20

MISSION 3

The three girls stood gazing around the room. "Go on, sit down." Dani was full of energy thanks to last night's success and the promise of Hetalia in the near future.

"So your friend Alfred set this up for you?" the brunette asked, sitting warily beside the two other excited girls. Dani nodded, but focused on booting up the projector and the laptop attached to it.

The blond asked, "How is he, by the way? I haven't seen him in a while."

Dani smiled but answered, "He's basically the same."

"So he's still really cute? Are you going out with him yet?"

Dani felt her face heat up lightly. Hiding more so behind the computer, "Hardly; he's gay."

Each of her friends gave a different reaction. Rachael, the calm brunette, merely smiled. Devon, the blond, squealed. And Lenora, the black girl, got this hungry look on her face, "Has there been lemon yet?"

"I don't know. I never set up a camera in their bedrooms." Japan might have, though. She'd have to remember to ask. "He hooked up with an old friend named Arthur. He's British."

More squealing. "So he has an accent?" Devon asked, very excited now.

"Yes! It's too cute. He's so tsundere you'd love him." The projector spat the computer images onto the screen, "Anyway, Lenora, you said you had something to show us?"

"Yes," she pulled out a piece of paper completely filled with websites, "I found a couple of coughlemoncough images I thought you should see." The paper was passed to Dani who looked at it in near disbelief, "The really good ones are in black."

Dani scanned the paper, "They're all in black."

"Yes." Dani facepalmed. Lenora loved her lemons so she knew these pictures were going to be interesting.

"Alright fine."

They passed a good four hours looking over the list: cringing, squealing, and even crying in the way very typical of a fangirl. The tissues on the table were very popular. At one point Devon and Dani got into a particularly violent argument as to who was better with England, America or France. Devon firmly sided with France, thoroughly vexing Dani. She decided to show her the video footage later.

They had just finished discussing a very detailed GreeceXJapan pic, all mutually agreeing that he was best for Japan (a spark of an idea ignited in Dani's brain for a moment before fizzling out), when Dani flicked to the next image. It was a not-so-impressive AustriaXSwitzerland piece. She was about to suggest pizza when she faintly heard a "keskeskeskes" outside the door. She had just managed to brace herself when Prussia burst through the door, followed quickly by a grinning Spain. "Friends of yours Dani?" he asked, almost maliciously. The three other girls let out gasps when they heard his accent. Realizing who the image was of on the screen, Dani casually went to stand in front of the beam.

She crossed her arms, "Yes. What do you want?"

"Are you German?" Lenora spoke over top of her.

Prussia decided to address her first, "iNein/i,I'm the awesome Prussia."

Dani rolled her eyes. Rachael asked, ignoring his wording, "Doesn't Prussia not exist anymore?" The albino's face fell and he looked almost depressed.

Spain defended his friend, "That was a low blow, isenorita pequeño/i. He's still Prussia."

"Prussiian/i," Dani interjected, glaring at the other two to grasp her meaning, "The term is Prussian."

Spain shrugged, "That too I guess."

Suddenly, Devon gasped very loudly, causing all the others to jump, "Is that a ibird/i on your head?" She stared intently at Prussia's pale hair where one could just make out a tiny feathery lump.

Prussia stood up straighter and resumed his 'awesome' grin, "Hell yeah it is!" He picked up the tiny ball of feathers gently, "His name is Gilbird."

None of the girls heard him; they all rushed over to the tiny yellow bird, begging to pet it. Gilbird seemed to thoroughly enjoy the attention.

Dani sighed, she had such strange friends. Spain had moved closer to her, to avoid the girls, "Should I be sorry for seeing what you put up with?"

"Nah, they make my life entertaining. Besides they're not half as bad as my brothers."

"You have brothers?"

"Yeah. They're all mental cases. Three of 'em."

Whatever Spain was about to say was cut off as the room filled with "kyaaa!"s. Devon was allowed to hold the bird but, evidently, it didn't like being too far from Prussia. So it had flown up to nestle back in his hair.

Spain cleared his throat and spoke louder, "So what was on the screen?"

Prussia heard and pushed his way through the giggling trio, "Yeah, I didn't catch it."

Without moving from in front of the projector, she calmly closed the laptop, "Antonio, could you call and order us pizza?"

Spain's eyes lit up and, ignoring the use of his other name, turned to leave but Prussia caught him by the back of his shirt. "Wait, what is it?" His eyes grew wide and his grin more evil, "It's more of that fan-art stuff, isn't it?"

Dani just looked at him, refusing to smile, but let the renewed giggles in the background answer the question. Prussia stood, hands on his hips, in all his self-awesome glory, "Well? Let's see!"

What she didn't see was that Spain had moved behind her. But she did notice when he gripped her upper arms and used his pirate/nation strength to physically lift her up and set her aside.

