Chapter 7

Word Count: 4,612

Pairing: PrUK (Prussia X England)

Disclaimer: I will never own Hetalia nor its characters but I do own the plot and story on this very page

Warnings: England's brothers, Memories, Very sad England. Possible Swearing on England and America's side.

Hey guys I have finally finished writing this chapter and to be honest it took me quite a while because I was not happy with the events happening or the order things were going so I re-wrote the entire chapter around 3 times. I hope you all enjoy this chapter because now I am happy with it and love the interaction between England and all of the other countries; they all care for him but may show it in different ways like when trying to coax him out from under the table.

P.S. I sense a highly Jealous Francis in the future

Enjoy!

Third Person POV

England was nervously fiddling with his clothes; one which Japan had been searching for the morning after England had arrived at his home, due to him having left the country in such a hurry, with only the clothes on his back. His eyes started to water as the recollection of America's hand connecting with his cheek played on a continuous loop in the forefront of his mind, the bandage still plastered to his bruised cheek. Subconsciously, bringing his hand up to try and sooth the dull ache that echoed through his memories:

England ran as fast as he could travel through the dense woodland, his pet rabbit, Brownie, clutched in his small arms as he heard heavy footsteps behind him. His name was called followed by a few choice cuss words "England! Fucking bastard, where did you go? Think it is a good idea to run away do you? Just see what you get when I catch you!" England's legs pumped faster bringing him to a small clearing, he spotted his favourite hiding spot; a hole, just big enough for him to fit into, at the base of a big oak tree. Scrambling into the hole England tried to quieten his sniffles as his fairy friends and other mythical creatures surrounded him, almost protectively, as the shouting became closer and closer.

Scotland was sneering at a trembling England as he hide in the woodlands with his pet rabbit Brownie; the rabbit was held tightly in the sobbing child's lap as his knees were drawn up to his chest and his arms brought up to cover his head. "Oi Brat! I told you what would happen if you disobeyed me again!" Wales and Ireland were standing off to the side, having followed the duo outside, impatiently waiting for what they deemed a 'good show' to start. The two middle brothers were switching between cheering their older brother on and jeering at their little brother as they watch Scotland advance on the younger of the four before gripping hold of the rabbit, ripping it out of England's trembling hands.

England crawls out of his hiding hole, throwing himself carelessly at his eldest brother; who responded by grabbing the child up by the scruff of his cape and throwing him to the ground hard. Letting go of the pet, Scotland brought out his bow and arrow set, aiming slowly, ignoring the desperate pleas of his younger brother who lay down in the grass, battered and bruised.

A shot was fired and the small white and brown Bunny stilled, birds flew in fast succession as silence filled the wooded area. Scotland sneered before kicking the now dead friend of England, laughing and high fiving Wales and Ireland before they all walked off leaving a quivering England behind to grieve for the loss of one of his many woodland friends.

Having spent the past week at Japan's – otherwise known as Kiku Honda's – house England was almost a nervous wreck, he worried that France really was angry with him for running away like he did, he was overran by fear. As an adult, England was a highly self-conscious man who took what people thought to heart, he was not as strong as he liked for people to think. Although, he did have a slight rebellious phase to himself; especially when he hung around a particular white-haired ex-nation; though a mighty Kingdom at the time. These traits seemed to follow him even in his child-like predicament; he hid behind a mask and although he tried as hard as he could to turn that mask into a part of himself; it always seemed to crumble away occasionally.

England's mind had been plagued with childhood memories throughout his trip and the flight home was no exception, though with the building fear it was much worse, to the point where his breathing accelerating, nearing to that of hyperventilation.

He was almost terrified of seeing America again and hoped that just one country that he liked and that truly liked him back would be at the meeting. Alas, he sighed realising that the one true country that he wished to see would not be present at the meeting, he was constantly told that he did not belong there anymore; which although when England was his rightful size he had joined in, he truly did not believe a word of it and hoped that the loud ex-nation would make an appearance:

The three older brother's stalked off laughing and joking with each other, leaving a quivering England behind to grieve for the loss of one of his many woodland friends...

It was a few hours later, when the sky had gotten dark, that England finally stopped crying. He still knelt on the cold, hard floor next to his dear bunny, Brownie, lost deep within his thoughts until he was broken out of his stupor by the sounds of twigs snapping under foot and leaves rustling. England quickly wiped his eyes fearing that his brothers had returned; fearing the worse, the small island nation scrambled back into his hiding hole waiting as silently as he possible could to the sounds slowly approaching.

