Chap VIII – The Absolute FallOut

Alfred really didn't get it.

Oh, he understood the awkwardness between Romano and Prussia. He also got the blunt stubborn ignorance Spain and England acted out. He definitely got the confusion and slight frustration between France and Germany.

That, he got.

What he didn't get was why every single one of them looked like they hadn't slept all night … aside from England and France but they were in a weird mood anyway. What happened last night while America was fast asleep?

"Hey Japan? Did we miss something? Woah! What happened to you, dude?" America's clear blue eyes widened as he saw the tired face of the Japanese sporting heavy dark bags under his dull eyes and seemingly about to pass out of exhaustion. So, add Japan to the list of non-sleepers. Alfred could already guess that his friend had gone to spy on everyone else. It was after all quite entertaining to have been able to match them up all so perfectly with one another! The issue had been to set Prussia with Romano but that was obviously going to fail … but from the tired looks and awkwardness they both sported, maybe not a complete failure!

"I'm alright, Alfred-san. Thank you for your concern … I'm leaving today in your hands. I think I'm going to take a nap …" Japan yawned and excused himself to go and rest in the bus. Feliciano delightedly said he'd take a siesta with his Asian friend, despite having just woken up and had breakfast! This guy can have a siesta at any time!

"I think I'll join you, Feli …" Antonio began but interrupted himself the moment he saw his brother latch on to Arthur and kiss the blonde good morning. Without a word, Antonio walked back rapidly to where he originally was, standing next to England, and grabbed his brother's collar, glaring into the ocean blues of Portugal.

"Oh? Did you not sleep well, brother dear?" João smirked, enjoying the stressed and tired expression of his younger brother.

"You do not touch him. And you do not kiss him." Antonio hissed quietly enough so that only João would hear him.

"Why? It's none of your business. Why don't you just run along to your little Italian boy toy! Arthur's my boyfriend now. Deal with it." Portugal growled back, anger flashing in his usually peaceful blues.

"Antonio, unhand João at once! If you're angry at me, don't let it out on him!" Arthur stepped in between the two, breaking the Iberians apart. Portugal lifted a questioning eyebrow at Arthur's words.

"Angry at you? Why would he be angry at you? Oi, Spanish Idiot, did you do something to meu loiro?"

"It's nothing, João! Though next time Alfred decides to take us camping, I am sleeping outside!" Arthur mumbled while shooting an irritated glare at the Spaniard.

Spain glared back with equal passion. Portugal glanced back and forth between the two, annoyed at being ignored and especially suspicious of the way Antonio was acting. Something must have happened last night … he knew he should not have left Arthur alone with the Spanish bastard!

Alfred glanced over towards Arthur and decided not to interfere. If the murderous aura coming out from those three was anything to go by, the American is not suicidal and does care to keep his head, thank you very much! When did Antonio draw out his battle axe anyway? Turning towards the German group, Alfred noticed the situation was not much better on this side. Prussia and Romano were arguing over something or another but as Germany attempted to break them apart, the Italian ran to hide behind Ludwig, pissing off Gilbert with his snarky remarks. Prussia was barely held back by France who in turn looked very reluctant at getting anywhere near his Prussian friend but didn't have a choice. Gilbert seemed to notice something off with his friend and began to interrogate him on it. And thus the original argument turned into another argument … ehm … fight(?) between Prussia and France with Germany attempting to stop them and Romano commenting.

"You're avoiding me and you're ignoring my questions! What are you hiding?" Prussia yelled while grabbing his friend's collar. France glared and slapped the pale hand away, followed with a punch into Gilbert's face.

"Whether I am hiding something or not, if I'm hiding it, then that means it's none of your business! What does it matter anyway?"

"If it's none of my business then why are you avoiding me?!"

"I'm not avoiding you! You're the one that's been avoiding us! You left in the middle of the night and you come back this morning with Romano! Do you even realise what you're doing or did you forget our promise already?"

"I was taking a stroll and we bumped into each other! Nothing happened!"

"Right! You bumped into each other in the middle of the night!" Francis rolled his eyes.

Sadly, their argument seemed to have peeked Spain's ear and the Spaniard's axe went flying towards Prussia's head.

