Disclaimer: I can't even dream of owning Hetalia. My drawings would look like chicken scrawl compared to those of Himaruya.

WARNINGS:

Alfred. Sappy, puppy-eyed, romantic, ripped-out-of-a-Hollywood-film Alfred. This requires no further explanation. I'm not really sorry for this. XD

Man-talk…with Austria and President Aquino. More awkward than it sounds.

Mindanao being painfully dramatic…plus his Romano-esque language.

Chapter 4: Conversations

Austria had excused himself as he hurriedly wore the barong Tagalog and slacks Paulita gave him. He hurried into the president's office, apologizing profusely for taking too much time. "Paulita said that you'd appreciate it if I wore the national costume," he said.

"No wonder, Roderich. It suits you. Have a seat." the president said, smiling. "Are you enjoying your first few hours here?" "Very much, Sir-Tito Noy. Paulita and the children have been the most gracious hosts I've ever had in ages. It's a far cry from the lavish balls I attended in Europe, but here I am satisfied." Roderich said.

Roderich gazed around the office. Its floor was made of varnished mahogany. The carpet was gorgeous. The carved desk, chair and bookshelves were expertly-made by woodcutters from the province of Laguna. The windows matched the wood-and-capiz design of the whole house. A crystal chandelier hung over the room, illuminating the presidential portrait and the pole which held the nation's flag.

"Tito Noy, I think that I may be distracting you from your work. Please, there isn't much of a need to talk to me." Austria said, trying to stand up. "Indeed, you are a real gentleman, Roderich. Don't worry; I am here in this resthouse to unwind before heading to the capital for more work." The president said.

"Unfortunately, my rest day was dampened, so to speak." Roderich gave a chuckle at this. "I'm sure, though, that a fine young man such as yourself already has a woman to share his life with." Roderich was silenced. He closed his violet eyes and sighed.

"Ah, I'm sorry. Forgive me, son." Noynoy said, falling silent. "No, Tito. It's alright. That's the reason I came here. You see, I was once married to Hungary. It was just supposed to be another political union, but we grew to love each other. Unfortunately, we separated because of our bosses. I still love her, but she seems to have found someone else…an ex-nation at that." Austria said, his voice full of frustration.

"So that's why Mr. Carriedo called Paulita at around 3 in the morning. Of course, even at such a ridiculous time, Paulita would do anything to talk with her Kuya Antonio." Noynoy said wryly.

"Antonio once brought Paulita to my house. She was a little girl, then. She reminded me so much of Hungary when she was young. She was an exceptional cook. She was spunky yet affectionate…and she despised Prussia…" his voice trailed off.

The president didn't say anything. He placed his hand on the nation's shoulder. "Don't worry, Roderich. I never had a wife…and because of the nosy paparazzi, I might never have one. Consider yourself lucky. That kind of story never happens every day. As for me, I have to bear being left by one girlfriend after another."

"I'm sorry, Tito Noy. Don't worry, though. You'll find someone. As for me, I'll have to learn to love again, but if she comes back, I'll accept her with open arms." Austria said. "I'm guessing you're alright with Paulita being with that obnoxious American."

"President Obama and I are on good terms. Paulita and Alfred are a different story, though. What can I do? They had been enamored with each other since 1898." Noynoy said, stifling a laugh. "Even if Alfred is such a goofball, he's sincere, unlike some politicians in this land…albeit a very cheesy young man."

"What do we expect, Tito Noy? He's the one who gave the world a taste of Hollywood!" Austria exclaimed. It ended in laughter for both men. The rain still poured outside.

"By the way, who are Ibarra and Maria Clara?" Austria asked. The president sighed dreamily.

"Luzon, where are the three of you going?" Paulita asked.

"I'm going to practice on my guitar!" Visayas said. "I'll make a bamboo flute for Kuya Roderich!" Luzon said. "I'm going to read the Qur'an and pray, if you don't mind." Mindanao said as the three of them dashed up the stairs.

