First decently long chapter! Hope you guys like it. : )

Chapter Pairings: Many mentions of Prussia x Canada; tiny references to Sweden x Finland and Denmark x Norway

4. My Brother's Gay! (America)

America had settled in right away at Hetalia High. He got along very well with his roommate, Spain, immediately. They were both so easy going, it would have been impossible not to. He also made other friends; he got closer to his brother of course, and one of his brother's friends seemed to be decent. His nation's name was Prussia, which had sounded vaguely familiar to America, but when he checked his atlas later, he couldn't find any such country. Still, all three of them had sat together at lunch before and he seemed like a good enough guy, if not a bit obnoxious. Then again, America of all people could hardly complain about that.

However, the person he grew the closest to was England.

Ever since his first day they'd spent a lot of their free time together. They ate meals and hung out in the common room and did their homework together. He was quickly becoming a person America would identify as his 'best friend' if he had to choose one, though he still couldn't really explain why England bothered to let the new kid tag along with him. America had once asked him why he didn't spend more time with his other friends, and England had answered, after a while, that he really didn't have many close friends.

England was short-tempered, sarcastic, cynical, and a little off-putting to most of the other boys, it was true. America knew all these things, and had experienced them firsthand, yet to him they weren't defaults in his personality. They just were. He wasn't really picky about what kind of guys he made friends with, so anyone willing to put up with him was good enough for him. And England continued to put up with him, even if his words sometimes indicated that he'd rather not.

They were together now, about a week after the school year had begun. Everyone was settled into their new classes and schedules, and so actual work was now being assigned. America was gazing at his chemistry book, not comprehending a word of it and occasionally glancing over at England, who was writing steadily for some English assignment. Appropriately enough, England was really great at anything that had to do with the English language.

When he was concentrating really hard, such as now, England had the tendency to run his hands through his already messy hair, causing it to stick up in various, impossible, directions. At the moment, America found his friend's hair about thirty times more interesting than his homework, so he ended up just kind of staring stupidly at England, who eventually looked up and noticed.

"And what're you smirking at, ya git," he asked mildly, turning back to his work as he did so.

America just laughed and shook his head, not bothering to tell England about his interesting hairdo. Better to let him find out on his own. Sighing, he looked at his chemistry book again for about four seconds before he found a welcome distraction in Canada making his way over to their spot in the room.

"Hey, bro! How's it going?" he asked.

"Hm? Oh, fine, I guess." Canada sounded preoccupied, or nervous, or something, to America. He was glancing around a lot and wringing his hands. "Uh…England?" he asked timidly, a few seconds later. "Do you mind if I talk to Al alone for a second?"

America raised an eyebrow, but didn't say anything. He waited for England's response. When no answer came forth after about two minutes, he leaned over and punched the Brit gently on the arm. England looked up from his writing, seeming to just notice for the first time that they'd been joined by another.

"Oh! Hello, Canada. Can we help you?"

"Uh…c-could I talk to Al for a minute…a-alone?" Canada stuttered nervously, not meeting England's eye. America had known since they were young that Canada always stuttered slightly when he felt intimidated, and being ignored by England must have disconcerted him.

"Of course. I'll just go sit with my…roommate…" England did not look particularly excited at the prospect, and America knew why. His roommate was a French boy who seemed to make a hobby out of sexually harassing anyone who came near him, and he seemed to especially annoy England. But he still shot America a small smile despite his clear distaste at having to leave. "I'll see you later," he said as he gathered his papers. America nodded once, his eyes following England's movements as he began to walk away.

Canada sank into England's vacated seat and began speaking rapidly, albeit quietly, but America was still watching his friend as he crossed the room and encountered France. Something about France's hand trailing across England's cheek (his standard method of greeting his roommate) made him feel vaguely uncomfortable, but he couldn't quite place the feeling. He was lost in thought for a few seconds, but soon noticed the small voice to his right. When he realized that his brother had been talking to him for the last minute or so, he quickly tried to refocus.

"Sorry, what was that? I didn't really hear…any of it, actually." He laughed, as though to berate himself for being so rude, and to try and make light of the situation.

Canada looked distraught at having to repeat himself. I hope it's nothing too important…America thought, settling back into his armchair and getting ready to really listen this time.

"I was just…I…" Canada seemed at a loss for words. America noticed that his face was flushed and he still looked nervous. He probably cheated on a quiz or something and now feels guilty about it…America sighed, but then smiled in what he hoped was a reassuring way.

