I just turned 25 yesterday. I feel old...
Enjoy the chapter
I do not own Hetalia
Chapter 10
It was a nice and quiet morning for England as he sipped his tea in the hotel restaurant. It was still early, so there weren't many people and he was able to take his time relaxing and reading a good book. England really liked this kind of atmosphere. No loud noises, no Frog, a nice tea to enjoy while reading, no Frog, no paperwork to worry about for awhile, no Frog, no ridiculous demands from his superiors, and no Frog. Definitely a fine morning relaxation.
Just as he was getting into a good part in the story, he was interrupted by the sound of his phone. To professionals or a fan of classical music, they would recognize the ringtone as one of Beethoven's masterpieces. His older brothers would make fun of him for it, but England considered them to be too immature to understand fine and sophisticated music.
England was put out little by the sudden interruption, but he marked where he last read on the page before closing his book and picked up his phone.
On the screen, it showed that Japan was calling.
"Good morning, Kiku," England picked up the call. He called Japan by his human name since he was out in public.
[Goodu morning, Engrand san,] Japan replied.
"What do I owe the pleasure of you calling me this early in the morning?" asked England, taking another sip of his tea.
[There is something I need to discussu with you. I met Jones san yesterday and he toldo me he met Russia san,] told Japan.
"Russia?" England wondered how the American meet the Russian nation. Normally, Russia wouldn't wander around town since he wasn't the type to take a stroll, especially in this nation's territory. Even though the Cold War ended more than two decades ago, Russia and this nation's government still didn't get along very well. There was still a sense of rivalry and suspicion between the two.
[Hai. He notified me Russia san wanted to join the tour with usu, but Jones san wanted to know if we are fine with it before a'rowing Russia san to join our group,] Japan explained.
"What about the others? Have you spoken with them about this yet?" England asked.
[Hai. I a'ready toldo Germany san and Italy san yesterday and they agreed though reructantry. I arso called France san and he agreed as well,] confirmed Japan.
England had to take a second or two before he answered, "Alright. We might as well let him join. Though, I don't know why Russia would be interested in this tour, but it's better to agree. It's not like it's some political event so there shouldn't be any problems."
Besides, they were in another nation's territory. It was courtesy that a nation behaves in another nation's place. It was like being in someone else's house. Even Russia knew when to not cross the line unless he wanted the American government to rein upon him. Not that the Russian was afraid of the Americans. No, he was far from afraid. What he didn't want was his superiors scolding him for it.
[Understood. I'll carru Jones san and terru him.]
"Alright. Is that all?"
[Hai. Goodu day, Engrand san]
"Good day to you as well, Kiku," England bid his fellow nation farewell before the line hung up.
With Russia joining their little tour, England felt a little nervous. He wondered if Russia gave the Alfred boy a hard time since it seemed that the American didn't agree to let Russia join them right away. Knowing the Russian nation, if someone didn't agree with him, he would resort to threats and even physical violence. Even now, there were still nations that were intimidated by him as a superpower nation.
For now, England could only hope that he was just overthinking it and nothing would go wrong on this trip.
Since Alfred was off from work for the next five days, he spent his first day on his computer, playing an online game. It was a multiplayer where they battled each other in teams. It was a mix of sci-fi and fantasy with variety of characters he could choose from. Alfred chose a cyborg cowboy character that specialized in dual guns and a shotgun, which shoot out special bullets that explode on impact. He really liked this character, but he often got killed because he liked charging into enemies when he was a long range shooter.
One time, his team mates were furiously shouting at him for being a suicidal idiot when Alfred dashed up to the other team's location. While his team were dumbfounded by his action, Alfred provided a great distraction when the enemies were shocked when he ran up to them, firing like a trigger happy maniac. This caused the other team to start targeting him so Alfred had to do his best to run around to dodge their attacks while still firing back at them. This gave his team enough time to surround the other team and ambush them. In the end, they barely won. Alfred got yelled at by his team but at the same time, praised for being bold and crazy.
Alfred was in the middle of another battle and he did what he did best, distracting.
"Bwahahahahaha! You have nothing on me, Porky!" Alfred mocked loudly at the anthropomorphic boar character with a battle axe. The boar tried to swing its gigantic axe at him, but it kept missing because Alfred was faster. "Time to turn you into pork chop! Eat this!"
He sent a deadly blast at the boar and defeated it one hit.
"Booya! Who's the man? I am! Who's the badass cowboy? I AM!"
[Calm down, cowboy] said a voice from Alfred's headphones. [There're still about six of them left.]
