...

~(WMD)~

heh hehe I just realized I left the last chapter with a double cliff-hanger!

Sorry~ Here's an update right before Thanksgiving!

After Turkey Day, I'll have alot more time to write. Well, generally speaking.

'Thoughts' "Speech"

-(SC)- = Scene Change

~(TS)~ = Time Skip

Warnings for - Tough Negotiations and Tomato Warfare

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France's Secret Leverage

"Not that it will make a difference but, …why are you lot even here…?" Arthur asked tiredly as he sat down on an old treasure chest by the bed. He then crossed his legs and stared down his trespassers with a discerning and grumpy glare. This day was truly becoming exhausting.

"England, my dear friend." Francis started cautiously as he stood a few feet away from the dangerously calm acting Englishman. He was trying to word what he had to say as carefully as he could and entirely in English to make it sound more appealing to his frenemy but without sounding too personal. "We were 'oping you would be willing to let us ztay wis you for zee mons. You 'ave zuch a large 'ouse, zo it's not like we would be in your way or anysing."

"Ja, zhis place iz huge! You should let us shtay vis you!" Gilbert practically demanded as he sat next to the Spaniard on the floor amongst a pile of books. Remarkably, Antonio didn't appear to have been injured too badly in the accident and ever since they had removed the bookcase from on top of him, he had been sitting there gushing over the axe he had found while completely ignoring the rest of them.

Francis shot a disapproving look towards the Prussian as he inwardly cringed at Gilbert's careless choice of words.

"And why would I do that?" Arthur asked as he distracted himself by holding up the toy boat he had found on the floor to better view it. He had helped the boys make this toy many years ago, it brought back fond memories for him. "The way I see it," Arthur continued. "the three of you came into my house uninvited. I can't imagine you actually believe you would receive a warm welcome from me. So," Arthur lifted his gaze to glare coldly at the Frenchman before him. "…what is your second approach. Dare I say, I don't imagine this polite proposal was the only tactic you've armed yourself with. You did come all this way after all. So let's hear it."

Francis let out a nervous laugh whereas Gilbert nearly choked on the heavy atmosphere that had settled around them like a thick fog. Antonio however, didn't appear to be affected in the slightest, as he was far too busy trying to wipe a smudge from the blade of the old war axe.

"Aw? You know me too well, Arthur." Francis said as he put on a smirk. He didn't think his first approach would work anyway, it was just a formality after all. Now, onto the second approach. Entitlement.

Arthur frowned as the Frenchman's posture changed and he flipped his hair sassily. "You owe me, mon ami." Francis started arrogantly. "I'm sure you noticed zee petit Italian 'ousguests ztaying wis notre cher Mathieu.

Arthur rolled his eyes. 'There it is…' He thought to himself as he set the toy boat down on the bed. He had a feeling Francis would try to cash in on that little deed. Not once did he think that it was simply coincidence that the Frenchman had suggested Matthew's house to the Italian twins.

Arthur sighed. "Yes, that was very clever of you and I appreciate it, but that doesn't give you the right to invade my house, frog." He said as he got back to his feet and walked past the blonde man. "If that's all you have, then I'd suggest you leave. Good deeds aside, I still don't want you here."

Francis' arrogant smirk dropped into a frown at the immediate rejection. He sighed heavily, he had really hoped that that would have worked. Well, ...on to the third approach… Blackmail.

"Zstop right zere, Angleterre." Francis ordered, bringing the smaller blonde man to a halt before he had a chance to exit the room. Arthur turned to look at Francis, a frown firmly set in his expression as he waited for the threat he already knew was coming. "I sink it would be in your best interest to reconsider letting us ztay 'ere wis you." Francis warned as he dug around in his pockets.

Arthur clenched his jaw as he watched his frenemy with apprehension. 'Oh God, what does he have now…?' He silently dreaded. The act of embarrassing information warfare between them had been going on for …well ...longer than either of them could honestly remember. The problem was, Arthur had been so preoccupied lately, he for once didn't have anything to counteract such a threat at this time, which in turn, left him quite vulnerable. 'Keep calm.' He urged himself. 'I'm sure he doesn't have anything too bad. I can just ignore it.'

