"'Ello there!"

A strong set of hands suddenly gripped his shoulders and he gave a small yelp of surprise, his head whipping around at the English accent.

A man at least a head taller than him stood there grinning at him, green eyes reflecting kindly behind his spectacles. He was a deep tan, colored, and with spiky redish-brown hair sticking up at odd angles and framing his face. He wore a light blue cotton T-shirt, pulled tight across a strong chest, and white sweatpants with flipflops.

"South Africa . . ." Hong Kong murmured in surprise, trying to peel away from the man's grip.

"'Sup, brother?" the man greeted giddily, releasing the Asian man from his hold. He sighed in relief, only to find himself in his half-brother's headlock with a fist digging into his scalp. "Hey, didn't I tell you to call me Jamie?"

"James-san, stop it!" Hong Kong snapped, struggling to get free from the annoyance rubbing his head. It was embarrassing to be treated like a child, especially in a public airport. He was a grown man for godssake!

The noogie finally stopped but his half-brother still didn't let him go, instead bringing him close to whisper in his ear, "Hey, is that cutie over there who I think it is?" He pointed towards Taiwan, who was still at the curb looking back and forth.

Hong Kong bristled and started smacking at the man, yelling random obscenities in Chinese at him.

That seemed to get the woman's attention. Her brown eyes widened in surprise when she turned around and saw Hong Kong trapped in some strange man's grip. Wasting no time, she ran at him. "Let him go, you brute!" She hauled off with a hook kick right for the man's chest, her dress and ruffles flying.

South Africa quickly leaped back out of the way only to have Hong Kong barrel into him from the woman's kick. The Asian doubled over, kneeling on the tile. "Ow . . ."

Taiwan gasped and dropped down beside him. "Li! Are you alright?" Her hands fluttered around him helplessly. "I'm so sorry!"

"I-It's fine." He stood back up slowly, his gut twisting in pain. He wobbled and had to lean on her a bit.

"Man, that was some kick, huh? It even managed to knock me back a little." South Africa grinned, ignoring the two glares sent his way. He went to walk back over to his half-brother but stopped when Taiwan instantly took a defensive stance in front of him. The commonwealth just continued to grin and gave a small bow to her. "Excuse my rudeness, miss. I am the national representative for this great country, South Africa," he said dutifully, winking. "But please, call me Jamie."

Taiwan blinked. "What?"

He gave a big, hulking laugh, making everyone nearby stare at them. Hong Kong groaned, half at his stomach and half at the American-ish laugh his brother was making. Annoying one minute, stately the next, Hong Kong thought. Maybe it was because of the mix of cultures in his blood. As the laugh died down, he saw those green eyes glance at him. "Ah, are you alright, brother?" he asked him.

Hong Kong waved his question off. Still gripping his stomach, he gestured with his free hand at the woman beside him. "James-san, this is Taiwan. Mei, this is my used-to-be brother."

"Nice to meet you," Taiwan said, still a little dumbfounded. She shook herself and raised an eyebrow at the two men. "Is that your car over there? Well then, let's get going! We have a lot to do if we want to help Austria get better!"

The pink girl marched off toward the dark sedan sitting on the curb, her chin back in determination, hands on hips.

Hong Kong gaped in surprise. "W-Wait! What?" That's why we're here? "Mei—"

South Africa patted his back again, knocking whatever air he'd collected back out of his lungs. "Come on, brother, let's go." The man stooped down and grabbed his brother's and Taiwan's bags, following the woman to the car.

The Asian man gave a groan and stalked slowly after them.

Once they were all piled in the car, Hong Kong settled into the heated backseat gratefully. He was suffering from jet lag, he hadn't gotten a wink of sleep on the plane ride over to his half-brother's home, and the time difference wasn't helping, either. It would be close to early morning at his home now, but here it was around witching hour. He buckled his seatbelt and sunk down into the warm leather, leaning against the door. His stomach still felt like it was on fire.

Taiwan stared back at him with a guilty look. "Are you really ok, Li? I did kick you pretty hard . . ."

Hong Kong looked at her before nuzzling back into the window. "I'm fine, Mei, just a little tired," he murmured.

She pouted a bit but turned back around as South Africa pulled away from the curb. "So," she said to the man driving, smoothing down her skirt, "where is this facility with the cure you and I talked about?"

The commonwealth smiled at her and turned onto an on ramp, speeding up to get on the highway. "I know you're eager to help Austria, and it's kind of a race against time now that Hungary let the word slip out about his problem. But, it is the middle of the night here, miss. The facility isn't open."

"Ah . . . I see."

"Don't worry, I'll take you two there first thing tomorrow, 'k? But for now you guys can sleep at my house." The man glanced in the rearview mirror at his half-brother, seeing him grimace.