"Bastard! Watch out!" Romano called as he pushed the albino down and out of the blade's way. France and Germany froze, staring at the battle axe dug into the ground it had landed. France's eyes then turned to the owner of said axe. He was about to scold Spain and hopefully prevent him from killing Prussia but … ah, well, but … Spain's hand was gripping Arthur's wrist. And the Spaniard had no visible intention of letting go of the blonde. Regardless that Spain was only trying to pull Arthur away from his sibling. All Francis saw was Spain holding England.

That … is out of bound.

Spain was growling in fury at the sight. Romano had actually protected the albino potato eater?! This is war! This is absolutely not acceptable!

"Ow! Spain, let go! You're going to break my wrist, you bloody imbecile!" Arthur hissed as he felt the brunet's large hand tighten its grip around his wrist, the bones bending under the pressure.

Spain seemed to snap out of his furious state for a mere second as he heard the hiss of the blonde. Realising his mistake, Antonio rapidly let go of Arthur. Almost as if he was expecting it, Antonio's eyes searched towards Francis and … just as he thought. The Frenchman is furious and charging at him with his gun out.

"Mierda …" the Spaniard muttered and almost as he felt Francis' ominous aura, he moved in front of Arthur and shielded him unconsciously, to the surprise of the Englishman.

Feeling the threat, Ludwig judged the situation and which case was an express emergency. Romano was still lying on top of Gilbert from their last fall, both looking up at the up-coming clash. Luckily there was no clash as Germany wrapped one of his arms around France's waist and the other was holding the wrist of France's hand holding the gun. The Frenchman struggled, clawed and kicked the taller blonde, but Ludwig still held him firmly, preventing him from committing murder.

"Let go, Ludwig! I'm killing him!"

"Francis, calm down! Why are you so angry?"

"Shut up and let me go!" Francis glared back at the German and was about to punch his face but Germany grabbed hold of his other wrist and pinned him against a tree. The French nation struggled and huffed in anger but eventually gave up seeing as Germany was not letting go. Ludwig sighed in relief. Honestly, holding back Francis in this rage state was like holding back a hurricane!

"Just take a deep breath and calm down …" Ludwig whispered to the other, shutting his eyes as he too calmed himself. Their foreheads ended up touching. For a moment all was quiet and it seemed as though order would return but … When Ludwig dared to glance back at Francis's face, his icy eyes widened at the clear blush on the Frenchman's face and how France was avoiding looking in either Ludwig or Gilbert's direction.

Gilbert, seeing the reaction, finally clicked and fury crossed his features. In a low growl that frightened Romano, the Prussian jumped to his feet and was aiming straight at Francis' throat with a pocket military knife. Romano blinked a second as he watched the angry Prussian charging like madman. He was charging with a damn knife in his hands! Is the bastard crazy?! Without a second thought, Romano ran to place himself in front of Prussia (luckily in running skills, nobody can outrun an Italian). Prussia froze, meters away from Francis and Ludwig's position, his blade held high and ready for combat. Romano was glaring back at the devil-crazy rubies, his own amber eyes wide and terrorised but still attempting to scowl at the Prussian.

For a second, Prussia seemed about to stop but he met with an impressive punch before that and went to eat dirt exactly like before. Arthur cracked his knuckles, glaring emeralds at every single nation he crossed eyes with. He kicked Prussia's knife away and nodded a silent thank at Romano. Despite what he could say, England did not want anyone to harm France. As he was about to end this fight, Arthur was interrupted by Spain punching Prussia to a bloody pulp, yelling at the Prussian to get his hands off Romano. Both Arthur and Romano jumped in, trying to break the two apart. Words snapped and soon enough the bad touch trio were all three at each other's throats.

"You albino potato eater! What was that about spending the night out with Romano?! What did you do to my little Lovi?!"

"Shut up, Tomato airhead! I already said nothing happened! On the other hand, Frenchie, you have some goddamn explaining to do! What the hell did you do last night to my brother?! Since when are you two so chummy with each other?!"

"Chummy?! We're not chummy! If you were so concerned, you shouldn't have left! And nothing happened anyway! Ludwig is just being decent and saving Antonio's pathetic life!"

