Hey guys, it's time for another chapter! I felt guilty for not updating for so long after posting the previous chapter, so I decided I'd start on this chapter immediately after. I'm not sure what it will be about, but I'll just go with the flow. Thanks so much for reading and getting up to this point! Here's the chapter!


Ch. 59: Honest Thoughts

(Year: 1940)

Britannia felt uneasy as she stood outside of the airport terminal in Innsbruck, Austria. She was waiting for Prussia to pick her up so that they could attend a meeting between Germany and Italy. Both Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini were going to be there so this would be the first time she's met with the Italian leader. If he was even remotely like Hitler, she knew this would be an even bigger problem. She wasn't sure how Italy felt about all this. He was probably scared…

She looked at the watch on her left wrist and then back at the cars that were picking people up.

'He should be here any minute now.'

She looked down at herself to check if she was presentable. Her long blonde hair was in a waterfall braid. She wore a military-style dress with matching shoes and a tiny Britannia flag pin attached to the left lapel. She wanted to appear like she belonged at the meeting since she figured she'd be the only woman there.

"Seriously, there needs to be more female countries…" she muttered to herself in annoyance. It was a bit of a sausage party when you compared the number of male countries to female ones. She kind of felt sorry for the guys since a lot of them probably won't end up marrying anyone due to normal people dying at 70-80 years old while they themselves stayed the same age. She shook her head from the depressing thought and turned towards the cars when she heard a familiar voice.

"Scarlett, I'm here! Wie gehts?" Prussia asked her as he got out of the car and walked over to her.

"I'm good, how about you?"

"I am good as well! Sorry, I took so long. I was a little late leaving from Berlin so I'm sorry about that!"

She waved her hands frantically and then gave him a hug.

"That's okay! I wasn't waiting here long! So... We ready to go?" She asked. He nodded and she looked him up and down. His hair was as white as snow and his eyes a reddish-purple hue. He wore a dark suit with various Nazi symbols on it, the biggest one being an eagle. And like her, he was wearing black gloves that fit his hands perfectly.

"Ja, I don't want to be late for the meeting too," he laughed. He quickly opened the door for her, and she thanked him before entering the Volkswagen. He closed the door once she was in her seat and then got into the driver's seat beside her.

"Okay, so we are meeting at Brenner Pass which is the border between Austria and Italy. It takes about...40 minutes, give or take," he explained to her. She shrugged her shoulders in indifference and leaned back in her seat.

"That's a piece of cake compared to the plane ride here," she joked. He snorted and drove them out of the airport.

"What have you been up to? I haven't seen you in a while," he said, giving her glances every now and then but keeping his eyes on the road still.

"The usual. Mountains of paperwork and then the messages you guys send me every day…" she trailed off with a hint of irritation in her voice. Prussia looked at her and smiled widely.

"We don't send you a message every day."

"It's practically every day," she retorted. She wasn't happy about it, but she did her best not to take it all out on Prussia. She at least liked him compared to Hitler and Germany. He sighed in response to her.

"Yeah, you're right. It probably gets annoying, doesn't it?"

She gave him a look and he laughed again.

"I'm sorry, Scarlett. I tried to tell them to tone it down on the notes and messages they send you, but they insisted. So, nothing new? Any intel on America?"

"Umm...Well not really. Not as of late."

He hummed and rested his arm on the console with his left hand staying on the wheel.

"I feel bad that we're making you get intel on Alfred. I wish he would join our cause, but he's always been one to try to please both sides before getting into a conflict. I love him for that but this time's different. It's a more serious time than anything we've experienced! Did you hear about Finland and Russia?" He asked her in slight disbelief. Scarlett nodded.

"Yeah, they just got out of a war with each other. The terms were super harsh though. Is... Russia going to be at the meeting too?"

He shook his head.

"Nein, we did not tell him about it."

Scarlett thought that was a little weird since Germany had been working with Russia ever since they invaded Poland. She didn't ask any more questions about it though. She just hummed in response. Maybe she could change the subject or something.

