3

… … …

That night both nations slept early, and the next morning Mexico woke America at half past seven, just as it was originally planned. And as they agreed the day before, the first thing the young woman did, once dressed up, was to buy ingredients at the supermarket located fifteen minutes away by walking. Too bad in that neighborhood there weren't small grocery stores on every corner, Mexico thought as she passed a series of houses that were similar to America's.

Getting what she needed for the three main meals of the day, and paying with the money America gave to her, Mexico was able to cook healthy dishes; and this time America didn´t complain or comment anything bad about the food, especially since she got chocolate for dessert. According to her and her own experience this snack was good for reducing negative feelings, if it was eaten in moderate amounts, of course.

Mexico also took the task of feeding America´s pets. She already knew the cat whose appearance and personality were a faithful representation of the blue-eyed man, and the peculiar whale that lived inside the huge pool in the backyard; but she was surprised when America told her that there was also a unicorn in the garden, which was invisible to him, and which was a birthday gift from England on his bicentennial birthday. So the sound of the hooves came from that creature, Mexico concluded. And since in her culture there were no mythological beings similar to unicorns, that was the reason of why she couldn't see it either. At least she was one hundred percent certain it wasn´t the Headless Horseman.

At the middle of that day Mexico joined America in his office, since she also had duties as a country. Among the things she had packed was her laptop, with which she began to work while sitting on a blue velvet chair near America´s desk. The atmosphere was so calm, that if someone had been told the human representations of the United States and Mexico were alone working in complete peace and silence inside an office, they would never have believed it. Nor would they´ve imagined that during a half-hour break America would ask his companion to play with her guitar the day before´s melody, and that she wouldn´t oppose to that petition.

When time for sleep arrived, and as the first night, Mexico went to America´s room to make sure he fell asleep at a good hour. The truth was she felt like a mother taking care of her son, and that amused her, just a little bit. Aditionally, she took the advantage that America had left his complaints and whims aside, and those rare moments were worth appreciating.

There was hope that her temporary stay inside the North-American´s territory would not be so exhausting.

… … …

In the following days both countries continued with the same routine. Bit by bit, their coexistence ceased to be uncomfortable, to the point that when rest breaks came the two young nations ended up talking and laughing about trivial topics, as if they were old best friends. And perhaps at some points in their lives they were, but as nations and with all that that entailed there were times that relationship fractured, until one of them tried to fix things again, putting aside their proud and egotistical side.

On Friday of the first week Canada sent a message to Mexico, asking about his brother's condition, to which the girl notified him about America's improvements: he was resting better and was making a good progress in his work.

And when they least expected it, Saturday of the second week arrived. Along with Sundays, those days were always resting days for America, but due to his current situation, he had to make an exception to that rule. Both nations were in the office, since unlike him, Mexico had to work on that day. Each one was concentrated on their tasks, with America sitting in front of his desk typing reports, while Mexico was laying on the velvet chair with her laptop on her lap.

When the sunset approached, the blonde man reviewed his agenda and realized it looked less tight. And to add more relief to his conscience, recently he´d received a message from his superiors, notifying him the last reports he sent were received satisfactorily. Finally, during that week the representations of his states contacted him, announcing the good progress they had made in matters concerning their assigned territories.

With all this being said, America decided it was time for a well-deserved rest.

"You're done?" Mexico asked when she saw him turning off his computer and stretching out his arms to relax his muscles.

"Nope, but for now I'm in no hurry to finish."

Mexico smiled.

"Oh, my! I thought it would take you more days to say that."

"What does that mean?" Asked America, placing his hands on his hips.

"I'm serious!" Mexico laughed while she closed the laptop. "By the way you were acting it seemed your work was endless. At least now I can tell my boss you've improved."

Then, the optimistic attitude America was having at that moment disappeared.

"So… does that mean tomorrow you´ll return to your territory?" He said sadly.

Like him, Mexico's smile stopped. She hadn't thought of that matter. Of course she missed home, no matter how humble it was compared to America's; but on the other hand she had to admit that, despite some inconveniences, she´d spent a good time at his neighbor's house. However, as nations the two eventually had to return to their old routines.

"Well, you look much better than the first night I came here." Answered Mexico calmly. "And I no longer have to watch that you eat well or sleep early. Not to mention I also have several tasks at home."

"Right…" America understood that perfectly. He looked towards the window, appreciating how the last sun rays peeked through the leaves of the trees, like small golden flashes. Then he had an idea, which made his eyes shine like two of the stars on his flag. He turned to see the young woman.