"Why would he have to save my life?!"

"Because I'm going to fucking kill you! How dare you touch my little master like that! I shouldn't have even let you sleep with him! If you've done anything, I will …!"

"As if you're one to talk! You're completely stepping out of bound, here Francis!"

"And because you are not, Gilbert?"

"Si, what the hell did you do to brainwash Lovino? He would never step a foot near you normally! And now he's protecting you?!"

"You're the one who spent the whole trip arguing over England with your brother, Tomato freak! You're the last one of us that gets to talk about limits and bounds!"

And it went on for nearly the whole day.

Hm … Murder on all sides. Europeans are violent people …

America shook his head, hoping he could find a solution before someone kills someone else. Austria was sipping tea while watching the whole scene. With a sly smile, he wondered how long it would take for the infernal trio to realise the mess they had gotten themselves in.

So deeply already beyond bounds.

The rest of the trip went quietly and awkwardly. Needless to say that everyone was glad when it came to an end. Upon the next few months and world conferences, an obvious change has been noticed by the entire world. A change that was believed impossible to ever happen:

The bad touch trio … had fallen out.

Prussia drummed his fingers on the conference table, bored beyond belief and wishing only one thing: to get out and enjoy his life. But here he is, attending another boring conference full of idiots. His red eyes glanced over everyone's faces, checking up if there was anyone he could annoy to dissipate his boredom. When Prussia's eyes fell on the Italian twins, he narrowed his gaze on Romano who was busy arguing with Spain. Recently, Romano and Spain have been arguing all the time and nobody knows why.

When Spain caught eye of Prussia staring, he glared acid green eyes at the Prussian who shrugged and looked away. He had nothing to feel guilty about. Sure, he was attracted to Lovino. Gilbert knew that for certain now. But it's not as if he would act on his desires. Prussia, if anything, has honour. And he will keep his promise with his two ex-friends.

"France, hold on!"

Prussia's ear twitched at the voice of his brother calling the last person's name he wanted to hear. Glaring towards the French nation walking out of the conference room, Prussia frowned at his brother's urgency to catch the other blonde. Ludwig began talking but Francis' answers were cold and business-like. Absolutely no emotion in his voice. Ludwig looked hurt by the tone and the distance of his European partner but he didn't show it. Only Prussia could notice the way his brother's eyes clouded in pain.

The damn Frenchman! Can't he see he's hurting Ludwig?!

Francis' blues suddenly met Prussia's reds. And almost as if he could read the Albino's mind, the angry France glared his answer.

You think I didn't notice? If I made him happy, you'd still blame me for it!

Prussia averted his gaze. He hated to admit it but Francis was probably right. The French nation was keeping his distance and it was hurting Ludwig. But Prussia never could have imagined that his brother would fall for his best friend! It's … ridiculous! For now, it's best if Luddy gets hurt and hopefully gets over the French arschloch. That way, Prussia won't feel bad for preventing Ludwig's happiness.

Spain stormed out of the room in a fouler mood than before. Since the trip to America, he and Romano have been arguing non-stop! Why won't Lovi understand? Prussia is not suited for him! He's always playing pranks and is never serious with his relationships! Besides that, he has an obvious brother complex! And he's a potato eater! The same potato eater that Romano hates so much! Why did the Italian suddenly change his mind?!

As he walked up to the bar to get a drink and cool off, Antonio couldn't stop remembering the longing gaze of Prussia on his little lovi. How dare the bastard even look at Romano! He has no right! He's not good enough for Lovino! He's …

"He's coming in just a minute, alright? Just leave already! I don't need a ride!"

Antonio didn't mean to but his heart suddenly began summersaults in his chest. He didn't dare look around, knowing he would find the torture of his mind. The very person that makes his life impossible. The reason for all his troubles. It had to be his fault. It always was his fault!

"Alright, little master but if you need anything, call me!"

"Just leave!" Arthur rolled his eyes as he felt Francis hug and kiss him goodbye.

"Aw! So cold! Big brother's going to miss you!"

"The next conference is in 3 weeks. And anyway, you keep coming over almost every week! If not to see me, it's to see Scotland! Will you bugger off already?"

