A Product of War [Hetalia]

Chapter 6.

Four Months Later
Canada🇨🇦: *gasp* Oh mon dieu... not now...

Matthew was shaking in terror as he read the exam results. He'd gone to the hospital a few days prior because he had begun to get sick. At first he brushed it off because of his immunity problem. But when two months had gone by with no change he started to panic. He'd also started feeling a bit heavier and more tired.

Matthew was beyond lucky that Alfred taught him how to use a fake ID to avoid people recognizing him and telling his friends or family. Or his boss for that matter.

Canada🇨🇦: "What am I going to tell Ivan...?"

There was a knock at the door.

—Britain🇬🇧: Canada! I'm not going to wait for you so we miss the conference! Get out here!

Matthew hastily whacked his exam results into the trashcan before running outside. He was too scared to tell Britain he forgot his glasses and paper to take notes in his panic to get out the door as soon as possible.

The way there was anxiety inducing, and Matthew felt relieved when Britain finally forgot he existed again, allowing him to sit down and try to bear with the meeting. All while what he discovered that morning was looming over his head. He felt happy that he was able to have Kumajiro relaxing in his lap to help him relax a bit.

The conference was tense as usual, Matthew sat between an anxious Alfred and an agitated Arthur. Francis looked exhausted. He didn't really blame Arthur for being snappy, as Arthur had expressed concern over people getting hurt during the meetings, more notably Matthew. Maybe a part of Britain was hoping for Matthew to miss the conference to take away the risk completely.

Matthew looked at his brother again, it was like he was waiting for something to happen. And he was excited for it. Matthew was nervous at first, but when lunch break hit, nothing serious happened. It turned out that it was Alfred wanting to meet up with someone.

Matthew was relieved to know this, and went over to his dad.

Canada🇨🇦: Papa?

France looked up tiredly.

France🇫🇷: Hm? What is it Matthew?

Canada🇨🇦: I just saw you looking really tired... is everything okay...?

France frowned and shook his head.

France🇫🇷: I'm just so tired of this. Every time I think that all this tension will go away, somebody does something to cause a ruckus and keep it up. I'm already angry at myself for causing a fight once. But now it's worse because I thought that the other nations would be more careful after seeing what I caused...

Matthew bit his lip, wrapping his arms around his stomach and speaking up nervously.

Canada🇨🇦: Um... what do you think will end it...?

France sighed.

France🇫🇷: I don't know, mon fils... The only way that makes sense for this situation, is if everyone just gets so tired they all agree to knock it off. The war should be ending soon... but it might take a while for the tension to go away completely. Alfred and USSR might be done fighting physically, but they'll still see each other as enemies. When that happens I can only hope that everyone just gets worn out or gets bored of each other. And then they just move on from it.

Matthew smiled weakly.

Canada🇨🇦: Well... I don't think you're the only one that's worn out Papa... I think Alfred is getting tired too.

France smiled a bit.

France🇫🇷: I can tell you want to include yourself as well, hm? I'm glad I have you and Alfred as my sons, you're both smart and hard working. And I'm glad that you and Alfred are smart enough to stay out of trouble, especially you.