Nonbeta

Always Set To You

Chapter 2

By HamburgerWithTea

3. Grandiose self-worth - a grossly inflated view of one's abilities and self-worth. They are arrogant people who believe they are superior human beings

The annoying sound of his alarm was what awoke the Briton in the morning. He lifted up his hand to turn off the alarm, but instead of succeeding he ended up pushing the clock off his nightstand. He grumbled as he lifted himself off his bed to turn it off either way.

Once he succeeded turning off the alarm, he just sat in his bed, rubbing his sleepy eyes. He didn't want to go to school. It was bothersome to have to walk around the school all day, up the stairs, down the stairs, do all the work both teachers and pupils wouldn't do, having to be at school early…

But he figured he'd rather keep his position than waste it away. He enjoyed having more power, it gave him lots of opportunities compared to most kids. Also it'd probably look well on his report card, so it might be beneficial for the future too.

With a groan he dragged himself out of his bed, off to go start his morning routine. He splashed fresh water in his face hoping it'd help him wake up and looked at his reflection in the mirror. Suddenly he remembered the piece of hair Alfred had cut off yesterday and he quickly checked if I was still barely visible. Lucky for him, it was.

He shook his head to keep himself from drifting off to a day-dream state and quickly continued to get ready.

As he put on his black jeans and dress shirt with pullover and perfectly knotted tie, he remembered the first time he was able to go to school without a uniform. Three years ago he'd come to the USA in order to study here, for it would help him get a better job later on. At first he'd been all alone, it'd taken about half a year before the class-clowns suddenly started to bother with him; Francis, Antonio and Gilbert were the most annoying guys he knew, yet he was thankful to them –he'd never admit so though!

It was due to them being interested that others also started to talk to him about more than just the casual 'What class do we have now' and 'When will the economy test take place?'. They hadn't been in the same year or class as him, for they were a year older, but it'd helped and that was nice. He didn't even want to think about how he'd be now if he still was the anti-social transfer student.

Sometimes it'd been weird to adjust to the American culture, he still had his moments where he'd not be used to a situation, but he tried his best to learn as fast as possible in order to avoid embarrassing or bothersome moments.

By now he was done with dressing and with a quick check of his bag, just to see if he got everything, he set off to the bus stop with a slice of toast in mouth. He'd not have to hurry this way, yet he'd be able to eat.

It took ten minutes to get to the bus stop, after which he'd had to wait about five more until the bus would arrive. In that time he'd easily finish his toast, and in case he was still hungry afterwards he'd be able to eat the sandwich he'd packed for lunch and would just buy something in the school canteen.

After he'd arrived at the bus stop it didn't take long for the bus itself to arrive. For once it was on time, and Arthur was pleased to see so. This way he'd have even more time to fix up a few last details in his homework before he'd have to go to his classes.

One book in hand, for he liked reading in the mornings for it made sure he'd not doze off again, he got on the bus and too a seat near the back. Suddenly he could hear someone sit down on the chair next to him, which he found odd enough to look up for; normally at this time of the day the buses would be so empty, everyone would sit on themselves with at least two rows in between. As he looked up he was surprised to see sleepy, yet twinkling blue eyes staring back at him.

"Alfred? What are you doing here?" he asked, for no one of his school evergot on the bust this early.

The American blond yawned very wide and loud before he answered the question, "Hm, nothing much, just woke up early and figured I should keep you company. It's more awesome than just dozing off again in front of the TV," Or so he said.

Alfred had set his alarm extra early to make sure he wouldn't miss the bus. There was no way he would let Arthur ride the bus alone, it was much too dangerous! Who knows what he could encounter? Maybe a pervert? Maybe some weird girl? Maybe bullies?

He wouldn't let that happen; he was a hero after all. He had to protect his precious someone and he was awesome enough to be able to do so.

Another yawn escaped his lips, which made Arthur yawn in return. The American could see how the Briton's eyes would water a bit, probably due to the yawning, and he couldn't help but want to wipe them away.

And so he did.

"W-what..!" Arthur sputtered, not wanting the sudden touch, "Alfred, stop it! What do you think you're doing?" the smaller blond tried to move the other's hand away from his face, but it didn't work.

"Just…" Alfred trailed off, apparently distracted by concentrating on wiping the bit of tears away, "…Just wiping them away, the tears." He said, still focussing on the man in front of him. To Arthur it seemed this moment lasted far too long to be just 'wiping tears away' and the strong force the American used to be able to hold on to the other's face didn't make it believable either.

