Playing the Fool

Chapter 2

The remainder of the meeting was akward to say the least, America didn't speak unless responding to a question. And only if the question was of any concern or relvinace to the meeting what so ever. Arthur spent the entire time in a state of shock, unable to even look at his former brother. When the meeting finally came to a close, Arthur pulled the broken frames from the trash. Tears built up in his dark green eyes,

'What have I done?'

*Next World Meeting*

Everyone was expect (and hoping), for America to come busrting in through those doors with his wide grin. Laughing about how he'd got them, and telling them about the looks on their faces. How he couldn't belive they'd actually bought it, bragging about his actting skills. But as the seconds ticked by with the meeting only minutes away, much to the world's surprise (and disapointment) as the door knob jiggled slightly catch everyone's atteshion.

The door was opened slowly, as America walked in the room eeriely calm

"Good afternoon."

Was all he said before setting his brifecase and coffee mug on the table, no smile, no hambugers, no loud obnoxious voice declaring he was the hero. Just a frown and some coffee, looking over papers he pulled from his brifecases.

"Okay America we get it, the joke's over you can stop now you git."

England muttered, Alfred didn't even glance ove to aknowldge he'd spoken at all. Merely skimming over his papers, America ignored any attempt anyone made to speak with him. He still wore his bomber jacket, though now it was zipped up to his neck.

"U-um... America-san?"

Glancing up from his paper's Alfred evenly met the Japanese mans gaze,

"Yes, Kiku? What do you want?"

Fliching back from the cold tone, Japan said quietly.

"W-werr... you don't seem to be yourself, America-san..."

Noticing the way Kiku flinched away, Alfreds cold gaze vanished and was replaced with an apoligetic look.

"Sorry if I startled you, I don't mean to sound so cold, I'm just fine Japan."

Kiku didn't look at all convinced, again pointing out that the American really wasn't being himself. Looking confused for a moment before it came to him, smiling lightly Alfred said simply

"You just aren't used to this side of my personality, besides it would be rude to interrupt the meeting by suddenly standing up and shouting about some stupid plan that will never work. I'd rather not waste everyones time with such nonsense, I can be crazy at home where I wouldn't disturb anyone. Or make a fool of myself, that's not how countries supposed to act."

Returning his attention back to his paper work, America didn't see or he didn't notice the stunned look on Japans face. Or the other countries for that matter. Without the loud American to start the chaos, the meeting went along smoothly. It was like no one wanted to start to chaos only to prolong it, without the American to blame no one wanted to take his place as the "class clown".

Even though Germany was pleased to meeting went well, he couldn't help feeling like something was missing. The warm atmosphere that normally filled the meeting room was gone, it all felt so cold and official now... Which is what he'd wanted of course! ... Or was it? Watching the now stoic country leave, Germany couldn't help it. He half wished things had gone back to the way it had been before. When the meeting was all about seeing old friends, catching up, doing things a country couldn't do every day. Italy wasn't brave enough to start the excitement unless he knew someone would back him up. Without America filling that roll, the normally bubbly Italian seemed to have deflated a bit. Not completely, just not as loudly as before.

(To be continued...)