America shoved a wooden box into Australia's hands with great excitement, opening it up for him and grabbing one of the many wooden soldiers in there.

They had moved into the comfort of the living room, England having busied himself with something while America showed him his toys.

Australia looked at the wooden soldiers with interest, he could see that each of them had a different face from one another, whoever crafted them must've put in much care into them.

"These are my favorite to play with!" America said as he presented a few from his hand excitedly. "You can use 'em too."

There was something almost comforting to Australia that even as a colony America played with toys, he was no different from the other kids. "Thanks!" Australia said in response to the kind offer.

As America continued to show off his toy collection, at some point he paused to look at Australia with narrowed eyes. "Hey wait a second!"

Australia jumped at the young boy's loud volume, he turned to look at him with a mix of panic and confusion. Did he figure something out?! Oh surely not.

America slowly put down his toys on the wooden floors and huffed, crossing his arms in an attempt to look stern. He gave Australia the stinky eye. "You told England your secret but not me, why?"

Secret? Australia's mind raced for what America was possibly referring to— then he remembered what happened in the forest, when he had revealed to the young colony that he knew about his secret.

"Well ya see, England is an adult— so I er— had to tell him." Australia nodded to himself, his spur of the moment excuses impressing himself. He should consider lying more to his present England, it seemed that he would be able to get away with it if he believed in his orphan lie.

Giving him a long scrutinizing gaze, America and Australia both stared down each other. The brunette started to grow nervous, afraid that maybe he was being too cocky about his own skills.

That was until America nodded. "Yeah, that makes sense." The young colony didn't notice the stuttering mess that Australia had become, and seeing as he grew up with adults always getting their way, didn't seem to care that an adult, England, got the privilege of knowing secrets. To him it made perfect sense.

Sighing, Australia glanced at his wooden toy soldiers, attempting to gear the conversation away from the current topic. "Oh right, where did you get those? They're very— nice."

America's eyes sparkled when he glanced at his toys, memories resurfacing upon remembering them. "England made em' for me!" He informed as he picked one up and waved it in Australia's face. "He also painted the faces to each one, isn't that cool?"

Jealousy started to leak from deep within Australia's heart as he nodded in agreement, trying his best to look impressed. "Is that so? He did a spectacular job!" Staring at the wooden toy, he could tell that the man probably put in a lot of effort into them.

England didn't like Australia keeping toys around, as he put it he was too old for them. But here, although America did seem to be physically younger currently, he wasn't too much younger, and yet he had toys that England himself made just for him.

The empire had put in so much effort with raising America, why couldn't he have done the same with him?

Australia didn't want to listen to the voice in his head trying to rationalize everything, he didn't want to hear excuses. Maybe he was raising Australia differently in hopes that he wouldn't turn out the same as America, but to Australia he thought he didn't need to be that cruel. He felt no love, all he felt was disappointment from the man.

"Jett?"

Australia snapped out of his thoughts, staring at America with wide green eyes. "Sorry, I guess I keep blanking out...ha.."

"You look upset." America said as he observed the other, he frowned in concern. Putting the toys into the box again, he stood up and dusted off his pants. "I'm gunna tell England to check you again, I don't want you to be sad!" He said as he quickly started to make his way out of the room.

Australia panicked, he didn't want to bother the empire. "Wait America!" He said as he ran after him.

What if he got upset with being bothered so much? Then he remembered the man's face again, how he treated America, he wouldn't act harsh, and especially to a 'stranger.' It was so bizarre that Australia would even associate England with calmness.

As they both located the Englishman, who seemed to be near the end of a conversation with somebody at the front door, Australia no longer felt the great sense of panic as before. Instead he knew he'd be able to inform England calmly that he didn't need any help.

The young boy practically jumped on England's leg as the Englishman jumped in surprise, acknowledging the two boys. Firmly pushing America back, he laughed nervously at what looked like a soldier at his front door before leaning down to America's height. "Alfred not now." He whispered harshly, before giving his attention back to the soldier.

That harsh whisper erased any sense of security Australia was starting to form, the young Australian glared at the Englishman's tone. Even if he was talking to somebody he didn't need to act so harshly.

More so the harsh whispering reminded him of the many times he was brought to some fancy dinner, and wasn't even allowed to talk without somehow disappointing the blonde man.

The young blonde deflated as he waited patiently for England to finish, all while Australia continued to stare grumpily.

"I'll inform them that you'll be extending your stay." Said the soldier finally, saluting England before marching off.

England waited at the door for a moment before closing it with a deep sigh, turning to give America a frustrated frown. "America, you have to learn to wait your turn. You're always interrupting me when I'm in the middle of a conversation with somebody else."

And you're always bad at parenting. Australia wanted to resort but held back his tongue, not wanting to cause a ruckus, especially when he needed to be on the man's good side.

Looking up at his brother earnestly, America nodded. "I'm sorry! I'll be better next time I swear."

"That's if you remember.." Muttered England before letting out another sigh. Refreshing himself internally he turned to Alfred with a new smile. "Anyways, did you two need anything?" He turned to acknowledge Australia with a nod.