"Alfred, quit it!" With a quick kick he made Alfred realise that he was serious about not wanting it, and soon the fascinated expression changed into the one of a hurt puppy. Alfred was always good at making these faces.

"Oh, sorry…" he said, somewhat weird. It wasn't like he didn't mean it, but it didn't really sound guilty either. To Arthur it wasn't definable whether he meant it or not, but he decided to believe him for now.

They didn't made another sound or conversation after that, for the rest of the trip, for neither knew what to say. Arthur knew he'd only end up making sarcastic comments on everything the other would say and Alfred knew he better kept his mouth shut and apologise later for the Briton would be too stubborn to accept it now anyways. He'd followed him around enough to see the same happen to Francis. That damn French bastard, trying to steal his Artie away from him, if he'd come any closer…

Arthur continued reading his book, a not so interesting one but good enough to keep his mind of work for a bit, and soon they arrived at their school while still not having said even one word. The schoolyard looked deserted for it was much to early for anyone to be there if they didn't have to.

"So…" Arthur said a bit nervous, trying to break the awkward silence. He wasn't sure how Alfred felt now or why he'd even done that, but he probably didn't mean any harm. Sometimes Alfred was a bit weird, just small details, but he meant well…

"Let's go inside, Artie," the Briton glared in return, "Uhm… Arthur, I meant." Alfred said, trying not to make the other blond angry. He meant all to him and he'd hate himself if he were to make Arthur angry at him. That way they might not end up together, and that after all the work and effort! Poor Arthur didn't know he liked Alfred yet, but the American would make sure he'd recognise it. He's a hero so he can do this, he will do this…

By now Arthur was already a few steps ahead, "Why are you standing there when you were the one to suggest going inside the building?" Arthur asked in a bit of an annoyed voice. Alfred quickened his pace, making a small jog, to reach Arthur and they both went inside.

The taller blond didn't really know what to do now he was actually inside. Arthur immediately walked off to the lockers before going to the Student Council office, but Alfred was pretty sure he wouldn't be allowed in there. Well, he was kind of okay with it, as long as there were no people in or near the room.

Suddenly he could feel another yawn coming – he seriously woke up too early for his own good, this wasn't normal nor healthy. Maybe this was why Arthur was so pale and all?

Alfred decide he'd best get himself a good cup of coffee before he'd fall asleep in class later, for the teachers would definitely pick on him. They always did, for he was 'the popular guy' and liked to cause a bit of a ruckus.

As Alfred was off to get himself the caffeine-filled drink, Arthur went off to the office. For now he'd just have to wait until the rest of the pupils and teachers would walk into the school. He could see them all arriving from the window behind his desk; it wasn't a very big window, but it had a good overview of the schoolyard and tardy pupils would be easily spot, which gave Arthur enough time to get down to wait them up and assign them detention – well if they had been tardy more often. Once would be okay, so were the school rules, the other times being late would result into detention.

Being strict was important to Arthur for it helped him keep his position high and intimidating, which was something he definitely needed in order to pass as a proper Student Council President.

From the window Arthur could see the familiar figure of Alfred walk around on the schoolyard, a cup in hand which was probably filled with coffee, and soon the early-arriving girls would swarm around him.

Every time that'd happen Arthur would think back to the conversation he'd had with Alfred about crushes and all; Poor girls didn't have a chance at all, and Arthur knew, yet they were too oblivious of love to notice. The Briton, though, was convinced they would end up realising it at some point in life.

Still, Arthur was interested about this 'special someone' of Alfred. He'd been so vague about it, yet he seemed to want Arthur to answer every question and stay around as long as possible, probably since he enjoyed annoying the Briton. Or that's what Arthur thought.

4. Early behavioural problems - a variety of behaviours prior to age thirteen, including lying, theft, cheating, vandalism, bullying, sexual activity, fire-setting, glue-sniffing, alcohol use, and running away from home.

By now the school was about to start and Arthur made his way towards his classroom. His first class would be biology which meant he didn't have to do much except for making notes. The rest of the day passed pretty calm too, a few bothersome encounters with pupils not following the rules, but these problems were easily fixed.

The piles on Arthurs desk were, once again, just as much as the day before despite his desk being empty this morning. The sandy blond gave a sigh as he sat behind his desk, ready to finish several papers before he'd be able to leave and go home.