"Hey, Alfred, make sure no one, not even you, harms Inay. If you lay a finger on a single black strand, I'm going to chop you to bits and turn you into a burger!" Mindanao trailed.

"MINDANAO!" his sisters yelled.

Alfred gave a chuckle. "He takes off after your childhood spunk. He was just like you when we first met. What did Kiku call you? Tsu-tsun something." He said, breathing the scent of her hair. It smelled of sampaguita and other flowers.

"Tsundere." She corrected him. "I kept whacking you with sticks and cursed Kuya Antonio for selling me to you. It's funny that we're…this now." Alfred was now as red as the stripes on his flag.

"I'm really sorry about Harun. He has been quite rude to you—" Alfred put a finger to her lips.

"I may want to be the hero but I can't make everyone like me. At least I know that while I'm gone, someone's protecting you." Alfred said, wrapping his arms around her. His bomber jacket was left unattended on the seat of the divan. Paulita picked it up and wore it, much to her lover's delight.

"It's been long since I wore this." Paulita said, enveloping herself in the warmth of the oversized clothing. It smelled of musky cologne, soda, grilled beef and rain. "When you were younger, you loved wearing my jacket. You were already drenched in sweat but you refused to take it off." He said.

"Of course, I was a silly girl who always threw hissy fits at you. Kuya Antonio always threatened to castrate you and said that it was a brotherly instinct. He thought you didn't take care of me well," Paulita said, "and when you let me go, he kept asking me if you only fed me hamburgers and soda and promised to make me 'decent' food."

"Well, the tomato bastard—" it was his turn to be silenced. "There are three children in this house. Don't be a bad example."

"Cuddling with your lover on the couch and wearing his jacket is something the kids should see?"

"Touché."

"Don't worry. Francis won't hear us."

"Good. I can't bear having either him or Gilbert here. God forbid that both of them be here, especially with Roderich around." She sighed.

"By the way, Roderich seemed colder than usual. Care to explain?" Alfred implored. "Apparently, Gilbert whisked away Ate Hungary. Knowing Kuya Roderich, he loves her very much. Kuya Antonio suggested that he stay here for a while. Prussia won't dare. I can use both a wok and a frying pan." Paulita said.

"Knowing you, I'm sure that you've whacked him at least once." Alfred said, fixing his blue eyes on her brown ones. "Of course. I learned from Elizaveta. I even sent him a bigger version of my dress as a blackmail present. I was a horrible child. Even England wouldn't want to take me in."

Alfred was already laughing. "You sent Gilbert a dress? Have I ever told you how awesome you are compared to him?" Paulita's cheeks were red. "Nah…he doesn't hold a candle to you."

Paulita smacked his arm playfully. "You flatterer! I don't know what to do without you." "You'd never know the taste of a hamburger." He jokingly replied.

Alfred laughed until he fell unto the cushions, unceremoniously pulling the female nation on top of him. He let her stay beside him. "Let's take a nice nap. You've been working the whole day and you need some sleep." He traced the bottom lid of her brown eyes.

"I'll have some sleep later, Alfred. Right now, I should be cooking or tending to my boss and Austria." She tried to get up and leave but he pulled her back down. "Your dear Luzon told me that she wanted to cook dinner. I'm sure it's going to be much better than Iggy's cooking. Come on, Paulita, take a rest."

The Filipina sighed with a sleepy smile. "Oh well, I guess I do want to sleep, after getting drenched in the rain, waiting at the airport and getting caught in traffic." She lay down beside Alfred on the couch, still wearing the bomber jacket. The blonde took off his glasses as they snuggled closer to each other.

"Do not be deceived, though. Even if my country is lovely, much needs to be improved on. But, marriage? That will solve none of our problems! Marriage is out of the question, my dear son. I will not allow another colonizer to set foot in the Philippines." President Aquino said, dropping the cigarette stick. He presumed that his guest would not like the smell of smoke.

