The pink orb grew larger by the minute, slowly becoming the size of a fist. The outer layer was being stretched to it's furthest extent, and if it could, it would be screaming in agony. Then a sharp pin reached over and the pink orb was gone, leaving nothing in the air except the sweet scent of cotton candy. America glared over to the offender as he wiped away small chunks of bubblegum that had slapped him on the cheek. The needle pulled away and England glared right back, "You know how stupid you look? Why don't you ever act your age, you git?"

America gritted his teeth and opened his mouth, ready to retort, but slammed his mouth shut and turned pale. He sat a moment in a trance before whipping around to stare over where Canada was sitting, glaring down Canada on the stead. Canada noticed this acknowledgement and smiled back, waving weakly towards his American counterpart as Cuba screamed obscenities towards the timid brother. Alfred looked down at the table, frowning, and started to draw patterns with his fingertips. He wasn't quite sure what to do anymore; it was clear Canada was preoccupied with Cuba and America was unable to speak. Is this how if feels to be Canada? "Did you find a way to communicate yet?" came a quiet, yet rough voice from America's side.

Glancing over, America finally noticed that the blonde German had decided to sit by him rather than claim his usual end seat and America had to see who took over this relinquished seat. And America had to hid back a chuckle as he saw Prussia screaming across the masses, a cheesy grin stretched across his cheesy Prussian face. America turned back towards the reserved German and shook his head for a 'no', shrugging indifferently, not really knowing what else to sign. Germany chuckled and slide a small piece of paper over with a pencil, "I figured as much. Here, write down when you have something important to say. Remember: important." Frankly America was surprised by this gesture, but he wouldn't say so; everyone tries to be friends with the hero of course.

"America I have a question, if that is acceptable," Japan interrupted from across the table as America considered writing a note to Germany.

America nodded for Japan to continue and Japan did his strange nod-bow and proceeded. But before Japan started he looked up startled at America, as a lack of statement about his gesture was not stated. It was common knowledge that if anyone did anything not relevant to the American culture, America would be all over it. But America just smiled defeated and motioned for Japan to continue, "Well, I haven't received your payment for those products yet and I was wondering when it might arrive?"

Products? America shook his head and looked confused, scrunching up his eyebrows and tilting his head, thinking of a recent time he had bought something from Japan but couldn't think of one. America glanced over to Canada, but Canada looked just as confused as America, drawing a question mark in the air. Turning back towards Japan, America shook his head and tilted his head some more. Japan was quick to pick up on the cues and responded, "Ah, it was the that one secret exchange, where we met in a more disclosed area. I'm certain you don't want anyone to hear about it, but I was concerned about the money affairs."

The room seemed to quiet as they listened to the exchange between friends, as it wasn't often that America, if anyone, brought their personal affairs to the meeting. But still, America persisted, shaking his head, and scrunching his eyebrows all the same. Remembering the paper, America quickly wrote, 'What the hell are you talking about?' and flicked it over to Japan.

A small smile spread across Germany's face as he watched America utilize his idea, but turned away, in an attempt to talk to Switzerland. Japan opened the note and replied, 'Those videos'

'No, dude. I seriously have no idea what you're talking about.'

'It was around 2 months ago.'

America tried to rack his mind of when he met with Japan 2 months ago but literally could not think of anything, 'I'm sorry dude, but you're going to have to clarify.'

A huff filled the room, as Japan glared down at the piece of paper, 'The videos involving the women.'

'No clue.'

'America, you were so excited to receive them, I thought for sure you would pay in advance, or even in the least, remember them.'

'I don't think I can pay for anything that I have no recollection of buying. By the way, if you're talking about hentai videos, I just steal those, so is it just a regular movie?'

Japan looked up taken aback and glared over, 'Stop stealing my art. I need money for that. Also, the movies WERE hentai. But if wasn't you, then who has my videos?'

'It wasn't Canada; he does all of my money affairs, and he looked as confused as me. Was it Germa-' America stopped himself as he remembered this was German paper and it would probably tell the man America was plotting, 'Russia?'

'No. He told me he was America and he had blonde hair. Were you perhaps drunk?'

'Hero's don't get drunk. And Canada still would have had tabs on the exchange.' America looked up from his conversation and looked around the room, looking for someone who would try to scandalize him. Then he smirked, 'Hey, why don't you just have Germany quiet down the room so you can ask EVERYONE? And than we can just cross everyone off that was accounted for.'

'That seems a little silly. I'm certain it wouldn't help.'

'Don't worry, I've got you man. This will work.'

Japan looked up concerned but sighed and nodded his confirmation. America tapped Germany, but froze. How am I suppose to signal for everyone to be quiet? But before he had time, Germany turned around, "What is it, America?"

America drew a blank and pointed over to Japan, who looked back guiltily, quickly flinging back the piece of paper back without thought. The paper sailed across the table heading for America, but a deft German hand caught it and proceeded to read the conversation, before getting quiet. In retrospect, now thinking of the idea, America could now see how silly his idea was, because, really? who would openly admit to buying porn? The reason Japan was staying quiet, besides his natural silent self, was to probably not make America feel embarrassed about the exchange, especially amongst his peers. America wasn't certain if the German had finished reading the exchange or not, but America snatched away the paper and quickly scribbled out his suggestion, replacing it with, 'Scratch that, you're right. Totes silly. Well, what would you suggest we do?' and chucked it back over to Japan who caught the paper expectantly.

Germany seemed frozen in thought before raising his hand to give America a well deserved smack, but quickly restrained himself as the American gave him an apologetic smile and a nod. America was a little surprised in himself, considering he usually never concedes that his ideas are lame, but when he thought about his idea more thoroughly, or at least the more he considered what it would bring, it made more sense to rethink his idea. It just seemed not all there and would just cause a scene. Now, instead of receiving the scorn of his fellow members, he could hide the suggestion within himself. It felt good not being embarrassed in front of the group, and it actually made America want to try it again. Later. Obviously this feeling was probably something that was a passing fling, and it wouldn't change his true patriotic valor, but it would be nice to experience it, once in a great while.

Japan was quick in his read through and sent back his message, 'If anything, we should have a small gathering between you and I, bringing Canada if he wishes, and discuss what sort of wolf is trying to shame your name. Is that satisfactory?'

America didn't bother sending back over the paper but nodded once, sending a hard look towards Japan.

This small conversation; this small, insignificant conversation, would set off a chain of events that would eventually lead to a changed world. Like a small butterfly flap, supposedly setting off a hurricane that would destroy many, this exchange was to make a new light for each person witnessed. But that's for another story, and another time. Destiny's intertwine as fates change, but never following the same path. Like the small bubble that can be popped, the danger that lurked was once again forced to wait another day. But eventually that bubble will pop, and when it does, cross-fire is never very selective.