Australia nodded back albeit hesitantly.

"Yeah Jett looked sad when he saw my toys!" America cried out. Australia found himself surprised by the young boy's bluntness.

England blinked slowly, then blinked again. "Sad?"

Nodding vigorously, America continued. "Yeah he looked sad! Upset even.." Then they both in unison turned to look at Australia, making the brunette jump.

"Oh no! I didn't feel bad or anything— it's just that.." Remembering what America said, how England made the toys for him, he felt the lingering feeling of jealousy come back. He wanted a toy, something to help him escape, he had books but toys— they were more physical. "I never really grew up with them, so I thought it was nice that your brother made them..so I got jealous." Maybe being honest wasn't half bad either, something about saying that out loud made him feel lighter.

Then those sharp green eyes softened again. Pitty. Australia was about to lose his calm facade again and swear the man out, to blame him for everything, but he couldn't, not when he was showing concern, genuine concern. He was a bad parent, but sometimes he could be good?

He might've been harsh earlier with the whispering, but so far that seemed to be the harshest thing he's done.

Avoiding his eyes, Australia shuffled in place.

"Well Jett, if you're a…guest for long enough, you might just receive a gift of your own." England said gently to the young colony.

Eyes flickering the face the nation, Australia's eyes went wide. Did he really mean what he was implying? England making him a toy?! Australia was just about to kiss the future goodbye. This new present was already so much more better. "Bonzer!" Australia said in excitement.

England blinked at the peculiar word. "Bon..zer..?" Smiling he shook his head. "Ah never mind. Tell me Jett, what sort of things interest you?"

That's a good question. Australia enjoyed collecting bugs and trying to tell the difference between poisonous and venomous things. He liked to stare at the sky as it shifted from a different color during sunsets. He loved the wind against a sweaty scalp running around with his pet koala as he avoided the sharp stones. But he couldn't say that, not when he needed something else. "Magic books."

England flinched and drawed back in shock, a flurry of wild emotions flashing through his rapidly paling face. "Magic books?" He said in shock, very much caught off guard. "You— you don't actually believe in Magic do you?! Ahahah!"

Alfred blinked. "England don't you use magi—"

The rest came out muffled as England shoved his hand against the younger's mouth.

It was funny how England made a bigger effort in concealing magic than the whole nation secret. Australia sighed, combing back his hair. "Well whether or not it's real I don't actually care, I just find them interesting to read."

England stared at Australia, pursed lips and all as he was deciding on what to do next. Green eyes clashed with green as England at last gave up. "You're quite an informed kid."

Australia would like to very much blame that on the countless hours of studying that was forced upon him. "Thanks!" He said through a smile. "Magic has always been an interesting topic so maybe you know of where I can get one?" He just needed the book, find a way home, set sail to Australia and never return. Or at the very least some sort of teleportation spell, something to send him to Australia if that were at all possible.

"Are you capable of using magic?" Asked England curiously, although the stress in his voice made it sound like he was on edge.

"Nope, like I said earlier, I just find it interesting!" Magic just seemed silly, especially when he saw England do it. It was funny to see a sophisticated man like Arthur chanting odd words and phrases. But that did bring up another problem— he didn't know magic. "But uh, if I said any phrases out loud would anything happen? You know, to be safe."

"Not if you don't have any magical prowess.." England still didn't seem too settled with the whole magic book ordeal going on. "Is there perhaps something else you find that consumes your interests?"

"Nope!"

Silence. "Well, erm…"

"But Alfred did look like he was about to say something else, you use magic?" And like a puzzle, everything was starting to come together. A plan was brewing.

England raised a finger and opened his mouth, looking ready to explain away with some garbage explanation before Alfred cut in. "He can! I've seen him do it, it's really weird!"

"Right?— I mean really?" Australia exclaimed.

"Alfred." England scoffed.

"Mhm mhm!" America said excitedly. "Magic looks so silly—"

"Magic is an ancient art, which I will not have mocked as long as I am here do you hear me?" England said sternly down at the young colony.

Australia rolled his eyes while Alfred glumly nodded. Magic was silly, Arthur was just in denial. Tapping his foot against the wooden floors, Australia continued. "So you do know magic..?"

Arthur stared down Australia in keen observance. "I…yes.." Looking at him nervously Arthur slumped a bit. "It seems as if you know all our secrets, what a curious kid you are."

Australia laughed it off. "Aha, yeah…very curious. But hey! You don't think you can show me a few spells? Like teleportation, uh time travel..?"

"Time travel?" England interjected confused.

Australia flinched. "That not at all possible?"

"Why would it be? History is perfectly fine as is."

Future you wouldn't agree with that. If the future England had an opinion on the matter, America would be stuck in a cage trapped for all eternity as a colony. Maybe in that mind boggling version of history Australia would have been free? Australia wouldn't wish for anybody to live with England, however, his past self was another story. "But there isn't a spell that could take someone to the past? Or you know…the future."

