Here it is. I know it has been so long (and it is not what I said would happen last chapter, at all!). But I managed to get something down. Sorry for any errors (don't be shy to point them out).
Hetalia does not belong to me. I am poor, I gain no profits from this.
It had been a month since Jackson had gone to the meeting. For the most part things had toned down by then. America had formed a huge mess in that party of his, which then had resulted in their boss yelling angrily at both of them for a full hour. They weren't allowed to hold any more parties anywhere near Washington DC. Any other parties had to be supervised, until further notice.
That's why Jackson was ignoring all calls and messages from Alfred. He didn't want to talk to his brother. Nor the he want to see him for at least the next century. That had been the last time Jackson was going to let Alfred get him in trouble. Ruining the good image he had with their boss.
Jackson began to cut the stake angrily, for a moment imagining it was Alfred. It probably wasn't healthy for him. But for a moment he allowed himself to be endorsed on in. It at least helped him release some of the piled up anger.
He wasn't given a chance to finish when someone rang the bell. Jackson stopped. He didn't have any planned visits. If the States ever visited they always called beforehand. The only person that ever dropped unexpectedly was Alfred. He didn't want to open the door if it was Alfred. But then it could be one of the neighbors or just a passerby that needed help.
As much as he disliked Alfred, even more so that day, he didn't want to be rude. Sighting Jackson finally walked towards the door. Using the peephole Jackson tried to look outside. He was surprised to see who it was. It was Can…e..ada. Canada, that's right, Canada. He didn't understand what he would have wanted with him. But then now that people knew he was around it shouldn't have surprised him that they would visit.
Jackson finally opened the door. He had a feeling he was missing something, something just felt wrong. But he couldn't place his finger on it. Yet.
"Canada." Jackson said, tilting his head slightly. Canada seemed to be distracted, his eyes kept drifting around. "What a nice pleasure to see you here. Forgive me for asking, but what are you doing here?" Jackson hadn't meant to sound rude. But he couldn't understand what Canada would want with him. Or why he even looked so worried.
"Eh?" Canada jumped slightly, taking a step back. Well…you see, I'm sorry, I just can't." Jackson frowned at that. But then it quickly hit him. But it couldn't be. Canada kept looking to his right. Moving outside, Jackson's frown only deepened seen who was standing there.
He stepped back ready to close the door. But Alfred was quicker, in an instant he had moved, holding the door and keeping it open. "Sorry, but you wouldn't have opened it if you saw me."
Of course Jackson wouldn't have. He had made sure to make it clear he didn't want to see or speak to his brother. Why was it so difficult for him to understand something as simple as that? But then this was Alfred, maybe he was expecting too much from him.
"Go away." Jackson said through clenched teeth.
America still had the nerve to smile innocently at his brother. "No way!" Jackson tried to close the door once more. But America was strong enough to keep it open. Giving up he stepped away from the door. He didn't want the neighbors to see him fighting with his brother. He was in enough trouble already. He didn't want to end up having to move away.
America took the hint and stepped inside, followed by Canada. Once both countries were inside he closed the door. Turning around he looked at Alfred, who was now happily grinning. Something turned inside of him and before he could stop himself, Jackson punched him.
The punch threw America backwards, but he still managed the hold into the wall, keeping himself from actually falling down. Canada winced and shook his head. "What was that for?" America asked, eyes wide, when he regained his composure. He massaged his poor jaw. At least it hadn't broken anything.
"Don't you ever do that again." In his anger Jackson's southern drawl was even deeper. He continued to curse even as he made his way back into the kitchen.
After the strawberry blonde was gone, Canada couldn't hold back a giggle anymore. He turned around to see America shrug. "I told you he wasn't going to be happy."
They followed Jackson into the kitchen. He didn't even bother to finish his meal. It was probably cold anyway. Once he was done cleaning he began to make some coffee. The only reason why he hadn't thrown America was because Canada was there. Until now he had no reason to be angry with him. It had been America who had put the country up to it.