Most of the papers were about small school trips the pupils would want to organise, though most were impossible or way too expensive. It didn't take too long for Arthur to finish the documents, and soon he'd be leaving the school.

As he walked down the stairs he was surprised to see a recognisable figure waiting at the bottom of the stairs. It was obviously Alfred, though Arthur didn't know why he'd be here. The American seemed to talk to someone though, and as Arthur walked further down the stairs he could recognise the second person too; it was Francis.

He hadn't seen Francis in a while and to be honest he kind of missed the jerk, though he'd not expected to see him here, right now. Arthur was pretty sure this would end up in the usual fighting for he wasn't at his best mood after such a long and boring day…

"Ah, look at that, there he is!" A somewhat French-accented voice called out for Francis was facing the stairs, while Alfred had his back turned towards them. Not for long though, since he quickly turned around as he hear the Frenchman's comment.

His Arthur looked wonderful as he descended the stairs, his messy blond hair even messier after he'd obviously been resting his head on his hand while grabbing his hair. Alfred had seen him doing that often, mostly when thinking really hard. Arthur himself didn't seem to notice it, which made it even more enchanting.

"Oh hello, Frog," Arthur said on a harsh tone, but it didn't sound convincing enough to pass as if he meant it. Alfred was pretty sure Arthur was happy to see the French guy, which made jealousy rise in his stomach.

"Ouch, mon chèr,that hurts and you know it does," Francis said, rubbing his heart as a joke.

"Shut up, it's not like it'll kill you. After all, I'm only telling the truth," A smirk arose on Arthur's face and Alfred couldn't help but stare at it. Arthur was his, his.

But if he was, then why did Francis make him laugh like this? Well, it wasn't exactly laughing, but it was more than the silent and grumpy Arthur he got to see. Alfred could feel how the urge to hit the Frenchman arose.

He wouldn't do so, though. They wouldn't understand, the other people that is. They never understood anything. They didn't understand his love for Arthur either, just purelove. Stupid Frenchman thought he knew what he was talking about with his amourand shit…

Suddenly Alfred seemed to realise where he was and what he was doing again. He snapped out of his trance and saw how the long-haired blond had started to talk with the Briton, probably arguing according to the sound.

"Now fuck off, Frogface," Arthur said in an angry tone, "Don't bother with my life, I'll be fine, I'm not some damn damsel!" and with that he walked off. Alfred had no idea what it was about until he could see the look in the Frenchman's eyes; the look that focussed on him, Alfred, and that would look suspicious. It was the look there stupid people from the past used to give him as he was sent to the so-many-th psychiatrist.

He'd never understood why they sent him there, there was and is nothing wrong with him, never. He had friends, he had good grades, he was just a normal boy…

Alfred might have been doing some rebellious things such as stealing some candy from a shop or running away from home when he was angry some time, but that was nothing serious, a lot of kids do so, right? So why did he had to be sent off to there?

These stupid psychiatrists didn't know him, not at all. They assumed stuff and after a while Alfred just agreed with them to be over with, but it seemed they didn't fully trust him, though it was enough for the psychiatric talks to stop. His parents and brother, though, would still watch his every move whenever they thought he didn't notice. It annoyed him, that's why he wasn't able to love Arthur in front of everybody, who knew what they'd do, they'd probably take Arthur away from him…

"Alfred, come on, leave him be," Arthur said, waiting in the hall room while the two others were glaring each other down. Francis didn't seem to trust Alfred, Alfred just knew. He'd become used to reading people's body language in order to know what they were thinking.

"Sure," Alfred said, walking off but not breaking the eye contact until he reached where Arthur was standing. After that they walked off, not responding to the "Good bye, ami,".

5. Lack of realistic long-term-goals - an inability or persistent failure to develop and execute long-term plans and goals.

"What was that about?" Alfred asked, curiosity sparkling in his eyes. He regretted spacing off, for he'd missed the whole point of the small fight Arthur and Francis apparently had.

"Nothing to worry about," Arthur assured him, "Just Francis messing with my life and I made it clear to him that he shouldn't." he still sounded angry and it made Alfred feel like the Briton probably didn't want to talk about it.

The American boy couldn't help but feel anger rise inside him. He wouldn't show it, oh no he shouldn't for Arthur would not want to talk with him again, but he definitely felt it. Why was it always Alfred making the effort, why wasn't Arthur just honest and straightforward with him?