Tension hung in the air as England huddle into himself, his breath catching in his throat as a set of boots came into his line of vision. The mystery person, now found to not be one of his older brothers, knelt down carefully near to the deceased pet. "Oh Brownie, you were such a good rabbit. England must be so upset that you were killed by those bastards! I wonder where he is?" Upon hearing the others ragged voice England let out a sigh of relief, a sob forcing itself out along with it; effectively alerting the other to his location. "England? England is that you?"

Footsteps made their way over towards the tree in which England hide, first brown boots appeared, then a white tunic decorated with a black cross and complimented by a long floor length white cloak. Bright red eyes met startling emerald green as the older smiled softly at the blonde haired nation, holding out his hand, the white haired nation pulled England out of the hole and into a tight embrace. "It is okay England, you are safe. I am here for you." England gripped tight to the older nation, holding fast to his cloak as if it were a life line. "Prussia."

Anyway, over the past week, England had spend his time playing with many ancient Chinese toys, listening to music with Li and at bed time, Kiku would read him manga; which he thoroughly enjoyed (just don't tell anyone else!)

Another sigh escaped his small frame, causing Japan to look over the child with a worry glazed expression, as the Island nation contemplated how much he had missed his home; he missed waking up with France next to him and the pancakes that him or Canada would make for him at breakfast time. He was truly excited to go home.

However, no matter how excited he appeared to be he really didn't want to see America anytime soon. Although he hoped that his 'brother' was more than likely guilty for causing him pain and hitting him the way he did; England was not really ready to forgive him just yet.

-Short time skip-

After spending the entire plane and car journey from Japan's house to France; where this series of meetings were to be held in silence, Japan carried the nervous and oddly quiet child in his arms up to the building, climbing the stairs carefully as the closer the pair seemed to get to the meeting hall, the more the small Island Nation seemed to fidget causing Japan's grip to slip ever so slightly on more than one occasion.

They made it to the meeting room with little trouble, opening the door and slipping in unseen, though few countries were present at that precise time. The first thing that England noticed as he glanced around the room was France and Canada standing up by the computer fiddling with what appeared to be a presentation on global warming. Giddiness suddenly over-ridded the child's nervousness as he wiggled indicating that he wanted to be put down, all saddening thoughts dissipating in an instant.

Launching himself across the room giggling as he all but threw himself at his caretaker. "Fwance!" Said nation flicked his gaze over to his trouser leg before returning it back to the computer screen as it pinged at him, furrowing his eyebrows as a notice appeared on the screen indicating a problem "...shit, no there is no error. It was working perfectly fine last night..." France continued to mumble under his breath. England looked up at France in confusion, he hadn't seen his neighbour for a week and he never even spared him a second glance, no hug or even a word was spoken to the Island Nation.

"Fwance? Hey Fwance! Its me, Engwand! Fwwaaaaance!" After constantly trying to gain the older nation's attention, through shouting, shaking his leg and even hitting and kicking him; he reluctantly released the French nation's trouser leg and walked away slowly, his head downcast. Fwance really does hate me; he doesn't like me anymore! I want HIM to come, I want to see him! America looked on the scene playing out before him a frown furrowing his brow as he glared at the French nation, Some friend! I mean he has no right to have a go at me when he goes ahead and hurts England as well, freakin' hypocrite!

As time drew on, England refused to cooperate with anyone else, he refused to come out from his hiding spot under the table and argued or shouted at anyone who would try to make him:

"Come on England, the meeting is going to start in a minute. We need you to come out." Canada spoke to him in soft whispers, looking straight into the child's eyes as tears gathered in the corners threatening to spill over. "No! I don't want to! I am never coming out and you can't make me!" Canada was taken back by the 'sudden' change in the child's attitude but tried a different tactic to persuade England. "Okay, well why don't you come and say hello to France? You haven't seen him all week."

England's gaze darkened, glaring over at the Canadian making a shiver travel go down the north American nation's spine "NO! I don't want to! Stupid French bastard!" This response got the attention of any country in the vicinity; some glanced at the French nation who was muttering under his breath fiddling with the computer. Japan who had be asked to assist the French speaking nation with his presentation glanced towards the table; a saddened look in his eyes as he switched his gaze to the still oblivious France.