"Hmm...Well, how are you doing? How is Hungary doing?"

His lips turned upward at the sound of Hungary's name.

"I'm doing good! Really good! Hungary is great too. She and I haven't gotten a lot of time to hang out because of everything that's been going on, but we talk on the phone almost every day. It's my favorite part of the day!"

Scarlett smiled and envied having a relationship with someone. But she didn't trust a lot of people and she knew she would make a complete fool of herself if she did eventually go on a date.

"That's good. I knew you two would be good together. I wish I had something like that," she laughed with her hand in her face. Prussia rolled his eyes at her and nudged her arm with his elbow.

"Oh please, Scarlett. If you really wanted to date someone you could literally get any guy you wanted. Out of all the female nations, you're the most beautiful out of all of them," he said. She raised her eyebrows at him and folded her arms over her chest.

"Says who?"

"Every single male country," he laughed. She blushed and smiled a little bit.

"You're not just saying that to make me feel good, are you?"

"Of course not! All the male countries got together at one of the world meetings and we took a vote just for fun! Everyone voted for you and then Ukraine, mostly because of the size of her honkers, and then third I think was Belarus but she's crazy! Hungary wasn't voted on because me and her had already started seeing each other," he told her. Scarlett shook her head.

"Okay, never say honkers ever again. And I can't believe you all voted on who's the prettiest," she giggled, "though...I'm happy and really surprised that you guys chose me as the most beautiful."

Prussia glanced to her and then back at the road.

"Why do you say that? You sound kind of self-conscious or something like that."

"Well, I guess I am a little bit. At home, the only person that ever compliments me is my president and I think he's required to do that. Oh, and America whenever he visits," she added after thinking about it. Prussia's eyes widened and he nudged her again.

"America, huh?"

His voice was that of amusement. She narrowed his eyes at him.

"Oh, shut up, we're not like that."

"But he compliments you?"

"Yes…" she muttered, her face becoming slightly red.

"How much does he compliment you?"

"Does it matter?" she asked.

"Yes," he said with a laugh.

"I guess he does it every time he sees me? I don't know…"

"Interesting," Prussia said with an even wider grin on his face. Scarlett gave him a look and then sighed.

"What do you mean by that?"

"Nothing, I just think you and Alfred would make a great couple! You two have known each other ever since you were kids and have been best friends ever since. It would only make sense for you to be the perfect match!" He said enthusiastically. Scarlett's face was as red as a tomato now. Damn it, Prussia, you're making it worse!

"That's the key word though! Friend! I don't want to ruin that! Plus...I wouldn't even know how to date someone. The thought of it makes me nervous even though I do want to eventually. And wait a minute, why are you wanting me to get with America if Hitler wants me to get with Germany!?" She questioned him. Prussia let out a nervous laugh and gripped the steering wheel.

"Uh...Well personally I think you and Germany wouldn't really make a good couple. It would just be weird. It would be a Scheißshow!"

Scheißshow meaning shit show in German.

"But I thought you agreed with everything Hitler said and wanted," she replied. He snorted at her.

"No, not everything. I've known you since you were a little girl, Scarlett. I want whatever is best for you. You're almost like a daughter in a way. If you don't want to be with Germany, then you shouldn't be. Though, Germany does agree with basically everything that Hitler says and wants so we'll have to deal with that when the time comes. And... I'm sorry that they keep asking you for something so stupid," he said. Scarlett stared at him with so much gratitude in her heart.

"It will be okay. We'll figure it out, so nothing happens. And thank you for saying that, Prussia. It means a lot."

She placed her hand on his arm and he gave her a smile as they passed a street sign.

Brenner

Brennero

1 km ↑

"It's the least I can do. We're about to come up on the place where we are meeting. You ready?"