"Can't you just drop us off at a hotel or something?" Hong Kong grumbled, rubbing his eyes tiredly.

"Come on," South Africa whined jokingly. "You finally come to visit me in, what, like, ten years? I'm not going to let you sleep in a hotel. Besides—" He coasted the sedan off the highway and turned into a residential area. "—my home's closer."

I don't feel like sleeping in the basement tonight, though, Hong Kong thought reluctantly as he saw his half-brother's house come into view up ahead. South Africa, he knew, only had one spare bedroom, which meant that he would end up sleeping on the couch or the small cot down in the man's basement.

Hong Kong couldn't help the slight heat in his cheeks at the thought of sleeping in the same place as Taiwan. They'd slept in the same room as each other before, same bed, same tent, even the same sleeping bag during the taiga incident—given that was to keep warm, but still. It wasn't because they hadn't slept together before, but . . . well . . .

It was ungentlmanly to intrude into a beautiful woman's sleeping quarters uninvited. One of the few things he actually agreed with England upon.

So it was completely ok for him to sleep in the basement. Yeah. He really didn't mind now that he thought about it more. Sure, he might have an achy back in the morning but it wasn't so bad. Yep, not so bad.

As his thoughts continued to flow on the matter, he hadn't noticed that he'd dozed off. His mind was filled with pink ruffles and glossy black hair. Taiwan was a really beautiful woman, and he often wondered why she even bothered to hang around him. She was a much bigger country than him—even though they were similar in height—and he wasn't much to look at, what with his eyebrows that England had cursed upon him, and his average looking face. He was a stern, quiet, and probably looked unapproachable from a distance. While Taiwan was happy and outgoing, kind to everyone she came in contact with.

So what reason did she have to pay any attention to him—especially since he was always cast either in Britain or China's shadow, barely noticeable to all the other countries? She could have brought Japan along on her adventures, or the hyper Korean, or even Thailand. So, why him?

His heart clenched and his eyelids fluttered open, his unpleasant dreaming thoughts waking him. He awoke gazing out across bed sheets at Taiwan's bare back. Blinking away what little sleep he'd gotten quickly, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment and he swiftly rolled over, not wanting to seem rude or intrusive on her changing.

However, in his haste he'd failed to realize he was on the edge of the bed and ended up facedown on the carpet with a loud thwump!

Cursing quietly, Hong Kong pushed himself up onto his elbows, rubbing his chin. How had he even gotten into a bed, anyway? A bubble of shame burst within him as he thought of South Africa having to carry him in from the car. Damn, he should have just woken him up!

A small giggle sounded behind him and he jumped when he felt a hand on his shoulder. Glancing back, he spotted Taiwan smiling down at him. "Hehe, are you ok, Li?"

Her cotton fuchsia gown was fully on now but the top couple buttons were wide open.

Hong Kong sprung to his feet nervously, finding himself stuck between the mattress and the woman. He averted his gaze from her breasts as he felt his face heat up even more, his hands up lamely. "I-I'm fine, M-Mei," he stuttered. Dammit.

Taiwan patted his chest lightly. "Did you have a nice nap?"

"I-I was . . ." He still didn't have the courage to look at her as the image of her smooth-skinned back popped into his mind again. It had completely caught him off guard. "I'll go move to the couch now," he said shakily, trying to move around her.

The pink girl's face fell slightly. "Li." The Asian man finally turned and looked down at the woman in front of him. His eyes widened when Taiwan wrapped her arms tightly around his abdomen, burying her face into his shirt. His blush was apparent now and his arms hovered uselessly by his sides, not sure what to do. "Li," she said again. "Are you really ok?"

Is she still talking about that kick she gave me? He shook his head, allowing his arms to settle lightly around her shoulders as his heart beat fast. "I'm fine, Mei, really—"

"With Austria?"

His eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "What?"

"I mean the fact that we're here to help find a cure for Austria." Her face lifted to look up at him, tears beginning to grow in those chocolate eyes.

"Mei . . ."

"I-I kinda dragged you here without telling you anything—even though I seem to do that a lot, don't I?—and it seemed like you were pretty upset at the airport when you found out why we were here. I feel bad about it, especially since I know you don't really get along well with any of your half-siblings."

"It's ok, Mei—"

"It's not okay, b-but I couldn't just do nothing! I m-mean, I agree with Switzerland's philosophy, you know? About h-how we sh-should help others when they're in need—!"

A soft kiss from the Chinese peninsula silenced her sobbing babble, surprising them both. Hong Kong pulled away quickly, worry and fear running through him. Had he really just done that?! Wide brown eyes stared back at each other in disbelief. He couldn't help it; the way the woman had looked in his arms . . . He hadn't even realized he'd kissed her until it was done.