"I'm glad to hear that. She deserves a beautiful life." Austria said.

"Unfortunately, we have to deal with a horde of suitors, Roderich." The president said, rubbing his temples. "I am not surprised, Tito Noy. Paulita is a lovely young woman and anyone who does not notice that is a fool." The Austrian answered, tipping his eyeglasses.

"Spain and China are just protective brothers…very protective. Japan's wooing her with trade agreements. Korea's bombarding her with irritating pop tunes and silly soap operas. Germany helped in the Philippine-American War and responded during Typhoon Ketsana…"

"Forgive me, I have not yet shared my condolences regarding such a tragedy." Roderich said, half-closing his eyes.

"Thank you, Roderich," he smiled at the nation. "Also, there's Netherlands, who tried to take her away from Spain at one point. Australia trains some of her soldiers and helps Mindanao ward off terrorists. Canada has been taking in some of our workers. The Middle Eastern nations are almost pleading for her workers to come there. France has been flattering her but she seems to enjoy whacking him with a frying pan instead. And of course, last but not the least is America, the ever-persistent suitor willing to see her at the drop of a hat." Noynoy recounted fondly.

"Are you not afraid, Tito, that they would take her away from you?" "God forbid, Roderich. The armed forces will not allow that to happen…and add Mindanao…but Russia seems to take an interest in our oil reserves."

"Be careful around Russia, though," Roderich said. "Don't worry. His vodka's nothing compared to our lambanog, or coconut wine. He'll get a kick out of that. If he dare cross us, he'll wish himself dead instead of a horrible hangover." Noynoy said.

The president and the nation fell silent for a long time before the former spoke. "You seem to be very concerned about my nation's heart. Don't get me wrong, though, but has she smitten you in some way?" The silence was as awkward as a father's conversation with his daughter's boyfriend.

"Truth be told, I came here to forget about my ex-wife, but Paulita mirrors her in some way that makes me uncomfortable. And here comes Alfred, who reminds me all-too well of Gilbert, especially when he thinks of himself as the most awesome creature on Earth." His voice was bitter.

"I understand. Not a word of this will be told to Paulita or Alfred. Consider this our secret, Roderich. I already smell something good. Soothe yourself, young man. Leave the house tomorrow and see the sights." Noynoy told him.

"Paulita, even without that Mutual Defense Treaty, I'd still protect you and Harun. I don't care how much he ignores me. I'm the hero and I won't let them pick on a kid. If those terrorists hate you because of our bond, then I should be the one they're shooting, not you or Mindanao. I love you, Paulita. Don't forget that," the American mumbled in his sleep.

Mindanao almost dropped the stick he held. Is that true, Alfred? He thought. He shook his head, positioning the end of the stick on the blonde's forehead.

"Wake up. Oi, wake up, stupid American." Mindanao said, poking Alfred's forehead.

"Now, Phili, I know you want me to get up and kiss you like crazy or snuggle on this comfy couch of yours, but…five minutes please." He said, obviously oblivious as he reached out for Texas, wherever it could have been.

"WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU?" Mindanao screamed. Alfred's blue eyes shot open to find an angry Mindanao poking him with an arnis stick, a flushed Austrian holding a teacup just like England would, and Philippines' equally scandalized boss.

America sat up immediately. "I thought…" "You're so stupid! You can't even tell me and my mother apart. I don't even know why she likes you. You're just like that oblivious bastard, Spain, only you're even dumber. Ugh. I hope you leave first thing in the morning tomorrow." Mindanao said, stomping towards the dining room.

"Harun, I will leave tomorrow! I have to go back and…sheesh, he's just like Iggy!" he said, shaking his head and loosening up his joints. "You mean an awful mixture of Switzerland and Romano." Austria said, resuming his quiet enjoyment of the tea. "Alfred, you might want to keep your thoughts to yourself while sleeping." Noynoy said, looking at the piano.

"I'm really sorry, Tito Noy. Excuse me," the flustered nation said, going to the kitchen (most likely to raid the woman's refrigerator).