"I think so," she replied. She looked out the window at the area. There were so many hills and trees. A long railway ran through the hills and the city near the pass. The station the railway ran through was the place they would be meeting. She thought that was unusual that they were meeting at a railway station when they told her about it. The reason for it ended up being that it would be convenient for Hitler and his railway car. What a lazy piece of shit…

"But I'm excited about seeing Italy. I haven't seen him in a long ass time."

"Ha, well you'll be happy to know he hasn't changed a bit," Prussia said as they began parking the car. She chuckled at his comment and got out of the car. Closing the door, she looked around. It was a bit windy, so it blew her hair on her face every now and then. Prussia walked around the car and joined her by her side.

"We're actually early! Or...They're just late…"

Scarlett rolled her eyes and sighed.

"Well, I'm glad we're the ones who got here first. There's something satisfying about it."

Prussia gave her a smug look and put his hands on his hips.

"I know exactly what you mean."

"Scarlett! Sei tu!"

Scarlett's eyes widened at the sound of the voice. There was no question as to who it belonged to. She looked to her right and saw Italy running over to her and Prussia with an aura of joy and happiness surrounding him. There's a face she knew and loved.

"Italy!"

She rushed to him and hugged him as hard as he could.

"Oh, my goodness, you have gotten a lot stronger! And so bellissima!" He said. He's already flirting! But she always loved that about him. Italians have always been very good at flirting.

"Oh, thank you! You're looking di bell'aspetto as ever too!"

His cheeks dusted red and he waved her off in gratitude. She stared at him as he turned to Prussia and greeted him.

'How in the world did Italy get caught up in all of this mess,' she thought to herself. Just looking at the guy, there was no way there was a violent bone in his body. He was always smiling and laughing and flirting. It had to be someone else... And she knew exactly who it was.

As if on cue, they all heard the whistle blow and they turned to see a train coming up to them. The train was heavily armored and, of course, had a giant swastika on the front of it. Italy turned around and Scarlett saw that his leader was walking towards them with a few other soldiers behind him. He seemed bullish just at the glance. He walked as if the world revolved around him and he probably thought it did.

"Ciao, sono Benito Mussolini," he said as he went to shake her hand. She was the only country out of the three that hadn't met him. She shook his hand and smiled.

"Piacere di conoscerti, sono Britannia," she replied back to him, telling him that it was nice to meet him. He gave her a smile and actually spoke english, to her surprise.

"Likewise. I am glad we have you on our side."

His Italian accent was thick, but she could make out what he was saying. She nodded her head and looked back at the Nazi train. A few soldiers were filing out of it until the two important people stepped off, Hitler and Germany. Mussolini walked to Hitler while Germany walked to her and held his hand out.

"Thank you for coming today, Scarlett," he told her. She took his hand and shook it with a tightened grip.

"I knew you and your leader would be unhappy if I had decided to skip it," she said. He sighed and returned his hand to his back.

"Yes, I know that he would be very unhappy. I did not care either way, but I am happy to see you."

His way of speaking was so serious that she had a hard time seeing if he was being sarcastic or not. Even if he wasn't, she still didn't trust him at all. Hitler and Mussolini left them and entered the train to start the meeting while the other countries, Prussia and Italy, joined Britannia and Germany. Italy was as delighted as ever.

"All of us together! It warms my heart so much! Germany, your suit is so nice! Where did you get it! You should come suit shopping with me the next time I go!"

Germany frowned even more than he was and Prussia just snickered beside Scarlett as they watched the two interact. Prussia leaned in and whispered in her ear.

"Italy is always so obsessed with little brother when they are together. Germany told me nothing annoys him more than having to deal with him."

Scarlett smiled while still watching them and shrugged.

"I don't know, I think it's kind of sweet. Your...little brother needs to loosen up."

Prussia snickered again.

"I really don't think that's going to happen."

"Me neither," she muttered under her breath.

Germany seemed to have had enough with Italy's optimistic antics and he raised his hand for the Italian boy to stop.

"Stop! Just stop! You are being ridiculous!"