"Dude, if there's something wrong, just say it. I'm your brother; you can trust me, right?"

Canada nodded, but he still didn't look like he really believed it. Eventually, though, he raised his head a little and met America's gaze steadily for the first time. His voice didn't even shake a little as he said, "There is something I want to tell you. So I'm just going to say it, and I don't care what you think about me after I do."

Now slightly more curious at how serious and bold Canada was being, America nodded for him to continue and leaned forward slightly, listening attentively.

Canada drew a breath and spoke as he released it.

"I'm gay."

America wasn't homophobic. He lived in a state where same-sex marriage was legal, he had gay friends, and he always tried to be accepting of everyone in general. So while he wasn't upset or anything about the fact, the news still came as a shock. And try as he might to take it calmly and naturally, he still ended up staring at his brother like an idiot. "You're…gay!" was the only thing he could come up with to say in response; unfortunately, it came out more like an accusation than a question.

Canada nodded, but suddenly he looked fearful and less confident than before. He looked like he was close to tears, so America figured he better try reassuring him or something.

"Well…uh, good for you!" he finally said, cringing slightly on the inside at how that had come out. Still, the words had the desired effect; Canada looked up at him hopefully. "What I mean is…it makes no difference to me, if that's what you were worried about."

Canada looked immensely relieved. "I w-was afraid…" his voice faltered for a few seconds, but then he laughed gently. "This is the first time I've ever actually told someone." He sounded somewhat proud of himself for finally managing to do it, too.

"Really? So is this a new thing, then?" America couldn't help but smile at the direction this conversation was going in. There was just something…nice, about being trusted like this. And he admittedly found it just a little bit funny that his baby brother was gay. Not in a mean way, just an ironic sort of way.

"It's been a few months," he answered, blushing but still sounding pleased all the same. "But I haven't told mom yet, and Gil is the one who told all the other kids here."

Gil? "Wait, you mean Prussia?" America asked quickly. His voice cracked slightly as he rushed to get all the words out, but he hardly noticed.

"Yeah. He's my boyfriend."

"Really?" America's grin faltered. He knew they were friends and everything, but could it be possible they were dating? The two just seemed so…opposite. "Are you sure?"

Canada looked shocked at that. "Y-Yes, of course I'm sure…" he replied, sounding contradictorily uncertain of himself, probably because he'd been so surprised by the question. But then he said with more strength, as though just remembering, "He's been asking me out since freshman year. I only said yes last April."

"What made you change your mind?" America couldn't help but ask, still trying to imagine his little brother with another man and finding it terribly amusing.

"W-Well," Canada started, blushing madly again. "Like I said, he'd been asking me and stuff since we were freshmen. I'd never even considered…y-you know, men…before, so I always told him that I was straight. But then, at the end of last school year, he did something that made me change my mind about him as a person, and that allowed me to think of him as a guy I could go out with." Canada paused, prompting America to ask the obvious question.

"What did he do?"

Canada grinned; he looked pretty excited to tell his story, America thought. His voice was growing in strength as he continued telling his story, losing the occasional stutter it had before. "Well, the thing is, whenever he was around me back then, I'd always just get this feeling that he was a totally obnoxious, self-centered jerk. You know what I mean?"

"I've had experience with obnoxious jerks, yes," America agreed solemnly with a nod.

"But then, last April," Canada continued, smiling down into his hands, a perpetual, happy blush settled across his cheeks, "I noticed he was acting kinda strangely one day, so I followed him to see what was up. I didn't mean to be secretive about it, but I don't think he ever noticed I was there…that happens sometimes…well, I followed him outside during lunch one day. We're not supposed to leave the dining hall, you know." America nodded. "But I was really curious. At that time we were friends, pretty much, so I didn't think he'd mind anyways. I followed him all the way back to the dorm building, but instead of going to his room he went into a storage closet that no one really uses. He picked the lock to get in, but since he didn't know I was there, he didn't close the door all the way behind him, and I could see him clearly. By then I thought he was probably just there to smoke, or something like that, but he really surprised me. He was in there taking care of a little yellow bird that he was keeping in a box. It was small, and it couldn't fly yet, and he was feeding it by hand and talking to it so gently, that I…well, I guess I knew then that he could be caring in his own way…so the next time he asked me out, I said yes. I think I was almost as surprised as he was, but…I haven't regretted it since." Canada laughed softly and added, "He calls me Birdie, even now, because of how that little bird finally changed my mind."

