Author's Note: Ok, so here's chapter 3, although it was originally part of chapter 2. I had not realized how long the chapter was going to end up. Seriously it was over 6000 words as a whole! That's ridiculous for one chapter! So I split it up. Enjoy!

Also, thanks a ton for the positive feedback! I love reading new reviews and seeing what you guys think! Seriously, you've brought up different points for me to consider. Thanks guys, you're all da best!

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 3: Suspicious Behavior

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That bloody frog! That insufferable git! He's just so…! Much worse and foul thoughts and insults flashed through the Englishman's head as he stalked angrily down the hall. Having become absolutely fed up with the Frenchman, England had simply stormed away, needing some space and air unpolluted by France's presence. He was glad to notice that the other blond nation had not followed him into the hall. Why he had to be so absolutely infuriating today Arthur didn't care, he was just glad to be able to think clearly without the unbearable Francis nearby.

Letting out a deep breath England slowed his pace to a much calmer rhythm and allowed some of the tension in his shoulders to relax. He really shouldn't get so worked up over France's comments and jabs, but he was just so damn irritating!

Suddenly, a loud and very familiar voice got his attention. England felt tension returning and gritted his teeth. What is that git doing now! The voices, England was sure he had just heard Mexico, were coming from a supposedly abandoned room a little farther down the hall. The door was cracked open, as if it had not closed all the way and should have.

Curious as to what the two were talking so adamantly about the Englishman felt his spying instincts begin to take over. Silently he slipped over to stand right outside the door, ear next to the crack so he could better hear what was being said.

"—an accident! Por favor, have mercy! I won't let it happen again!" Wait, why did Mexico sound so, panicked?

"You better hope it doesn't happen again! Seriously, you wouldn't want me to get Canada involved would you?" Who was… oh yeah, Canada! That other North American country. England always felt guilty when he forgot about him, but seriously, it wasn't his fault the lad was so… forgettable.

"Nooo! Por favor, it won't happen again!" Mexico was practically begging at this point. Why would he be so afraid of Canada? As far as England knew they were on good terms with each other because of NAFTA. Besides, the Canadian really wasn't all that intimidating, nor violent for that matter.

He heard America sigh. "Fine, I'll let you off the hook, but just this once Juan. It's only because you were lucky Spain will likely just forgot about your little 'slip'." At this point England was beyond curious and was downright confused. What had happened while he had been arguing with France? Not for the first time, and certainly not the last, he cursed the Frenchman and thought of different curses he would like to 'test' on him.

"Gracias Alfred! I seriously won't let it happen again!" Seriously though, what had happened!?

"Whatever. Just don't hug me, I'm still mad at you. Now leave before I change my mind about beating your— !"

"Lo siento, I swear I won't mess up again. Just please don't tell Canada…"

"If you don't get lost I just might tell him before the meeting's over."

"Adios amigo!"

England was once again glad for his years spent as a spy; his quick reflexes saved him from being bowled over (and as result caught red-handed) by the fleeing Mexican. He was pretty certain the darker skinned nation hadn't even noticed him as he had left so quickly (practically running).

What did Mexico do that made America so upset? With that thought England was reminded that not only was said American still in the room, he also realized that as soon as he came out he would notice that his and Mexico's conversation had not been as private as he would have hoped. Not wanting to be caught eavesdropping by the much stronger and obviously still unhappy nation England made a quick and stealthy get-away.

During his escape England couldn't help but ponder over the very suspicious conversation between the two North American countries. Is America hiding something? What did Mexico almost slip to Spain? When did Canada become an object of intimidation? Why wouldn't America tell me his secret? Does he not trust me? What could America be hiding that he doesn't want the world (more importantly, me) to know?

With these questions and more plaguing his mind he wasn't prepared for France's assault when he walked back into the meeting room.

