Author's Note: Alright, again, thanks for reading this far! Now we get to see some actual interaction between characters and just some action in general. Is that plot development I see? Yay!

Also, I was honestly surprised and happy about all the positive reviews I've received from day one. Seriously, thanks so much! It really means a lot to me and is definitely encouraging.

In my reviews I got a few questions about some of my head canons and how it will affect the story. So, I'm going to address two of these now, however I will explain a few more in the AN at the bottom of the chapter.

* Regarding America's glasses and other things related to both America and Italy's appearances. Yes, America wears glasses, and in my head canon it's because he/she actually needs them (same for Canada). Throughout the story, unless stated otherwise, both America and Italy look roughly the same as they normally do, since they're supposed to look like guys anyways. This is Genderbend, not Nyotalia.

* Regarding the Germany/HRE theory (there were a couple who were curious), I'm not going to say much but it does come into play much later in the story, so let's not get too ahead of ourselves here. *hint hint*

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia or the characters of the manga/anime. I technically only own Mexico because he hasn't officially appeared in either the manga or anime yet (as far as I know).

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Chapter 2: Burgers and Pasta

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America woke with a start. Looking around briefly she realized what had woken her up. England was glaring at her, the pencil he had just poked her in the head with still in hand. He discreetly tapped his pencil on a piece of paper sitting in front of him. She gave a quick look around to see if anyone had caught her dozing, apparently not as England was the only one glaring in her general direction. She obviously hadn't been out very long as Spain was still going on and on about who knows what (most likely something involving tomatoes). The persistent tapping of England's pencil got her attention back to the piece of paper he had slid over so it was right next to her own notes.

Peering over so she could read it she read, "Honestly America, can't you pay attention to something other than your own problems for at least five bloody minutes!?" She could practically hear his condescending tone in her head as she read. At this Alfred turned and quickly stuck her tongue out at the other nation, earning her a disdainful and very irritated look. There was a soft snicker from farther down the table, most likely France. America was grateful for it because it gave England someone else to glare at.

America returned her attention back to Spain, who she realized was actually talking about something other than tomatoes for once, but found her mind once again wandering. With a discreet look at her watch a huge grin spread across her face. Ten minutes and it's hamburger time! She gave a happy little hum, and began to look around the table, looking for something to entertain her mind with for the next ten minutes.

On her immediate right was England, who was now having a silent, cross-table glaring contest with France, who was sitting two seats down from him. Both were leaned forward in their seats so they could actually see each other. Although she couldn't see his face, she could just imagine the loathing scowl on England's face, and she could clearly see the arrogant smirk on France's. In between them was Portugal, who she almost never talked to unless for political affairs, and Monaco. Both seemed unaware of the silent battle happening in front of them, as they were actually listening to Spain.

Glancing further down the table she saw she hadn't been the only one sleeping, however, it was expected and completely normal for Greece to be sleeping during, well, anything. For whatever reason it was perfectly acceptable for him to sleep through an entire World Meeting, but she couldn't doze for five minutes! America grumbled to herself in her mind.

Next to Greece was the ever silent and polite Japan, who was much too reserved to do anything about the sleeping country. America again felt the slight lightness in her chest and butterfly feeling in her stomach. As much as she hated to admit it, she couldn't deny that she had a tiny, little, really super small, barely-even-there crush on the island nation (however, she continued to deny to herself feeling anything more than that). Of course, she did everything in her power to ignore this feeling, and did so by simply lying to herself, which is what she did at that moment, telling herself that Kiku is just a really good friend who she has great respect for.

To distract herself from that avenue of thought (seriously, this was not the place for that kind of thinking) America continued observing the other countries. She watched as Switzerland nonchalantly polished one of his guns, she saw Poland trying and failing to hide the fact that he was actually texting underneath the table, and anyone could see just how nervous Russia was making everyone in his immediate vicinity, especially China, who was unlucky enough to be seated right next to the towering nation. She almost passed right over her brother Canada, who was sitting between Cuba and Mexico.

Alfred seriously could never understand how he always became lost in a crowd. When it was just the two of them he was perfectly visible, but when you added other non-North American countries into the mix it was as if someone flipped a switch and it was like he just vanished. Sometimes others actually thought he was a ghost (which always freaked her out, cause seriously, ghosts are just down right spooky!). He became so invisible that even she had troubles spotting him, and he was her brother! Maybe it was just one of those things the world may never know, like how many licks it takes to get to the tootsie roll center of a tootsie pop.

Suddenly, a voice broke through her train of thought. Germany, the host of today's world meeting, had just thanked Spain and had stood from his chair. "Alright, thank you Spain. We will now break for lunch. Be back here in exactly thirty minutes so we may continue with the meeting."