After a second's shock she registered that Prussia was laughing. He must not have seen who it was yet. As soon as that thought crossed her mind Prussia looked closer, "Well that's Switzerland and that's..."

It seemed fate was against her. Dani flew to the cord of the projection unit and ripped the plug out of the wall socket. As the screen lost the image, Dani saw Prussia's face fall into shocked disbelief. Just before he could suppress it, rage crossed his features for just a moment.

He straightened up to his full height, face blank; and with large, eerily calm, heavily booted steps, he strode out of the room. Dani had never seen him look more like the army general he was famous for being. And it looked like he was preparing to go to battle.

A chill shot up Dani's spine.

"I should have known you had a reason for blocking that," Spain sighed, "iTú es inteligente/i. Now he's libel to kill someone. He's probably armed too. Those two usually are."

"Well then I should probably go talk to him. They don't leave for a while," she nodded her head to the other three girls, "Don't worry, that happens occasionally. I should go talk to him though. Antonio," she turned to include him in the conversation, "Will get you pizza. Be nice to him."

The laid back Spaniard just smiled at the job he's been stuck with, "Even better, I'll make you pizza. Romano showed me this imuy estupendo/i recipe..." Dani shut the door behind her as she left.

~X~

Dani leaned up against the wall, sighed, and thought. She has scoured the whole building but couldn't find the Prussian anywhere. She pulled the scrunchy out of her hair and ran her fingers through it. The first thing she'd done was run to the ground floor to make sure he didn't leave. Then she worked her way up, stopping to look in every room she thought he might be in. Of course she didn't check ievery/i room, that would have taken too long.

Back on the second floor she tried to rework her plan. She had a feeling he was here, he just didn't know exactly where.

Piano strains suddenly reached her ears. She listened closer. They were hesitant and occasionally wrong, as if by some novice, yet they were enthralling.

She followed the soft notes and found herself outside a pair of double doors on the opposite side of the second floor. The doors didn't latch, you just pushed them open. Slowly she cracked one of the doors inward, praying it remained silent. Her eyes scanned the room through the sliver. It seemed to be a lounge of some sort, carpeted and completely furnished.

In the far corner of the room sat a sleek black piano. Prussia was sitting on the bench plucking out notes and chords. His face had relaxed somewhat and now he looked lost in his concentration.

As she watched, he placed both hands on the keys and started playing. It was a simple tune and he occasionally missed a note but she was still impressed. He didn't even have music in front of him. As he played his face became more relaxed but a prominent frown remained. As the song drew on it got louder and more complex, although the player's skill remained the same. He seemed to have a knack for playing something that suited the mood perfectly, slightly sad, strands of anger or jealousy, but with a deep under tones that should not be missed.

It ended in a soft tinkle of notes. Dani released her breath she was holding and quietly slipped into the room. On the carpet she padded up to the piano. "That wad fantastic," the man glanced at her without surprise, "When did you learn to play?"

"It was pretty awesome, wasn't it?" he smiled weakly, "Just made it up."

Her eyes went wide, "You just made that up?"

He shrugged, "I just put keys that sound good together, together."

She eyed him, "So if I were to sing a note you could find it on the piano?"

He grinned, "Is that a challenge?"

She hummed the A note of a C chord. Almost without looking, he hit the A. She rose an octave, remaining on the A. His hand slid up eight keys and picked out the A. She smirked and raised an eyebrow expectantly. He picked out every note she hummed: low F, G flat, B sharp, she even got him to play the full C chord by having him find notes that "sounded good" with the C.

Finally she admitted defeat, being rewarded with a "keskeskes!" from the nation. "I can't believe you learned how to play a piano completely by rote, without any knowledge of music or music theory whatsoever."

He blinked, "What?"

"You can play just by sound, not off of paper," she explained, "It's rare but usually means you've spent a lot of time around a piano."

He shrugged, face going smooth of expression, "I really like the piano. You play?"

She moved closer to the piano, "Only a little. My one brother's got the musical brains."

"You have brothers?"

"Spain just said the same thing. Did I really never tell you?" He shook his head, getting a small squeak from Gilbird. She sighed, "Yes, I have three brothers."

He grimaced, "And I thought putting up with one was bad."

"I actually feel sorrier for Germany. He has to deal with you."

Prussia gave a dramatic sigh, "Yes he can't possibly come close to this much awesome."

Dani made a face, "If that's what you want to call it."

He "keskeskes"d. Smiling, Dani shoved him a little on the bench to make room for her, "Watch and learn."

Her repertoire of music was very small, actually only consisting of three songs: Diary of Jane, River Flows in You, and that piano music during the ending credits of Hetalia. Each had been a pain in the ass for her prodigy brother to teach her. She was presently bribing him to teach her Jar of Hearts.