XXX

As Mexico fled from the room America let out another tired sigh. Feeling suddenly drained she flopped down onto one of the empty armchairs in the unoccupied room. She really wasn't that angry with Juan, she knew it was just an accident. She had mostly reacted out of fear really, not true anger. The thought that Mexico had almost let slip the truth had sent her into a state of panic and she had simply reacted. Scaring the Mexican (as he knew she could totally whip him in a fight and wouldn't hesitate to use her secret weapon, a.k.a. Canada) was just a safety measure to keep him from telling or messing up again.

Then why do I feel so disappointed?

Alfred had not noticed it until just now, but when Spain had turned around and left without questioning, when Mexico had sworn he wouldn't let it happen again, when she had seen one of the only two nations to know her secret flee she had felt sadness. Why? Wasn't it a good thing that no one found out? Shouldn't she be happy or relieved that her secret was still safe?

Asking herself these questions America realized that part of her had wanted Spain to question further. Part of her wanted Mexico to slip up in front of the whole world (figuratively and literally) and let the secret out. Part of her wanted more than just two of the world's nations to know her true identity, her true self. Part of her had hoped that all the pretending, all the acting and lying and hiding would just end, that the game would finally be over.

A distant yelp echoed down the hall, breaking America's depressing train of thought. Looking at her watch she saw that the meeting was supposed to start in seven minutes. Groaning she pulled herself to her feet. Would France and England ever stop fighting?

America walked down the hall slowly, not wanting to go back to the meeting; she really wasn't ready to start acting again. Suddenly she noticed someone walking next to her, the other person had even matched their stride with hers to do so (she really was walking very slowly). Looking over, America was greeted with the sight of short, glossy black hair and intense brown eyes. Go away stupid butterflies!

Putting on her best grin, which didn't quite reach her eyes, she gave him a cheerful greeting. "Hey Kiku, what's up?"

The island nation wasn't fooled. "I was about to ask you the same thing. What is wrong Alfred-san?"

The taller of the two nations stopped walking and glanced around briefly with her eyes. Seeing no one else in the immediate vicinity she looked back at Japan who had also stopped and was still looking at her with those serious eyes. Why does he always look so cute when he's being so serious?

Letting her smile drop a little she gave him a half-truth, "I'm alright, really. I just had a bit of a fight with Mexico. It's all cleared up now though so nothing to worry about."

Japan continued to give her that intense stare of his, searching her face for the truth. She knew he didn't buy her excuse, he knew her too well for that. However, he also would understand that she didn't want to talk about it, and if she didn't want to then she just simply wouldn't until she was ready.

Japan's gaze seemed to soften; he wasn't going to push the issue. "If you are sure." America gave him an appreciative smile as a silent thank you.

Alfred wasn't sure when they had developed the ability to read each other like this. She just remembered suddenly realizing one day that part of the conversations between her and Kiku had suddenly become silent. Sometimes it felt like they read each other's body language more than they actually listened to what the other was saying; they just understood each other.

Just being with the other nation and knowing he cared helped cheer the American up and she was able to give him a much more honest smile. "Yup I'm sure, thanks for asking though Kiku. You're such a great friend."

They started walking again; they didn't want to be chewed out by Germany for being late. "Actually, Alfred-san, I was wondering if you would want to go get something to eat after the meeting? I'm sure food will help you get your mind off of your quarrel with Mexico."

As if to respond her stomach rumbled and Alfred began to laugh. "Ahahaha! You had me at food! I'd love to hang out after the meeting. Although, my bro Canada (You remember who he is, right?) is coming over to my place to hang out for the weekend after the meeting, so would you mind if he came along as well? Seriously, it will be like he's not even there!"

Japan gave her his signature polite smile, "Of course. Canada is more than welcome."

The invitation made the American smile even more; she was seriously looking forward to hanging out with Kiku and Mattie after the meeting. "Rock on dude! I can't wait to just chill out. This meeting has been so boring. Like, seriously, there's been no action!"

