I had my head on Prussia's lap as he leaned against a tree with his eyes closed. It was one of those lazy days. Those were rare. That it was a lazy day meant that the next chapter of my training was beginning. Tomorrow. I hummed in delight as Prussia began to play with my hair.

"Have I ever told you that you're adorable when you're completely terrified?" I scoffed.

"Ass."

"Brat." I chuckled.

"Is that all you can call me?"

"I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you wanted to be called names."

"I don't." We fell silent again.

"Hey, Prussia! I think I know how to beat the system!"

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Know how people prefer the truth as opposed to lies? Tell them you're going to lie to them and then instead tell the truth! They'll be so confused!" I started laughing and he too laughed.

"You realize that won't work on me now?"

"Why would I lie to you?"

"Perhaps for your training. It also works backwards though."

"What?"

"Ask if you can be honest and then proceed to lie."

"Are you a liar?"

"I try not to be. I try to be as vague as possible, when I need to to get what I want. Are you?" I sighed.

"Yeah. I don't like getting in trouble."

"Hm."

"Hey, Prussia? Why do some people ask you if you're going to buy the items you bring to the shopkeeper? Do they expect you to say no? They're technically asking you if you plan on stealing it." He scoffed before chuckling.

"Well maybe they think you're a pirate. I mean, I am."

"I thought you were a kingdom."

"Actually, I'm both. I pillage and plunder on the side and act civilized in the castle, a soldier when on the battlefield."

"Does the king know?"

"No. He could never know. Piracy is against the law. Pirates seem to be the new witch. To be a pirate is to be hanged. No questions asked."

"But England's a pirate."

"As is Spain and France. Pardon. Spain is a conquistador. Still a pirate though."

"So you're all just breaking the law in secret. How come I get punished for breaking the law and you guys don't?"

"We know how to keep a secret. Discreetly."

"What does discreetly mean?"

"Unnoticed. Hey, what was that letter from England? I think Washington said he sent you a letter." I opened my eyes in surprise. I'd forgotten about that.

"England wants me to know that he wants to talk about it."

"He wants to talk about your freedom? I want to read it."

"What? No! It's personal!"

"Perhaps you are trying to hide something."

"No!"

"Why should I trust you?"

"I haven't lied to you!"

"Remember the cannons? When I tasked you with cleaning the equipment?"

"Oh."

"Yeah. Oh."

"I'm sorry Prussia. I'd say that I didn't mean to but that might be a lie too. I can say that I would like to." He ruffled my hair.

"Apology accepted."

"Then you forgive me? You trust me again?"

"Sorry kid. That's not how the adult world works." My heart fell. "I forgive you."

"You just don't trust me again." I quickly hugged him. "Really. I'm sorry." He hugged me back.

"No use begging. Like I said. The adult world doesn't work like that."

"I never would have done it if I'd known."

"Hey, that doesn't mean I don't like you anymore." I stopped. Before I could ask he answered. "Really." I released him and sat back to meet his gaze.

"How do I make you trust me again?"

"I can't help you. You need to do that on your own. Why don't we play some fußball? I mean we could play chess."

"You can't tell me you don't trust me and then ask me to play a game."

"It's not that important Alfred. I'm your drill instructor, trust isn't necessary."

"Yeah, but I want you to be-" To be my friend.

"Want me to be what?"

"My friend."

"Well lucky for you, all you did was disobey."

"Which I was punished for."

…

"George! George, I need your help!" I called as I ran into his tent.

"Calm down boy. Tell me what's wrong?"

"Prussia says he doesn't trust me. I don't like it. I want him to trust me."

"What happened? How did you break his trust?"

"I lied about cleaning the weapons."

"Why am I just hearing about this now?"

"Hearing about what? I told you he asked me to clean the weapons."

"I mean about the lying bit." … Wait.

"I told you, didn't I?"

"This is the first time I am hearing of this." I swallowed. Crap.

"George, I'm sorry. Can we talk about my problem first?"

"I'll handle your lying tonight." I'll find a way to handle that later.

"How do I make Prussia trust me again?"