"I thought that he was just an oblivious dimwit. It turns out that he really loves Paulita. I can't believe I'm saying this, but, Tito Noy, Paulita's quite lucky." Roderich said, smiling at the president. Noynoy said nothing. He sighed, again reminded of his failed love life.

"Thank you for the delightful dinner, Paulita. Do let me play the piano after I take a bath. It would be a fitting end to the day." Austria said, smiling at her.

"I'm really sorry that I have another guest. The circumstances were unexpected. You could always come here again and I'll make sure that—" Austria took her hand and lightly kissed the caramel skin. "I do not mind. Please do not inconvenience yourself." He said, giving a small bow before taking his leave.

Austria treated himself to her piano, enjoying the solitude. No obnoxious Americans, no irritated Mindanao in sight. The weak beams of moonlight entered the room, casting a ghostly glow on his pale skin. To see him that way and to listen to his perfect symphonies would be an otherworldly experience indeed.

He played a tune for his gracious host and her understanding boss. Through notes he honored her hospitality, kindness and exotic beauty. The song segued into a more soulful and sorrowful mood. He then remembered the uncanny resemblance to Hungary, his memories in Europe and the painful heartbreak. Tears rolled down his cheek, glinting like diamonds on silk. When he ended the song, he immediately closed the top of the piano and removed his glasses in order to wipe his purple eyes.

After wiping his eyes, he looked at the stairs. There stood the president, cleaning his eyeglasses and muttering something about dust entering his eyes.

"Did I disturb your slumber?"

"No, no…I was just looking out the window when I heard you play. Your musical talent is unparalleled, Roderich." Noynoy said. "Thank you, Tito. Goodnight." Austria said. "Goodnight." The president retired to his office.

The brunette nation went up the stairs and passed by the bedrooms. He then heard the muffled cries of a child. Who could it be? Luzon and Visayas' rooms were closed, so he inched towards Mindanao's room. Sure enough, the door was left ajar and the boy was at the open window, sobbing.

"Mindanao? Are you alright?" Austria stepped into the room cautiously. There were weapons and various items which the temperamental child could use to slay him.

"Yes. Yes, I am!" he said, continuing to sob. At least, he's not calling me a 'stupid foreigner'. "I don't think so, Mindanao. Here, wipe your tears." Austria held out a handkerchief. Mindanao grabbed it and wiped his face.

"I think you're trustworthy enough to hear what I'm going to say. You're not like some of Inay's guests, especially that France guy who received a punch from me because he tried to kiss Inay. You're a gentleman, but not like England who acts like an old man." Mindanao said, finally facing the Austrian, who joined him in leaning against the windowsill.

"I'm honored to hear such things." Austria said. "Anyway, as I was saying, you're actually a nice guy. Maybe I'm just scared that people will take Inay away and hurt her. I've seen it happen so many times. I'm sorry for being mean." Harun said.

"I understand." Austria nodded. "Honestly, I don't hate Alfred. I just thought that maybe he was just using her. They say that you're really honest when talking in your sleep or drunk. When I heard Alfred talk in his sleep a while ago, I found out that he was sincere. I was the one pushing him away when he tried to help." The boy was crying again.

"Talk to your mother about this. I'm sure she will understand. America is an idiot, but I assure you, he's an honest, sincere idiot. Truth be told, your mother reminds me of someone I love dearly."

Mindanao's ears perked up. This pansy is heterosexual? This I must hear! "I'm listening." "Her name is Elizaveta Héderváry…Hungary." He paused before saying more. "I was married to her in 1867 but we were forced to divorce in 1918. I loved her more than anyone else could. She was in many ways like your mother: hardworking, kind and beautiful. Your mother is more feminine, though. These days, though, Eliza prefers the company of an oaf who does nothing but to annoy me and to disturb me from my peace."