[Me and RiotBot27 got their tank and healer.] Another voice spoke up.
[I'm running low on HP! StarAngel023, where are you?!] came a third voice.
[I'm healing LordJackASS0116 over here!] replied a fourth.
[Well get your ass over here quick! I'm dying!] The third demanded.
[Fuck you! I can't teleport! You are like half across the field!] shouted the fourth. [WHY IS EVERYBODY SCATTERED EVERYWHERE!? I CAN'T GET TO YOU ALL IF YOU'RE ALL OVER THE PLACE!]
[Crap! I'm running low on HP. StarAng…] A fifth voice came on but was quickly cut off by the fourth.
[FUCK! WOULD YOU GUYS STOP DYING AT THE SAME TIME FOR JUST ONE MINUTE?!]
"So… anybody need a back up shooter?" Alfred asked, ignoring the raging healer player on their team.
[I can do with a sniper. I have this bird guy here shooting ice arrows at me.] answered the first guy.
"On my way!" replied Alfred, but before he headed out to help his fellow player, his phone vibrated.
Vrrrrrr… Vrrrrrr… Vrrrrrr…
"Hm?" Alfred stared at his phone that was next to his keyboard. "Crap! I got a call."
[We're in the middle of a battle here!… Is it urgent?]
Alfred looked at the screen and it showed 'Kiku Honda' was calling him.
"I don't know if it's urgent, but I might need to take this call. Can you hold on for a few minutes?" Alfred told his team member.
[Fine! Hurry up and finish the call. Then get back here ASAP.]
"Got it!" Alfred took off his headphones and picked up his call. "Hello. This is Alfred."
[Goodu morning, Jones san. This isu Honda Kiku,] greeted the caller.
"Hey, Kiku. Just call me Alfred," he said over the phone. "So what's up?"
[I'm calling about Ivan,] answered Kiku. [I have discussed thisu with my colleagues to have him join the tour with us.]
"Oh, okay…," Alfred was not happy, but he reluctantly agreed. Even if he didn't like the guy… scratch that, he really did not like the guy, but if Kiku and the others were okay to have him on board then he had no choice but to agree. "I'll give him a call and tell him that."
[Okay,] Kiku agreed. [I hope you have a goodu day, Jo—Alfred san.]
"Thanks, you too, Kiku. See you soon." With that, Alfred ended the call.
"Ugh… Damn commie," Alfred groaned.
There was a long silence as the American contemplated whether to call the Russian or not. That was when he realized something.
"Crap! I don't know his number!"
"Hey, Matthew," Kristy tapped the Canadian's shoulder.
"Eh? What is it?" Matthew asked.
He was in the middle of putting away the broom in the storage closet, which was located in the kitchen, when she appeared from behind him.
"Can I ask you a favor?" she asked, looking suspiciously worried.
"Depends on what you want," He said, curious. "So what do you want me to help with, eh?"
"Can you… walk me home?" She looked away, feeling embarrassed.
"Are you trying to flirt with me again?" Matthew gave her a suspicious look. "I told you already tha…"
"No! No, that's not it," Kristy quickly cut him off. "I just feel like I've been followed lately."
Now this got Matthew's full attention. "Followed?"
"Yeah and sometimes like I'm being watched, too," she added. Her usual lively self was no longer present and was replaced with a worried and anxious behavior.
"Is it your ex?" he asked.
"That's what I thought too," agreed Kristy. "But I haven't seen the asshole at all lately and I haven't been getting his creepy texts too so I don't know."
"We should really call the police," suggested Matthew. "It'll be safer. If it is your ex, then the police can arrest him and he won't be able to bother you anymore."
"… I guess," sighed Kristy. "Even though I don't like getting the police involved, I'll call them. It's nerve wrecking when I have to constantly look over my shoulder when I feel like I'm being stalked. But just in case, can you still walk me home?"
"Of course," Matthew replied with an assuring smile. "There's no way I won't help with a stalker out there."
"Thanks a bunch! You're a lifesaver, you know that?" complimented Kristy. Her cheery self seemed to have returned. "Too bad you're taken. You would've been a great boyfriend to have."
"I'm what?" Matthew stared at her in confusion.
"Huh…" Kristy sighed dramatically. "Even though you have the qualities of a caring and attentive boyfriend, it's all about your brother. Such a waste."
"OH MY GOD! KRISTY!"
Before Matthew could say anything else, the over-fantasizing girl had already dashed back out to the tables, laughing like crazy on the way out. He knew that Kristy was just messing with him, but some things she said were just extremely creepy and uncomfortable. Why did he had to end up working with such a weird girl?