"Have you lied to him since?"

"No."

"Have you followed through on your word since? If you told him you would collect water, did you do so? That's just an example."

"Yes."

"You could take up more responsibility such as cleaning the weapons without being asked to." I bit my lip. "You could try giving an in depth apology."

"I already apologized though."

…

I walked up to Gilbert who was talking and hanging out with his friends. "Gilbert?" He was at attention immediately. "Can I talk to you?"

"Alone I assume?" He stood up.

"Um. Yeah please. I mean, yes please. Sir." He started walking and I followed him. "Gilbert, I know I broke your trust when I lied to you about cleaning the weapons. I shouldn't have done that, and I know there's nothing I can do to change the past but I think I know how to make it up to you. I've come to ask. I think I should clean the weapons for the rest of the week." I swallowed. "Do you forgive me?" I met his gaze and waited. He brought a hand to my face and wiped away tears I didn't know were there.

"I didn't know it meant so much to you. I forgive you." He pulled me into a hug. I quickly hugged back. Relieved. "I trust you. You don't have to do it."

"Yes, I do. I said I would so I will."

"Then I'll help you and it will be a bonding experience, not a punishment. You've already been punished."

"Twice. I forgot to tell George about it."

"Ooh. Ouch." He released me and smiled at me. I cheered up quickly. He gave my forehead a kiss before turning and walking back. "Don't forget you're getting harder training tomorrow, Alfred. For now, why don't you go play with a ball or something that has hand eye coordination."

…

I was sitting and having a small breakfast when Prussia came up and sat next to me. "Good morning, Alfred."

"Morning Gilbert."

"Guess what I got you?" He held out two oranges, some carrots, and a piece of chocolate.

"Oh wow. Thank you." I took the chocolate and ate it.

"Here. Watch this." He dumped the carrots and an orange in my lap. He pulled out a small knife from within his coat before peeling the orange.

"Whoa. Awesome. Teach me." He grinned and handed me the knife before gently guiding me how to peel the orange. "Thank you." I started eating the orange and asked him to eat the other. He obliged. We ate the oranges and even shared his carrots. A second later Gilbert became aggressive. I looked at him, having no idea what I did. He wasn't looking at me. I followed his gaze to see Steuben coming over. I wish he'd just leave us alone.

"What do you want, depp?"

"I'm only checking on you two." Gilbert shot up to his feet. Steuben didn't even flinch. Not even when Gilbert got up in his face.

"Why don't you back off? You have all the Englishmen, including the boss, and you couldn't possibly handle Alfred."

"You seem to make it look easy."

"Gilbert, let's not do anything we'd regret." Francis said, quickly stepping in.

"Alfred, let's go." Spain said, leading the way as Francis managed to lead Gilbert away.

"Right, Alfred, I'm taking you fishing."

"Fishing? Really?"

"Yes, with poles."

"That way is boring."

"It's to teach you patience."

"Can't we do something else to accomplish the same thing?"

"I want you to bring that letter I asked you about. To be clear, that's an order." I stopped in my tracks. I need to change the topic.

"Hey Gilbert? I could be your go between with Steuben. It'd be a good bonding experience."

"Not going to work. Get that letter. If I need something from that depp I can get it myself."

"I'll have to go to my tent."

"Excellent. I'll come with you."

"That's not necessary. You trust me, right?" Damn it! Why'd I say that? He gave me a mean smirk.

"Yes. I do. I'll go fetch the boat, gear, and food. I'll be expecting you shortly." With that he was off. I need a way to spin this in my favour.

"A letter from who, Alfred?" France asked.

"A friend. I gotta go or Gilbert's going to be mad at me." I ran for my tent and grabbed the canteen before using it to water the plants, grabbed my letter, filled the canteen with coffee, and went looking for Gilbert. He was scowling.