"Ah, 'ere it iz." Francis said as he pulled his wallet out and flipped it open. He smirked as he slid a small picture out from one of the card sleeves. Arthur swallowed nervously. Pictures were one of the worst forms of embarrassment. Well, besides his log books that had somehow landed into French possession years ago. They were after all, the closest thing he kept to a diary. ...Other than his actual diary, which of course he denies the very existence of, less it be found. Only one person had ever actually found his diary …and that one person probably doesn't even remember the discovery. So it was quite safe.

Arthur brushed that thought away as he focused in on the small photo in Francis' hands. He had yet to turn it around, and the curiosity was getting to the nervous Brit.

Gilbert was watching as well. The up's and down's of this negotiation had been a little iffy at first but now it seemed his friend had some leverage. He frowned as Francis waved for the Englishman to come over to him. After a moment's hesitation, England slowly made his way over to the taller blonde man. They both turned their backs to Gilbert and the distracted Antonio so Francis could privately reveal his bargaining chip.

"Give me that!" Arthur raged almost instantly as he swiped the photo out of Francis' hands. Without a second thought, he tore the picture into small pieces angrily. "How do you even have this, I thought your camera was destroyed!"

Francis smirked at the bright blush that had appeared on Arthur's face. He then reached into his wallet again and slid out a duplicate photo. "Angleterre." He called, bringing the smaller man's attention back to him. Arthur snapped his head up from destroying the embarrassing photo and spotted the double. He glared daggers at the Frenchman as he grit his teeth in silent fury.

"I 'ave made multiple copies of zis particular photograph, mon amour. I can easily make it zee 'ot topic at tomorrow's conference." Francis threatened as he waved the photo back and forth to taunt his fremeny.

"I hate you, frog…" Arthur grumbled as he followed the photo with emerald eyes, his blush refusing to subside.

"Zo, can we ztay?" Francis asked with a grin. He already knew the answer but it was too satisfying for him to have the upper hand over Arthur. He craved to hear those words of defeat.

Arthur let out a slow breath as his shoulders drooped slightly. He knew he had lost. The Englishman resisted the urge to strangle the fancy man before him and instead turned around and marched back towards the door. He stopped at the threshold and shot a venomous glare at Francis.

"Fine." Arthur growled. "But you can't stay in this room, it's mine. And don't you dare take the twin's rooms either. You can have the maid's quarters at the other end of the house. That way you'll at least be away from me." With that said, the grumpy Englishman departed the room in a huff.

Gilbert grinned as he turned back to Francis. "Vay to go, mein freund!" He praised, then stood back up and walked over to the Frenchman. "Vhat vas zhat picture? Let me zee!"

"Non." Francis replied as he tucked the photo away and out of sight.

Gilbert frowned. "Don't be so shtingy und let me zee!" He demanded.

"If I let you zee it, zen you would just tell everyone about it." Francis explained logically. "If you did zat, zen zee zthreat of zis photo would be pointless.

"He's got a point there, mi amigo." Antonio said as he stood up as well. He then slung the axe over his shoulder and smiled. "If you talked about it, and we know you would, we wouldn't be able to stay in this nice house. We'd have to go back to the UN Building and you would have to stay with your hermano. So let's try and not push our luck, sí?"

"Oui, zmarter words were never zaid, mon ami." Francis agreed as he followed the Spaniard out the door.

Gilbert scowled as he watched his friends leave. "You guys are being totally un-awesome!" He yelled but received no response… "Hey! Don't leave me here, you lozers!" Gilbert demanded as he grabbed his travel bag and rushed out the door after them.

-(SC)-

"Now let's see, do we need anything else?" Matthew asked aloud as he opened up the refrigerator to check if he missed anything.

"Did you put cookies on the list?" Kumajiro asked as he followed his owner around. This after all, was very important and he didn't want to forget anything, …like snacks.

Matthew sighed. "Yes, I put cookies on the list and I even underlined it twice and circled it with a red marker, so stop asking."

The small polar bear frowned at his favorite person, then plopped down on the floor sulkily. He had only been trying to help. His annoyance grew when he felt something rub against him. Kumajiro turned and glared at Maple as the Ragamuffin sat down next to him, invading his personal space. The cat then turned his attention and stared up at one of the higher cabinets over their heads. Out of curiosity, the small bear looked as well. He deadpanned when he spotted a super fluffy dark brown tail swishing back and forth from a closed cabinet.