"Well, since it's your last night here, and since at the moment I'm free, maybe we could go out for dinner."

"United States of America, are you asking me for a date?" Asked Mexico while resting her head on one of her hands and looking at him flirtatiously.

"What?! No! Of course not!" America turned his gaze back to the window, so the Latina wouldn't see his blush. Mexico laughed at the action of her neighbor.

"I was just kidding! Now that you say it, your house is nice and all, but I need to see the outside world again after being cooped up here for two weeks."

America looked doubtfully at Mexico.

"But you've been out of the house."

"I´ve only went to the supermarket, and it's not exactly the most entertaining place in the world."

"So that's a yes?"

"Mhmm… Consider it as your reward gift for behaving well." Mexico joked as she got up from the velvet chair.

"Hey! The deal is over! You can stop acting like my nanny!"

Both nations laughed as they left the office and closed the door behind them.

… … …

America´s house was located in the northwestern limits of the capital, so it took them half an hour to drive to downtown. The North American first suggested going to a mexican restaurant, but Mexico insisted she wanted to have something different for dinner, so she wouldn´t have to tell him she really didn't like the American version of her dishes, which would make her miss home even more. In the end, they went to Ben's Chili Bowl, one of the most popular places in that area. America was very happy to taste his favorite food again, and for her part Mexico had to admit dinner was delicious. While they were joking and talking, some of the diners looked at them strangely, but both countries took it with a lot of humor, since they were used to that type of situation, in which while they communicated through the mysterious language only nations could handle, to the ears of the others the blond man was addressing the dark-haired girl in English, to which she responded in Spanish, and somehow they both understood each other perfectly.

Before returning to America´s house, the two nations strolled a few blocks downtown, talking and window-gazing at stores. Despite the fact Mexico had already been in his neighbor´s capital on several occasions, the main reason for those visits usually was for work issues, and she didn´t really had the time to appreciate what the place could offer, until now. The buildings of Washington D.C. were not as tall and dazzling compared to the ones in New York or Chicago, but the place had its own charm.

The situation seemed very familiar to Mexico, as she remembered that time when, near the end of World War II, she and America had a "friendly outing", the first they had had after almost a century of hostility and rancour. After that day their relationship changed for the better, returning to being the friends they had been when they were children. And yet, it would take another few years for them to continue having one or another disagreement or argument, only to have another reconciliation. It was ironic how some events repeated themselves and became cyclical.

… … …

Back home, America laid in his bed knowing he could at last sleep peacefully. Having fewer to-dos was like taking a heavy and invisible backpack off your back. But when he remembered Mexico would return to her home the next day, he felt a little of melancholy. He´d never told anyone, but he liked to have company. When he didn´t have it the house felt very lonely. Of course, he had his pets, which made excellent companions, but it wasn't the same. And his friend Tony visited him from time to time, but although he enjoyed hanging out with the alien, they were incompatible in some aspects, since they were not from the same planets.

In his mind he made a chronological list of the nations who had been his housemates. First, he remembered when he was a little boy, and how overjoyed he felt everytime England returned from Europe, bringing gifts and staying with him for a short time. But of course, that was when both of them were brothers, before he declared his independence and broke all family ties with the British man. America was also certain he had shared a house with Canada, but the truth was he didn't have many memories of his brother when they were both small children.

Then he thought about the time Lithuania and Romano lived with him, when the first one was fleeing poverty caused by World War I, and the latter had been influenced by the "American dream." With the two of them helping around, America had felt like one of those old TV shows, in which someone did the housework while the other went to work, and when they returned home they were greeted with a delicious dinner. It was as if he had an American citizen´s typical life. Well, maybe not much with Romano, because the Italian was clumsy when trying to clean the house, and somehow he always burned the food; no matter, the experience he had with him was unique and fun. Of course, times had changed, and families no longer followed the same structure as fifty years ago, but the great thing about having a companion at home was that there was someone who supported you, who cared about your well-being, and vice versa. But couldn´t say the same for Russia's younger sister, because America couldn't stand Belarus´s personality and behavior in less than a week.

And then there was Mexico, who unlike the others had never formally stayed at his house. While meditating on the subject, America sighed. It was difficult to define his relationship with her. Maybe it was like a roller coaster, sometimes at the top while other times at the bottom. Perhaps they would hang out as friends for a few weeks, but sooner or later there would be a negative situation that would separate them again. That was the bad thing about being human representations of countries. And because of the proximity of their territories, their constant coexistence was inevitable.

