Servitude - HETALIA

Chapter Three - Dr. Bepper

Lisette Dupont POV

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     I stifle a yawn as the meeting progresses into dusk, Canada's injuries subsided as he's sat in front of me, flipping through documents in the folder in front of him as his brother joins in on the endless commotion. It's been about five hours now since the meeting had started, and nobody looks as exhausted as I feel. My eyes catch on Alora, serving Italy a glass of wine he had requested previously, and Japan a can of a bright-colored japanese soda I don't quite recognize. 

     As I struggle to keep my eyes open, I catch glimpse of NIkolai, staring at me with an amused expression, his hands tucked in his pockets. I puff out my cheeks and stick out my tongue at him, to which he responds with a scoff and nudges Mr. Bonnefoy. I scramble to fix my posture and look off into space as he whispers something in his ear. I feel Mr. Bonnefoy's eyes on me, my heart sinking and sweat beading on my forehead. Who knows what he might have said to him! I'll never forgive him if he ruins my chances at getting on his good side!

     "Yo frog-breath! Why are you staring at the kid? You some pervert!?", America shouts.

     I whip my head around, meeting Mr. Bonnefoy's deep blue eyes, and the world around us stops. The voices dominating the meeting cease, only a muffled murmur meeting my ears, the rest of the room turning to a blur as I hold his gaze. I play with my thumbs, slouching my shoulders and biting my lip to keep from squealing like a child. He's looking at me... really looking at me! It feels so unreal!

     He must notice the sparkle in my eyes, or the crimson fire rushing to my cheeks, as he gives me a quick wink and directs his attention back to the Brit next to him, screaming and fighting like he was just seconds before. I can't help but give in to the weakness in my knees as I collapse on the ground, fanning my face with my hands to try to regain some composure. 

     "Are you okay?", Canada asks, peering down at me from his seat.

     "Yeah!", I blurt, quickly scrambling to my feet and fixing my hair. "Just.. tired."

     "Well at this rate we're going to miss lunch", America grumbles, throwing himself back into his chair with a childish pout. "Hey kid, go get me some snacks."

     "You could be nicer", Canada glares at him, to which the American sticks his tongue out as a response. 

     "Yes sir!", I grin, skipping out the mile-high door to fulfil my first ever task. 

     At the end of the hallway is a sign leading to a door labeled "Cafeteria". I ponder how frequent America must send his assistants here as I skip down the smooth red carpet. I still can't believe Mr. Bonnefoy actually noticed me! I wonder what Nikolai had said to him to make him look at me like that. I hope I'm doing a good job as an assistant... I want to make Mama proud! Still, I can't help but feel silly about what happened with Canada. I feel as if I could have handled that a little better, maybe even just left him be. 

      "Ah, I'm guessing America sent you", One of the assistants I had rode with greets me at the cafeteria with a tray of chinese treats and teas. 

     "Oh- Hi! Yes!", I smile at the man, his hair thinning and gray as he gives me a cheeky grin. "Do you know what he likes? It's my first day", I chuckle sheepishly, pulling out a tiny notebook and pen kept in my skirt pocket.

     "I'll show you", He sets the tray on a nearby counter, ushering me over to the many towering displays of snacks and drink bars. "China won't mind if I take a little longer... I am his favorite after all", he giggles unusually shrilly for his age.

     "Do they really pick favorites?", I cock my head in confusion as he grabs a tray for me and starts filling it with an assortment of bagged chips and candies. 

     "Of course. It's inevitable", He hands me the tray, then leading me to a large display of soda cans. "America likes Dr. Bepper and Cola Coca the most", he sets two of said cans onto the tray for me. 

     "Thank you...", I mumble, following him as he retrieves his own tray and heads towards the exit. "Um- How... How do you become one of their favorites?", I pipe up, hurrying after him to stay close.

     He stares off, admiring the many portraits and busts as the tray in my hands gets heavier and heavier. Finally, he gives me a hefty chortle that he had tried to disguise as a cough. I bite the inside of my cheek, embarrassed that I had even asked. 

     "It's fairly simple. Just get them what they want and be friendly. China began to request me in advance so that Russia couldn't request Nikolai...", He pauses as we reach the door, setting his hand on the firm wood before us. "It would also help if you attended their parties as a 'helper'. France just invited all the assistants for next week's party, though there's no benefit to attending unless you just want to stare at him for a few hours."

     "All assistants were invited!?", My eyes glimmer with hope as I lean in close. "When? Where?"

     He stares at me for a moment before sighing and handing me a small envelope from the inside of his suit. "So young... You'll learn sooner or later that helping them really isn't in your best interest."

     "How come?"

     He pushes the door open, giving me one last smile. "That's something you have to learn for yourself, dear."

     I follow close behind, but he's already retreated between China and Russia before I can press him any further. I tuck the envelope in my pocket before setting the tray in front of America, who immediately begins to stuff his face. 

     "Thank you", Canada says for him, shooting his other half a sharp glare. "We should be finished up here in the next couple hours if everyone stops being dumb assholes."

      A loud snort escapes my lips, and I quickly slap my hands over my mouth to contain the laughter. It's just hilarious hearing Canada cuss in his soft, melancholy voice. He glances up at me with a humble grin before returning to his paperwork, signing documents in a font so tiny I can barely read over his shoulder. I squirm with anticipation, awaiting the end of the meeting so I can return home with Mama and read the invitation the other assistant had given me. A chance to be with Mr. Bonnefoy outside of work... I think I might just explode at the thought!