Canada's eyes had glazed over somewhat as he'd lost himself while telling his story, and he had a sickeningly sweet smile on his face. America could hardly believe the words coming out of his baby brother's mouth, but he was being so sincere and honest that he couldn't make fun of him, even if he wanted to.

He's so…happy, America thought, trying and failing to remember a time when they were younger that he'd ever seen his brother smile like he was now. He's really in love…I think I'm jealous of him, just a little bit.

America smiled a little uncertainly and clapped his brother on the shoulder. "Thanks for telling me," he said, his smile growing wider and surer at the look of surprise and relief on Canada's face. "I'm glad that you're happy."

"Thank you. Thank you for understanding." Suddenly America found his little brother giving him a brief but firm hug. He shook his head, grinning, and gave Canada a little pat on the back.

…

America thought about Canada a lot that night. Spain was asleep and snoring softly long before America's brain stopped dancing dizzying circles through his head. It was a lot to take in. He'd barely become reacquainted with the guy, and now he finds out that he's gay. Of course he didn't think any less of him, but he certainly couldn't help but think…differently about him.

Couldn't help but think protectively about him.

He had always been accepting of people, no matter their race, religion, sexuality, you name it. But that didn't mean that everyone else at this school was like that. What if the real reason Canada had never told his friends was because he was afraid of being bullied? The students at this school came from all over the world; they were raised in places with different outlooks on this sort of thing. Surely there was at least one among them that gave Canada grief over it. It made him feel sick to his stomach just to think of it. He was his brother, after all, he wanted to protect him. It was only natural, right?

Thoughts like these buzzed through his head for hours, keeping him awake, until he eventually fell asleep just before 3:30 in the morning, still worrying about it. His brain was working overtime even as he tossed and turned for a few short hours of sleep. He could only dream about Canada and nameless, faceless people with accusing, hurtful voices, and he could only try to think of a way to stop them from their merciless taunting and bullying.

…

The next morning, he realized that all that thinking must have paid off, because by the time he awoke, he had a plan formed in his mind that made him feel instant relief. It was simple. He'd just have to stay by Canada's side and protect him if he noticed anything suspect going on. He'd become a shield from the cruel, outside world and keep him from getting hurt. He was determined to do so.

Wanting to start his new duty as Canada's bodyguard as soon as possible, he spent all of breakfast looking around for him, occasionally standing up for a better view, and carefully checking every table for a glimpse of his distinct hair curl, much to England's annoyance.

"What the hell are you doing?" he asked grumpily as America stood up in his chair to get an even better vantage point to see the room from.

"I'm trying to find Matt!" He'd looked around the whole place at least two times, but he just couldn't find Canada. It didn't seem like anyone was missing, but somehow his eyes just kept skipping over him or something. He sighed and dropped back down to his seat before someone noticed and he got in trouble.

"Why are you looking for him?"

"It's…it's nothing, really. Just a question on the chemistry from yesterday…" He didn't think England would be one of those people to judge or be harsh to his brother, but he still thought it better to be safe than sorry and just hold his tongue at this point.

So, unable to locate him during breakfast, it wasn't until the walk to the school building when America saw his first chance to get close to him. He was walking hand in hand with Prussia, right out in the open where everyone could see! There were several boys in between America and the pair of lovebirds, and he saw one of them, who he thought he recognized as Italy, specifically point in their direction and then whisper something to his friend Japan. Italy looked like he was laughing; was he making fun of them?

God, I've got to save him from himself! Running to catch up, he inserted himself between Canada and his boyfriend, ignoring the threatening looks being thrown his way.

"Ah, another day of school! I'm so glad it's Friday, aren't you guys?" He looked from Canada to Prussia and back again; neither made any sign they had even heard him. They just stared at him with rather murderous expressions on their faces. "Okaaayyy…" Thankfully they entered the foyer at that point and the bell rang, indicating they had to go their separate ways to their classes. "Well, see you later!"

He scurried off to his first class, glad to get away from Prussia, for one thing, who looked like he was close to punching him. But he thought it was a good start to the day. He'd just have to keep it up, stick close to them and take notice of how other students were treating them. Even while he was in class, he listened closely to the chatter of the boys around him whenever there was a pause long enough for conversation to start up. Unfortunately, paranoia made it seem like every snatch of conversation that he heard was about his brother.

"..did you see…"

"…I can't believe…"

"…he looked so…"

It was eating away at him from the inside, and he didn't even have to worry for himself in this situation. How did Canada live like this? Is this why he was so quiet and nervous all the time? It was really food for thought.