America recognized Mexico could be annoying, stubborn and bossy with him, but on certain occasions she had a kind side, as she had shown those past two weeks in which she took care of his health. For that time, she had been the hero who saved him from trouble. And just for that America was grateful to her. He still didn't know how, but he was going to make it up to her.

… … …

Another two weeks passed, and one day two new meetings were held. The first one only concerned the American countries, and in the next one they would be joined by the nations of the other continents.

Apparently Mexico's good luck had expired since the last meeting, because she was late again and, to top it off, she was caught when she tried to walk stealthily to her seat.

"Please forgive me." She said. "It's just that one of my dogs felt very bad this morning, and I had to take him to the vet..."

"Okay Mex, I understand. Go to your seat." Replied America, who in the absence of Germany was the person in charge of putting order in that room, which was a difficult task because some of the present countries did not have much sympathy and respect for him, but he didn´t mind that. And to be honest, he didn't understand why Mexico continued inventing excuses, if it was already well known by most nations that she had punctuality problems.

For their part, Chile and Colombia noticed surprised the moment Mexico said "thank you" to the American just by moving her lips, and when both North Americans exchanged friendly smiles. They looked at each other, and smiling mischievously they had the same intuition.

"So, Mex…" Whispered Colombia to Mexico when she sat next to her. "Are you and the gringo friends again?"

"Uhm… yes. To put it in some way." She answered, avoiding the curious gaze of her friend. However, the South American noticed her statement ended in a questioning tone.

"Why do you doubt it?" Said the curly-haired girl, resting her head on the back of her hands. "Did something else happen?

"Yes." Chile added. "With the two of you alone in his house…"

"Well, and who you two think you are? The guys from Ventaneando*?" Mexico whispered annoyed.

"You and the Yanqui* act like an old married couple, you should get married already." Said Chile.

"I'll do it if you marry Argentina." Replied Mexico with a mocking smile, to which Chile turned his lips downwards as a sign of displeasure. "There's your answer."

… … …

After an hour the American meeting ended. Before the world meeting began, the present countries would have half an hour of rest, while the others nations arrived. Mexico, Chile and Colombia met with the other Latinos in the lobby of the building. The three of them, along with Peru, Brazil and Argentina, sat on black leather sofas, where they talked, joked and teased each other, until Mexico saw America and Canada near the main entrance. Using as a pretext that she had to talk to them about a matter concerning the North American free trade agreement, she got up from her seat and went towards the two blonde men. However, before she could approach them, Canada walked away to join Cuba and Venezuela, leaving America alone.

"Güero*! How´s work?" Mexico greeted America cheerfully, and he smiled back.

"Hey Mex! I still have some things to attend to, but at least not as many as before."

This time America was not lying. His dark circles were disappearing, and he looked more jovial, without the need to fake it. No doubt the energetic and cheerful United States of America was slowly coming back.

"That's great." Mexico replied, and then she looked at the coffee cup the North American was holding in one of his hands. "I hope that's the only cup you've had for today."

The blue-eyed man laughed.

"Don't worry, I bought only this one."

Mexico just nodded her head. Suddenly, both nations were interrupted by Japan and Germany, who had just arrived. The four of them exchanged quick greetings, and then the European and the Asian entered the building. Followed by them, more and more nations began to arrive.

"Oh, by the way!" Said America, while taking a card out of his brown suit jacket and handing it to Mexico. "It's for you."

The young woman looked at the piece of paper, on which there was a series of handwritten numbers.

"What´s this?"

America got closer and whispered in her ear.

"It´s the code my house´s gate lock."

"What?!"

"Ouh la là Amérique!" Interrupted France, misinterpreting what his eyes saw upon reaching the main entrance "Don't you think you are rushing things a bit?"

"It´s not what you´re thinking!" Exclaimed America and Mexico at the same time, drawing the attention of the people around.

"We have to go somewhere we won't get interrupted." Whispered the brunette to the blond man.

America inspected the interior of the building, until his gaze stopped at a double gray door. He pointed at them.

"The emergency stairs."

Both nations stealthily approached the doors and entered. The place was empty, and they hoped no more people would pass near by.

"Okay, so…" Said Mexico. "Why are you giving me this?"

"Well, uhm… that's my way of saying thank you." America hesitated. "And in case I need your help again, or that you need mine, you´ll be able to enter my house without much difficulty."

At first Mexico was perplexed. Of all the gestures and reciprocal actions she had received from the North American, that was one of the most thoughtful. And it was not any simple detail, since the doors of America´s house in his capital were open for her! She smiled sincerely.