"Aww, but who will I make spaghetti for!? I don't want to eat dinner by myself! He screamed in agony, shaking Germany's arm frantically.

"Invite a girl over or something! I'm sure that Scarlett would eat with you if you asked!" He said angrily. Scarlett crossed her arms and raised her eyebrow at the two of them, mainly Germany.

"Oh really? I would've thought you'd want me to have dinner with you rather than someone else."

Germany's face went red and he looked away, clearing his throat awkwardly. Prussia busted out laughing and nudged Scarlett with his elbow.

"Good one, Scarlett!"

She smiled and patted Italy's back.

"But yes, I'll eat spaghetti with you whenever I visit Italy again."

Italy instantly perked up and he went back to being as goofy as ever. Germany glared at Italy and then softened his gaze at the girl next to him. He'd be lying if he said he didn't at least have some feelings for her. Or maybe it was only because Hitler wanted him to get with her. He wasn't entirely sure about his feelings just yet. He just knew he had to make sure Hitler was satisfied no matter what.

"No, I want you to eat with me instead."

Italy started to sulk again, and Scarlett rolled her eyes.

"I'll eat with both of you! There, problem solved."

"No, just me," Germany said, more strictly. Scarlett slowly narrowed her eyes and looked back at Prussia who went back to snickering.

"You better watch it, Ludwig. You're gonna piss her off if you keep on," he laughed. He was right, Scarlett was starting to get annoyed. But she knew it would be like this as soon as she got the invitation so why was she getting irritated for no reason? She hated always being mad at someone and she tried to change the subject.

"It doesn't matter," she said with a smile, "are we going to go into the train for the meeting?"

"Huh? My leader said that we wouldn't be allowed in there," Italy said, his hand to his chin in thought. Scarlett immediately became confused.

"Wait, what?"

Germany sighed and explained, "Hitler said that he did not want us in there because we might distract from the meeting. We already know what they're doing so there's really no reason to be in there."

What was the point of her coming if she wasn't even going to get to listen to the meeting? That made no sense to her. She glanced at Prussia and he raised his hands in front of him like he had no idea that this is how it was going to be. She looked up at the sky in disbelief and then back at the three guys staring at her. When she started speaking it almost sounded like she was laughing but by the time she was finished there was no doubt that she was beginning to get pissed.

"What the fuck? I travelled all the way over here from Britannia because I got an invitation to join a meeting between Hitler and Mussolini to discuss the allied relationship between the two countries. I dropped everything I was doing in my own country so I could be here and you're telling me that we're all just here for the fun of it?"

Italy started to look worried while Prussia took a step back. There was no way in hell he was saying anything that could make her get mad at him. Germany had no problem speaking though.

"It was thought that you being here would be greatly appreciated by the Führer. And he does appreciate you for being here for support."

"For support..." She repeated the last two words he said. Her face was starting to get red.

"What do I look like, a cheerleader?"

"Well, you are a girl," he said back to her. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. She was starting to get really pissed. She could feel it. She tightened her fist and looked around. She saw a bench near the train and thought that that would be a good place to cool down.

"I'm going to sit over there. Until you realize why I'm so annoyed, don't speak to me," she told him firmly. His blue eyes looked down at the ground as if he regretted what he had just said. And he should! He's being kind of a dick...

Scarlett walked over to the bench and sat down, her legs close together. She laid her hands on her lap and looked out into the mountainous terrain. She took deep breaths to calm herself down and felt her eyes watering up. She just felt really disrespected is all. She quickly wiped her eyes with the palm of her hand and glanced over at the three other countries. Italy was walking towards her and Prussia looked like he was giving Germany a mild scolding. She looked down at her hands as Italy sat next to her.

"Are you okay, Scarlett?" He asked her in his sweet, child-like way.

"Yes...I'm just irritated that I basically came here for nothing and they didn't tell me that this is how this was going to be... Do you think I'm being immature about it?"