"Did you put cat food on the list?" Kumajiro asked as he continued to watch the tail with mild interest.

"I actually forgot that one, good thinking Mr. KumaCandyCorn." Matthew praised as he took out a pen to write cat food on the list as well. Kumajiro watched as the tail disappeared within the cabinet just as his favorite person turned around, right after he had finished adding the new item to the grocery list.

"Do we have enough cereal?" Matthew asked while opening the cabinet right next to the one Hero was in. He took a box out and hummed thoughtfully when he noticed it was only half full. "Better put this down as well."

When the Canadian turned back around to write 'cereal' on the list, Hero popped out of the cabinet and landed heavily onto the countertop before leaping to the floor in one fluid motion. Without delay the fluffy Ragamuffin exited the kitchen in a rush, carrying something in his mouth. Maple's ears perked with interest and he made off after his friend, leaving Kumajiro as the only witness to their thievery.

"Do you think anyone wants to come with us?" Matthew asked his polar bear companion as he folded the grocery list and tucked it away in his back pocket. Before Kumajiro had time to respond, loud familiar laughter erupted from outside, followed by someone else shouting something.

Matthew frowned. "Do I even want to know…?" He muttered as he made his way to the front door. He came to his conclusion almost instantly when he opened it and took a step outside.

"You guys, stop!" Feliciano cried as he just barely dodged a flying tomato that had been aimed at Alfred as he ran past the northern Italian.

Lovino scowled. "Stop moving so I can hit you!" He yelled as he took aim again. Both he and Alfred were now splattered here and there with red tomato juice, but neither of them seemed to care at the moment.

"Matteo!" Feliciano exclaimed as he spotted the Canadian standing at the door looking bewildered. "Saveh me!" He cried as he rushed over and hid behind the larger nation.

Hearing this, Alfred directed his attention to the door as well. He slowed to a stop when he saw his brother. Lovino, who had been watching his target closely, smirked when he noticed the American was now distracted.

Both Feliciano and Matthew flinched when Alfred was struck in the chest by a high speed tomato sneak attack.

Despite Lovino's grumpy disposition, he couldn't help himself as he started laughing at the surprised look on the American's face. Alfred looked over to him with a small frown, but it quickly turned into a smirk as he bent down and collected the remains of the tomato from the ground.

"That was a cheap shot, man!" Alfred complained lightheartedly as he sent the crushed fruit back at the laughing Italian. Lovino quickly leaned to the left to avoid being hit, however he was still pelted with the juice that came with it.

The southern Italian took a step back as he wiped the juice off his face. He then narrowed his eyes at the now laughing American as he readied his last tomato.

Matthew finally let out a heavy sigh then face palmed. "What started this?" He asked, directing his question to the cowering Italian standing behind him.

"I don't know~!" Feliciano whined as he peeked out from behind Matthew. "I haven'teh seen tomato abuse this bad sinceh I went with Fratello to Antonio's "La Tomatina" festival!"

"La Toma-what?" Matthew asked, confused as he turned his head to look at Feliciano.

"Oh, It's a-" Feliciano's explanation stopped mid-sentence when Alfred ran past them. As soon as the American was out of the way he spotted a large ripe tomato flying right towards them. "Watch out, Matteo!" Feliciano cried as he ducked behind the Canadian again.

Matthew turned his head just in time to see a tomato coming right at him. He closed his eyes and flinched, which was all he could think to do in such little time. A few seconds later when nothing happened, the teen slowly opened his eyes.

"Niceh catch, Alfred." Feliciano praised happily. Matthew turned his gaze to see his brother standing next to him with a tomato in his hand.

"Hey! Be careful, dude. You almost hit Mattie!" Alfred scolded as he tossed the tomato into the air casually and then caught it again with his other hand. Matthew wanted to roll his eyes at his brother's usual overprotective tendencies but he just couldn't this time. Instead, he gave his twin a small but thankful smile.

Lovino tsked. "That would haveh been your own fault, since you're the one who started this!" He shot back.

Alfred made an indignant sound to the Italian's retort. "All I did was move your car!" He defended. "You totally overreacted!"