She picked the Hetalia song because 1) It was short, 2) Easy, and 3) Involved no singing (among other obvious reasons).

As her last note faded she grinned triumphantly to herself. "Not bad." The two on the bench jumped. Austria had seated himself in a squishy chair primly, evidently listening to her play, "But it's still quite evident you're a novice."

She tried one of England's scowls then thought to herself, "Actually, that's not bad. I'm not even a novice." She jumped off the piano bench and moved to the other man, "Did you teach Prussia to play?"

Prussia rolled his eyes while Austria looked both surprised and suspicious, "He can play?"

Dani nodded, "Yup, fairly well." She turned to the man still at the piano. He was carefully avoiding looking at Austria. Unlike his brother, Prussia didn't seem to be a guy who blushes easily.

When she turned his attention to him he looked calmly down at the keys before he spoke, "I'm really not all that good."

Austria raised his eyebrows. He's been around Prussia long enough to know when he was feeling off. This was just too obvious, "Well, let me be the judge of that."

Prussia looked up at him and raised an eyebrow, "Seriously?"

He nodded for him to continue before elegantly sitting back into his chair. Dani jumped into another chair and tucked her legs underneath her, waiting anxiously.

Prussia himself looked fairly nervous. He took a deep breath and slowly put both hands on the piano, obviously thinking hard.

Perhaps a bit too hard.

His first attempt at a chord mad both the pianist and the girl cringe. "Sorry," he muttered and stood to leave.

"No! No," she motioned for him to sit again, "You just need to calm down." He glanced at Austria who nodded, albeit reluctantly.

The Prussian sat back down again and picked out a single note. Then added a second until he found a full chord.

The song built from there. He still missed a note occasionally, but the overall effect was...magical? Definitely striking. He could smoothly transition a calm relaxed emotion to a dangerous one, seemingly with a simple change of thought. The notes, chords, rhythms, and feeling filled the room, blessing any within earshot. Dani racked her brain trying to figure out why his music had such an impact on her. It was all she could do to keep from crying in particular sections. Then he hit a certain part that nearly made her heart stop (well, that's what it felt like). "Fuck it," she thought to herself and let the tears fall. She didn't know how he could do it, especially without music...

Without music. That must be it.

Sheet music told you how to play, it told you the notes, rhythms, crescendos, everything. What Prussia was doing was coming purely from him. He could do whatever he wanted and not affect the end of the piece at all. Basically, he was pouring his soul out his heart through the piano. It wasn't perfect, but it was strong. She guessed not many people knew he had so much feeling under all that "awesome".

He ended on an awkward chord that, strangely, fit perfectly with the piece. The room was quiet as the notes faded into the air. Prussia looked up and was startled to find Dani sobbing rather uncontrollably.

He burst into a fit of laughter. Dani followed suit shortly. Through the peals of she heard, "Wait, what's so funny?"

"You should have seen...Her face!" Prussia just managed to say.

"I look...like...a moron!" After at least five minutes of laughing the hysterics finally died down. When Dani could finally see again Austria was standing in front of her, looking disapproving and holding a tissue out for her. "Thanks."

He nodded then turned to face Prussia. The albino wiped his eyes and then leaned on the keys to look at Austria. He grinned as his spectators winced at the clash of notes, "So, whatcha think Mr. Super Pianist?"

Austria adjusted his glasses, "You still have much to learn." Dani was taken slightly aback. He'd just poured out his heart. That was a bit course.

She wasn't sure if Austria saw it, She wasn't even sure if ishe/i saw it. For a split second Gilbert's face darkened. But it was quickly replaced with a smile. "Sorry," he stood up and began to walk to the door, "I'm just too awesome for you I guess." The doors didn't make a sound as they let him pass.

Dani was worried, it wasn't that dark look on his face that concerned her, it was the fact that he could cover it up so quickly and effectively. How long has he been able to do that?

She turned her attention to Austria who was looking through a satchel he'd brought, full of sheet music. "Is that it?" He ignored her, "Is that all you had to say? Are you that oblivious?" He moved to the piano and put untitled sheet music on the stand.

Dani got up and moved to lean against the piano, just looking at him. "I meant what I said," he sat down on the bench, "He may know the notes, but other than that he just has a good ear."

"Bullshit," Dani spat, "He has an amazing ear."

"Language, please."

"I don't know how to say it in German," she smiled slightly as Austria looked even more disapproving, "And a talent that good doesn't come without practice."

Austria almost snorted, "I highly doubt he'd practice." Dani raised her eyebrows but said nothing, letting it sink into the other man.

In smooth, practiced movement, Austria placed his hands on the keys and began to play. Dani sighed; she wasn't going to get a response while he was playing. Eventually his eyes closed and the tone of the song changed.

