Chapter 16
Hello all! I just returned from Florida which has completely melted away all residual exam stress so I'm ready to write (I'm jet lagged but this is worth it, I'm sorry for keeping you all waiting for such a long time.)
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Alfred fidgeted surprisingly quietly in his chair, guarding a spot to his left that he was hoping Arthur would take. They used to sit together all the time until recently- Alfred wasn't sure what had changed but he definitely didn't like it. Arthur was the Lois Lane to his super man! Of course it was only right that they remain side by side whenever they are together! Well, he just had to win Artie back from his crowd of un-heroic friends.
Alfred had no idea why Arthur would hang around a totally un-awesome ghost like Prussia or Francey pants! Sure, the three had history- Arthur and Francis grew up together- and Prussia is almost as old as Arthur is but by that logic Arthur should be hanging out with Yao or his sister. Alfred shuddered- Yao was acting like a disgrace recently with all the drunk dialling and harassing Artie... Oh! If Alfred were to swoop in and rescue him Artie would he totally greatful and go back to being his! What a perfect idea!
...Nah, it looks like Yao is sitting next to Kiku- there's no chance of him starting anything else. Maybe he should try to be the gentleman instead? Well, Iggie is all refined and stuff, so it could work...Ah but then he couldn't call him Iggy! Alfred supposed he could always think of a new nick name- he was a hero after all!
Alfred watched as Arthur slipped back into the room in all his grumpy cuteness and waved enthusiastically at his future husband. Matthew had to lean out of the way to avoid being hit- looks like he'd been forgotten again.
"Hey Artie, I saved you a place!"
Arthur scanned the room, shrugged and then sat down- Alfred counted it as a win.
"So, are you okay dude?" He asked curiously.
"I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?" Snapped Arthur defensively as he reorganised his meticulous hand written notes that were probably already fine in the order they were already in. Alfred raised his hands in surrender.
"Sorry if I touched a nerve, it just seemed like Francy-Pants was onto something when he said your brother is manipulative. He does know you better than anyone else left alive- apart from your family."
Arthur just stared at him in disbelief for a few moments, considering something.
"Dylan has always been a little bit... Well, he's my brother and I love him but he can be really bloody cruel sometimes, even if it is for my own good. He always has a plan and he calmly pushes everyone around him like chess pieces into place! Sometimes I wish he would just leave things be." Arthur sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Alfred had no idea how to respond.
"Maybe you should just tell him how you feel?" Alfred suggested gently. He was awesome at this!
"Maybe." Said Arthur thoughtfully.
"I mean, you both love each other, right? So you can totally work this out no problem! I think you're probably just stressed about finding out that uh y'know..."
"Everyone wants to get into my pants?" Finished Arthur in a dry voice.
"Ye- wait no no that's not what they're trying to do, is it?" Asked Alfred, scandalised.
"I don't know Alfred, I really just don't know." Muttered Arthur.
Alfred frowned, it looked like Arthur was in for a serious wake up call...
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Keith and Kyle happily handed out their cookies to anyone they could convince into eating them. Their cheerful smiles tricked plenty of nations who saw them as the friendly twins from down under. The cookies were then immediately followed by a question of whether or not they loved their mum- Kyle had to hold Keith back from punching a few people but all in all they had collected a nice list of suitors for them to terrorise. They'd roped Seychelles into handing out busicuits to Francis and Antonio, both of whom promised to eat them later.
"Who's reaction was your favourite?" Asked Kyle curiously.
"Kiku's. His blushing was prettt adorable." Chucked Keith.
"Yeah that was pretty cute. Hey, do you think we shoulda give one to Hong?" Pondered Seychelles.
The twins both shuddered in unison.
"No way! We'd have to tie him down somewhere to keep everyone safe!" Cried Kyle.
"He's always been mums favourite..." Snorted Keith.
"Ahem, anyways, I think we should get Romania to report any incidents that occur for the gossip blog- I bet Hungary is going to get loads of nosebleeds today!" Chuckled Seychelles.
"That's a good idea, well done Michelle" Keith patted her on the head and she grinned.
"Just don't tell mum." Warned Kyle.
"We won't!"
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Arthur strolled at a leisurely pace to the little cafe he knew served some excellent tea and crumpets. He stopped and stared when he noticed Kiku and Yao were already inside. He grimaced- he really didn't want to deal with his ex after that mornings argument...
"Buongiorno bello."(Good morning handsome-Italian)
Arthur turned around startled.
"Good morning Lovino." He replied awkwardly. He hadn't expected to see the sexier twin near his favourite cafe in the city.
"Are you alone?" Lovino inched closer.
"Unfortunately,yes. I really don't want to talk to anyone after the morning I've had." He said stiffly.
"Well, how about I take you to a nice restaurant and we can see if we can salvage your day coniglietto" (bunny)
Arthur hesitated but accepted Lovinos outstretched hand.
"Alright."
"Perfezionare! Let's go."
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