Title: DOMINO EFFECT

Author: Fate's Apprentice

Language: English

Rating: M- Mature.

Fandom: Hetalia- Axis Powers

Genre: Romance/Family

Characters: America (Alfred Jones)/England (Arthur Kirkland)

Summary: It was one of those things they just didn't talk about: the reason. There had to be a reason, better than the one given, for why America had declared independence all those years ago. But when Arthur overhears just what that reason was, it triggers a domino effect that reveals America to be so much more than anyone had ever expected. Us/Uk. Canada/France

Chapters: 1/?

Word Count: 1,102/?

Status: Incomplete

Warnings: Adult language and themes. Some sexual content. Mildly OOC, as I kind of made up this idea and it could never happen in the series, so I don't want any reviews telling me all about how it could never happen, since I already know that. This is nearly AU, but sticks to the main universe, just veering off a little here and there. You don't like it, then don't read it.

A/N: Ages have been slightly adjusted for both my story to work and my general fancy:

America: 19 years old

England: 23 years old

France: 26 years old

Canada: 21 years old

Beta: dignifiedPianist

Chapter One: Rebel With A Cause

As a rule, England genuinely tried not to let his former charge's childish antics get to him. But if America didn't stop making that infernal tapping noise then it wouldn't entirely be the older's fault if he strangled him. He risked a glance at said infuriating nation and caught the American sneaking yet another look at his watch. England's lips pursed with thought; what was with America lately?

The younger nation had become unbelievably quiet over the last couple of months. The spring in America's step had slowly dissipated and dark shadows had formed under those formerly brilliant sapphire eyes. Alfred was constantly falling asleep throughout world meetings and, England wasn't entirely sure, but he also suspected the younger had lost a concerning amount of weight. Britain would be loathe to admit it, but he was worried about the blue-eyed nation.

He chanced yet another glance at the American and locked eyes with him by mistake. America's cheeks flushed and the younger immediately looked away. England opened his mouth to question this behavior- as America was seated right beside him- but fate (or rather Italy) intervened.

"Germany," said Italian whined, cutting off the addressed nation mid-sentence, "I'm hungry!"

England couldn't resist a chuckle at Germany's expression, torn between the desire to get work done and his blatant adoration for the pasta-loving nation. He heard America laugh as well and when England glanced at him, the other smiled back instinctively. England felt his face heat and looked down at his lap. Evidently, love had won out in Germany's inner turmoil and they were dismissed for lunch. Before England could look back at the American, though heat having faded from his features, the former was gone.

Arthur bristled, swallowing back his irritation, and headed for lunch as well. He maneuvered though the crowd of varying countries to buy a cup of tea and was only just searching for a place to sit when America, talking to some country he recognized but didn't know, caught his eye.

What England did know was that both, eerily similar looking nations, had been getting on famously these past few months and the Englishman felt a surge of jealousy at this thought. Why did America get along with this other nation but not him?

He restrained himself from interrupting whatever incredibly immature conversation the two were probably having and continued on to a table behind them. He paused though, mid-step, at the use of his name.

"You never did tell me why you did it. I mean… were you mad at England?" the other nation asked and America seemed mildly perturbed at this allegation.

"No. We were close. I adored England," America replied after a moment of thought.

"Then why go to war?" pressed the unnamed country and, by now, England had filled in the blanks and wanted to hear the answer as well.

America shook his head dismissively, "I never wanted to go to war. I just wanted independence. It got out of hand and even when I changed my mind… it was too late. I offered an Olive Branch and he wouldn't even consider…" here America trailed off.

England's breath caught and America's expression, with all of his devastation and regret, made his heart ache in his chest. Arthur remembered the Olive Branch Petition; on the brink of war America had offered reconciliation, seeming to have changed his mind but England had already been hurt. Resentful, Britain hadn't even given an answer and continued on as if nothing had ever happened.

Arthur opened his mouth to interject, but bit his lip abruptly, thinking better of it. This was supposed to be a private conversation; he didn't want to even consider what might happen if either knew he was listening in. There was a long moment of silence where the unnamed country seemed deep in thought and America prodded him after a moment, "Canada?"

England blinked. Yes, that was the other's name. He turned to continue onto his chosen table, suddenly realizing with the drop in conversation that he was eavesdropping quite obviously and none too eager to be caught. He paused at Canada's question, mid-step, his attention caught once more.

"Why'd you want independence?"

This was a fair enough question and England had pondered it himself on more than one occasion. There just had to be more to it than the excuse he'd been given, right? "Taxes," America responded on cue, but his voice was tight; wrong.

"That's the only reason?" alleged Canada, brow cocked. England had similar doubts and, needing to hear the other's reply but not wanting to be caught, he moved to stand halfway behind a pillar. He knew this was wrong, but the Arthur was desperate. There had to be another reason and the younger nation certainly wasn't going to tell him it voluntarily.

America paused before nodding hesitatingly and Canada smiled softly. "You're a bad liar, Alfred." England bit his lip at the sound of the youngest country's human name, a fresh wave of jealousy washing over him.

"America?" prodded the Canadian when America remained silent. Finally, the blue-eyed country lifted his head once more to meet Canada's gaze, "What do you want me to tell you, Matt?" replied the American. More jealousy flooded him with the obvious familiarity between the two, but this time it was followed by curiosity. America seemed… defensive?

"The truth," returned Canada and America was again silent before taking a brave breath, "I didn't want him to see me as his little brother," he replied at last. That stung England, but it provoked another question.

"Why?" Canada asked, as if reading Arthur's mind.

America shook his head with bitter amusement, "I was selfish and greedy and impulsive. I… I made a mistake," his voice got quieter and quieter until it faded away completely and England took a half-step forward, heart aching to comfort his former charge. Canada's words were what made him pause once more, "What did you want?" he asked with a patience that England didn't possess.

America fell into a pensive silence and Canada nudged his arm gently. Alfred paused before finally murmuring, "I wanted more…"

"More?" questioned Canada.

America nodded.

"Like friends?"

A faint smile touched the blue-eyed male's lips, "More than friends."

The connotation of the words made England's breath catch and, forgetting himself, he dropped his plate with a loud clatter which earned him Canada and America's full attention…

…and sent America running.