After finishing up his online battle with his team, Alfred decided to take a break outside. He walked out of his apartment and down the streets without any specific destination in mind. Honestly, he was just trying to delay the inevitable.
He didn't want to talk to that Russian since he was still bitter about getting in trouble, but he had to call him eventually about the tour…
Unfortunately for him, Alfred didn't know the Russian's number.
He didn't want to call Kiku or the others since he felt stupid about it. Why didn't he ask for Ivan's number when he had the chance? Damn it! Now they're going to think he was irresponsible and unprofessional for not realizing this first.
"Argh! Stupid stupid Alfred. How am I supposed to contact that Ivan guy now?" he groaned in frustration. "Maybe I should just suck it up and call Arthur or someone to get his damn number."
He was strolling down the sidewalk with his phone out. But instead of making the call, he just stared at it with an irritated look. His stubbornness and pride was too strong for him.
Damn his stubborn ego!
Suddenly, he felt a heavy hand on his shoulder and it made him jolt in surprise.
"Vhat a coincident, Mr. Jones. I didn't dhink I'll be meeting you again so soon."
That polite yet ominous Russian accent… you have got to be kidding me!
Alfred turned around and found the familiar innocent smiling Russian standing behind him, Ivan Braginsky.
"You!" cried Alfred, shocked at his sudden appearance.
"Yes?" Ivan tilted his head to the side.
Alfred took a few steps back and stared at the man before him. "W-what? How? Where'd you…?"
"I know ve had a rough start yesterday and I gave you a bad impression of myself, so I vas hoping I could apologize," explained Ivan.
Bad impression? That's an understatement of the year!
"I didn't know how to contact you and vhen I called dhe museum you vorked at, dhey told me you vere not vorking today. Dhis is very fortunate to meet you here on dhe streets vhen I vas in such a predicament," smiled Ivan. "Since you're not vorking today, you have time to spare vith me, yes?"
The American couldn't help but stare at the man with complete confusion and disbelief. "What's your game here?"
"Game?" Ivan gave him a confused look. "I am not playing any game."
"Yeah…," Alfred gave him a suspicious look. "You're asking me to hang out with you, man. After what happened yesterday, excuse me if I'm still bitter about it."
"Dhat's vhy I am asking if you're free. I want to take you out to lunch as an apology. I vill pay, of course," Ivan said with a innocent kind smile.
"So you're gonna pay for my lunch, huh?" Alfred started to ease up. Free food? Who can say no to that? "Alright. Can I pick the place then?"
"Of course," nodded Ivan.
A wide grin started to form on Alfred's face upon the Russian's agreement.
Less than twenty minutes later…
Ivan tried his best to keep his smile on his face as he watched the American in front of him tear a T-bone streak like a savage beast. Not to mention, this was his seventh plate and he already ordered a prime rib a few minutes ago. The way Alfred was eating was as if he had been starving for months. But anybody who knew him would know that when given the chance, this man could eat a whole truck full of food. It didn't look like he was going to slow down any time soon.
The place that Alfred chose to have lunch was a steak house. It wasn't extravagant or classy, but it was still not a cheap place to dine. Alfred was practically making a scene as other customers were staring at him with wide eyes of shock at the amount and speed he was eating. It hadn't been more than ten minutes since they got here and Alfred had already went through more than half a dozen steak dishes. He even had his napkin tucked in his collar as the steak sauce and the juice from the meat splattered all over the white cloth and table.
"F'ank for eh 'eal!" Alfred mumbled through his mouth full of beef.
"Excuse me?" Ivan gave a look that said he didn't understand what the American said.
Alfred quickly swallowed before repeating again, "Thanks for the meal! I've been wanting to try this place out, but Mattie said it was waaaay over our budget."
"I am glad you are enjoying yourself," Ivan replied, trying to keep a straight face.
"I guess you weren't as bad as I thought," commented Alfred. "Believe it or not, Ivan. I was also trying to contact you too. Talk about a huge coincident, right?"
"Oh? Dhat is quite funny," agreed Ivan. "And vhy did you vant to contact me for?"
"It's about the tour, dude. Remember?" reminded Alfred. "I met Kiku by accident yesterday while he was with his family so I asked about you and I got the green light that you're okay to join. I just needed a confirmation that you aren't some spy or assassin that's out to get them, ya know? They are government workers after all."
"I see. Now I understand vhy you vere so reluctant yesterday," smiled Ivan. "You vere looking out for my colleagues. Dhat I dhank you."