After the coffee was done he poured it and sat on the table. "What do you want?" Jackson finally asked once they were all sitting.
America looked up. "I just wanted to see you." America answered. It sounded innocent enough, but Jackson knew better. America was annoying enough. But Jackson knew that America kept away when he knew he was angry. Even if he only did it to avoid the risk of ending with a bullet buried deep inside his body.
"Not really." Jackson said, not sounding impressed at all.
America smiled knowingly. "Why can't you believe I just wanted to see you?" Jackson had a good answer for that, but he reminded himself Canada was still there.
Jackson decided to indulge Alfred. If they kept fighting it could mean that America would have a reason to be around longer. If he got bored he would leave faster and hopefully not bother to return for a while.
"Do you still have some of our old photographs?" America asked once they had moved out of the kitchen. There were a few photographs in the walls, old paintings about people Jackson had liked. Canada was able to recognize some of them. He'd seen similar ones in America's home. There were a few he couldn't pinpoint thought.
One Canada was able to recognize. It was of Alfred and Jackson standing behind General Washington. Both looked very young and were wearing the Continental Army uniforms. It probably had been painted right after the war. Washington was sitting calmly, while Alfred and Jackson stood behind. Both also looking clam, almost smiling.
America had always been very impatient, which meant that keeping him still for a painting was almost impossible, even for England. That meant there weren't that many paintings of him during those early years. America had one, maybe two and Canada knew England had another two (one of Canada and America as children) and another of their early teens.
But Canada hadn't seen one from that period. It was strange seen America in that uniform, brought back memories. Canada looked at the two smiling teens and then back at their current counterparts. They were still silently glaring at each other.
"When was this painted?" Canada asked, finally interrupting their stare contest.
"America turned around, finally noticing what Canada had been looking at. He smiled, remembering that day. "That was right after Washington's inauguration." America's eyes stayed on his Founding Father for a moment before he finally looked away.
Jackson was already making his way to another room. America didn't walk in there thought, instead he led Canada to a sitting room. He was quite familiar with Jackson's home. He had stayed there before.
"Where did…?" Canada looked towards the door.
"Hopefully he went to get those photographs. But in case he comes back wielding a gun, you should run." America grinned as he sat down in the couch.
Canada looked at his brother before turning towards the door. He seriously hoped America was just messing with him. But then Jackson had looked very upset. Hearing the approaching steps made Canada's body tense. But Jackson wasn't carrying with him any weapons, but a box.
"You appear in these." America wanted to ask why Jackson kept the ones where he showed up separated from the other. But he already knew the answer to that.
"Nice!" America moved close to Canada. Pulling Jackson down to sit beside them. The Southern nation frowned, but he still wanted to be rid of America.
"Why don't you look at them in your own home?" Jackson looked at America.
"Because then it wouldn't be any fun." So America was doing it to annoy him after all. He was quite lucky that Canada was sitting between the two of them. America grinned, apparently knowing this.
Canada wasn't paying either of them any attention. He had opened the box to find a good number of photos, varying in sizes as well as age.
Right on top were the more recent ones. Most were of the States with the two of them. There were a few of their bosses, along with other important political or famous figures. As Canada looked deeper, the age of the picture began to change. He found a few of various battlefields, including some from the World Wars.
Canada even found a few that looked very old. America looked younger, slightly older than how he looked in the painting. Yet America wasn't wearing Texas, which really told the photo's age. But the glasses did appear in the picture. Except Jackson was the one wearing them.
Canada stopped; there was a smaller box inside. He pulled this one out. Seen Jackson stood up. "I should make more coffee."
Canada turned to look at America. But the other had an almost distant look on his face. He was looking at the box. Canada had a feeling he knew what was inside. Opening it he looked down to find more pictures. They looked to be around the same age as the previous one. Maybe they were a few years younger, but not by much.