The two entered the meeting room, and found absolute chaos. Punches were being thrown left and right (mostly by the two nations currently fighting on the ground, although a few others were getting physical as well). Shouts and insults dominated the air (how had they not heard it in the hall?). A frying pan had made an appearance and was acquainting itself with other people's heads (a white-haired, awesome head in particular had fallen victim to its wrath). Gunshots flew through the air (why did they allow Switzerland to bring his guns in the first place?). Was that a tomato America had just dodged?

"Is this enough action Alfred-san?" … and to think the meeting had been going so well just thirty minutes earlier.

XXX

Once Germany had managed to gain control of the situation (in other words, cow the other countries into submission) the meeting started again, this time though China had the floor, giving some presentation on something or other. Just as had happened during Spain's presentation America's mind began to wander and she didn't pay any attention to what was being said. This was not unnoticed by the still very angry England.

After the surprise attack from France the two of them had gotten into a rather violent fistfight. France was currently nursing a bloody nose while England himself was sporting a swollen and slowly blackening eye. Both would have a multitude of bruises tomorrow morning. Of coarse, all the other nations paid these things no heed, as it wasn't the first time, and probably not the last, that this had happened during a world meeting.

Arthur was still fuming about the fight; he wasn't about to let it go just yet. However, he did calm down enough to notice that America was more withdrawn than earlier. For one, he wasn't interjecting his opinion nearly as often as he usually did. During Spain's presentation he had simply looked bored, but now he seemed distracted. Again England was reminded of the strange 'fight' he had with Mexico.

What is America hiding?

XXX

The meeting ended much more smoothly than it normally did. After the earlier pandemonium Germany had kept everyone on a much shorter leash, breaking up potential fights much sooner than he normally would have. Although meetings always where more controlled when Germany was the host.

With the close of the world meeting the nations began to slowly filter out. After most world meetings it was usually only the extreme work-a-holics and anti-socials that left right away. Most nations stayed behind to chat and catch up with their fellow nations, as they usually didn't have much time to outside of their busy lives as personified countries.

Not wasting any time, Germany approached Japan, who was trying to wake up the still sleeping Greece. He had not had the chance to ask him before the meeting had started again, especially since he had been a little preoccupied. "Hallo Japan."

The smaller nation, having finally woken his lethargic friend, turned to face the German. "Kon'nichiwa Germany-san. Is there something I can help you with?"

"Actually, Italy and I were wondering if you would like to go get something to eat with us." Germany cut to the chase. Even if he was the host nation he didn't want to stick around much longer. He really just wanted to forget about the meeting in general and get rid of his throbbing headache.

He was a little surprised with Japan's response, "I'm sorry, but I already have plans with America-san and his brother, Canada-san (if I remember right). If you want, you and Italy can join us."

Germany didn't even have to think about his decision. He knew he would rather spend time alone with the bubbly Italian than spend time with the almost intolerable American any day of the week, even if he had been rather quiet today. He would just have to handle Italy by himself. Hopefully he wouldn't be too excitable tonight.

Shrugging it off Germany responded, "Danke, but I think we will just go on our own then. Maybe next time."

"Hai. Have a good time Germany-san." He turned back to address his Greek friend, only to find that he had fallen asleep again. Giving a small sigh he once again started the process of waking him up.

Germany went back to his spot at the table and began to gather his things. Then, just as he expected, his excitable Italian friend came bouncing up to him, his curl bouncing along with him.

"Ve~ Is Kiku coming with us?" The brunette asked, his stuff all gathered and ready to go. He was obviously hungry, as that was one of the only things that could make him finish packing so quickly.

"No, he has other plans for the night." He said as he finished getting his notes together.

"It will be just the two of us," he said turning to his companion. He was a little confused when the Italian did not seem disheartened; rather he almost looked, happier, if that was possible.

"Really? Oh well, then it will be just the two of us together tonight." Germany noticed how he had pretty much repeated what he just said. Weird. Before Germany could make any other comment, however, Italy gave a small gasp.