As if Germany had uttered the magic words (which in a way he had) everyone present suddenly snapped into motion. There was a chorus of screeching chairs and many people quickly stood up, some of them actually rushing for the door, most likely heading to the kitchen area a few rooms down to make sure their food had not been taken from the community fridge there.

America, however, was smart (or simply lazy) and always carried her food with her. So, reaching into her jacket and she pulled seemingly from nowhere a perfectly delectable and greasy McDonald's hamburger. Her mouth began to water at the smell and after a quick, contented, "Finally!" she proceeded to stuff it into her mouth. Not two seconds later a distinctly British, "Disgusting!" was heard. Looking over, she was greeted by the sight of England frowning at her, a piping hot cup of tea having appeared in his hand quite as suddenly as her hamburger had (again, one of those things the world would never know).

Purposely forgetting to swallow (hey, she had a reputation to keep, plus she loved annoying England) she responded, "Cum on Artie, yu know yu wan sumph!"

At this he truly did look disgusted and quickly scolded her, "Chew with your mouth closed and don't speak with food in your mouth you bloody git! I raised you better than this."

Before she could respond a certain blond-haired Frenchman appeared at his shoulder, "Ohononon, you mean to say that you are the one to blame for Amèrique's bad manners?"

France, ever the instigator, would do anything to ruffle the Brit's feathers, and for him it didn't take much to do so. Just being in the same room instantly gave the already irritable country a headache.

As expected, England whipped around on France and the two began to bicker and fight and jab at each other as they always do. America, once again glad France had gotten England off her back, returned her attention to her hamburger, taking another large bite. She was so intent on her food that she was able to drown out her two very loud allies. After she had finished her food she looked around for someone to talk to, seeing as France and England were quite occupied with each other.

Nearby she noticed Mexico and Spain chatting together, which actually wasn't that uncommon of a sight. Politically, they were on very good terms with each other. Plus they were fairly good friends, both being predominately Spanish speaking countries and sharing history. Although Spain preferred to spend his free time with Romano, it was not uncommon to see him talking with the Latin-American countries as well, which included America's Southern neighbor. Spain had been a sort of big brother figure to most of them at one point or another (even if his conquistadors did play a large part in practically wiping out all of their native cultures and populations).

America and Mexico's relationship had always been interesting. With all their history (a good chunk of it revolving around Texas) they had come to mutually respect each other, and had close economic ties in present day. Although, Alfred couldn't deny she was more than a little miffed at all the illegal immigrants and drugs that came across her southern border into the states, but she couldn't blame it all on Mexico. He had about as much control over the minds of his people as she did of hers, and if they wanted to leave or become drug dealers it was their choice.

So, deciding to be the awesome neighbor she is, (wait, did she just channel Prussia?) America decided to liven up the lives of the Spanish speaking countries by inviting herself into their conversation. Standing up and striding forward she was a prime image of confidence and self-assurance, a huge smile set in place.

Approaching the two she caught the tail end of their conversation, "…'n then I said to America, I said, 'You are una chica loca!'"

Suddenly all the self-confidence, the assertive sense of control, the untroubled grin all came to a screeching halt. For a moment she felt like her heart froze and her lungs stopped working.

To anyone watching her it would have seemed like someone had just told her McDonald's was going out of business (which really wasn't likely to happen). Fear made her blue eyes flash and for a moment there was visible horror on her face. The slip up of character, however, only lasted for a heartbeat before her grin returned and her posture snapped back into one that spoke of confidence and certainty. Anyone watching might think that it hadn't even happened at all and it had just been a trick of the light. Although, anyone experienced in reading body language would be able to pick up a newfound tension underneath the surface, holding back the smile, darkening her sky blue eyes.

America knew which story Mexico had been telling Spain. It had been one of the rare NAFTA bonding sessions that she had set up. She had managed to convince her reluctant neighbors to go extreme skydiving in Vegas; needless to say, it had been tons of fun and scared the other two witless. After the entire excursion Mexico had said those exact words to her, one of the few times he had addressed her as a female (she had promptly punched him on the arm afterwards to remind him doing so was not a good idea). Many Spanish curses had been exchanged that day.

It seemed that the heat of telling the story Mexico had forgotten to change his wording, and the slip up had not gone unnoticed. As oblivious as Spain could be he did detect the irregularity in the story. He gave the Mexican a puzzled smile, "Don't you mean chico, amigo?"

At this question Mexico paused, and then paled. He jumped as an arm was roughly flung around his shoulders. "Ahahahaha! You're always saying such weird things Mexico! I can't believe you wanted to tell that story, although it was a pretty epic day. You and Canada screamed like girls the entire time. Ahahaha!"

