Chapter 18

Hope you enjoy this chapter!

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"Asa san, gomen-nasai for grabbing you like that, but it seemed like you needed rescuing."

Japan released Englands' arm from his grip, taking a step away to allow him a respectful amount of personal space.

"Ah, I really appreciated it actually Kiku, I can't believe Lovino sometimes, and Antonio is absolutely unbearable when he gets worked up about something." Arthur grumbled with a scowl.

He was fed up of being treated like a bloody piece of meat! He would choose his own partner in his own time on his own terms, and he absolutely refused to be pressured into choosing a lover! Honestly, he thought that they were all being idiots- fighting over him was absurd. He did enjoy his date with Lovino, but he wasn't really certain he even wanted to be in a relationship whilst his country was

"W-well, how about we go over the meeting notes somewhere quiet instead?" Replied Kiku rather diplomatically. He held his tongue about Antonio's tendency to rant and Lovino's ongoing issues with jealousy. Arthur would appreciate his silence on the topic more than bitter personal opinions. He wanted to calm down rather than returning to the meeting still riled up.

"I believe that is a wonderful idea Kiku, how about the couches near the bookshelf two floors up?"

"Hai."

Kiku tried to hide his smile behind his hand as they both approached the elevator. They nodded to Germany and Italy who were going out for lunch together. In Kiku's opinion they were a perfect couple, they'd finally confessed to each other after many years of pining and it made Kiku extremely proud of them both.

"Ve~ ciao Kiku, have you already eaten lunch?"
"Hai, I ate with my brother."

"That's a shame, we're going out for pasta! Feliciano beamed, bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Oh really?" Asked Arthur, his lips twitching into a smile, ire fading entirely.

"Sì! Germany promised he'd let me choose today."

"Ah, isn't that nice of him."

Germany blushed and averted his eyes. Arthur was sparkling. He didn't even mind that he was being teased. The elevator dinged and Arthur and Kiku entered.

"Sì! Addio Arthur and Kiku!" Beamed Feliciano.(yes, goodbye)

"Goodbye then, and enjoy your pasta." Arthur nodded and smiled politely before the elevator doors closed between them.

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"Ve~ I didn't realise it before, but isn't Arthur actually really nice?" Feliciano skipped along beside him, smiling even wider than before. He didn't really know Arthur all that well in truth, but he knew his brother really really liked him. Lovi wouldn't stop talking about him, actually. Feli had always thought he was sexy but dangerous and cold. After spending time with him he knows it's the opposite. Sure, he had made attempts to get to know him in the past but it was more to make his brother jealous so he would admit his feelings but he definitely wouldn't mind dating that sexy gentleman...

"Ja."

In Germanys opinion, Arthur had always been very kind. He was polite and hardworking, but he did have a bit of a temper- not that Ludwig minded. Arthur had babysat him as a favour to his brother when he was very young, he only had a vague recollection of it but he remembered enough to know he had been fun and easy-going. He had after all raised quite the blood of children.

"I wonder how Arthur and Kiku met, I bet that'd be an interesting story..." Said Feliciano with a thoughtful look on his handsome face.

"You should ask him."
"Maybe later" Feli shrugged. He was certain now, Arthur was perfect for his brother. He'd stop with the teasing, it had already motivated Lovi to start courting so there was no need to continue messing with his brother.

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Dylan smiled eerily at his nephews.

"Hello boys."

"Hi uncle Dyl, what do ya need?" Beamed Keith.

He knew his uncle was kind of crazy when it came to protecting Arthur but he had his best interests at heart and he'd always been a great uncle and a good brother to Arthur. He was the one who always told the truth and forced Arthur to deal with things he was avoiding.

"I was wondering if you still have that list of suitors?"

"W-well I don't know what you're talking about…" Keith refused to meet his eyes.

"Oh come on boys, Leon told me everything."

"Shit. You won't tell Mum will you?" Asked Kyle, narrowing his eyes.

"Of course not, I only want to make sure that whoever your mother wants to marry is good enough."

"I'm not so sure about marriage uncle Dyl but sure you can have the list- as long as you promise not to tell Mum."

"I wouldn't rat you boys out. Why are there names crossed out?"

"Oh, those names are people we have deemed unfit or are already out of the running."

"Ah I see... Well done boys, you've done a very good job. Don't worry about a thing, I'll take care of this."

He turned on his heel and strode out the front door.

"I think we should warn Auntie North" Said Keith meekly.

"No- she'd kill us. Call Uncle Al."

"But-"

"Just do it- it's better this way."

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