A/N *Thanks and shout-out to PrinceofTennis'Shaman for being my informal beta reader. After crying in a corner, I think it really strengthened me as a writer~ ;3 No more annoying A/N's in the middle of the story, I promise. Dx I have installed asterisks instead, great master!

Ch 10

"I'm bored!" Alfred stretched himself out on the floor, complaining to no one in particular. After that odd scenario with being tangled in the PlayStation, Arthur had bustled out of the room, the shade of his face resembling those tomatoes Romano treasures so much. Alfred sighed. What had gotten into England?

Yawning, he got to his feet, and wandered out the room without his mind even registering what he was doing. Before he knew it, he had already wandered through the halls and found himself in front of the kitchen. Through the thin walls of Kiku's house, he could hear Arthur bustling about as he waited for the water to boil, muttering to himself. The sleepy grin on Alfred's face widened and a mischievous glint began to gleam in his eye. Now, what was that "Invincible British Gentleman" mumbling?

-xxx-

Of three things, Arthur was absolutely positive. First, Alfred was a man. Second, there was a part of him—or maybe all of him—that should've completely repulsed the gentleman in Arthur. And third, Arthur was unconditionally and irrevocably in love with him.

Though the poor Brit may have realized his affections with far less zeal than Bella ever did.

"It can't be, can it?" Arthur yanked open a cupboard, looking for the teacups. It was empty. Slam.

"There's no way I could be in love with that idiot!" He pulled open another cupboard. There were dishes in this one. Arthur closed this one more carefully, not wanting to disturb the china inside.

"I'm too old for childish attractions! And even if I must have them, I… I…"

He slammed the side of his fist against the closet he had just taken so much care to close a second ago. Of all people, Arthur wanted to be in love with Alfred the least. He had brought the boy up, for goodness sakes! But, who would've known he would've turn out to be such a charismatic, handsome, kind, caring, irresistible… Arthur couldn't let his thoughts go on like this.

Shaking himself, he continued his search for teacups. He opened and closed a few drawers in silence; his findings amounted to nothing but a few chopsticks and napkins. Suddenly, he jerked as the high-pitched squeal of the teapot went off. He almost sprinted to it, hungering for the sweet aroma of tea** to calm his cluttered mind. As he clicked off the stove, a cabinet directly above his head caught his attention. After pulling it open and staring at its contents for a full minute, Arthur allowed himself a small grin. In the middle of the equipment for Japanese ceremonies, there was a typical English tea-set. As he pulled it down, he spied a small note-card leaning upon the teacup. Upon it, there was Kiku's elegant script:

Dear England-san:

I know how much you love tea, so I assumed that one of these days, you will definitely be in my kitchen, bustling through my cupboards. I prepared this set for you. After all, you have done so much for me as an ally, so this is just a small way to pay you back.

-Japan

P.S. I would love to teach you the traditional Japanese tea-making ceremony someday.

Arthur shook his head fondly.

"Japan, that guy…"

-xxx-

Alfred backed away from the door in shock. Japan?! Arthur was in love, and with Japan? Then, he paused. Why was he reacting in such an extreme fashion? Why should it bother him who Arthur was in love with? But, if it didn't bother him…

…What was this unknown bitter feeling churning in the pit of his stomach?

"Oh, America?"

The screen-door slid open as Arthur's tousled head poked out, "Did you need me?"

Alfred glanced up at him, feeling tears beginning to well up in his eyes. Why was he, the hero, suddenly crying? He turned and sprinted down the hall, his bomber jacket swaying behind him. What was he running from? There were so many unanswered questions, undiscovered feelings swirling around in his heart right now.

He reached the gaming room in safety, though from what, he didn't know. Leaning against the door, he slowly slid to the floor, his legs splayed out before him. He couldn't face Arthur now. That old killjoy had gone and fallen in love with Kiku. Alfred pouted. Had Arthur forgotten everything that they had gone through together? Alfred had known Arthur longer than Kiku. Alfred knew Alfred better than Kiku. All in all, Alfred was better qualified for Arthur than Kiku. But, what was he doing, having these thoughts?

"Oh god," Alfred whispered, staring in shock at his hands, "I'm in love with England, aren't I?"

-xxx-

Arthur was frozen in his position. Was Alfred crying? Strangely enough, the sight of those spacious blue eyes glistening with tears had made his heart pound faster, but Arthur wasn't one to dwell on these thoughts. Willingly, anyhow. The question was why? The idea of Alfred, who was known for his notorious laughter, rushing through the halls of Kiku's house with tears streaming out of his eyes, was not an easy one to picture.***

Deliberately, as if there was something to fear, Arthur followed the path Alfred had taken. He had definitely gone back to the gaming room. After all, Alfred took delight in childish things. Whenever the world got too complicated for him, he slipped back into his old innocence, allowing naïveté to wash away the hurt. If anyone knew Alfred well, it was Arthur. And every extra detail caused the Brit to fall more and more helplessly in love.

"America?" Arthur knocked on the door, already able to see Alfred's shadow curled up into a ball against it, "Are you okay?"

There was a silence, before:

"Go away, England! I HATE you!"

His eyes widened, and before he could stop himself, Arthur complied and staggered away.

**A/N *I love Arthur's addiction for tea. I share it, so we two tea-addicts understand each other. ;3 Anyone else?*

***A/N *Or to write about, for that matter.*

A/N *Hope you enjoyed~ Thanks for the reviews; I loved them. And this fanfic gets more and more fun to write. Ah, misunderstandings are so hot and tragic. USUK~!*