Alfred only appeared in one of the pictures. He was standing alongside President Lincoln. Jackson did not appear in the picture. Without America saying anything Canada knew why. Jackson did appear in others, alongside men wearing familiar uniforms. There were others where neither of them appeared. But where off, Canada guessed, people Jackson had known during that time.
Canada placed the pictures down, except for one, the one where he appeared. "We always attended the inaugurations together," Canada didn't even know if America was talking to him or to himself, "he didn't even respond. I couldn't even accept what was happening."
Canada wasn't sure what to say. But apparently he didn't have to say anything because was soon smiling again. "I looked pretty handsome, didn't I? After this I got Texas." America tapped the glasses.
Canada smiled at that. He should have known nothing kept America down for long. Jackson returned then, carrying with him three cups of coffee. When they finished America looked down at his watch. "I guess we should be going."
Canada nodded, he needed to feed Kuma and get things ready for the next meeting. Since it was in New York, Canada had decided to visit his brother early. That's why they had both traveled to visit Jackson. Since Canada had found the box the Southern nation hadn't spoken, at all.
But when America hugged him, he seemed to finally break out of his trance. He then began to push America down the hall and finally outside. "You can visit anytime you want Canada, just don't bring him alone."
America winked, giggling madly as he led Canada to his car. They would be staying in Virginia's home for tonight before driving to New York in the morning.
Once the other two countries were gone Jackson walked back to the sitting room. He wanted to put the box away. Before he picked it up his eyes fell on one of the pictures sitting on the sofa.
His eyes looked at the two figures on it, his mind drifting back to memories long past.
"Your brother wrote to you, will you not read it." There was no need for it. Jackson knew exactly what that letter said. It was the formal invitation for the Presidential inauguration. Jackson picked the letter up, his eyes scanned over it before he threw it away. He didn't even bother to watch it as it burnt in the fireplace.
He moved almost silently around the house. For the most part the top floor was empty, but he could still hear voices bellow. A meeting. Which explained why it seemed like there weren't that many people there. Making his way down, Jackson stopped by the door, he could see some of the men now. Some were from the town, others from the near States.
What mattered was that they were all his people. If Alfred wasn't going to listen to him, to his people, then there was absolutely no need to stay in the Union any more.
The man now standing before his men was his president. There was no need for Jackson to attend any other Presidential inauguration.
Jackson put the picture away with the others. He moved the box back to its rightful place. He wanted to get ready for bed. It was still early, but he wasn't in the mood to do anything else.
It was just like Alfred to get sick a day before the meeting. At least this time he had actually bothered to work on his speech. It had needed some fixing, but for the most part it wasn't as ridiculous as he had expected. He wasn't sure if it had been the fact that Canada probably had helped, but it meant less for him, so he was happy anyway.
"G8 meetings aren't as bad as the United Nations' meeting." Canada whispered as the two countries made their way towards the meeting room. "Sometimes there may be some fighting, but…well is still not as bad."
Jackson would have said that Canada didn't look as sure of himself nor did he even sound like he believed that. But then he'd heard enough stories from America to know what to expect from the meeting. He believed he was quite prepared for it.
If it wasn't for the fact he'd been part of similar situations. It was impossible not to when your family meetings were filled with 50 States (with at times serious issues). He couldn't understand how so few nations could manage to be so loud.
At one point England had thrown himself over France, wrapping his hands around the Frenchman's neck to try and shock him. For a moment no one moved until Germany finally started yelling as he tried to break them apart. It took everyone in the room to break those two apart. England may have looked small, but he had a dead grip on France.
"No one is allowed to touch anyone else!" Germany yelled when they all had managed to sit back down. Russia and Canada were now sitting besides England, ready to jump and stop him in case he tried to kill France again. Germany was standing in front of the meeting room, glaring down at the two countries. Jackson was sitting beside France and to the other side Italy and Japan.
Germany sighted, at least no one was talking anymore. "Japan it's your turn to present." Germany moved back to his own chair.