Russia tried next by crawling under the table and attempting to sit next to the Island nation only to have him scoot away every time he came close. "Hey there little England. Would you like some Piroski? I can give you some if you come out from under the table." England shook his head, he looked disapprovingly at the Russian man and scowled deeply, his eyebrows furrowing together. "I may be a child but I am not stupid, stop trying to bribe me! If I say I am not coming out it means that I am NOT coming out!" Shaking with anger England clenched his fists in his lap silently wishing that he had his unicorn teddy right now. Eventually, Russia sighed and crawled back out from under the table minus a child.

The rest of the nations tried a range of different methods to try to persuade the younger nation out from under the table; however, all they really achieved was annoying the small child and confusion at the last sentence England shouted "NO! I won't come out! I want HIM here! Why won't HE come get me like he used to!"

France though was oblivious to the actions of the younger nation and after cussing at the computer it finally did what he wanted it to. So without further ado he started the meeting still unaware of the sulking child under the table.

-Time Skip-

A few minutes after the meeting had started, the door slammed open, startling all nations who simultaneously directed their attention towards the doorway. There, with his usual arrogant smirk was Prussia, a white-haired, red-eyed ex-nation who naturally was not supposed to attend these meetings anymore. "Kesesese, ze awesome me has arrived guys, this meeting can now get started." Prussia's eyes swept over the room scanning all occupants before a frown replaced the smirk.

"Where is England?" The nation's all exchanged guilty looks and refused to meet the ex-nations gaze; well all except France who for once looked around the room trying to spot the small island nation. "Yea, where is he? I haven't seen or heard him all day." Once again silence was met and gazes were exchanged around the seated nations. "Ummm ano..." Japan shifted uncomfortably in his seat as all eyes focused on him. "Well I brought England-san here this morning. He tried to get your attention France-san; he called your name, shook your leg and even hit you a few times but you ignored him. He was not at all happy and so has refused to come out from under the table."

France felt guilt settle in his gut; I ignored England? I promised I would never hurt him and yet here I am acting just like his older brothers. I am so sorry England. He made his way, slowly, over to the table and crouched down, sure enough England was sitting huddled on the floor under the table. His knees were drawn up to his chest; his hands wrapped around them curling up as tight as humanly possible. The sight made France's heart clench.

"England? Hey England are you okay?" France sat down on the floor facing the small child who jumped at the sound of his voice, still refusing to look up. "I am sorry for ignoring you England, I am so sorry that I didn't realise you were here. I am sorry that it took Prussia questioning where you were for me to notice." At the sound of the other nation's name England's head shot up, tears streaming down his cheeks.

"Pwussia? Pwussia is here?" France's heart broke at the strained sound coming from his century old friend/enemy. Nodding his head France looked on in confusion as England untangled himself and crawled slowly towards the edge of the table. The room falling silent as all whispering ceased when England stood up out from under the table, frantically sweeping the room for a familiar head of white hair. Upon seeing his target still standing in the doorway, England walked slowly, almost cautiously over to him.

"Pwussia?" England looked up to find said nation smiling down at him, his hands were clenched, twisting in the fabric of his shirt as he shifted his gaze down towards the floor, suddenly unsure. However, Prussia slowly bent down so he was eye level to the small nation, he placed one of his hands gently over England's. "Hey little England. What's up?" The smile Prussia sent his way had a warm sort of feeling spreading through his torso, a smile made its way across his face as he met the Prussian's gaze.

Looking around the room, England made a small gesture towards the white-haired nation indicating that he wanted him to come closer. As the older nation obliged, England lent forward leaning close to the others ear whispering so no other nation could hear. "Amewica hates me and Fwance doesn't want me here. I am scared. What if they all leave me again?" Tears were gathering once again in England's eyes as he pulled back from Prussia looking in the others eyes before bowing his head.

Prussia looked over towards America to see him looking down at his hands, his face one of pure guilt as if he knew what England told him. He switched his face over to France who also had a look of pure guilt shaping his features, he then looked back down towards England before sitting down on his knees. He pulled England into a tight hug, sitting him down on his lap as he rocked the small nation back and forth "Don't worry England, I will never leave you alone okay? I will always keep you safe. We are friends right?" England nodded and turned his face into Prussia's neck wrapping his arms around his neck holding on tight as if he were to disappear.

The Prussian tightened his arms around England before standing up, he gazed towards France before glaring at the French nation, one of his hands rubbing soothing circles up the little nations spine. "I never thought that you of all people would hurt England this much, I kind of expected this from America who does have a tendency to act before he thinks but you Francis? I can just say that I am deeply disappointed. He has been your friend since the very beginning and yes you may have fought on different sides but you were supposed to be there for him. Not betray him just like his brothers."