"What were you expecting, gringo? After all we're partners, and I had to make sure you didn't get any more amolado than you already were."

"Amolado?"

"That you were more messed up and tired, I mean!"

As she spoke, uncertainty invaded Mexico´s mind. Despite the nice detail, she felt America had made a very hasty decision.

"Hey, and are you sure you want to trust me this? Aren't you afraid I could take advantage of this to do something bad?"

"In that case I can change the code."

"Right." Mexico blushed. She didn´t had thought the solution was that simple. But then she remembered the person she was talking to was the United States of America, one of the countries that always had hidden purposes whenever he did something for another nation. She had to be wily with him. "And what are you going to ask for in return?"

"What I´m going to ask for in return?" America asked confused. Mexico crossed her arms and tilted her head to one side.

"Please, gringo. Everyone knows you don't offer anything for free" Then she gave America a sly smile. She had the intention of teasing and making the American uncomfortable. "I hope you don't want me to kiss you on the cheek like that time..."

"Wait, what?! Of course not!"

"Just tell him you want him to be your pololo*, weona!" exclaimed an amused Chile, who along with Colombia had been spying on the two North American countries from the slot in one of the doors. The girl with curly hair couldn't help but laugh at what his friend said.

"Get lost, you pair of eavesdroppers!" Mexico yelled furiously, shoving the door shut.

"Uhm… What did he mean by pololo?" America asked.

"Uh… nothing important." Mexico bit her tongue, knowing perfectly what her friend was implying. She was beginning to feel annoyed by the intrusions of others. "We'd better get to the meeting room now."

The two North American countries left the room. Fortunately, neither Chile, Colombia nor France bothered them as they reached the elevator. In fact, they were the only countries who entered it. While the platform approached the floor where the meeting room was located, the two nations remained silent, not knowing what else to say despite the fact they were alone in that small space. But then Mexico gave a long yawn, which was noticed by America.

"What happened? Did you have a party last night?"

"No, although I would´ve liked it to be that way. I had work to do and I stayed awake finishing it." Mexico sighed wearily. "Sometimes it sucks to be the country that works the longest hours."

"I see." Replied America, understanding her situation. "In that case, when the meeting is over, you´ll need to rest a bit. And remember to drink chamomile tea instead of Coca-Cola."

Mexico's eyes widened in surprise, and then she chuckled. Her neighbor was applying her own advices to her.

"Okay gringo, I'll do it."

The elevator doors opened. As the two young nations got out from there, they ran into England, who was carrying an ancient book in his hands, and judging by his thrilled expression as he saw America, it seemed that he had been looking for the North American since the moment he arrived to the building.

"America! I have good news to you!" he exclaimed enthusiastically as he approached them. But before he could say anything else, he stopped to observe that his former brother´s appearance looked much better than the last world meeting. "Why! I see you are already recovering."

"That's right, and thanks to my help." Said Mexico with great pride.

"Great." Replied the Englishman. "Although it wasn't necessary with him having an unicorn as a pet."

Mexico and America looked at him confused. England opened the book to a page that had an illustration of the mythical creature, along with a series of Celtic runes.

"Scotland reminded me unicorns have healing and relaxation properties."

The two American nations looked at each other in astonishment. They knew the other had the same thought: the two weeks they had been busy and locked up in America's house could have been reduced to a single day, or less! They both wanted to hit the British man.

"Mexico, could you…?"

"With pleasure."

"But now that I think about it…" Continued England, clueless about what the American countries were planning to do. "Since America can't see him, that's the reason the unicorn couldn't help h… Ow!" At that moment an elastic object hit his head. The author of such aggression had been Mexico, who was holding a brown chancla in her right hand. "And why was that?!"

"Dude! That information would have been useful since the very beginning" America exclaimed angrily.

"I agree with the gringo" added Mexico, while she put the shoe back under her blazer. Maybe she and her northern neighbor didn't always get along, but when they did, they could become complicit in certain situations.

— THE END —

GLOSSARY:

Ventaneando: Mexican TV show known for its celebrity gossips and news.

Yanqui: Yankee.

Güero: Mexican informal term used generally to refer to a lighter-skinned person/man.

Pololo: Chilean word for boyfriend/girlfriend.

If you made it to this part, thank you very much for taking your time to read this simple story. I took inspiration from an old headcanon I shared on my Tumblr, and it was originally planned to be a one-shot, but I think I ended up extending the plot by making the characters to have a lot of inner thoughts... Well, I´ll be looking for your comments and/or constructive criticism. See ya!