For the most part the reminder of the meeting wasn't as bad. There was some small bickering here and there. But nothing extreme, at least no one tried to kill each other.
"I thought my relationship with Alfred was bad." Jackson said once the meeting was over. He had witnessed some fighting between France and England when he had been in Alfred's home. He knew the stories, even since his colonial days. But it made him rethink his relationship with his brother.
They had their fair share of fighting, including getting physical. They had been at war with each other. But was it truly that bad to look at them when they fought? He now understood why the States hated when the two of them got physical. It probably wouldn't stop. It would be a long way before it happened if it ever did. But he could now say he had a better perspective of it.
"Are you going drinking with us?" Canada asked. While it was tempting to accept, he enjoyed a good beer like any other. But he had other plans. It helped that he was also tired. Those meetings could wear anyone out.
"Maybe another time, I can't today." Canada nodded, understanding.
"I understand, tell Al that I'll be dropping by later tonight." Canada said as he went to enjoy the others. They also had wanted him to go with them. After all they didn't know that much about him.
"I didn't say I was going to visit him." Canada only smiled at that, making Jackson's face heat up. In truth he was only visiting Alfred because his boss had asked him to do it. He could care less about his brother's health. He had gotten into that himself.
He walked into the large apartment. He wasn't surprised to find it a mess, clothes had been thrown around at random, there were even pizza boxes lying around the tables. Even when he had the ability to stay at home all day, his brother couldn't be bothered to clean after his messes.
"Alfred?" Jackson called but there was no reply. Frowning he walked around, he was sure he could hear noises from Alfred's room. "Alfred…" He called once more as he pulled the door open.
America was lying on the bed, watching TV. The room itself was strangely enough not as messy as the rest of the house. But then Tony had been looking after Alfred so it could be he had cleaned a bit. Jackson walked towards the bed, dropping the food he'd bought besides America.
"Here, you should eat some healthy for once. All that pizza can't be good for you." Jackson would have made something himself, but he didn't have the time.
"Huh?" America finally realized his presence. Looking down at the back he smiled, opening it. "Thanks bro, I would have preferred some burgers though." Jackson pinched the bridge of his nose. Alfred hadn't even heard anything he'd said previously.
"Just eat and be thankful I was kind enough to bring you something." Noticing the strange looking Alfred was giving him, "What?"
"What's wrong with you today, you are never this nice to me, like ever." Jack's lip twitched. It was hard to tell if it was from anger or maybe he was trying to hold back a smile.
"Don't think too much of yourself yank. The faster you get better, the better it is for the country that includes me. America still didn't look convinced.
"Could it be that you actually care for your big brother?" There was now a big grin on America's face.
Jackson quickly turned around. "Don't be ridiculous, I hate your guts." At that America did laugh. But before he could reply Jackson was long gone. He was even forced to hold his sides as he tried to stop laughing. He had to wipe some tears away once he was done.
Picking the food up and digging into it. It wasn't so bad. He would have preferred a burger. But food was food and America loved all types of food. He even ate whatever England cooked, no matter how bad it tasted. What Jackson brought him wasn't even as half as bad as that.
America also admitted to himself he was quite touched by the gesture. One of the best things about being sick was the fact that his friends dropped by to bring him free things (mainly food). But he hadn't expected Jackson to be bothered with such a thing. He hardly ever even bothered to visit him even when he wasn't sick.
"America?" America stopped playing when Canada walked into the room. The Canadian looked a bit flustered. Thought America couldn't tell if it was because the alcohol or it was more connected to some of the markings on his neck. America guessed France had jumped his Canadian brother before Canada had been able to escape.
"I'm sorry I couldn't be here sooner." Canada said as he sat down on the bed. "The others wouldn't let me leave, what a day for them to notice me." It probably was because America hadn't been there.
"That's fine. I'm always telling you to interact with the other countries bro. How are people going to notice you otherwise?" America smiled at the other, patting his shoulder slightly.