With that Prussia walked out of the meeting room holding England closer as they made their way out of the building; England had started to cry softly as Prussia confronted France, his small body trembled as Prussia walked away from the meeting. Prussia continued to walk down the streets of France until he made it to a fancy hotel; Le Meurice, where all of the nations were staying during the duration of the meetings.

-Back to the meeting room-

Silence filled the room after Prussia's outburst, no one quite used to the oldest German brother being so serious, America had small tears tracking down his cheeks as his guilt and sorrow intensified where as France sat down heavily on a chair at the head of the table, his head placed in his hands, France's expression turned to one that was a mixed between guilt and horror. "Mon Dieu, what have I have done? I never meant to hurt him." No one made any move to console either nation as one question ran through everyone's mind:

When were England and Prussia so close?

Germany glanced at the door where his brother left with England and sighed when he thought of Prussia looking after a small child. His gaze switched to sweep the room and noticed the melancholic tension, not liking the feeling Germany stood up and made his way over to the French nation. He placed a hand on his shoulder before speaking in a soft tone "I know you are worried about England but Prussia is looking after him for now, you have nothing to worry about he is fairly good with children and from all of the stories he has told me; him and England were close, he protected him from his brothers on numerous occasions, and before 1914 Prussia and England were almost always in military alliances together. So, how about we finish the meeting; it will give everyone a chance to calm down."

France looked up and smiled at the German man nodding his head "Of course Germany, you are right Mon Ami, we do not want to be stuck here any longer than we have to..." France stood up from his seat and made his way over to the front of the meeting room once again "The meeting will now restart."

-To England-

England had fallen asleep on the walk to the hotel, where all nations were staying during the duration of these meetings. Prussia, being as careful and quiet as possible managed to carry the sleeping child up to his hotel room; situated next to his younger brother, Germany's, and tucked him up under the covers. The Prussian left the room and walked into the Front room before switching on the tv and waiting for his friend to wake up from his nap.

As the pictures moved and shifted on the screen the ex-nation drifted back to what he had witnessed at the meeting hall; deducing the fact that France had completely ignored England all day, he managed to guess that the bandage on his cheek was something to do with the twitchy American. Anger boiled up in the pit of his stomach at the thought of someone hurting his England, his thoughts drifting more and more as he continued to wait for England to awaken.

Seemingly he didn't have to wait for long because he heard the distinct sounds of crying coming from the bedroom; standing up abruptly Prussia launched himself over the back of the sofa and crashed into the room making a beeline for the crying nation. "Oh England. What is the matter, mein freund?" Prussia picked up the child sitting him on his lap when he sat down on the edge of the bed. "I had a nightmare..."

Prussia looked down at the small island nation, bring a hand up he wiped away his tears with the pad of his thumb, only for them to be replaced by more. Prussia held the child tightly as he shifted to the centre of the bed before lying down; he held England in his arms protectively, curling around the child; the way he used to when they were younger, England responded by griping his arm in a vice like grip, hugging him back. "Do you want to tell me what it was about?"

England took a shuddering breath as he tried to calm his sobbing down enough to reiterate his dream to his century long friend. "Fwance hated me; h...he hu...hurt he...l...like...my...b...broth... brothers used...to...a...and...America...w...was just...standing there...watching...a...and sh...shouting at m...me."

"Well Iggy. That is not true, France loves you and so does America. They are your family and they all love you so much. You are so loved by more people than you realise England." Prussia brought one of his hands away from England's back to stroke through his blonde hair rubbing soothing circles with the other trying to calm the distraught child down. "But...he ig...ignored me...this...m...morning a...and A...America hi...hit me. They thi...think I a...am a b...burden..."

Prussia was on the verge of tears himself as he watched the child in his arms fall apart, his sobs getting harsher and his body curling tighter in the safe haven Prussia created. "Oh England. I know for a fact that France loves you so much, and if he truly does think that you are a burden then I am going to keep you with me okay? You can stay with me and I will look after you until you change back to your usual self. How does that sound?"

England sniffled and tried to calm down his sobs, this time succeeding as he processed what the Prussian had said, a smile breaking out over his face as his tears slowed dramatically; the warm feeling coming back as his cheeks turned a slight shade of pink. "Weally? Can I weally stay with you?" England sat up so suddenly that the mattress moved underneath him almost making him fall back over; turning around to looked hopefully down at his white-haired friend, the usual sparkle shining in his eyes. Prussia chuckled at the sudden change in mood and ruffled England's hair, affectionately, "Of course you can Iggy. I would love to have you stay and how about when you turn back, we hang out just like we used to?" Prussia sent a wink to the small nation who blushed and nodded his head.