"Well, no." England said simply.

Australia felt all hope disappear from him. "W-what?"

"Were you hoping to be able to do such a thing?" England asked amused as he walked past the the two boys.

Turning to follow him, not trailing too far behind he tried to come up with an excuse. "Uh, no! Just was curious like I've said before, wanting to learn nothing more."

"Time is a complex thing, messing with the fabric of time would cause exponential problems." England stated as he rounded a corner. "Does that suffice your curiosity?"

No, that only left even more questions. How exactly did he get here then? "What if someone did time travel?" Australia asked while biting his lower lip. "Would they be able to get back?"

England glanced over at Australia before attempting to open a door at the end of the hallway they were walking in. When the door didn't open, England turned his attention from Australia to America. "Alfred, do you happen to have the key to the study?"

Jumping, Alfred patted his pockets. "Uh—" Nothing. "Be right back!" He called out to them as he ran to go retrieve the secret key.

Australia watched as Alfred ran from them, a look of worry deep set on his face at the dawning realization of his situation.

"Do you know of somebody stuck in another time?" Arthur asked suddenly.

Australia shook his head quickly in denial.

"Then there is nothing to be worried about. I'm afraid I can't give you a clear answer to your questions, so I apologize Jett." Arthur smiled apologetically, sounding sorry.

No, but he needed clear answers. If Arthur didn't know then who did? He couldn't just be stuck here, right?

Australia needed to get back, he needed to go back to where he belonged. This wasn't his time. And yet, why did he need to?

Australia paused, the thought scaring him. He hadn't even considered the possibility of staying, what was so wrong about being in the past? This England was nicer, this America didn't ruin his life yet, Australia hadn't even been discovered. What was so bad?

"Time is a complex thing, messing with the fabric of time would cause exponential problems" England's words rung through his mind like Big Ben. Australia scrunched his eyebrows together. Was he affecting it negatively?

Nothing weird had occurred, not that he knew of. Everything seemed to be alright. And judging from England's judgment skills from earlier, he wasn't the best person to ask about theories with. Who said England had to be right?

America came back with the key, happily handing it to Arthur who took it gingerly. Taking the golden key, he jammed it into the lock and shook it around, the lock itself making a whole commotion of being opened. Opening the door up after a final jab, Australia was met with book shelves lined with books, dusted and aged with knowledge.

He shuffled in behind England and America, the latter of which already looked incredibly bored at the sight. Australia couldn't blame him, the books were bringing up memories of studying. America went to go stare at the book shelves.

England grumbled to himself as he went over to the only desk in the room, and opened the drawer with yet another key, this time coming from his pocket. Shuffling through it, his eyes brightened as he brought up a navy blue covered book. "Ah! Here it is." He said as he went over to Australia to show him the book.

Australia stared at it in confusion and curiosity. Was this book…? Was it the one he was thinking about? The book seemed to shimmer under his gaze, a haunting elegance it held as well. "Is this..?" He started off before receiving a nod.

"A magic book." England said proudly. "The only magic book in the colonies may I add!…that I know of." He said as an afterthought, tucking the book under his shoulder. "You wanted to see one right?"

Did he really forget what he wanted? Australia suppressed a sigh as he shook his head quickly. "Have one!"

England paused, smile faltering. "Oh, well— unfortunately I can't let you have it."

Australia freezed. "Oh! That's all good! Can I just borrow it then?"

"No!" England said with a stiff frown. "You don't need it if you don't have any magical capabilities, and I can't let a human just take it around with him and potentially lose it. Magic is a very dangerous thing to let the world know about."

It was indeed a very dangerous and wild thing, Australia would know. He just wanted to know if he could go home, somehow trick England into saying a spell or something. Maybe being honest would help? "I— well you see—" he urged himself to choke out the words, anything. "Erm, I need…the book." Australia managed to say with a deep breath. "Because—…." It wasn't like he needed to reveal his real identity right? Just say he's from the future, he's been stuck in the past, and wants to go home.

Home to what? England looked at him expectantly. "Can I just please borrow it for an hour or two?" Australia breathed out.

With a sigh, England stared at his spell book with a look of fore longing, it was a big deal for him after all to trust it to a stranger, a child to add. "I did bring you here to see it. It would be very cruel of me to deny you it as well. Here, you can borrow it as long as you'd like, but please…be careful about it with strangers."

Australia thought he'd feel relief, or gratitude, something. But instead…he felt….disappointed? He got the book didn't he? Taking the book carefully from the older man's grasp. Australia smiled solemnly. "Thank you, er— Sir."

Alfred smiled from where he was standing. "Did you get what you wanted!?"

It wasn't a toy. It was a book. Australia laughed at his fate, how it loved to repeat itself. "Yes!" Australia said as he lifted the book up to show the young boy, who awed at the velvety navy book. "I got what I wanted!"

"So you're not sad anymore?"

Australia thought about the future, and he thought about the book intensely. With a shake of his head, he gave America his brightest smile yet. "Nope!" What a good liar he turned out to be.