Chapter 3:

This bites.

Sealand was already bored out of his mind from the less than exhilarating plane ride he just had to share with that jerkface England. The entire time the man was either reprimanding him for something or counseling his behavior. Typically, Peter just rolled his eyes and let the man say his peace, of course he would eventually prank England in some way as retribution. Today he was subjected to the old man's constant scolding for over half of the 8 hour plane ride and was thoroughly sick of it; fortunately when he put his headphones in, England seemed to take the hint and let up on him. However as soon as the plane landed and they got into the cab from the airport, England continued his nitpicking with increased fervor, it seems he was just biding his time. Peter was in fairness, not fully paying attention to the other nation, he was preoccupied: partly by marveling at the size of the city they were currently in. But more so worrying about what the county he was visiting was like, given he was to spend the next three days at their house.

When England told him that America was going to watch him for a few days, Peter realized he was unable to put a face to the name. Sure, he had heard of America, who hadn't? But he had never really met the man before, since Sealand always got kicked out of world meetings before the other could arrive. Supposedly him and England were friends but when asked about it all Arthur would say is: "he's a bloody git, that's what he is. You better not pick up any of his bad habits." He had heard that America was somewhat eccentric, maybe he was more anal than England was. Given how much the brit kept telling him to stay on his best behavior, this guy must be crazy. Peter decided that torturing himself about it wasn't solving anything, so he decided to ask someone about it. Maybe Wy will know something about Mr. America, Since she's an officially recognized micronation she's better connected then himself.

He pulled out his phone and sent a text:

Sealand: Hey can I ask you something?

Wy: What about?

Sealand: Do you know anything about Mr. America?

Wy: Do you mean like historical facts?

Sealand: No, I mean what's he like?

Wy: How should I know? I've never met him.

Sealand: :(

Wy: lol, ok, ok all I know is what I've heard but apparently most countries either like him or hate him.

Sealand: That doesn't really help me too much.

Wy: What do you want from me? Why are you asking me about Mr., America anyway?

Sealand: Jerkface is leaving me with him for a few days, so I wanted to know what he was like.

Wy: Well sorry but I haven't ever met him. Oh, but I did hear that Australia got into an argument with him a little while ago. If that helps.

Peter was in truth somewhat concerned by the fact that Australia and America had a disagreement, he's always known Australia to be really laid back, so

Before he could start considering more possibilities, he was torn from his thoughts by England slightly shaking him: telling him they were there. When Peter got out of the taxi, he took a look around and was shocked at how tall the building America lived in was.

"£50! It's a highway robbery plain and simple. Damn cabbie taking advantage of foreigners." England grumbled idly as they approached the building. "We are here to see Mr. Jones." He then said to the Doorman who stiffened slightly at the resident's name and swiftly opened the door with a courteous smile. The lobby was nicely decorated, not too opulent but not simple either; of course, Peter was paying it no mind as he was much too busy concerning himself with his coming meeting with a superpower. "Are you alright? You're shaking like a leaf. Did you catch something? Let me check your forehead" England said to him after the two entered the elevator. The man then placed a hand on his head, before Peter slapped it away.

"I'm f-fine" He whispered out; England frowned in clear concern. "I'm fine, Jerk-land!" he said with much more confidence, England's frown turned into a scowl. But before the man could scold him the elevator doors opened, and they were greeted with a small hallway with a single door at the end of it titled: penthouse.

England rang the doorbell there was no answer, after about a minute he rang it again, there was again no answer. This continued another 4 times before the man got fed up and began banging on the door rather loudly. There was a crash inside followed by someone shouting: "SHIT! Who the hell is at the door? I swear to god… Uh oh." The door was then swung open revealing a tall young man no older than 20, with messy wheat blonde hair, he was wearing pajama bottoms and an old mostly faded Fraggle Rock T-shirt. Peter was genuinely confused, did they go to the wrong door, or maybe America had moved without telling anyone. He looked to England who was just shaking his head.

"Hey Iggy, you were coming today?" The stranger said sheepishly.

"Yes, Alfred you absolute pillock, what do you think later means?" England Responded, not hiding the irritation in his voice.

"Oh well, no use crying' over spilled milk. Is this him?" He shrugged before pointing down at Peter, he was answered with a nod and a sigh from England. "I guess I should introduce myself before Arthur blows a gasket. Hello, I am The United States of America, but you can just call me Alfred."

What!

Peter was stunned, it was honestly hard to believe; of all the things he expected America to be like; a sloppily dressed teenager was the last thing he would have considered. He was so shocked, when America extended his hand, Peter only reciprocated the handshake out of pure reflex. At that moment he snapped back to reality when he felt it: the pure strength behind the other's hand. It was apparent that the strong handshake was only a fraction of what the man was capable of. Peter found it jarring to say the least, sure America was well built but this was just disproportionate, like an SUV with the engine of a freight train. It then dawned on him that he really ought to introduce himself, he quickly straightened his outfit and tried his best to sound official despite the audience's wholly unprofessional demeanor.

"H-hello, I am Peter Kirkland, The Principality of Sealand, and the smallest nation on earth."

The last part earned a halfhearted chuckle from England, "you aren't a real nation since no one officially recognizes you. You're a micronation at best" The comment earned a scowl from Peter and almost a kick to the shin, but he decided against it since he was trying to make a good impression here. Though he made a mental note to kick England twice as hard next time to make up for it.

"Trying to become independent from Britain, huh dude? Well I can't think of a more noble cause." America chuckled while ruffling Peter's hair, which also earned him a scowl and a mild blush from Peter.

"Now don't you go filling his head with any ideas." England said as he idly checked his watch. "Ah I really ought to get going, big meeting and all that... Now be good and stay out of trouble."

"...I will" Sealand responded begrudgingly, he hated when that jerk told him what to do. However, England wasn't looking at him, instead he had narrowed his eyes in America's direction.

"I wasn't talking to you." England grumbled; America smiled widely in response. An action that only seemed to frustrate the brit further, who turned and left in a huff. All the while mumbling vague insults.

"Bye Iggy!" America shouted at England as he left.

"He seemed mad." Peter piped up. America shook his head and smiled.

"Nah, Arthur wasn't mad. He was actually in a good mood."