He smiled brightly at her and rubbed her back.

"No, you could've screamed at him but you didn't. I knew what this meeting was going to be when I came but it's not like I have anything to do back in Rome."

She looked at him, confused.

"What do you mean? You don't do any paperwork or anything like that?"

He shook his head and shrugged his shoulders with a smile.

"Mussolini doesn't want me to do any of that so I usually just do whatever he tells me to do. I don't mind it though."

"Yeah, but he shouldn't be able to force you into doing something, Feliciano. I hate doing paperwork too but it's something every country has a duty to do."

"I know, but I don't want to make him mad," he whimpered. She looked at him sadly and put her hand over his.

"Who cares if he gets mad? Italy is your country. Italy is you! What did you say when he told you he was going to join Germany in conquering the rest of Europe?"

She had been meaning to ask him this question all day. Again, he shrugged his shoulders.

"I didn't say anything. He and Germany wanted to do it so I just went along with it. As long as Germany is happy."

She sighed and laughed a little bit.

"Why do you care if he's happy or not?"

"Because he's my best friend!" He said with joy. Okay, was she high or something? Or maybe he was high. Something wasn't adding up!

"Feliciano, he treats you like shit constantly," she said. He smiled and closed his eyes in confidence.

"See, that is what he wants you to think. But I know that he is my best friend, and we will be friends forever! Just like you and America!"

"Umm...Well as long as you're happy then I guess I can't change your mind. And I think the friendship I have with America is a little different than yours," she giggled. He smiled and looked to see Germany walking over to them now. Scarlett began to scowl, and Italy looked back at her.

"Try not to be mad at him when he comes to talk to you. He acts all serious but underneath he is cool like us!"

And with that, he got up and skipped away from her. Yeah, he was definitely stoned. Germany watched him skip past him and then shook his head.

"Dummkopf," he whispered before sitting down on the bench next to Scarlett. He looked at her and she was staring at her hands again. He sighed, which was probably his favorite thing to do, and crossed his arms over his chest.

"I might have sounded like a jerk when speaking to you..." he started.

"You think?" she quickly retorted. He went quiet for a second before continuing.

"I did not mean too... I have trouble speaking in a way that is not serious or what would be considered strict. In retrospect, we probably should have told you that you were only coming here to represent rather than actually discuss anything relating to the war."

She took a deep breath and finally looked at him.

"That would've been good to know..."

"I know and I am sorry."

She looked into his eyes and they at least showed a little sincerity that she had not seen from him in a long time. She decided that now would be a good time to speak her mind on some things that had been annoying her.

"It's okay... I just hate that you talk to me like I'm some kid or something. Yes, you're older than me but I'm a major country. A country with a large economy and military. I deserve to be respected like every other country and I feel like you and Hitler don't see me that way. I think you see me as just a country that can help you get ahead. And I just so happen to be a girl, so you want us to be a couple as well. It's like I don't even have a say like it's some arranged marriage or some bullshit like that."

Well, she finally told him what was annoying her for so long. He listened to her carefully because she was talking so quickly. It was sometimes hard to understand because he wasn't as fluent in English as he would have liked but he understood what she said.

"I do respect you. And the Führer believes that a relationship between us would aid in winning this war. I...happen to agree with him."

"But why? How does that even work and how would it help in winning the war if I'm on your side already? I'm sorry but I have no interest in getting with anyone for a long time. To tell you the truth, I haven't even had my first kiss! All of these countries have sex with whoever they want but not me because I want my first relationship to be with someone special and who will love me for me. And not as some benefit to get whatever you want," she said, not even believing that she was telling him all this. His eyes were looking at her in a surprised manner. She didn't think he expected this talk between them either.

"You do not want that special person to be me? And if not, how can I become it? The reason Hitler wants us to be together is because when two countries are together, they form a bond between their two countries; economically, politically, and socially. It strengthens both countries," he told her.

She brought her hand to the bridge of her nose and then shook her head again.