Francis smiled and kissed his little master's forehead before walking away with a wave.

"As you wish little master! If you need love advice with Portugal, big brother is at your disposal!"

"Like that's ever happening!" Arthur grumbled to himself as he took a seat next to the last person he expected.

Antonio tensed up suddenly. He didn't mean to but he still ended up turning and spying on the two blonde's separation. Francis was probably heading back to Paris. And England is … seemingly waiting for someone. Antonio watched the blonde next to him type on his phone. He was always amazed at Arthur's obliviousness sometimes. The blonde is just lost in his own world that he forgets everything around him! He's so cute …

No.

He's not.
Stop it.

Not now.

Not ever.

Not happening!

Antonio clenched his fist and was about to stand up and leave, not wishing to let his mind wander too close to the blonde next to him. He was lucky Arthur still had not seen him.

Or maybe Lady Luck was only toying with time.

"Antonio?" Arthur's voice froze the Spaniard still with his back turned away from Arthur.

Antonio's mind began to rush and he could remember the accusing glare of Francis every time he attempted to look in Arthur's direction during the conference. The Frenchman was like a mother hen sometimes! Antonio didn't want to risk it. He also didn't want to break the agreement he had with his two ex-friends.

"Sorry, I didn't see you there. Are you leaving? Did you happen to see João somewhere? He's supposed to meet me here but he's late." Arthur chatted casually and turned his emerald gaze back to his phone, obviously attempting to contact his boyfriend.

Now, Antonio could have just answered and left. Like he was planning to. Like he should have. Like the wise move this was. But Antonio never really was a wise person, was he? How else could he explain his own infatuation for the blonde pirate that was ruining his efforts in the New World all those centuries ago? Who would be crazy enough to fall in love with their own enemy?

The sudden image of Portugal wrapping his arms around England flashed in Spain's mind and he forgot all about France, about his promise and about wisdom.

He sat back down, turning a dark serious expression towards the blonde. Arthur probably felt something changed in Antonio's demeanour since he looked up from his phone and his eyes widened in slight surprise. The last time he had seen such a look on Antonio's face was when they were at sea. The time when Antonio was attempting to slit his throat.

The time when Arthur fell in love with that dark threatening expression and the devouring olive eyes so full of passion.

Shaking the memory away, Arthur frowned at the Spaniard. Why would Spain suddenly pull out his old persona from his Conquistador time? Spain long lost all that. Spain no longer even looks at Arthur. And when they do talk, it's too pleasant and civil to be anything but distant colleagues. Spain has no reason to hate England anymore and neither does Arthur. So they just drifted apart. You could say that Arthur waking up in Antonio's embrace back in the tent during the trip had been extremely awkward and unexpected. Arthur had panicked and shoved Antonio away, making them both start an argument about their position. Anyone in such a situation would have acted this way. It's not strange in anyway.

So what reason could Spain possibly have to glare at England in such a strange way?

"What's with you? If you don't know just say so!" Arthur huffed and pretending to look back at his phone, while he was actually keeping a side glance towards Spain, watching the brunet's reaction.

Spain didn't answer.

Spain never answered.

As Portugal walked into the bar, his ocean eyes widened in shock and anger. Spain was leaning over and kissing England! Said England could not even struggle out since the Spaniard kept a hold on the blonde's waist. As he rushed to them, Portugal saw someone else interfere.

Spain was whispering to England's ear before a pale hand shot out to grab Antonio's collar and drag him away, leaving a shocked England behind.

Prussia glared at his ex-friend. Ok, so he knew Antonio to be reckless and impulsive but he never thought the Spaniard to be this stupid! Antonio snapped out of his daze and infatuated look when he crossed eyes with the Prussian. All his thoughts about Arthur turned into guilt while new thoughts about Romano sparked fury.

"You're lucky France already left." Prussia whispered before turning to his English friend.

He really liked England and the two of them got along so well. He also didn't want to see Antonio toy around with England because Prussia remembers the past history these two had. Last time, England ended up heart-broken to Spain's complete obliviousness. What a troublesome pair …

"I'll deal with him, England. Sorry about that!" Prussia grinned a friendly smile as he pulled Antonio away.