But now a cute splash of rose coated the girl's cheeks and her tears were gone. Taiwan smiled up at him with . . . affection? His heart fluttered helplessly as she leaned back up and pecked his cheek.

Taiwan began giggling at his expression, giving him a sly smirk. "So, I take it that means you're ok being here after all?" she asked, her cheeks still a pretty cherry.

He nodded dumbly, unable to do anything else except focus on calming his heart. Taiwan patted his chest again and pulled away slowly, walking around the other side of the bed. "Come on, Li, let's get some sleep," she said, plopping down on the mattress.

I guess I don't have to sleep on the couch after all, he thought, settling back beneath sheets. He clicked the lamp beside him on the table off and rolled over to see Taiwan scooting to cuddle up under his chin, the girl sighing happily. Hong Kong hesitated a moment before pulling the quilt up over them and letting his arm rest around the woman comfortably. A small smile actually crept over him as he dozed off again.

South Africa gave an evil smile from the crack in the doorway and crept back down the hallway. He held up the picture glowing from the LED screen on his phone and gave a quick chuckle.

"Sorry, bro, this is so going on my facebook . . ."

xXx…

"Mwahaha! The AWESOME ME claims the last egg roll!"

Germany shooed Prussia's chopsticks away from his plate where said egg roll was sitting. "Nein, I'm saving it for last. Besides, you've already had three."

Prussia pouted and looked away across the restaurant. His brother had finally let him leave the house so the three of them could go out to eat for a change. Italy had suggested they get Chinese food because he was craving some 'Asian pasta', as he put it. He had already eaten three full plates of vegetable, chicken, and shrimp Lo mein, not to mention several pieces of Crab Rangoon, fried dumplings, and a strange tofu soup thingie. Both Germans had been surprised that the little Italian was able to pack all that away, even though they shouldn't have been.

Red orbs began eyeing that egg roll again. He continued to look away at the other diners while his chopsticks scooted across the table slyly, trying to snatch the morsel away without his brother noticing. His chopsticks were at the edge of the plate and he could already taste his yummy victory. "Kesese . . ."

A sharp pain shot up his arm as Germany gripped his wrist tightly, giving him a cold, aqua stare. "Nein, Bruder."

Prussia frowned. Becoming determined, he switched the chopsticks to his other hand and dived for the food. Germany quickly released his wrist and grabbed at the albino's invading hand, while the now free one reached to grab at the roll as well.

Both German countries stopped when their skirmishing caused the tasty egg roll to roll off his plate towards the edge of the table. Germany swiftly released his brother in order to catch it, but discovered it already safe in another pair of chopsticks. The blonde looked up into Italy's smiling brown eyes.

"Ve~! I believe this is yours, Luddy," the Italian chirped happily, pressing the egg roll against the German's lips until he took a bite. He had to fight down a blush at all the stares they were getting from the other patrons. His brother certainly wasn't helping, either.

"Favoritism!" Prussia shouted, pointing at Italy furiously. He huffed a moment before jutting out his lip in another pout, stabbing at his noodles halfheartedly. "Ita-kun's so cute . . . He should be feeding the awesome me that egg roll . . ." He continued his muttering for a few moments as he ignored the two (unawesome) lovebirds across the table from him.

His pocket began to vibrate, however, and he glanced down at it in surprise. He pulled out his phone as Italy fed his reluctant brother the rest of the egg roll. The screen read, 'One New Message,' and his eyes widened when he saw it was from Hungary. He glanced around to make sure no one was watching him, strangely nervous for his awesome self, before clicking on it to open the text.

Hey, Polsky! I need you to do me a favor, k?

Do you think you could do a little reconnaissance

mission for me on you-know-who?

Thanks a bunch! xoxoxo

TTYL!

-Lizzie

Prussia's eyes narrowed down at his phone for multiple reasons, emotions conflicting inside him. How had Hungary accidently sent this—obviously supposed-to-be secret—text to him instead of Poland? And who was this 'you-know-who' person she mentioned? Himself? Was it some new unlucky couple of the week? Was it Austria?

The one thing that's kept running through his mind, though, was the 'xoxoxo,' statement. He gritted his teeth, repeatedly telling himself it didn't matter. Poland was currently googoo for Lithuania at the moment, so what did he have to worry about?

"Kesese, what am I doing? I'm not worrying about anything because that would be so un-awesome!" Prussia's laughter even sounded empty to his own ears and he couldn't break his gaze from the text.

"What are you worrying about?" Germany murmured, taking a bite of his Lo mein. Blue eyes glanced up at him curiously.

