We're Enemies

Chapter 20

"What do you mean Russia?" asked Italy.

"I mean to say that everything isn't really what it seems to be. Isn't it, Germany?" he replies.

"...How much do you know?" asks Germany with a curious glance at the Russian.

"Oh, I don't really know anything at all. Just that there is something more than it seems, and you the most likely to have the answers." he smiles.

"...So, you're just making assumptions?" asks Germany.

"It doesn't seem like he's wrong, is he now, Germany?" asks America.

"Germany, what are they talking about? What are you trying to hide from us?" Italy asks with a nervous look.

"I am not hiding anything. I am only acting according to instructions." he answers.

America reaches into his pocket and takes out a folded piece of paper. He puts up a dramatic show of opening it and reads out the contents. 

"Listen to Germany. He knows what he's doing. Do not let Scotland win... at any cost. Please.

"I am sure your set of instructions was more than this that Russia and I were given." he adds with a snide smirk.

"... Yes. I was aware of most of his plan. And I see no harm in sharing it with you if you promise to keep it a secret."

"You have our word. Please carry on. I wish to check if my theory is correct." said Russia.

"Fine then. The truth is, this was all very carefully planned out by Francis. Scotland had picked a Fight with him about two weeks before the incident, when he had gone to visit England's grave. I had been accompanying Scotland, and thus happened to witness it. Later on the very same day, he had given me an indication that he was planning something. A few days later, I received a letter from him. It was rather short, and the gist of it was that he was to lure Scotland into picking a brawl with him. France knew Scotland would not be able to keep his temper in control, so he decided to use it to his advantage. He knew that his life would be at risk, so he wanted me to make sure justice is carried out. After all, Scotland is not innocent... All of us had heard what he had said to England on the day of the last conference, though none of us had the decency to intervene..." Germany explained as simply possible...

"But how did France know Scotland would try to kill him?" America asked.

"He did not. He made sure it played out that way." said Russia.

"You mean Francis killed himself?" asked Italy.

"Sort of. He had poisoned himself. He was weakening himself. One blow from Scotland was enough to knock the life out of him." said Germany.

"And you let him do all of this despite knowing he might die! What the Hell Germany?" America lashed out.

"Do not blame Germany, America. He had nothing to do if France had already made up his mind. Germany only fulfilled his duty as a friend." chided Russia.

The younger averted his gaze as Russia took his hand in his own and gave it a small squeeze.

"But France really didn't have to die for all of this! What is it with these older nations all using death as their only solution?" continued America.

Both Italy and Russia let out a small chuckle at this. The boy was too young to truly comprehend the depth of relations formed over millennia.

"The guilt of letting England die was too much for him. He never even got the chance to confess his feelings to the man he loved, and was forced to watch him die..." Italy reached for Germany's hand under the table as he said the words.

An awkward silence hung in the air until America spoke again.

"But isn't that good? England would have rejected him. His heart was already with some other girl."

"What do you mean America? What girl?" asked a curious Germany.

"I'm sorry I didn't bring this up earlier ... I kinda forgot about it. This was the picture England had in his hand when we found him. I'd shown this to France then, he couldn't recognise her, see if any of you can."

America reached into the pocket of his jacket once more, and brought out the neatly folded piece of paper. He opened it and laid it down on the table for the other three to see.

Italy was the first to react. His eyes widened. Recognition sparkling in his eyes.

"It's him..." he muttered.

"Him?" Germany looked as confused as America felt.

"That is a him?" America asked, but Italy remained mute in astonishment.

America turned to Russia and saw his smile widen... but there was a strange shadow of sadness over it.

Russia looked up and put a hand on his shoulder.

"America... You really don't know how wrong you are... " his lover sighed.

...

...

...

Indeed. They were enemies. And it was a little too late to change things.

 

Notes:

so... This is kinda where it officially ends...
I do have an epilogue planned, but the thing is... that was a promise made to a certain someone... and our relationship at the moment is kinda tumultuous... So it may be a while before I post that. But I will if anyone here asks for it (Screw her then!)

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Also:
A f*ck you to professor JOY RED (name translated from my native language)... You told me that I use too many ellipses. That my stories were too depressing. That I overuse descriptions and don't form a proper conclusive plot.
You convinced me my writing wasn't good enough to be published, and excluded it from your special publication.
Guess what, professor Joy Red... I don't need you to tell my stories. I can publish my work and share it with like minded people. And I can form my own style of writing!
Besides, Pinterest has taught me more than you could, so thanks for nothing and making me miss other classes.

So long, sucker!