At this point the Mexican looked like he was going to be sick and a strange Russia-like aura was radiating from America, letting him know that he had made a very serious mistake. Spain, as oblivious as ever, noticed neither of these things.

Still a little bothered by the strange comment, he was about to ask further when the conversation was interrupted for the second time. "Bastardo! I need to talk to you, you idiota! Get over here!"

Like a dog returning to his master, after giving a quick, "Adios amigos, talk with you later Mexico," the Spaniard went happily skipping off, heeding the summons of his irritated Italian friend, all earlier thoughts about Mexico's strange comment abandoned.

For a few moments the two countries just stood there, a little stunned at their stroke of luck. If they were really lucky Spain would completely forget about the conversation. Then, reality came back to Mexico very swiftly as the much stronger nation, who still had an arm around his shoulders, quickly steered him off towards the hallway, likely leading him to a more private area to avoid making a scene. Mexico could do nothing but comply, knowing his fate was sealed and began to wonder how long it would take before the others sent a search party to find him.

XXX

"Germany, Germany! Do you want to eat lunch together?!"

The moment Germany had dismissed the other countries Italy had made her move, practically jumping at the blond nation in excitement, exhibiting her near constant child-like enthusiasm. Italy grabbed the German's arm and began to pull on it, trying to get him to follow her lead. "Pasta, Germany, we should have pasta!"

The taller nation let out a tired sigh, not entirely ready to deal with his much more energetic friend.

"Ja, we can eat lunch together," he said, giving his brunette friend a small smile. At this she gave a happy, "Ve~!" partly because she was going to be eating lunch with Germany, and partly because she had been able to elicit a smile from the much more serious nation.

The two gathered up there lunches from their bags, as they were both wary of other nations stealing their food (Italy wasn't going to take any chances with her precious pasta), and decided to eat outside and enjoy the beautiful weather. Choosing a clean table under a shady tree the two sat down and started eating. Italy practically attacked her food, pasta of course, wishing as she always did that she had brought more. Her much more reserved companion ate his food, some meat with gravy and potatoes, at a much slower pace. While eating the two chatted about this and that, making comments about the meeting so far, recent movies their country had produced, some of the most recent popular artists and musicians, and just general small talk.

The entire time they talked Feli couldn't help but smile as bright as the sun, enthralled by her eating companion. He was currently talking about some new song that had become popular among his people, which had actually originated from South Korea of all places. Italy just sat there, only half listening. She was too absorbed in studying her partner as he relaxed.

There weren't many things that could loosen up the normally rigid German; however, spending some peaceful downtime with one of his best friends, simply making small talk, always seemed to calm him. Italy loved to just sit there and listen to him talk, watch the way he spoke, hear his distinct accent that was just so German. She let out a small, happy, "Ve~" in what one could say was something like an adoring sigh.

Suddenly, happy German dreamland was interrupted. "Feli. Feliciano, pay attention."

The Italian came back to reality with a start, looking confused. Germany had just finished cleaning up his lunch and was about to stand up, when he had noticed his companion hadn't moved after he mentioned they needed to get back.

"We need to get back to the meeting," he reiterated, now that he knew he had the Italian's attention.

The Italian in question suddenly frowned, "But Ludwig, I don't want to finish lunch yet. Can't we extend the lunch break, just this once! I want more time for us to spend together."

At this comment, the German's usual frown deepened a little. "We cannot shirk our responsibilities as nations."

The look on the Italian's face made the German feel guilty. Why did he have to look just so darn sad?

Thinking quickly he gave a quick response, "If you want, we could, um, spend some time together after the meeting?"

He wasn't sure if he should feel happy or regretful at his quick thinking to invite the Italian to hang out, because the over-enthusiastic, bouncy, chatty Italy that he knew all too well had returned. He had hoped the much calmer Italy from that afternoon would stay around a little longer.

"You mean it! We should go get something to eat; I want pasta! I am so happy, Ve~!" Then the optimistic nation practically attached himself around Germany's middle in a gleeful hug.

"Yes, yes, we can get pasta. Maybe we could invite Kiku as well, if you want?"

Germany did care for his friend very deeply, but if he was going to be his usual bubbly self the German wasn't sure if he would be able to handle him after the already stressful meeting. Sure, he had snapped at him on many different occasions to try and keep him under control, but he always felt so guilty afterwards. With Japan there maybe it would help keep the smaller nation calmer and more manageable.

This tactic did seem to work, as the other nation paused for a moment, as if contemplating, and then let go and gave the German a smile. "Of course we can invite Japan, it will be just like when we used to all hang out all the time. Just like old times."