Quietly, she moved to look behind him. Evidentially, he'd started to play the music, but after a couple measures stopped. He was doing exactly as Prussia did, just with less mistakes and a better flow. It matched his personality perfectly. Again the music was enough to bring a prickle of tears to her eyes. Or perhaps she has just become soft. Yeah, that was probably it too.

Softly, she slipped out of the room. She was just walking away when she felt eyes on her back. She turned to see Prussia sitting on the ground, leaned up against the wall beside the doors. She smiled as she stepped closer, "It really was beautiful."

He grinned, "I don't know about beautiful. 'Awesome' is a better adjective."

She rolled her eyes, "Sure," and slid down the wall beside him, piano music tickling their ears, "How'd you learn to do that?"

"Purely natural talent."

She glanced at him, "Yeah, and I'm Tony's sister."

"Tony?" He looked confused for a moment, then realization, "You mean America's creepy alien friend? He scares the shit outta mean!"

"Exactly."

He was quiet a moment then shrugged, "I just like listening to piano music."

She contemplated this, "You struck me as more of a rock n roll guy."

"Yeah, whatever's awesome."

"You used to spend a lot of time with Austria; did you listen to him a lot?"

He seemed to slip into memory for a moment, Dani waited. "Yeah, he's really amazing." Day-um, he didn't even say 'awesome'.

"Yes, but he really shouldn't be such an asshole about it."

Prussia laughed softly, "I'm not sure ladies should say such things." Prussia was defiantly acting out of sorts.

Dani made a face, "Who the hell says I'm a lady? It certainly wasn't America, I taught him better." She got up and brushed the invisible dirt off her jeans, "Well, I should probably go make sure Spain's still alive. I hadn't meant to leave them this long."

Just like before, his face went blank. He nodded to show that he'd heard but said nothing, just tilted his head to continue listening to the music.

She made her way back to the mini conference room and, after checking her cell phone, knew the girls were gone. She'd been held up for a little over two hours. She also knew that each one of those girls had texted her at least four times saying how cute the German albino was, asking if Antonio was single, and why uexactly/u did he have a bird on his head. Getting to those later, she shot a quick text to Japan and Hungary, "Where are you guys and when are you getting back?"

Japan: "We're still in Paris, planning on staying for a while. Why?"

Hungary: "at an adorable cafe in Paris! spying on both couples. dont worry were getting plently of footage!"

She texted them both back with, "We may have a situation here with Prussia and Austria." There was a rather long pause before they got back to her this time.

Japan: "The first flight we can get on leaves tonight, and there's a storm coming. We'll be lucky if we get there before Monday."

Hungary:"NOOOO!1 DONT LET NYTHING BAD HAPPEN AFOR WE GET THERE! KEEP EM AT BAY!"

Neither of these were helpful. Dani bit her lip, a very Alfred-esqe characteristic she's picked up. She was dealing with three main focuses: Austria, Prussia, and, undoubtedly, Switzerland. And, of course, they all had tempers.

And guns. At least two of them were always armed. Especially Switzerland. Actually, she should probably avoid him until this whole thing smoothed over.

Now, should she wait or take action? She's dealing with two, probably drunk, angry German men and one thoroughly irritated Swiss. It was Saturday, giving her the chance to spend one more day here. Switzerland iwasn't/i here, but who knows what the others could do. Austria may even be leaving soon.

She should go home and wait.

~X~

Sunday Dani decided to start on her summer work. Well, to try to anyway. Why the hell do they always assign boring books? She could read anything by Steinbeck was just too dry. She was NOT liking the uGrapes of Wrath/u.

Suddenly, one of her brothers ran in, of course not bothering to knock, "Yo, Dani, some really white German guy is here to see you!"

"What?"

"He's outside," then he scampered off.

Oh boy, this was going to be good. Good thing she decided to put on a bra today.

In the living room she saw her younger twin brothers, one of whom had come to get her, peering through the curtains to look out onto the front porch. Their video game was completely forgotten.

She walked outside onto the shaded porch, out of the afternoon sun. Prussia was leaning up against the wall, uncharacteristically subdued. He was dressed in jeans and a black t-shirt with the logo and name of a German rock band. His hair reminded her of Alfred's in the fact that it never seemed brushed but wasn't completely unruly. "What a lovely surprise."

He looked up from the space into which he'd been staring, "Hey. Sorry to bother you."

She shook her head, "'S fine. Got me outta reading some summer work."

He grinned slightly, "Well then, you're welcome." She rolled her eyes.

"You seem to fascinate my brothers."

"I know. I'm way too awesome."

"Mhmm."

He hesitated a moment, "Can they hear us?,

"Probably." He made a face, "We could go somewhere private to talk if you want." He nodded.

She was going to take him to the little clump of trees out back (she liked the trees) but he got preoccupied with the horses. "A good horse is like a good dog, if not better." He grinned, "Me and West would argue forever about which was better."