As he walked past his brother, Spain couldn't hold back the satisfied grin on his face, his olive eyes smirking at his furious brother. Of course, he now had gone and done the unforgivable, but seeing Portugal's mortified expression and tasting England's lips again after all those decades, Spain could not bring himself to regret his action.

England stared in shock, the words of the Spaniard still ringing in his ears, like the purr of a teasing cat. The same tone of voice Spain used to whisper to him in bed all those years ago. The same rush Arthur felt when Spain had kissed him. The same smirk the Spaniard had left with.

"I don't know." Antonio's words still purring in his mind.

Arthur hissed in fury, ignoring Portugal's panicked calls to him, as the blonde glared glowing emeralds at the Spaniard's back getting dragged away by the Prussian. His adrenaline suddenly spiked and his blood boiled. For some reason, he wanted to dig a sword in Spain's heart. And the ex-pirate knew that Spain was delightedly hoping for such a reaction from him.

Romano blinked at the sight of a miserable Germany. That's unusual. That's so very unusual and disturbing. He checked his text from Feliciano asking him if he had seen his brother's German friend but Romano had a feeling that Ludwig did not want to deal with his brother just yet. He looked too depressed to want to deal with people.

Romano knew something about that.

Quietly, the Italian sat next to the German. Why? He didn't know. He didn't care for Germany so why bother? Why is he acting all sappy and compassionate?

Ludwig must have mistook him for Feliciano since the German nearly jumped out of his seat and rapidly tried to regain his composure, excusing his lack of manner. When he recognised the bored look of Romano, Germany sighed in relief and exasperation.

"Romano … I thought you were your brother. What can I do for you?"

Lovino ignored the annoyance of hearing "I thought you were your brother". It's normal. It's to be expected for twins. But he still hated the way people confused them together and automatically preferred his charming brother's personality. If it had been the Albino potato bastard, he definitely would not have made the mistake Ludwig just did.

Uh …?

Why was he thinking of the damn Prussian? Lovino growled to himself before he noticed Ludwig's questioning glance on him.

"Mi fratellino is looking for you."

"Oh god … I forgot we were meant to meet for dinner … can you let him know that I don't feel well? Actually I'll text him!"

Lovino lifted an eyebrow as he watched the German text on his phone. Something was off with Germany and even though Romano didn't care for the German's mood, he was naturally a curious person. Besides, if Germany is feeling down, maybe the Albino Bastard is also unwell. The very thought of that made Lovino's heart clench and his stomach turn. He didn't like the idea that Prussia could feel down or unhappy. He wanted to see the bastard smiling and grinning arrogantly like the idiot he is. A really handsome idiot.

… Ok, now Lovino really is losing it! Despite what he argues with Spain, Lovino did not want to fall in love with Prussia! So why was he falling more and more with every passing second? This is unfair!

"Hey bastardo? What's up with you?"

Germany shrugged, not even looking away from his texting.

"Nothing much. Tired."

"No. Don't play dumb. You look like a heart-broken ragazza!" Lovino rolled his eyes and was surprised to see Ludwig tense up at the decription. Oh shit … the bastard is not really love sick, is he?

"Tch! Just my luck!" Lovino muttered in his breath before sighing. "Look bastard, if you need advice, I am willing to listen to your pathetic problems! Just make it quick!"

Ludwig glared at Lovino but then seemed to consider his offer. The Italian expected him to have his offer rejected but was surprised when Ludwig stopped texting and turned his full attention on the Italian. It even made Romano nervous to see the seriousness in Ludwig's manner.

"Alright. I didn't want to talk about it with Feliciano because he always goes over the top … But if it's you, I'm sure you'd never do anything to help me."

Lovino felt the urge to punch the German. Way to be compassionate! Next time, he'll ignore the ungrateful bastard!

"Tch! Whatever! Hurry up before I change my mind!"

Ludwig nodded then frowned as he thought of how to phrase his word.

"Lovino, how do I get France to look at me as a love interest?"

…

Lovino blanked out from the shock. It took him a moment to recover but when he did, he started laughing hysterically until he realised that Ludwig was actually serious.