"I haven't told Lovino yet that I'll be gone tonight. He'll be worried if he doesn't know where I am." With that the Italian took off, looking for his much more irritable brother.

Germany was used to this though, having been friends with Feli for years now. He knew from experience just how 'worried' the Southern Italy brother could get. He could still remember the time Romano had practically destroyed his front door looking for his brother, all because Feli had fallen asleep at Germany's house before he could call him and let him know he wasn't coming home for the night. Then after finding out what really happened he had proceeded to strangle his brother for not calling him sooner and also for wanting to stay with the 'Potato bastard' in the first place. Feli had just pleaded for Germany to save him. Ludwig felt he would never understand the Italian brothers and their strange way of expressing brotherly love.

As if on cue, he heard the distinct 'kesesesese' of his own self-proclaimed awesome brother. Prussia, who had once again come the meeting without an invitation, came up behind his blond brother and threw his arm around his shoulders.

"So, taking your friend Italy out for a dinner date?"

Germany knew he was just goading him, but he really was not in the mood to put up with his annoying brother and his provocations. There was a reason he was considered part of the unofficial official 'Bad Friend Trio'.

"Not today Gilbert," Ludwig warned, letting his brother know that he wasn't going to just sit and take the teasing like he usually did.

"Come on, West, you know I'm just teasing. Why do you have to be so serious all the time? Relax!" His silver haired brother let go of him and walked around in front of him so he could look him in the eye.

"I will relax once I'm out of this damn building," Germany all but growled; he was swiftly losing his patience.

Unfortunately Prussia didn't seem to get the hint, or he simply ignored it. "Oh, and is Italy going to help you with that?" he insinuated, a very France-like smirk on his face.

That had been the last straw. Germany roughly grabbed the front of his brother's shirt and pulled him towards him so that they were nose-to-nose. Two chips of hard, blue ice burned into startled red eyes. "No more, Gilbert. Italy is mien good friend. Nothing more. Now go away before I do something you will regret."

He then promptly dropped the Prussian, who landed with a soft thump on the ground. He let out a very unawesome whine and gave his brother an angry glare. "Fine, fine, mien gott, it was just a joke. No need to get violent, that's seriously unawesome."

Getting to his feet the ex-nation was about to say something more when said Italian reappeared at Germany's side, every present, goofy grin on his face.

"Come on Ludwig, let's go! I'm so hungry! Let's go get pasta; I love pasta!"

Germany gave his brother one last, parting glare, as if daring him to say something else, before leaving with his excitable, and very hungry, best friend. Prussia just stood there for a moment, looking awesome as he pondered some awesome thoughts. How did his brother, who was always so serious, and N. Italy, who was always so carefree, become such good friends in the first place? Maybe there really was something to the saying 'opposites attract'.

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Author's Note: The irony of that last sentence is that it can actually be applied to America and Japan as well, which is the other main pairing featured in this story. (It can also be applied to a lot of popular pairings of Hetalia actually…)

So, England has finally caught on to the fact that America is hiding something (which is kind of funny considering how he practically raised her and didn't suspect a thing). I blame France for distracting him all those years. Although, I think subconsciously England realized something wasn't right, but could just never see past his irritation (and hurt and other angsty feelings) towards the annoying American. Plus, she was always especially careful around England, knowing he wouldn't let something like that stay a secret.

Brings me to another one of my head canons:

* Britain still views America as a younger brother, and although they broke ties long ago America still thinks of England as a sort of brother/nagging relative.

Also, Germany's over-reaction to Prussia's comments will be explained more later. Seriously, be patient, there is a lot more going on behind the scenes with Germany and his emotions (he's honestly a very confused individual, poor thing *pat comfortingly*). As for Prussia's comments, I mean, come on, he's part of the Bad Touch/Friend Trio. He's obviously there for a reason; again I blame France for being a bad influence. (It's okay though Prussia, you're still awesome and we still love you. You too Spain!)