"She broke your heart…" Mindanao trailed off. "Where's that oaf? Want me to slice him in half? Breaking hearts is never acceptable in my book." "It's not necessary, Mindanao. It hurts, but I'll be happy if she's happy."

"You're Catholic, right? You should be sainted soon! You're like a damn martyr." Mindanao seemed to tease, but he was absolutely serious. Austria smiled. "I've done terrible things in my life. I don't deserve to be sainted. I would love to talk with you more, but it's quite late. Go to bed now. I'll take my leave."

"Okay. Goodnight, then, Kuya Roddy…or would you rather have 'stupid foreigner'?" "I'd rather be called Kuya Roddy. Goodnight, Mindanao." Austria smiled as he left.

Alfred and Paulita were leaning on the windowsill together, looking at the now-calm sea and the numerous stars which dotted the night sky.

"I've always admired Austria and Hungary. Even if it was an arranged marriage, they loved each other very much. Both of them were devastated when they were forced to split." Paulita said, sighing.

"I may be a nation, but I want to marry as a human. I just want to give these three a father to look up to. I don't want any more alliances and treaties. They're…empty. If your boss wants it to end, it ends." She continued. "Sometimes, I wish that I was a normal human. I don't have to worry about world meetings and wars." Her companion agreed.

"If I marry as a nation, I have to surrender my freedom. Tito Noy, my children and the people will not allow it. I will not allow it." Paulita said.

"Neither would I. Do you wonder why I never call you Philippines?" he said, clasping her hand in his. "Why?" the blush on the woman's cheeks were smiled upon by the stars.

"I didn't fall in love with the Philippines. I fell—hard, really—for the woman who represented the Philippines. I'd climb the highest mountain, cross those raging rivers and go through forests for you. Heck, I'd even disguise myself and go to the civil registrar's office just to get a marriage license for us." Alfred said, pulling her closer until their faces were only inches apart.

"How come you could make me smile even if I'm talking about something grave? You're such a sap…but you're my sap." Paulita said, caressing his tanned cheeks. "I don't want to see you cry. Heroes don't make people cry." He said, as she buried her face in his chest.

"But I'll probably mope the whole day and wait until you call." She smiled sadly, tracing circles on his back. "The recession took its toll on you, dear. I kind of liked it when you were squishy and chubby before the Depression era. I was a kid looking for a teddy bear back then." Paulita said.

"Took its toll? I don't think I'm getting any thinner. I'm still fat," the American pouted, giving her his signature kicked-puppy look. Paulita laughed. "No, you're not! Alfred, stop that…and don't even think about starving yourself. I'll pack you in a box and send you to Russia if you even attempt that!" her voice took on a more serious tone.

She chuckled when the American shuddered. She went behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her hands trailed to his stomach. She flushed red upon feeling the rippling muscles under his tight gray undershirt. She almost wanted to tear it off and see her lover in all his glory. No, she'd leave behind the dog tags before pulling down those sinfully tight jeans and— Such dirty thoughts, Paulita. That's it! You're going to confession tomorrow. Kuya Antonio will not be pleased!

"Like what you touch?" he asked teasingly, holding her hand as if it were made of glass. "It seems that your poor body image vanished. Good, then. Now go to sleep. I'm showing Roderich the beauty of my homeland and you've got a long day tomorrow." She said, letting go of him. She gave out a small gasp when he pulled her back in and gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

"Goodnight, babe. I'll miss ya." "I'll miss you too, love."

Apparently, Roderich could not take in more cheesiness, so he immediately ran back to his own room, reflecting on the things he heard from Mindanao, the president, Paulita and Alfred. With a mosquito net surrounding his bed and the windows open, he was able to sleep in the cool, lulling night breeze.

Yes, our new president smokes, but he's trying to kick the habit. Go, P-Noy! You can do it!

I almost wasn't able to bring myself to write those sappy, cheesy parts. They were seriously time-consuming. Thankfully, I made it out alive. In the next chapter, we're bringing Roderich to Luzon. XD

Thanks to everyone who reviewed.