"I guess you are right." Canada looked less guilty then. "England wanted to come too, but he had too much to drink." America smiled, he wouldn't have expected anything less of him.
America took that chance. "Eh!" Canada gasped when his brother almost jumped on him. "America?"
"Tell me what happened in today's meeting. South was here but he left so quickly I couldn't ask him anything." America frowned slightly, but his features quickly relaxed back into a smile.
Canada began to tell him about the fight, along with a few minor conflicts. Once he began to talk about the actual details from the meetings, the topics discussed, America began to shake his head. "I don't want to know about all that boring stuff Mattie!" America whined.
Canada sighted. "Alfred it is important for you to know these things." No wonder America was always so uninformed.
I know that." The American admitted. "But I still think is boring, that's why I always try to keep the meetings fun and interesting with my awesome ideas."
'More like insane ideas,' Canada thought to himself. But America did probably believe that his ideas were nothing less than amazing. It was hard to say otherwise when he looked so happy. Not that the others didn't stop themselves for doing just that. But Canada himself just couldn't bring himself to follow along. It was easier and less hurtful to just nod in agreement.
"Fine, but not much happened after that. Germany was so angry that I don't think anyone else dared to disturb the meeting too much." America seemed disappointed to hear that.
"Well I guess that means I didn't miss too much. I was hoping you had more interesting stories though." America laid back in the bed.
"Well…France was even acting like an even bigger pervert today. I think he may have drunk too much, he tried to even assault Russia." America brightened after hearing that.
"No way!" The American laughed, imagining that.
"Russia didn't seem that bothered by it." In fact he had looked happy. It probably had been even stranger than the fight between France and England. "What's that?" Canada asked, now noticing the bag resting by America's bed.
"South brought me some food. I think he was feeling guilty for being so mean to me." Canada rolled his eyes at that. "You know Canada, I would love some pancakes right now."
America almost pushed Canada off the bed. He then put up an innocent grin when the Canadian glared at him. "I wonder if you are faking your illness just to get food." Canada hoped America wasn't crazy enough to do that.
"Fine, I could use something to eat myself." It wasn't like Canada was able to say 'no' to his annoying American brother. "I hope you have Canadian maple syrup."
Canada knew America was fond of his maple syrup, even if he wouldn't admit it. He usually at last had a bottle lying around. Canada would sometimes personally send him one. He liked making pancakes when he visited his brother and he wasn't crazy about the maple syrup his brother sometimes kept around.
Soon enough the aroma filled the house. America licked his lips, quickly standing up. The moment he did, he started to feel dizzy and fell back into the bed. His eyesight blurred for a moment. "I guess I'll just wait for Canada to bring them."
America couldn't help but smile. He had some pretty amazing sibling. True he was always fighting with one of the. He sometimes forgot the name of the other (unless they were playing hockey that had only happened once and would never happen again). At least they were kind enough to get him food.
"America?" America was surprised that he had slipped of while Canada had been cookie. He took the plate from his brother, sitting on the bed again. "This is great Mattie! I really need to get sick more often. You guys are so nice to me."
"Don't even joke about that." Canada said with a groan.
Extra:
Jackson looked down at his gift and then back at his brother. It was an ugly sweater. "How original." Jackson wasn't impressed at all. Alfred was losing his touch. "Georgia got me the same thing last year."
Seen the president frown, Jackson coughed. "Thank you, Alfred." At least it was good to know that Alfred would hate the French History book he had gotten him. At least Jackson would be getting a good refund on the ugly sweater. Jackson smirked picking another gift. It would hopefully be something better. The girl always gave good gifts.
Better than the States. It was almost a rule between them to give bad gifts this time of year. It was bad enough thinking about over 50 gifts every year. Thinking of bad ones made it easier and more interesting. The shopping along with the reactions after, the worse gift usually even got a prize.
Next chapter should probably not take me 3 months to update.