Dani nodded and leaned on the wooden fence, waiting for him to start talking. "That picture," he started, "From the other day, it's not...accurate, is it?"

"I wouldn't think so."

He looked confused, "Then why draw it?"

"Because..." she searched for the right terms. How idoes/i one describe the immense insane workings of a fangirl's mind? She tried the simple answer, "Because it's cute?"

Didn't help, "What?"

"Eh, never mind. It's just something people do. Don't look too much into it."

He was quiet for a moment, "So...you don't think..."

She picked up his train of thought, "I have no idea. Remember, I've only known you guys for...well, not really at all. Austria is...difficult to read, at best. I haven't even spoken to Switzerland yet. Your guess is better than mine."

"You helped France. Suppose you go talk to Switzerland for me?"

Dani froze, "Uh, why not just speak with Austria?"

Prussia shook his head, "He gets very defensive if you say anything about Swiss." He looked endearingly at her, "Please Dani?"

She inwardly groaned, she couldn't say no, could she? "Doesn't he have a tendancy to shoot people?"

"Only those who annoy him," he grinned, "Another reason why my awesomeness shouldn't be put on the line."

Dani rolled her eyes and sighed, "Fine, I'll see what I can do. Japan and Hungary aren't getting back for a while but I'm sure I can figure something out."

Prussia looked immensely relieved, "Thanks."

"If I die, though, it'll be your neck."

He laughed his "keskeskes!", "I'm too awesome for you to even come close to my neck."

"Mhmm," she glanced over at him, "But you're not awesome enough to keep from getting a nasty sunburn and skin cancer. You didn't put on sunscreen."

The albino eyed her, "Oh? And how do you know, Sun Goddess?"

She faced him, "I can smell it, and," she lifted up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing a dark pink line, "We've only been out here a few minutes and you're already cooking." She nodded her head, motioning for him to follow her back.

~X~

How did this happen? No, really, how the hell did this happen?

Prussia.

She was standing outside a ihuge/i mansion (maybe it was a nation thing, to own houses entirely too big) in Switzerland. Prussia had been "kind" enough to call a plane to pick her up the next day. He said he'd talk to her parents about this but she doubted it would keep her from getting grounded. Or killed.

She was in iSwitzerland/i.

Dani had absolutely no plan whatsoever. At this point, the best thing she can think to do is just ask. Knock on the door, ask, and leave. 'Cuz that wasn't suspicious at all. She sighed, neither was standing in his drive for long periods of time.

Might as well get it over with. She got to the door, closed her eyes, and knocked on the door as if it was about to bit her. After a few seconds a grey haired maid opened the door. "Um," this was unexpected, "Could I speak to Switzerland?" She looked confused. Of course she wouldn't speak English. Dani resisted the urge to facepalm. Today was just not going well.

Dani stammered, "Sorry-sorry. I'll, uh, come back another time..." The woman moved het hand in a 'come in' motion, Dani did. She then motioned for her to stay put before bustling off. The entrance hall was very big, but simple and elegant and not very furnished.

She heard footsteps and turned to see the woman return with Liechtenstein, "Can I help you?"

An idea sparked in Dani's head, "Is Switzerland here?"

She looked puzzled, "No, he'll be out late."

Perfect. "Could I talk with you then?"

She was quiet and absentmindedly brushed her skirt, right where a pocket would be. Dani fought not to grin, Switzerland most certainly taught her to shoot.

Eventually, she nodded and led her to a sitting room of sorts.

They sat and Liechtenstein poured her tea. Dani politely sipped the stuff. "How is Switzerland?"

"Busy, but he's fine."

"Is he particularly close to Austria?"

Liechtenstein looked extremely suspicious and said nothing. Dani sighed, "It's Prussia, he..."

The other girl's face lit up with realization. She nodded, "I understand. He used to come over a lot and would ask about him too. What happened?" Dani told her about the incident in the lounge for the piano and of Prussia coming to her for assistance. She nodded again, "I heard about France. I'd be glad to help. No, Switzerland is on friendly terms with Austria but nothing more. Ever since that incident in earlier centuries they haven't been all that close."

"I figured. Prussia i does/i tend to overreact a tad..."

"What are you planning to do?"

Dani looked at her a moment, "You sound interested." Liechtenstein said nothing but flushed lightly. Dani smiled, "Well, I was just going to tell Prussia about this... Then I'd wait for the other two to get back. I really have no idea."

"Well I don't think you should tell them right away," she smiled sweetly at Dani's confused countenance, "If you do you'll have nothing to build on. You'll just be back at square one."

"Sounds like you've been hanging around Hungary."

She set her teacup on the table. "Perhaps. I would love to see the countries happy again, though. And with you helping the other two, maybe they'll start to become friends with people again. From what I know, Rome was the last one who really had fun living within his own culture. They just always seem...lonely. I'm hoping you can change that."