"Holy shit! You're in love with France?! Are you insane?!"

"Why?" Ludwig frowned with an annoyed blush.

"The guy is …! Well …! Uh … …" Lovino thought of what he was going to say but actually couldn't think of anything all that terrible about dating France. Seriously, he could think of so many bad reasons to date Spain but had no idea about France. He should ask England about that.

"Uh. Actually, I don't care." The Italian spoke with a shrug and Ludwig tapped his foot impatiently.

"Can you or can you not help me?!"

"What's your problem? France is pretty aware when it comes to romance. If you've been obvious about your interest, he'll notice and give you an answer."

"I'm aware of that! That's not the problem! The problem is that France only sees me as … as Prussia's little brother." Ludwig spat the last words while Lovino hooked on Prussia's name.

"S-So …?" The Italian tried to ignore the uncomfortable feeling of having Prussia as a joining topic of conversation. Shit. Why did Potato bastard's problems have to involve Albino Bastard too?

"So Francis will never even consider me as a man as long as he sees me through my brother! It's like he refuses to see me any other way! I can accept that he doesn't return my feelings but I want him to at least take me seriously!" Ludwig ranted on before sighing heavily.

"… Uh. Even you get issues with your brother." Lovino stared in newly found interest at the German. This brotherly rivalry and frustration reminded him of how people perceive him through Feliciano. The circumstances are different but the general situation is the same: They both can't seem to shift away the image of their brothers from them.

"I can't think anyone wouldn't have some issues with their siblings!" Ludwig rolled his eyes, finding that actually, it wasn't that unpleasant talking with Romano. It's a lot easier than with Feliciano and the Southern Italian was quieter and more of a listener than his Northern brother.

"Try asking England. Apparently, he knows everything about how to deal with brothers and I don't just mean France." Lovino shrugged, referring back to his English acquaintance.

Since the war, England and Romano had started talking due to common annoyance from Spain. Surprisingly, they get along rather well and Lovino could even consider them friends. Weird how the people you least expect end up being the ones you get along best with.

"Wouldn't it be … Don't France and England have a … an on-off relationship or something?" Ludwig coughed nervously, mostly concerned that Lovino might confirm his fears. But the Italian only laughed.

"Oh Dio! You really have no idea! Ha! England and France do not have that kind of relationship! Hell, they're like brothers! Kind of like me and Spain, see?"

Ludwig's obvious stare told Romano that he also believed he and Spain had some weird relationship. The Italian growled in fury and punched the German's arm.

"Bastardo! Don't even dare suggest that! Me? With the Tomato Bastard? He's impossible! He's annoying, stupid, possessive, has those weird mood swings, he fakes his smiles and god he pisses me off! I am not in love with Spain! Fuck! Even if I were, he's been pinning after England for the past 400 years!"

"… 400 years? And they're still not together?"

"Hell if I understand why not! I know England returns his feelings but he's convinced that the Spanish bastard hates him! And the Spanish bastard acts like he does! Really, he's an idiot! I'd never date such an idiot!"

"… Yeah. You're more into my brother, right?"

That stunned Romano so much that he looked like a fish out of water and Ludwig realised he might have carelessly stepped on a landmine.

"Uh … Nevermind! I mean, I'm almost sure my brother really likes you but uh … let's just … forget I said anything, Romano!"

Romano nodded and both nations looked away nervously in an awkward silence. Romano suddenly stood up and spoke a few words before leaving.

"To answer your question, Bastard: You should probably sort it out with your potato bastard brother before you try to ask France. If the problem is your brother, you need to solve it through your brother. Ciao." Romano's snappy advice was all he said before slamming the door shut as he left.

Germany face-palmed tiredly and nodded.

"I can't believe I'm actually having a sociable conversation and asking advice from Romano!"

He glanced at his phone contacts, scrolling down his list and his eyes paused on France wishfully. Why did his heart hurt so much? Why could he not have fallen for someone else? Why must it be France?

Why must it be the only person who doesn't even see him?

Why must it be the person he has a partnership with?

If he messes up, it might damage the trust and cooperation he has struggled to build with France since the end of the war. And now … he might be risking it all over this infatuation.

Why, god, why?