"I was hoping for a ship with a sail but all I could find was a rowboat. Rowing will strengthen your arms. I can teach you to sail later. Get in." I got in and he sat across from me. He pulled out a compass before pointing at parts of the boat. "It's important to learn the sides of the boat. The bow is the front and the stern is the back. The stern is where the wheel lies. The bow usually comes to a point. Starboard and port only change in perspective, they never actually move. You can remember port because port is the side that faces the docks. If you are standing at the stern and facing the bow port is on the left and starboard is on the right. The opposite is also true. If standing at the bow facing the stern then port is on the right and starboard is on the left. Steering a rowboat is more complicated. What are you waiting for? Get rowing." I quickly started rowing, still not knowing how, but as he talked it got easier.

"You need both to go forward. Using the starboard oar, if you move forward it will turn you toward port and backward you will turn toward starboard. The opposite is exactly true for the port oar. Port oar forward, you go to starboard. Backward, toward port. Now consider this. If you only use one, you'll only spin in endless circles no matter which one you use or which direction you go. To move forward you need to work in synchronization. You need to work as a unit. England's men know and understand this. You and your army need to know this as well. You need to know each other, or at least have a higher official who does. Not only that but you need a rower, a man who is officially in charge."

"That's George Washington. He's clearly in charge."

"Well he needs to get to know each and every soldier at his disposal. Now get us out to the river so we can fish."

"Hey Gilbert?"

"Yes?"

"You know how I'm not supposed to drink alcohol?" His eyes narrowed. "You've been awesome and given me some, but I remember how you've told me that you aren't allowed to drink coffee. You said that as long as you're not on country land then you can do it. So since you're not in Prussia you can drink coffee."

"... Correct. On all accounts."

"I've got a canteen full of coffee for you to drink."

"You should have brought a canteen full of water. Who knows how long we're going to be out here?"

"On your own you probably wouldn't drink coffee. You have to wonder what it tastes like. I can drink as much coffee as I want, why can't you?"

"Fritz has forbidden it."

"You always do what Fritz says?" He grinned, chuckling.

"I'm betting he wishes I did."

"So try the coffee."

"I don't know."

"What? I'll drink beer for you but you won't even try coffee for me?"

"Alright, alright. No need to have a fit of rage. I'll drink the damn coffee. Hand it over." He held out his hand and I held out the canteen only for him to snatch it from me. "Damn brat. You know, if it were Fritz instead of George you were fighting, I wouldn't stand for it." He uncapped the canteen and took a long three swigs.

"Um… maybe don't drink it so fast."

"Shut up." He took three more before capping it again. "We're deep enough. Put the poles out."

"Why are you so annoyed? You'd think I did something wrong." I snapped. I picked up one of the fishing poles before pausing. "I don't know how to fish." He sneered and started doing it himself. In no time both poles were ready for fishing. We were in silence for a while. Prussia slowly went from sneering and glaring to a blank composure. He picked up the canteen again.

"I'm sorry Alfred. You didn't deserve that. I could have handled that better. I suppose I just reacted to the fit of rage I sensed coming. I don't need you having one of those."

"Trust me, I know better. Your anger will always trump mine." He sighed and gave my cheek a kiss. Then he drank more coffee.

"I'm happy that you were so thoughtful." He smirked. "Look, I'm keeping it down." He drank more.

"You don't have to prove it. I just brought it for… you." Wait a minute. I can use this to my advantage. If he drinks too much coffee then he won't be able to sit still. He'll forget about the letter and the fishing. "Actually, yeah. Drink it. Just as long as Steuben doesn't get mad at you." He scoffed.

"If Steuben gets angry at me then he can suck it up and take it like a man. My authority is above his as I have more experience."

While we sat there trying to fish he slowly drank the canteen dry until finally we got a bite on one of the fishing poles. He reeled it in before rowing us back to shore.

"Let's go! I'm bored and I can't stand it anymore." The moment his feet touched the ground he was off. I ran after him, trying to keep up. Sometimes he would laugh and sometimes he'd make a noise of excitement. We came across France and Spain who were trying to teach the American army, but George and Steuben weren't here. Prussia tackled France. "Francis! You have to try this drink called coffee. I don't know why Fritz forbade it for so long! It's amazing!"

"Mon ami, I have already had coffee. I drink a cup every… day. How much have you had?"