Dani took a moment to let that sink in, "Alright. Do you have something in mind then?"

She smiled sweetly, "Actually, I do. First, you're going to have to stay late. Prussia won't come to get you and you can't speak to him. How long do you think you'll be punished for?"

Dani winced, "At least until the end of the year."

She looked surprised, "Just for staying out a little late?"

"For flying to Switzerland iand/i staying out late."

"Ah." She thought for a moment before saying, "Then I'll take you back now." She spoke quickly to the maid, who bustled off again, then she turned and grinned at Dani, "We'll talk on the way there."

~X~

"Next time, at least give us a time frame when you fly to other countries." It was Sunday, again. Shockingly, they'd only grounded Dani for a week. Perhaps it was because the President sent them a letter earlier saying she had some kind of international business, or something like that, they didn't let her read it.

Regardless, her father was still really pissed. He won't lecture her now because he knows that, temporarily at least, he's lost.

There was a knock at the door but the person didn't wait to be admitted. "You should have waited until permission was given to you to enter." The familiar English voice announced their presence in advance.

Alfred walked in first, "Hello, Teresa, how are you?" He hugged Dani's mom.

Arthur was close behind, looking very awkward. Alfred made introductions, using both their human and national names. Dani's mom politely said hello but glanced between the two boys for a while. Eventually, her gaze flickered to Dani who, having a fairly good idea of what she was thinking, smiled slightly and nodded. Her mom's face lit up but she said nothing. Arthur's face reddened and Alfred and Dani laughed. "We're heading out then, Mom."

"Hm? Oh, yes! Drive carefully!" Alfred waved as he followed Arthur as he hurried out of the room.

Dani sat in the back as Alfred drove and Arthur took shotgun. She thought it was hyserical seeing the Brit ride in a truck, but she smiled quietly. Alfred was talking back to her, "We've managed to get a nice janitor to part with his keys. He was real cool about it. Hungary thought of something to lure each of 'em in. And Japan invented something to make it so cell phones won't work. He also linked up a couple of security cameras to the projector in the other room and set up some speakers so we're all set. Liechtenstein's gonna be there too. Hopefully Switzerland won't come looking for her."

"Do you have...like...a failsafe? In case something bad happens?"

Arthur spoke up, "The janitor bloke agreed to open the doors if we ask him to. Says he has a second set of keys."

Dani nodded but couldn't seem to stop worrying.

~X~

Dani, America, and England were the first to arrive in the mini conference room. After a few minutes they were followed by Liechtenstein and Japan who hooked up the projection unit to his laptop. The image that came up on the screen was a split scene of the piano room, from the two security cameras. Hungary still hadn't shown up when Prussia entered the room. Questioning glances were passed but everyone kept quiet. After a minute of pacing and checking the time Austria walked in. The two locked eyes then promptly ignored each other. Suddenly the doors, obviously locked, were rattling, "Austria, is the door stuck?" Hungary's voice was muffled from behind the wooden doors.

The brunette, rather puzzled, turned towards the door and pulled experimentally, "They seem to be locked. Prussia looked like he wanted to jump out of the windows if they would open.

"Well, yeah, genius, I guess they are," she sighed, "How'd you manage that?"

Austria's face turned pink with indignation, "How on earth was it my fault? Just go get a janitor or something."

"Well I didn't use the doors last. It's Sunday so I wouldn't expect anyone would be here. I'll have a look around though."

Austria's face flushed darker when he heard there might not be any janitor, "Be quick about it!" An immense awkward and charged silence filled the room as Hungary's faint footsteps faded.

Prussia was trying to open the doors for a second time when Hungary entered the viewing room, "How'd it go?" Japan nodded in approval and England motioned for her to quickly take a seat.

"They're not going to open just because you keep trying," Austria sighed and sank into a chair.

Prussia kicked the offending door in question, "Well, yeah. You just had to go and break them." He resumed his pacing.

Austria rubbed his temples, obviously trying to keep his temper in check, "I did not break them. I honestly have no idea what happened," he glanced at the silver haired man, "Why are you here anyway?"

Prussia turned away from Austria, "I, er, Dani texted me to meet her here today. We had business to discuss. What about you?"

Dani turned to Hungary who just shrugged. She shook her head, this better not come back to haunt her

Austria made no comment, but raised his eyebrow, "Hungary said she had something," he made a face, "'Super important' to tell me."

Prussia also made no comment but turned to look out the window a moment. "I'm surprised you're not playing the piano. Make the best out of the situation."

"I don't have any of my music."

Prussia looked at him incredulously, "But you could just play something if you wanted to, right? I mean, you've been playing the thing for generations now."

