Forever

Trece

Mexico woke up to see Philip getting ready for the day.

"Breakfast time already?" Mexico asked. Philip sighed and nodded, a halfhearted smile on his face.

"His majesty won't accept his breakfast unless I'm the one serving it... I'll be back shortly, ok?" Philip said.

"Philip? U-um... if I may... I have someone to meet in the forest...," Mexico said. Philip stared at him with a conflicted expression.

"I don't think that's the best idea...," Philip said.

"P-please? I promise he's not dangerous," Mexico said.

"It's a he?" Philip asked.

"Yes... a boy about my age," Mexico said. Philip sighed.

"Alright just... don't get too attached to him... you really shouldn't be running off to meet strangers in the forest," Philip warned.

"He's not a stranger, he's my friend!" Mexico exclaimed. Philip couldn't bring himself to tell the innocent prince no.

"Very well your highness... just... please be careful," Philip said. Mexico smiled at the young servant. Once Philip left, Mexico snuck into the forest.

Meanwhile, Thirteen was sneaking away as well. He was almost out of the palace, when suddenly he heard Canada.

"Thirteen, May I come with you?" Canada asked.

"Nada! How did you know I was here?" Thirteen asked.

"New Zealand told me. He saw you sneak out to the kitchen," Canada said. Thirteen sighed and lightly pushed Canada away.

"It's too dangerous Nada. British Empire will whip you if he finds out," Thirteen said.

"Then why are you going?" Canada asked accusingly.

"Because I'm older than you, now go. Hang out with New Zealand or something," Thirteen said.

"But he and Colie are doing music lessons! I'm bored!" Canada exclaimed. Thirteen groaned.

"Fine, but don't come crying to me if British Empire hurts you," Thirteen said. Canada smiled, and together they snuck into the forest.

As they walked, they started calling for their friend.

"Mexico! Mexico we're here!.... Mexicooooooo!" Thirteen called, while Canada was absentmindedly looking around at the birds watching them from the trees.

"Trece?" They heard Mexico respond.

"Mexico!" Thirteen exclaimed, running to the source of the noise. Thirteen found Mexico and latched onto him in a bear hug.

"Cálmese! Too tight!" Mexico exclaimed, slightly giggling.

"H-hi," Canada said timidly, still not 100% trusting of their new friend.

"Hola, Canada," Mexico said. He looked at the brothers matching smiles, but his own smile faded when he saw Thirteens black eye. He worriedly put his hand on Thirteens cheek and studied the wound.

"Que pasó?! Estás bien?!" Mexico exclaimed. Thirteen wasn't sure what Mexico said, but knew it had to do with his black eye.

"We're ok, our grandfather was just mad we weren't home when he got home. It's not that bad," Thirteen said. Mexico wasn't quite sure what that meant, but he felt bad for his friend regardless. He looked down at Canada and saw little red marks on his cheeks. Mexico could tell he was slapped. Mexico pulled his friends into a group hug. The brothers were surprised. Canada immediately returned the hug, loving the sense of comfort it gave, but Thirteen was still.

Suddenly, Tears poured from Thirteens eyes. Mexico and Canada looked up at him with concern.

"Trece?" Mexico said gently.

"Thirteen, what's wrong?" Canada asked, hugging his brother. It was rare to see Thirteen cry. Even when he's upset, he would never cry in front of others. So what made him let his guard down? He looked into Mexico's caring eyes, and held his brother in a comforting hug. This pure sense belonging... feeling like there is someone truly there for you... this warmth caught the young boy off guard. Thirteen quickly wiped his eyes and cheerfully smiled at his two friends.

"I'm ok! Just emotional! Let's just go for a walk!" Thirteen exclaimed, picking up Canada in a piggyback ride fashion and walking by Mexico's side.

And so, that was how it was for months. Mexico began living with Philip, and every day he would wander off into the woods. Some days Thirteen and Canada wouldn't show up, for they couldn't find a way to sneak out. However, when they could, they'd meet Mexico in the forest. Thirteen would always tell stories, while Mexico helped Canada make flower crowns. They had begun hanging the flower crowns around in the forest, and they began serving as paths for them to follow to their favorite spots in the woods.

The friends were sitting by a pond, making flower crowns as Thirteen recalled funny stories he heard.

"And my father said 'all of you expect too much from me,' And Ireland said 'yes, but I fear you're impossible to underestimate,'," Thirteen recited. Canada giggled despite not exactly processing what Thirteen said, and Mexico just smiled. He admittedly still didn't know much English, but he enjoyed hearing Thirteen tell stories regardless. Mexico looked up into the dark blue sky and sighed.

"Getting late, must go," Mexico said. Thirteen smiled at his friend, but his eyes showed disappointment.

"I'll see you again tomorrow, right?" Thirteen asked.

"We say that every time!" Canada exclaimed, still slightly giggling, placing his newest flower crown atop his head. Mexico smiled and hugged the young boy goodbye.

"Found pink flowers home. I Will bring some," Mexico said to Canada. Canada smiled and placed an extra flower he had in Mexico's hair.

"See you tomorrow Mex," Thirteen exclaimed, taking Canada's hand and walking away.

"Tomorrow, Trece," Mexico said. And with that, the boys headed home.