…

He didn't catch sight of Canada in the hallways at all between the next couple of classes, but at lunch he caught up to him and Prussia again.

"Hey! We should all eat together, dontcha think?" he asked, smiling his most winning smile.

The other two exchanged a look, and Prussia stepped forward, towards America. "Actually, we want to be alone."

That wasn't part of the plan. "What? Oh, come on, Matt, tell Prussia here that-"

"We want to be alone today," Prussia repeated firmly, placing a hand on Canada's shoulder. Canada was blushing slightly and refused to meet America's eye, choosing to look down at the floor instead, but he nodded in agreement at Prussia's words.

America frowned. He hated being refused, first of all, but he also disliked the thought that Prussia might be controlling Canada. Or even worse, making him deliberately disagree with his older brother. "Hey, let him speak for himself, don't just assume things!"

Canada piped up, "Uh, Al, we already-"

He cut him off with a sharp, "Matt, don't interrupt me!" Then he cleared his throat and continued. "As I was saying, I don't know if I like the idea of you making decisions like that for him!"

Canada looked between the two of them. "But-"

"Birdie, let me speak!" Prussia burst out angrily. He jabbed his pointer finger accusingly into America's chest. "You think you know what's best for him? I mean, you haven't talked to him in years, and now all of a sudden you think that you two are best friends or something? I've been with him for the last three years, and I love him."

"Hey, not so loud! Someone might hear you!" The words slipped out of America's mouth before he had the chance to stop them. Prussia looked at him kind of strangely before rolling his eyes, grabbing Canada, and marching him away. Canada looked back curiously at America but went along.

America cursed himself and stalked off to sit with England. He was distracted all through lunch though, because Prussia had chosen a table in plain view of where he was sitting. Probably on purpose, too. Then he kept scooting closer and closer to Canada until they were practically sitting on top of each other and about halfway through lunch he kissed him slowly, deliberately, and very obviously.

America ground his teeth and glanced around uncomfortably. He still had the instinctive urge to protect his little brother, whether he thought Prussia was being a jerk or not. However, it didn't look like anyone was giving them so much as a second glance. Actually, the only person who seemed to notice anything at all was Spain, America's roommate and Prussia's friend, and he just gave Prussia a thumbs-up.

Ok, I mean, I guess at this point it would be reasonable to assume that most everyone here is fine with gays, but no one even gave them a glance…?

It was only then that America began to notice something strange. There seemed to be a lot of pairs of people that were sitting a little more closely together than you usually saw with people who were just friends. The small kid from Finland was smiling up sweetly at the stern-faced boy beside him. A Danish boy kept trying to put an arm around a Norwegian kid who didn't look amused, but his pink cheeks told otherwise. France looked like he was trying to seduce a poor freshman who didn't know any better. Another couple, two sophomores that he didn't know, walked past, holding hands. There were small signs of it everywhere, now that he looked.

"Uh…" he said dumbly, his mouth hanging open in realization. "England?"

"Hm? What?"

"Is there…what I mean is…how…" He didn't know exactly now to word this question without making it awkward. Actually, he was pretty sure there wasn't a way to do so. There wasn't much use in trying. "Uh, can I ask you a weird question?"

England narrowed his eyes suspiciously. "Weird how?" He took a sip of his water, still watching America closely.

"Well, the thing is, I was wondering if you could tell me…about the gay community here?"

England almost choked on his water, and coughed a few times, pounding on his chest. "Uh, but, why!"

America shrugged. "I was just wondering."

"But…why?"

America sighed, but explained about how Canada had told him. England wasn't surprised at the news, of course: he already knew all about it. After America finished telling him, he repeated his question. Eventually, England answered, though he didn't look too happy about it.

"Well, I'd say a fair amount…even the majority…of the boys here are gay, and everyone's pretty much okay with it. That's it. That's all there is to it, honestly." England's cheeks were tinged with red and he seemed a little uncomfortable, so America let it drop after that, though his mind was racing once again.

Well, I guess there are some things about a school that you just can't find out in a brochure, he thought, an amused smile on his face as he realized how useless all his worrying last night had been. Then the impact of what England had just said really sunk in. The majority…?

Oh God, what kind of school did I get myself in to!

The chapters will be getting a little more interesting soon, I think. I can't wait for some of them! I'm going to have so much fun with this story. xD

Thanks theticktalks, and anyone who's reading this! Love you guys!