Austria glared at Prussia, "I was taught how to play iproperly/i, with music."

The other snorted, "Because that's hugely helpful in situations like this."

More death glaring, "Why don't you play something, if it's so easy?"

He fell right into the trap, Gilbert grinned, "Whatever you say, Roddie." Austria flushed and clenched his jaw shut.

Prussia sat down on the piano bench and picked out a note. He let it ring before seeming to discard it and found another, to which he built a magnificent clashing chord which he resolved a beat later.

The music spewed from his fingers like water from Angle Falls. Again the nores, rhythems, and chords were not perfect, but it simply added to the magic.

Dabi tried to fovus on Rodrich's reaction, if things should start to go south they should be ready to interviene. The brunette carefully kept his face emotionless but it couldn't help being noted, though, that it iseemed/i like he was relaxing. Gilbert snuck a glance at him now and again but for the most part stayed focused on the piano.

The song ended on a dark resolved chord and Gilbert let the notes ring in the air for a moment. He whirled around to Rodrich and have him his "awesome" smile, "See? Not that hard."

Rodrich frowned at him, "How did you learn to play like that?"

He shrugged, "I'm just that awesome I guess."

Rodrich continued to frown but got up and moved to the piano. He stroaked the keys as he thought before he spoke, "There is no way you would have the paitence or mentality to teach yourself the piano, unless there was something in it for you. I can assume, then, that you've been observing someone play for a period of time, " he looked pointedly at Gilbert, standing up straight, "Who was it?"

Gilbert went to lean on the piano but jumped off as the open keys clashed under his elbow. Glaring at the keys he said, "Is that a touch of jelousy I detect, Roddie?"Rodrich's face flushed slightly and he stiffened, turned on his heel, and walked over to look out the window. For a moment, back in the other room, Dani felt her pulse quicken. She had almost completely forgotten about Gilbert's ego. At this point she was hoping he'd be rational enough to grasp the situation.

Evidently he did because he quickly continued, "If you must know there isn't anyone." He shrugged, keeping his tone casual, "I like sitting under that window of your piano room to listen to you play." Rodrich didn't move and the angle of the camera didn't show his face. Gilbert slowly slid from the bench and stretched, "When you left I thought I would try and see if I could play," he was now struggling to keep his casual demeanor, his voice trembled ever so slightly and his shoulders were stiff as he moved slowly to stand beside the brunette. He gave a shaky laugh, "Scared the hell outta Italy then. He thought the room was haunted."

She stopped moving just short of leveling with Rodrich, "You broke into my house?" He sounded fairly angry.

"No," Gilbert grinned, "You often let that window open."

Rodrich sighed in exasperation, "You're such an adolescent." The other man "keskeskes"d softly.

Then followed a heavy silence. Rodrich tapped his foot impatiently, obviously still waiting for Hungary. Gilbert retrieved Gilbird from his head and was toying with his feathers. Finally the irate Austrian burst out, "Where on earth is that girl!" He stomped to the door to pull at the handles. His face was visible once more.

Gilbert's still wasn't, though, and his casual tone was again strained, "Why'd you marry her?"

"What?" Rodrich seemed generally surprised. He turned back to Gilbert who kept his gaze out the window and his attention on Gilbird. He raised his eyebrows, "Was that a touch of jealousy I detect, Gil?" Gilbert stiffened when he heard his words thrown back at him.

He turned to look at Rodrich and leaned against the window, his face carefully controlled, "What if it was?"

The brunette knit his brows, "What?"

"What. If. It. Was?" Rodrich was quiet so Gilbert continued, "Sure she's nice enough but she's terrifying. She would bully you all the time."

"And you didn't?" Rodrich crossed his arms and glared at the other man, "Silesia."

The name caused Gilbert's face to darken and his hand to clench, making Gilbird squeak. He looked down at the small ball of yellow feathers before relaxing his grip. The tiny bird took flight, distancing itself from the angry German. This seemed to upset him even more and his anger dissipated. "Yes," he murmured, "Silesia." He turned his gaze back to the window, "I'm sorry."

Rodrich was shocked, "Pardon me?"

The albino turned to gaze steadily at the other man, "I'm sorry. That...got out of hand, to say the least."

Rodrich didn't seem to know what to say. Since when did the awesome Prussia apologize?

Suddenly there was a loud BANG in the conference room, causing everyone to jump. Switzerland had kicked the door in, holding a rifle at the ready, and was scanning the room. When his gaze alighted on Liechtenstein he only slightly lowered the rifle, "Liechtenstein, I've been looking everywhere for you. Your note was very vague."

"But I brought that gun, Svitzerland." She withdrew a small black handgun from a hidden pocket in her skirt causing everyone to jump slightly.

Switzerland nodded, satisfied, "That's fine. Just tell me next time if you leave for long..." his gaze wandered to the screen, "What are you doing?"