"Nothing! Nothing," the albino said a little too quickly. He pushed himself away from the table and stood, causing Germany's shoulders to tense. "I'm done here so I'm going to go wait out in the car, 'k?" He grinned, winking at the clueless looking Italian.

His brother seemed to relax a little and nodded, keeping his gaze on Prussia's back as he disappeared out the glass door and into the parking lot.

As soon as he slipped into the blue Benz his brother owned, he flipped out his phone once more, scanning through his contacts. He had every country listed alphabetically and found Hungary instantly beneath Hong Kong. He clicked on the number and pressed the phone to his ear, tapping anxiously on his thigh.

Why was he so nervous? There was no reason to be—he'd known Hungary practically all his life. But . . . Maybe it was the fact that the last time he'd spoken to her she'd beat him senseless with that deadly skillet of hers and shot at him. Yeah, maybe that was it. Maybe he should hang up and not bother—

"Hello?"

Prussia's chest squeezed as the woman's voice filtered from his phone. He snapped himself out of it and instantly put on a farse. "Yo! 'Sup, Lizzie?"

He heard a long sigh echo into his ear. "Oh, Prussia, it's you."

"Hey! What do ya mean 'Oh, it's you'? Of course it's the awesome me!" He didn't really care, though. He was just enjoying the sound of her accent, happy she hadn't hung up on him yet.

"What do you want?"

Prussia grinned to himself, masking his other emotions. "Well, I just thought I'd call to let you know that the text you sent to Poland was sent to my phone instead."

There was a sharp curse on the other line and some shuffling. "Really?"

"Yeah, you did. So . . . why'd you text Poland of all people?"

He could practically feel her eyes rolling. "None of your business," she snapped. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to hang up and resend that text to Feliks. Bye, Prussia—"

"W-Wait a moment!" the Prussian said hastily, wanting to hear her voice for a little while longer.

There was a small pause before Hungary said reluctantly, "What?"

Prussia racked his brain for something to talk about that would make her stay on the line a little while longer. "Do you know . . . how he's doing?"

"Who?"

The albino rolled his eyes. "You know who. Austria. Pretty boy. That freeloading noble."

Hungary sighed into the receiver. "Why do you care?" Prussia was silent for awhile and the woman sighed again, giving in. "He's not doing so well. In case you don't remember, he's dying, you moron. Switzerland gave me a call last night after the concert and said that he was convulsing and losing a lot of blood."

The Prussian blinked in shock. A small tinge of worry hit his chest and his eyebrows furrowed. He glanced out the window just as Germany and Italy were leaving the restaurant and heading for the car. An idea popped in his head and he grinned. "Hey, Lizzie, how about I go check up on him for ya?"

"What?! No, I—"

"Don't worry, I won't mess with him, kesese!" he chuckled. "My awesome presence is sure to cure him of anything! I'll call you when I get there, tschüs!" He hung up on Hungary's protests as his brother slid in the driver's side of the Benz. "Bruder!"

Blue eyes glanced from the Italian getting in the car to him. "Was?"

Prussia smiled, a mischievous gleam in his red eyes. "I think it might do Austria some good if we go visit him tomorrow."

Germany rolled his eyes and started the car. "The sole reason I'm looking after you is because Hungary said that you cannot be near Austria. Or have you forgotten?"

"I just got off the phone with her and she already okayed it as long as I behave. Besides," Prussia looked at the little brunette, "she said he wanted to see Italy."

Said country perked up, his chocolate eyes like saucers. "Really? Me?" He grinned from ear to ear and spun around to Germany, shaking his arm enthusiastically. "Can we go, Luddy? Please, ve? Pleeeeaaaassseee?"

The German exhaled heavily, already worn down by the Italian's begging, saying with reluctance, "As long as it's ok with Hungary, I guess we could go . . ."

"Yaaaay, ve~" Italy leaned over and kissed his cheek, sticking his hands up and cheering. "Roadtrip!"

Prussia smirked and leaned back in his seat, crossing his arms. Grabbing his phone out again, he sent out a quick text as his brother back out of the parking spot.

The faster we get there, the better.

xXx…

Tschüs – See ya

OMG another chapter! :O Le gasp, I'm sooooo sorry it took so long for it to come out. My senior is year kinda killing my life right now, especially since I'm in AP English all year and I have to write an essay/story every week, read multiple things and do all sorts of projects so I haven't had the slightest bit of time to do anything on this. Not to mention I'm writing a book for my senior project, so . . . ;_;

I am also in German all year so expect quite a bit more German words and phrases from me! (hope they are correct)

Well, I'm gonna work on the next chapter a bit now before I force myself to get back to working on my homework. I hope you enjoyed! Reviews keep me going *hugsallofyou*

~WhisperWeeper