Prussia, now pleased with himself for cheering the young Island Nation up, sat up on the bed and made his way towards the edge. Sliding off of the bed he stood up to his full height facing, a still joyous England. He held out one of his hands towards the English man, inviting him to move over to him. "Come on Iggy, how about we go out and get some Ice-cream? or maybe some cake? Which one would you prefer?"

England contemplated for a few seconds, his head tilting to the side at an angle his eyebrows furrowed in concentration and his hands in his lap; apparently coming to a decision moment later the blond haired nation stood up and wobbly made his way over the mattress. Once he was in front of the other nation he lifted his arms up, wiggling his fingers waiting for Prussia to pick him up; which he quickly did. "Can we go get some cake pwease Pwussia?"

"Of course Iggy and why don't you call me Gilbert or Gil like old times?"

"Okay but you have to call me Awthur to!" England giggled as Prussia smiled softly down at him, holding him tightly in his arms, pulling him even closer to his chest as he gave him another big hug "Or I could call you Artie." Smirking down at the child, Prussia chuckled when England appeared to be pouting until a huge smile shaped his features and he nodded his head in agreement. "I guess you can call me that."

Prussia chuckled once again before turning around, leaving the room and making his way out of the hotel building; just in time to because as the Prussian was leaving the hotel he spotted some nations were starting to make their way back from the meeting, a few of them already down the road.

France, having been immensely worried about England, followed his visiting nations to the hotel in which they were staying, instead of going home. The French nation walked straight through the lobby ignoring the greeting of some of the other countries as he walked with purpose towards the elevator. After waiting a few minutes he finally made it to the floor he had situated the German brothers on and making his way to Prussia's room he knocked loudly on the door, only to receive no reply.

His frown deepened.

They were not here, now France was unsure of whether Prussia even came straight back to the hotel or whether he had taken the English nation out somewhere; the question was where would he take the small English man. His worry turning into frustration as he realised that he was going to have to wait even longer to apologise to England, while also waiting longer to take his England back, by force if he had to.

For France, being the Country of Love, knew of the deep feelings that the Prussian; one of his closest friends as well, harboured for the Loud-mouthed, abrupt and truly temperamental island nation. For his were the same, though over the past few weeks or since the start of this small predicament England had found himself in, the green-eyed nations feelings for the ex-nation had been dropped through subtle hints. Most likely without England even knowing that he is doing it.

From the yellow bath toys looking suspiciously like chicks; one being affectionately called Gilbird, to the Prussian eagle on his pyjamas. From his immediate vacation of his hiding spot under the table when the Prussian arrived at the meeting hall to how comfortable he was speaking to and communicating with said Prussian. Even in the things Germany has said about the close relationships between the two nations. France was worried that he would lose England to one of his best friends, the thought alone was enough to break his heart.

The fight for England is on!

A/N

When I mentioned Prussia and England hanging out in the 'good old days' I have a headcannon that during the Punk phase; England and Prussia used to dress in black super skinny jeans, tight muscles t-shirts and leather jackets. England would wear all of his piercings and they would both go around either smoking, drinking or graffiti-ing secluded bus stops and such. They still hang out occasionally and still do all of these activities but put on an air of not getting along in front of the other nations.

Hey guys, good news I got into the University of Hertfordshire in London and am travelling down there on 24th September. I am so looking forward to it.

Anyway, for those who have already read this story and are possibly re-reading then I hope that you find this redrafted version much better and find that it flows easier than the previous. I realised that some of the reviews were right and that dropping Prussia into it all of a sudden was a bit confusing; England now makes mostly subconscious hints about his attraction towards the ex-nation and sometime they are outright.

!IMPORTANT NOTE!

The next chapter may include a slightly (or highly) OOC France as he gets jealous of England and Prussia and tries to 'kidnap' England in a way; I was thinking of making him succeed but making England absolutely miserable, always thinking about Prussia and cry at night wishing for his crush to come and save him like he used to. It is not finalised yet but I was thinking of having France become desperate and slightly frustrated about England's constant chatter about Prussia that he snaps and shouts at England causing him to run away...

If anyone has any ideas feel free to message me and I will take all of your ideas into consideration :)