"Shhh!" Hungary waved her hand to quiet the man, things had picked up again.

"Look, I know I had to take Silesia, that I'm not apologizing for," he crossed his arms, "I iam/i apologizing for being an ass about it."

The brunette steadily met his gaze, "If I recall correctly, it wasn't your ass that was on the line."

Small squeaks were emitted as hands clamped over mouths in the conference room. Gilbert reddened, "Fine, if you don't want to accept my apology, I'll revoke it."

Now Rodrich reddened, "You really are an ass! Don't just revoke an apology!"

"And why not?"

"I would have accepted it!"

Gilbert looked about ready to retort again but then the words sank in, "You would've?"

Rodrich, somehow, kept a straight face and nodded slowly. Gilbert allowed himself a small smile, "You could've just said that in the beginning."

Before Rodrich could say anything a tiny ball of feathers, who had been hovering about the couple, tweeting occasionally, fell onto the brunette's head and immediately nestled down behind his curl. Both men were taken aback a moment. Rodrich reached up to remove the tiny bird, but as soon as his hand came within its sight it started spazzing out, tweeting and making a great deal of ruckus. He sighed, "Prussia, please remove your bird."

Gilbert was completely dumbstruck. Almost mechanically, he walked closer to look at Gilbird but made no move to remove him. "He's never done that before."

Rodrich flushed slightly, "Well, get him down."

Gilbert grinned weakly, "Why would I do that? He obviously likes you."

"You locked them in a room together?" Everyone glanced at Switzerland who sighed, "Really Liechtenstein, why would you get mixed up in this?"

Dani was desperately trying to watch the screen and keep up with the dispute simultaneously.

Rodrich raised an eyebrow, "Why on earth would he like me?"

"Svitzerland, please," Liechtenstein had moved over to the rather angry blond, "I'll explain later but you need to leave."

Gilbert shrugged, "Your hair is soft. When not around me or Hungary you're usually quiet..."

"Yes, I will leave," Switzerland moved to the door, "There are janitors here today, correct?"

Every other voice in the room screamed, "NO!" Japan was in front of the door, kantana in hand, before the syllable of the word faded. Hungary had leapt over the table and was crouched behind Switzerland, pan at the ready. America and England had drawn guns. Dani merely sat stunned in her seat.

On screen Gilbert continued as he absent-mindedly, slowly approached Rodrich closer, "...cooking's not bad. But mostly he really likes your music..." his voice trailed off in thought.

Hungary growled, "Don't. You. Dare."

Switzerland didn't know who to aim at first but spoke to Liechtenstein, "Tell them to keep their distance. This," he nodded to the screen, "Can't go on."

"Sorry, Svitzerland, but I'm on their side today," she took a small step back and looked rather upset.

"He never seemed to like anyone this much before..."

Rodrich was now thoroughly flushed, "Just... just Gilbird?"

The arguing behind Dani made her ears ring. She turned around and screamed "HEY!" and turned anxiously back to the screen, ignoring astonished stares.

"Gilbird and I agree on many things." Gilbert moved closer to Rodrich and reached up to retrieve Gilbird. Mid-reach, though, he seemed to change his mind. Instead he grabbed Rodrich's shoulders and pulled him into a rough kiss.

Everyone held their breath.

Behind his glasses, the brunette's eyes grew wide. The kiss wasn't long, just a few seconds, when Gilbert pulled away and whispered, "Many things."

Rodrich seemed slightly breathless. His response, "You idiot," was barely heard before he pulled him into another kiss.

There was a sigh and some quiet happy squeals among the onlookers as they continued to watch the screen. Gilbert had gently pushed the brunette up against the wall and was slowly undoing his pants. His mouth turned its attention to Rodrich's neck, who in turn let out a very pleased moan.

BANG! The double doors opened with a jolt and the couple jumped. Switzerland walked in. Everyone in 20b took a moment to look at the spot Switzerland was just in, then at each other, every face covered in an "Oh shit" expression. They spun back to the screen.

Little Liechtenstein seemed to have been the only one who knew of his departure and seemed to have been chasing him for she was panting by the time she was at the double doors. It was now noted that Switzerland had shot the lock off.

The man himself paid no heed to the shocked couple. His face kept its almost permanently annoyed expression as he strode into the room. He stopped at around the center of it, drew up his gun and, with two distinct shots, took out the security cameras in the room, reducing the image on the screen to static. There was a moment of quiet, then, "They deserve some privacy," and static through the speakers. He'd found the microphone.

Dani turned just in time to see Japan fly out of the room, obviously concerned about his technology. Hungary sighed as she leaned up against the nearest wall, letting her frying pan fall to her side. America and England merely looked at each other, guns away.

And all Dani could do was grin. They lucked out once again.

~x~X~x~