"Sure, man. They're my guests after all, so I gotta make sure they're safe while they're under my care," Alfred grinned proudly. "
"So Alfred, how long have you been living in this small city?" asked Ivan.
"Not that long actually," answered Alfred, stabbing a small piece of steak and shoving it into his mouth. "It's only been a few months since we moved here."
"Ve?" Ivan looked at Alfred with interest.
"Yeah, me and my brother, Matthew," explained Alfred.
"Really? So vhere did you and your brodher moved from?" Ivan started to sound more intrigued, but Alfred didn't notice his change of tone at all.
"We came down from Ontario," told Alfred. "It's in Canada by the way. Mattie likes Canada a lot, but I prefer America more."
"I see," Ivan nodded. "Have you lived anyvhere else? You look like dhe type of person who doesn't stay in one place for too long."
"Yeah, we've been to a lot of places. We kinda move between America and Canada back and forth," Alfred stuffed another slice of steak into his mouth.
"Vhat about your parents? Do you visit dhem often?"
"We don't have parents," Alfred replied, calmly. He was used to retelling this story. Not like it was a lie or anything and he didn't feel like it was a tragic thing. He had Mattie, after all. It wasn't like they were on their own when they were little. "Been orphans as far as I remember. We've been adopted a few times when we were little."
"So how old are you dhen? You look young yet, you show a certain amount of independence and experience for someone your age," Ivan questioned as he stared at the American with more fascination.
"You ask a lot of questions, you know that?" Alfred snapped back, starting to feel uncomfortable with all this one-sided questioning. It was like he was being interrogated for some reason. "Let me ask something about you too since I already told a lot about myself. Do you have any family? Siblings?"
"Yes, I do actually," confirmed Ivan. "I have two sisters. One who is older and another dhat is younger. Dhey are both very precious to me."
"Really? What about your parents?" Alfred gave a look of interest.
"We too don't have parents like you," stated Ivan. "It has always been my sisters and I."
"Oh… sorry… I guess that kinda means we're on the same boat then," Alfred was now feeling awkward. He didn't mind telling people that he had no parents, but that didn't mean other people were. Damn it! It was a bad slip on his part. Now the guy was going to think he was inconsiderate.
"It's quite alright," assured Ivan. "I don't pay much attention to such trivial matters."
"Oh… okay," Alfred still felt awkward, but he didn't know what else to say. Fortunately, a waiter arrived to their table with his next order of steak so the American was happily distracted by the new plate of barbecued beef.
For the next hour or so, Alfred kept ordering new plates of steak and the pile of porcelain dishes kept stacking higher and higher with every order he made. The pile of plates slowly turning into a tower and a second tower was already in the making. Even Ivan, who kept trying to keep his innocent calm smile, was slowly staring at the hungry American with wide eyes of amazement. Did this man ever stop eating?
Fortunately, Alfred did stop eating once he was full.
Unfortunately, by the time he did get full, Ivan didn't want to see the bill.
Once the waiter handed him the bill, Ivan stared with even wider eyes. The next time he planned to feed this gluttonous man, it would not be any time soon.
After his afternoon tea, England took stroll through the quiet city for some fresh air. He had been thinking about Russia's sudden interest in American history. It was a little strange to say the least in England's opinion. Maybe the Russian nation was bored and thought it would be interesting to join them when he himself didn't care for anything American that much. That would make sense. When the man found something interesting, you could bet that he would try to be involved.
England sighed, worried that something could happen to the tour with Russia around. No doubt, he would make it awkward somehow…
And he would do it with an innocent smile on his face.
Just when things couldn't be anymore worrisome for England, the nation came upon a sight that made him stop in his tracks and stared in confusion.
Walking out of an American restaurant, which England faintly remembered served mostly steak on their menu, was Alfred and Russia.
Why was Russia with the Alfred boy?!
Alfred had this very satisfied and happy look on his face like he enjoyed what he had in that place while Russia was walking behind him with a strained smile like he was trying very hard to keep his appearance of a innocent looking man.
What the bloody hell happened between the two?
England quickly walked up to them, anxious to see what could have transpired between them.
"Alfred? Ivan? What are you two doing together?" he asked.
"Arthur?" Alfred turned to the British man with surprise. "Hey! Good to see you! I didn't expect to meet you on the street."
"I vas treating Alfred to lunch because I vanted to apologize for my rude behavior yesterday," explained Ivan. "Now if it's alright vith you, Alfred, I have some business I must attend to so excuse me."