"That sounds more like a marriage than anything else. And...you're not that special person. And honestly, I don't think you can be that special person because I don't feel like we match. If it makes you feel any better, I feel this way about practically every guy who has asked me out or something like that."

He frowned.

"It doesn't. Hitler won't be happy about it."

There he went again. Acting as if she gave a shit what that small mustache-wearing son of a bitch thought.

"Who the fuck cares?"

"I care."

"Why? You can't think for yourself? You always have to follow what he tells you?" she asked in disbelief.

"In a way...Yes," he said slowly.

"Why?"

"You would not understand, Scarlett. But if you really have no wish to be a couple then I will respect that. I just have to ask that we don't speak about any of this to the Führer. As long as he does not know then we will not have to deal with it."

"Okay...but I will still have to be asked by him to be with you every time I see him?"

"Yes, and for that I am sorry."

She sighed and saw that people were starting to come out of the train, signifying that the meeting was over. She stood up and he did as well, towering over her with his height.

"I guess I can deal with that. Thanks for letting me tell you what's been on my mind. It's been bugging me for a long time," she said softly, holding her arm with her hand. He gave her a slight nod and readjusted the military-style cap he was wearing.

"I am glad too. Let's walk back."

The both of them joined the other countries and by this time Hitler and Mussolini had gotten off the train looking happy as ever. The meeting went smoothly by the looks of it. When Hitler saw her, his dark eyes lit up and he strolled up to her.

"Britannia, danke, dass Sie gekommen sind. Es bedeutet sehr viel, dass Sie gekommen sind, um Deutschland in diesem Bündnis zu unterstützen. Vielleicht können wir ein Treffen wie dieses vereinbaren, wenn Sie sicher sind, dass Sie alle Informationen haben, die Sie über Amerika erhalten können. Und vielleicht kannst du eine Weile bleiben und heute Abend mit Deutschland essen gehen! (Britannia, thank you for coming. It means a lot that you came to support Germany in this alliance. Maybe we can set up a meeting just like this one when you are confident that you have all you information you can get on America. And maybe you can stay a while and go out to eat with Germany tonight!)"

She glanced at Germany and then back at the man.

"Es ist kein Problem! Und vielleicht ein anderes Mal. Ich habe zu Hause noch viel zu tun, hoffe aber, dich bald zu sehen! (It's no problem! And maybe another time. I have a lot of work to do back at home but hope to see you soon!"

Her German was perfect which helped in her believability. She glanced at Germany again and he thanked her silently for still going along with it. Or, at least not flat out rejecting the idea of her and him being a couple. Hitler smiled and nodded, taking his leave after a few departing words.

She watched as all of the German soldiers filed into the train and Italian soldiers in their cars. She said goodbye to Germany and Italy before they left until it was just her and Prussia again. The two of them got in Prussia's car and set off for the airport so that Scarlett could return to Britannia.

"So...what did you and my little brother talk about if you don't mind me asking?" Prussia asked out of curiosity.

"Just stuff that had been on my mind for a long time. He understood and I think the talk made both of us better. I'm just glad to be going home now..."

Prussia hummed but did not say anything else as he continued driving. Scarlett shifted in her seat and leaned on the window. Staring out at the passing people and buildings, she thought about what was next for her and how it would affect her.

She hoped it was something good.


And that is the end of the chapter! I hope you guys are liking the story so far. We're getting into some of the more serious stuff but this also means we're getting into more of the romance stuff which is probably why you started reading in the first place! I take the prize for the slowest burn story ever! But yeah, don't worry that will come soon between her and America. I just like seeing her relationships with different countries and how they react to one another. As a heads up, I'm seriously thinking about starting a Star Wars: Jedi Fallen Order story that would also be a romance/adventure story and have an OC of mine so if you're interested don't be afraid to read that story if I end up posting it! Please review and give me any ideas that you think could strengthen the story! Thanks for reading and I'll see you guys next time!