Germany let out an internal sigh of relief, and felt a slightly painful, nostalgic feeling rise in his chest. He did miss those times, if only he could smile fondly on those times without the memories of why they were together in the first place.

"Well, we only have a minute before the meeting, we should leave." With that Germany gathered his stuff and started for the meeting hall. Italy, followed quickly, wanting to walk with her best friend.

Although Germany didn't know it, Italy had actually been a little sad when he had mentioned inviting Japan. She had been hoping to get the German all to herself. She really did love hanging out when it was just the three of them, like when they had been the Axis Powers. She enjoyed it even more now since they could actually hang out without thinking about the war. But she had been hoping for some more one-on-one time with Ludwig, and was silently hoping Kiku would be too busy to join them, as he was more apt to be nowadays.

Sometime after the war ended Japan had slowly become somewhat distant from his old allies, and began making new friends with other countries. He had become even more aloof after his friendship with America had been patched up; currently the two were very close friends, as if the Pacific War had never occurred. He never gave up a chance to hang out with his Axis friends, however he no longer needed to. Japan simply had other friends to spend time with now.

Italy, although knowing and understanding the complexity and misfortunes of the situation, sometimes missed those training days spent together. She hadn't realized at that time the true nature of her feelings for Germany, nor how deep they would become later on. They had simply been a trio of best friends and allies, simple and clear, no secrets (despite the obvious), and it had quite simply been a happy time for the Italian, even despite the true nature of their alliance. Now, however, the trio didn't feel quite as connected as they used to be. Although they were all still very good friends they no longer had the need nor the time to get together as often as they used to. It was simply the way things were now.

All the serious thinking was giving Feli a headache. To try and distract herself she gave an upset whine, "Ludwig, I'm hungry again! Why can't we have a longer lunch break?"

All she got was an exasperated sigh in response as they entered the meeting room.

XXX

Author's Note: Well, what do you think? America's going to go gangster on Mexico (not really) and Italy's pouting because she has to share Germany. Also, this chapter has actually been split up into two parts. Chapter three was originally part of chapter two, but was so gosh darn long I had to split it up for the reader's (and my) sake.

Notes about Chapter:

* I did my own research into the real life political relationships between countries, such as Spain and Mexico, and have loosely based their personal relationships off of that, as I really don't have much else to go off of. I personally see America and Mexico having a mutual respect for each other, even if they don't always get along. Also, I can see Mexico having a healthy fear of America (male or female). This is just my own head canon.

Speaking of head canons, here is some more random stuff about the story:

* Regarding songs written about America (the country) referring to the country as a female, I think that to some degree Alfred (the Alfred in this story that is) would have mixed feelings. On one hand it would terrify her as it is much too close to the truth, so whenever other nations comment on it she becomes overly dramatic and expresses great annoyance for such songs as they, in her words, "got my gender all wrong, dude!" On the other hand I think she would secretly like it because it is the truth and also because she doesn't get much acknowledgement as a female, which will be explained and expanded on later in the story (chapter 4 actually).

* Regarding names. I think that as a general rule all countries call each other by their country name, such as during world meetings and when conducting business. However, in more personal settings or if two countries are really close or related they use their human names as a sign of friendship and trust. It acknowledges the human part of them. However, some countries are more reserved about using other countries human names or save using them for serious matters (ex. England and France use their human names with each other when discussing a very serious issue, all other times they never do).

* Regarding America and Canada and Native America. I mentioned her briefly in the first chapter, but I have the head canon that North America was originally represented by a Native American woman, who represented the people as a whole. While the Europeans would have called her Native America, her people and children called her Gaho (mother). When the Scandinavian countries and their vikings first arrived she became pregnant and gave birth to twins. She raised them and took care of them until the second wave of Europeans came. Knowing that her time had ended she allowed her children to be raised by the strangers who's people they were meant to represent. I think that Gaho is in a similar situation as Ancient Rome, still able to visit but unable to actually do anything as she's not a true nation anymore. I also think she would hang out with the other 'Ancients' as a sort of old person's club. (They get together every Thursday night and play bingo.)

* Sub-canon of the previous head canon: there was a similar situation for the South American countries. The Incan, Mayan, and Aztec cultures were all represented. (This won't be expanded upon though, so seriously don't worry about it.)

* Regarding Spain and his relationship with the Latin-American countries. I think it's pretty obvious he had a large impact on a lot of the Central and South American countries, and despite the fact that he was a ruthless conquistador, I think that after the whole 'abusing and wiping out the native population' thing that they (the Latin-American countries) would see Spain as a sort of big brother figure, just my own opinion.

* Regarding the relationships between the Axis Powers. As it said in the chapter. I think that they just wouldn't hang out as often, but would still be very close friends and still get together when they can.