"You didn't just start, did you?" Spain asked.

"Have you had coffee Antonio?"

"Si." With that he was off. I groaned.

"Can one of you catch him?"

"Non. I am in top physical condition and I can't keep up when he gets like this."

"I play with bulls and I can't keep up." I looked after him to see he was headed straight for camp.

"Oh fuck." I whispered before running after him again. Thank God for all those drills Prussia made me do. I have to stop him. "Prussia! Wait!" I was kind of close behind him when he ran past George and Steuben. They blinked.

"Gilbert, what on earth are you doing?" Steuben called.

"Hi! Bye!"

"Alfred! What's going on?" George called.

"Can't talk. I have to stop Prussia! We're playing tag." I chased him all over the place but I couldn't keep up. I was running out of breath. Then Prussia tripped and, chuckling, he rolled before scrambling up and running again. I tried to avoid what tripped him but fell too. I stopped moving, breathing heavily as I tried to catch my breath.

"Alfred." I looked up and was confronted by the two bosses. I saluted George before flopping on the ground. "What's going on?"

"Prussia is training me." I began but Steuben interrupted me.

"The truth boy. Gilbert may be immature and playful but I know full well that he can control himself better than this. He has some sort of plan, he's being too… random with his decisions. I saw him tackle a tree." I chuckled.

"Him? Playful? Yeah right."

"Alfred."

"I can't tell you."

"Alfred." George repeated, more sternly.

"I pushed him into having some coffee. He drank my whole canteen."

"Your whole canteen? That is too much to drink in one sitting let alone in one day."

"We drink more water than that."

"I meant caffeine."

"Hey Steuben, how do you get Gilbert's attention when he's like this?"

"The only man who can get Gilbert's attention when he's like this is on the other side of the world in Prussia." I groaned.

"You're talking about the king of Prussia aren't you? How's he do it?"

"I wouldn't know. I haven't personally seen them interact together." I groaned again.

"So I unleashed a Prussia with a short attention span and lots of energy on America. Great. I have to find him." I got up and started the way Prussia had left.

"Once you are done, we would like to talk to you two."

"I'll see if I can get Francis and Antonio after him as well. Someone is bound to catch him." I grimaced and started running instead.

I was out of breath again, bent over at the waist as I tried to catch my breath. I was beginning to sweat now. My clothes were feeling sticky. Then I heard a voice above me.

"Alfred!" I looked around, startled. "Up here!" I looked up to see Gilbert. "Climb."

"I don't know how."

"Surely as a child you must have learned."

"Never successfully. Arthur said-"

"I don't care what England says. I want sugar." I laughed, I remember saying that too, though England was always angry when I had too much sugar. There's no such thing as too much. Obviously Gilbert only meant a change of topic.

"Get down and I'll gladly give you some cookies."

"Get up here."

"I just said-" He jumped down and landed next to me. He demonstrated before shoving me up. I quickly learned how to climb, not wanting to piss him off and not wanting to get hurt. I sat in the tree as he surveyed the area.

"I bet I could make it to that tree."

"Gilbert! Get down from there at once!" He froze and looked down before sighing.

"For a moment I thought you were somebody important." He was chuckling, beaming down at Steuben. "Sag mir, du liebst mich."

"What?! I will do no such thing!" Gilbert grabbed hold of the trunk and leaned over to reply.

"Why are you so mean to me?" He whined. I bit my lip to keep from laughing. Gilbert sighed before stopping. "George?" He jumped down from the tree again and stood. "Can I help you?"

"Found him!" France yelled.

"Yay!" Spain cheered.

"I found him first!" I called.

"Alfred, get down." I jumped down but fell down once I touched the ground. "Thank you. Now, can we please calm down?"

"What do you need?"

"Hey, we can take it from here. Alfred, you'll be spending time with the other Englishmen today. Spain and I will be… with Prussia."

"What?" Gilbert asked as Spain got close enough to whisper in his ear.

"That means you'll be with Steuben today." Crap. I really messed up. I wouldn't change it though, I learned that he can be fun.