"Hey, need a hand?" said the lovely voice next to him. He couldn't believe that NOW the American was coming to him. Alfred's offering hand still waited for the british man's touch but Arthur knocked the offering hand away. Standing, he watched the oddly sweet American and blushed.

"What do you want?" the brit hissed, failing and forgetting to try to be somewhat affectionate. he couldn't help it though...

Kiku, who looks way better than his futile self, was chest to chest only moments ago with the azure eyed man. He really didn't mean to get jealous, and now he was taking it out on Alfred. Still, the American could have rejected the Japanese man.

"What's wrong Iggy?" the American asked, puzzled at Arthur's annoyed attitude. The brit rolled his eyes. He didn't understand, the American never would understand or care to know. Especially how he felt. That was for bloody sure. Besides, he was too old and unattractive. Kiku at least looked good with Alfred. Arthur's emerald eyes glazed over with water in his sudden frustrations and doubts. Shock and worry came over Alfred and he grabbed Britian's wrist, dragging him off to the side and out the door of the big room to a small dark deserted hallway.

"Let me go fat ass!" Arthur protested trying to get free of the stronger man's grasp. Finally being dragged down far enough so no one could hear or see what would happen between the two men, Alfred proceeded in pinning the smaller nation to the wall. He couldn't afford to let prying eyes and ease droppers interfere. Arthur turned head away, refusing, absolutely refusing to make eyes contact with Alfred.

"Tell me everything. Now." The American's voice was deep.

Serious.

But a hint of love' understanding, and... Aggression.

Arthur liked.. No.. Arthur loved it.

The briton closed his eyes, biting down on his own bottom lip waiting for the man to speak again. He would enjoy the good parts of this while he could. He knew Alfred would never love him. Like him. Accept him.

"Nothing. I'm fine Alfred."

Americas grasp tightened on Arthur's shoulders, now he was getting frustrated.

"That's a damn lie Arthur and you know it! Now tell me." Alfred said in anger. He hated when Britain got like this but tonight seemed to be the worst time yet. The younger nation always tried to talk with him every time but he was so stubborn. Always lying, saying it was nothing. How was he suppose to tell him 'that' if Arthur was always depressed and hiding things. And it seemed things always got worse when Kiku came around.

Wait.

Alfred's blue eyes widened and he lovingly looked into the emerald ones he had known all his life that decided to stop hiding behind there shields.

"Arthur.. Were you jealous that me and Kiku danced together?"

Watered, hurt-filled emerald eyes came to life in sheer rage (all caps rage bitches) and the brit grabbed a fistful of Alfred's shirt, trying to seem like a threat to the younger nation who had just easily pointed out his misery.

"What the hell do you think you Idiot?!," he shook his head, "Bloody Hell, we both like you and of course I got jealous at seeing you two together!" the shorter man yelled. Ashamed that he had just practically admitted his feeling to Alfred. The brit looked away, to the floor actually. This explained two things to Alfred.

One.

He had never noticed Kiku was flirting and trying to get with him but, up until now, he didn't have a clue. He didn't like Japan like that. At all.

Two.

Now, with actions, he could prove to Arthur that he could care for him. As more than 'just being friends'. He knew Arthur was such an intelligent man, but, the American knew the Briton didn't know how to be affectionate or use his heart instead of his head. Oh well.

Smiling, Alfred pulled the blushing brit closer to him, making the shorter man protest. But it was no good. He was just too strong.

"Arthur..." he said warmly, nuzzling into the blonde's hair. The fake protesting ended quickly and Britain melted. Did Alfred know now? Of course he did.

Stepping away from the British man, but still holding his hand lightly and lovingly, the American's smile grew wider.

"Care to dance?" He gestured to the room were the light, music, and people were and Arthur went with the younger nation back into the ball room.

Me...?

Dance...?

With... You?

Arthur walked into the room, full of confidence and latched onto his hero.

The hero who saved him from falling. The brit finally smiled. Truly smiled.