"No probs! Thanks for the food, man," Alfred thanked the Russian while holding out his hand.
The Russian took his hand and shook it. Then he bid farewell before walking away. England watched the man leave with confusion and suspicion. It was rare for Russia to treat complete strangers to meals unless there was any political benefits. Of course, Russia loved having close friends and family over for gatherings and festivities, but Alfred was not only a stranger he just met, but a normal human being with no political infiltration or benefits. He was just a normal person so why was Russia treating him to a meal?
"Hey, Arthur! So what're you doing right now? Taking a stroll around town?" asked Alfred, not noticing the strange look on his face.
Waking from his thoughts, the British answered, "O-oh, yes, I was just taking an afternoon stroll. If you don't mind me asking, why were you together?"
"Like Ivan said, he was just treating me," replied Alfred.
"Did you two discuss about anything?"
"Just about the tour and that he'll be joining you guys," Alfred tried to recall what else they talked about. "And a little about our life I guess. He's kinda like me since we both don't have parents and he also said that he had two sisters. He's actually a pretty decent person once we talked a bit, even though we had a pretty bad first impression of each other. "
"Well… that's good to hear," sighed Arthur. Looking at the American's beaming happily, Arthur decided he was telling the truth. Alfred seemed to be an honest and sincere type. His thoughts and feelings tended to show on his face and behavior. If Russia didn't do anything suspicious or harmful to the boy then it should be fine.
Why was he so concerned for one mere boy anyways? Maybe it was his nation's instinct to protect his former colony's civilians, even when they had separated from his royal family's rule long ago.
Sounds of gunshots and exploding cannons could be heard around the thick forests. Several figures could be seen running through the mist of smoke and orders being yelled to fire at incoming enemies. More gunshots were fired and bodies fell to the ground. The scent of gunpowder, blood, and death filled the air.
England was barely holding his rifle to aim at the men in blue uniforms he spotted through the mist of gunpowder. It took almost all his energy to focus and to keep his hand steady. The pain that he was experiencing was making it hard to concentrate. The gunshot wounds he received earlier wasn't what made it painful since he could easily heal from such injuries very quickly, but it was the pain of his people that were dying around him.
He could feel them… their death… their life disappearing one after another. Scars of war slowly appearing on his body and digging into his heart.
It was normal for humans to die everyday, but not this many in a short amount of time. A few deaths wouldn't effect a nation that much, but when during war where masses of people killed each other on the battlefield, the effects could be felt and seen on a nation.
This wouldn't have happened if his colony didn't try to leave him. Why must they want to separate from him? He gave them food, clothes, and other necessary supplies, so why was it not enough? What did he do wrong?
Just before he pulled the trigger, a sound of a branch snapping caught his attention and he jolted in surprise. England looked around and spotted a figure running towards him with a rifle in hand. Through the thick smoke, he could see the blue colors of his uniform. A colonist.
Panicking, England quickly swung his rifle around and aimed at the incoming figure. He was ready to fire, but before he did, the figure stopped in his tracks and stared at him in shock.
They both stood frozen, staring at each other.
England was exhausted and breathing hard. His adrenaline was still rushing through his body. He kept telling himself to pull the trigger. He was just another ungrateful colonist. But for some reason his hand would not move.
Once the smoke slowly cleared up, the man's face started to become clearer to him. Something about him looked familiar. Has he met this man before the war? Why did he feel his chest aching?
"Artie?"
That nickname… it sounded so familiar… but the only person who had ever called him that was…
England nearly dropped his rifle.
"What…?"
After separating from Alfred and England in front of the steak house for a few minutes, Russia took out his phone. Fortunately, there was no one nearby, so he made a call.
"Hello, dhis is Russia," informed the Russian nation. "I need you to look up someone's background for me. His name is Alfred F. Jones and he has a brother name Matthew. I vant you to find any information on dhese two brodhers and I mean everything. Try starting from Ontario, Canada, and go from dhere…"
Thank you for reading and please leave a feedback or comment.
Thanks to rainsonata for proofreading
The game Alfred was playing is not Overwatch, but it is a game based off the idea of Overwatch. I don't play Overwatch, but my brother and friends do so I kinda know the gist of how the game works and some of the characters. I love the idea that Overwatch is a mix of fantasy and scifi with variety of races and Heroes/Villains characters you can play as.
By the way, I'm not a AmericaxCanada shipper... but Kristy is. *somewhere in a darkroom, Kristy is typing a BL fanfic of her coworker and his brother together on her laptop while chuckling creepily*