But, despite thinking so, he suddenly remembered how much Arthur meant for him. He could deal with it a bit longer, just a bit. Arthur would come to realise soon. Alfred would be so happy once that moment arrived, but for now he'd have to wait; it'd be for the best.

Despite not wanting Arthur to hate him, he figured it wouldn't hurt to tell Arthur about his dislike of Francis.

"I don't like him." He said.

"Who is him?"

"Francis."

A small silence fell, Arthur was trying to figure where this sudden comment came from and how to respond to it. He hated Francis too, yet in a weird way he was also his best friend. They always argued and he often felt as if he could just punch the guy straight in the face, but he could be nice sometimes if he wasn't acting cocky.

"He… He isn't a bad guy," Arthur said, not expecting him to ever be so honest with anyone. Everyone else thought he hated the Frenchman's whole existence. "It's not that I seem him as a friend! It's just…" Arthur didn't know what it was, yet he couldn't fully ever hate him.

As he looked back up to meet with Alfred's face, he was surprised to once again see this small twinkle in the blue orbs that almost made Alfred seem jealous. But that couldn't be right for Alfred was the nice and funny guy, the popular guy everyone loved. He couldn't be jealous; he either was too nice or had all he wanted.

"Alfred?" The smaller blond asked to get his attention back, "Something wrong?" Alfred most definitely seemed rather out of character.

"Huh what? Something wrong? With me?" he asked, the wide grin back on his face and a hand scratching the back of his head, not sure where to place it. That was close. "Of course not, Artie! Nothing's ever wrong with me!"

Well then, if he said so. Arthur still had its doubts but he waved them off; he was just being overdramatic about everything. Probably because of lack of sleep or something.

"Okay than…" Another awkward silence almost settled, but Arthur quickly broke it by asking Alfred about how his day had been.

"Oh, nothing much, just teachers complaining," Alfred said, sighing and looking away while shrugging his shoulders. It's not like he cared anyways, what was the point of these goals when he wasn't sure about it yet.

"About what?" Was the obvious question Arthur retorted, not wanting to let silence settle in.

"Oh just the usual, life goals and aspiration," Alfred said in response, a hand grabbing his forehead as to show he got a headache from it, "They keep telling me I need to come up with some, but it's not like they just come flying at me or something. They just don't understand!"

Arthur kind of understood what Alfred meant, yet he knew the teachers were right. Alfred was 17 now, if he wouldn't come up with a proper life goal or studies he'd get into trouble later. It'd be a waste, for Alfred was most definitely not dumb. Oblivious, but not dumb.

"They are right, though," Arthur quietly responded, "You really should kind of know which way you're heading in life, even if it's just a small guideline," Arthur didn't know for himself yet, not fully, but at least he knew what interested him and what kind of job he'd like. "Just see where your interests lie and you might come across something? No need to worry."

Alfred doubted this, but didn't say so. Instead he just hummed in acknowledgement and they walked on, silence settling after all. This time, though, it wasn't an awkward silence, it was just the kind of silence that appears when both people were in deep thought.

Their bus ride home had been silence too, except for the small moment when Arthur asked Alfred about why he'd been waiting. The taller blond had just shaken it off as something casual, something everyone would do to a friend. Arthur figured the American was just that loyal of a friend.

After all, nothing was wrong with him, right?

/Author's Note/

There we go! Chapter 2!

It's short, took a long time, yet I'm glad I at least uploaded SOMETHING.

I'm currently working on a long oneshot about fairies and flowers and all ;D I'm really excited to publish it but it takes quite a long time to get it all right.

I hope the wait for this chapter was worth it, summer holidays will start in 5 weeks which probably makes it easier for me to write due to more inspiration and time, so let's look forward to that.

Just saying, I don't mean to make people think of Francis as 'the bad guy'. That's just how Alfred sees him, you'll figure as the story continues.

Stay awesome and look forward to my next upload, I should really get myself to work on HwRT. Got it all planned, but I'm on a writers block with it for a bit D: I think it'll pass once holidays are there, not sure.

I do not own Hetalia or the characters, those belong to their rightful (awesome) creator, Hidekaz Himaruya

The facts in between is stuff I found on Tumblr and I consider it as research. Haxelo and I decided to add them for a bit of insight on the characters, but we do not own them.

(06/03/12)