Lovino gaped at the American. "All you did? You broke the passenger's seat! Did you forget?" He reminded angrily. "Giveh me back my tomato!"

"Why?" Alfred asked, looking doubtful.

"So I can hit you with it!" Lovino yelled.

Alfred frowned slightly then shrugged. "If that's what you want…" He replied as he arched his arm back to throw the tomato to the Italian. Before he could however, he felt the fruit being taken from his hand.

"Let's try to avoid anymore injuries, eh?" Matthew said with a nervous laugh as he took the tomato into his own hand for safe keeping. Alfred flushed slightly, knowing exactly what his brother was hinting at.

"Come on, bro, I don't play that rough anymore." Alfred argued. That only earned him an eye roll from his twin. As if saying "Sure you don't."

"Can we go, already?" Came an impatient voice before Alfred could continue arguing against a comment that was never verbally spoken.

Feliciano, Matthew, and Alfred all looked down to see Kumajiro just inside the door looking bored.

"Where are you going?" Alfred asked curiously, already forgetting about the tomato war that he may or may not have been the cause of.

"Well, I was planning on going to the grocery store…" Matthew informed tiredly as he walked past Feliciano then bent down and picked up Kumajiro from the floor. "I was going to ask if anyone wanted to come, but…" His sentence trailed off as he walked away from them and into the house.

"I want to come~" Feliciano said as he followed the Canadian.

"Alright." Matthew accepted without turning to look at the northern Italian.

"Me too." Alfred chimed in from behind them.

"No way." Matthew rejected as he turned and eyed the messy American.

Alfred instantly pouted. "No fair, how come he gets to go and I don't?" He asked childishly.

"Because, he's not covered with tomato juice." Matthew replied calmly as he took out his coat from the hall closet.

"Are you going somewhere?" Lovino asked from the doorway. He had decided to come inside as well, seeing as everyone had somehow forgotten about him.

"Vee~ Matteo and I are going to the grocery store." Feliciano said while giving his brother a smile.

"I'm coming too." Lovino said forcefully, leaving little room for argument. Matthew hesitated as he looked over to the easily riled Italian man. He wanted to say 'no' to him as well, but Lovino wasn't like Alfred and he wasn't sure how he would take a rejection. Matthew let a soft sigh escape him as he lowered his coat.

"Fine, but you both have to take a shower first. You can't go into the store like that." Matthew finally relented, though he still wasn't happy about giving in to the Italian's demands so easily. He felt like a push over now.

Alfred flashed his brother a grin as he made his way to the stairs. "Be down in 10." He said before disappearing to the second story bathroom.

~(TS)~

"Do you think those two can get along together for a month?" Matthew asked quietly. Both he and Feliciano were now sitting on the couch in the living room waiting for Lovino and Alfred to get cleaned up.

"Eh? What do you mean?" Feliciano asked.

"They don't seem to get along very well." Matthew stated glumly.

Feliciano looked over to the Canadian, surprised. He then smiled. "I don't think you need to worry. It may not look like it, but Lovino was actually having fun outside when he was fighting with Alfred."

Matthew lifted his eyebrows and gave Feliciano a curious look. "He was? He didn't look like he was having fun to me…"

Feliciano hummed thoughtfully and nodded. "When we arrived, Lovi was in a really bad mood and it was just getting worse for some reason. But when he started fighting with Alfred, it gave him someone to vent his frustrations at. It may seem odd, but he's in a much better mood now."

Matthew smiled softly at Feliciano's explanation. "I understand what you're saying." He agreed as he thought about how Alfred's mood had also been lifted. He had looked rather depressed after their conversation a little while ago, but now he seemed to be genuinely happier. "You're right, maybe it won't be as bad as I thought."

"I didn't say that~" Feliciano joked as he gave Matthew an unreadable smile.

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~(WMD)~

As you can see, I am running out of Kuma names, if you have any that you would like to share, that would be great! Otherwise, I shall keep using unhealthy snacks as my inspiration. :3

xXx

La French

Mon amour = My love

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La Tomatina - If you were like me, you looked up "Spain" and "Tomatos" just like the sarcastic Hetalia narrator lady told you to do. If you did, then you already know what it is and I don't have to tell you! XD

If you didn't...

La Tomatina = Epic Tomato Fight!

look it up~

Reviews are appreciated.