Hello everyone! So...I'm sure you've all noticed that it's been a while since I've updated this story, or anything really. First of all, I would like to apologize for that. I now have college work to attend to and sometimes I just lose motivation for a while. However, neither of those are excuses so I typed up a chapter for the lovely people who are showing their support for the story and hoping for an update! Anyway, I hope you all enjoy!

DISCLAIMER: Still don't own Hetalia.

Chapter 10: Advancement

"I'm glad Arthur has such a trustworthy person to call his best friend."

"He talks about you a lot you know."

"Even Arthur has noticed a change in your personality he even said that you-"

Alfred shot up in bed, waking up from yet another flashback of yesterday's conversation with Francis. The night was a rough one for Alfred. The conversation he and Francis had kept replaying over and over in his dreams.

The blonde ran a hand through his hair as he looked over at a nearby alarm clock. Seven in the morning. It was time to get up, and Alfred knew he should get ready for the day, but he couldn't bring himself to move out of the comfort of his bed. He didn't even feel like going to school today. The last thing he wanted to do was to see Francis and Arthur. Knowing Francis, he probably told Arthur everything, and after knowing the English man for years, Alfred knew the Brit wouldn't just sit back and watch as a conflict erupted between two people very close to him.

The blonde groaned, hiding his face in his hands as he leaned back on his bed. Why was he having second thoughts now? When he and Yao first started this plan, he was all aboard! He was one hundred percent for it and even more sure it would work! But now it seemed that his revolve had taken a hit by some unknown force and it was now crumbling under the weight of his conscience. Alfred rolled over onto his side, glancing at the alarm clock on his bed side drawer once again.

Fifteen minutes past seven.

Sighing, Alfred rolled out of bed, his mind groggy and only half conscious. His limbs felt heavy and Alfred found it difficult to keep his eyes open. He didn't feel like going to school this morning, and if he could he would skip the school day altogether. But he couldn't. He needed to tell Yao about the new development in the plan to break Francis and Arthur up.

Alfred walked over to his bedroom door, peeking through a small opening to see if anyone was in the halls. He wasn't sure why he peeked out the door everyday, seeing as his parents were probably already at work, but old habits died hard, and the habit had made him feel safer when he was a child.

Deeming the hallway clear, Alfred stepped out of the confines of his bedroom, walking to his home's bathroom down the hall. Upon entering the bathroom, the first thing he did was use the toilet in the corner of the small wash room. After finishing his bodily functions, he washed his hands and splashed some water on his face, hoping to wake himself up to prepare for the day ahead. He looked in the mirror, noticing the heavy bags under his eyes.

Tilting his head, he poked one of the bags, examining it. When had these appeared? He was sure they weren't there yesterday. Alfred only sighed again, rubbing his temples. He told himself that the bags were from his lack of sleep and continued his morning routine.

Alfred picked up a nearby brush, combing it through his disheveled hair once or twice. He then proceeded to wipe his face with a warm towel, brushing his teeth quickly after. Of course he would have to put on deodorant and new clothes too, but those things could wait for a few more seconds. His basic morning routine wasn't anything extensive or special, but it was quick and efficient.

Even as he completed his morning routine, Alfred's thoughts drifted back to the conversation he and Francis had the day before. He would be lying if he said he didn't feel bad about ruining the relationship between Francis and Arthur. No matter how hard he tried to deny it, Francis was really a nice guy and Arthur was one of his closest friends.

"Just because Francis is a nice guy, it doesn't mean he's the right guy for Arthur." Alfred told his reflection, repeating the words like a mantra as he continued to get ready.

About forty minutes later, Alfred walked into the first class of his day, his advance placement world history class with Mr. Hans. He was a few minutes late, but luckily Mr. Hans seemed to be late as well, so Alfred wasn't penalized for his late arrival.

"Glad one thing is going right today." Alfred mumbled, taking a seat near the back of the room. Lost in his thoughts, Alfred didn't notice Yao walk up to him until he heard the shorter man's voice coaxing him into reality.

"Alfred-aru? Hey, wake up! Are you in there?" the brunette asked, waving a hand in front of Alfred's face.

"Hunh?" Alfred replied, still half asleep. "Sorry, I was out of it."

"Yeah, I can tell." Yao said, plopping down in the seat next to Alfred. "You look awful-aru. What happened? Why are you so poo poo faced?"

"Well gee, thanks, Yao." Alfred grumbled. "Let me call you the next time I need an ego boost."

"Just being honest-aru. But seriously, what's up?" Yao asked, taking a quick glance around the room to make sure Mr. Hans didn't make a surprise appearance.

"The same thing that's been up all week." Alfred said, pointing toward Arthur, who sat near the front of the room.

"Struggling with your romantic feelings toward your former best friend-aru?"

"Yeah wait- no! I thought I told you I don't like him like that." Alfred hissed the last part, glancing up at Arthur to make sure the Brit hadn't heard.

Yao only rolled his eyes before replying.

"Yeah, yeah. Just like I'm not Chinese either-aru." he said. "You know, my psychology class taught me that suppressing your emotions usually results in-"

"Good morning class!" A voice boomed from the door, making both Yao and Alfred snap up their heads toward the source.

Of course, it was Mr. Hans, ten minutes late to his own class. He seemed oddly cheerful for some reason.

"Sorry-aru, gotta go!" Yao said, rushing back to his seat near the front of the class, near Kiku.

'Poor Yao.' Alfred thought, watching as his friend set up his supplies on the desks provided for them. It must have been pretty damn awkward for Yao to sit next to his ex who he probably still had feelings for.

Alfred wasn't blind, and he certainly wasn't an idiot. He could tell Yao still liked Kiku and it wouldn't surprise him if everyone else could tell too.

After all, who the hell would get their ex a dog besides Yao?

Alfred sighed for the nth time that day, turning toward Mr. Hans, who had made his way to the podium in front of the room and was now explaining why he was so late to his own class.

"I'm sorry for making you all wait! As you all know, my wife is pregnant and well, we thought she was going to give birth today! The baby was a little early, and we had to get up at four in the morning to rush to the hospital. We got everything ready and after two hours of preparing for the birth, the baby gave up!" Mr. Hans said, making half the class gasp.

"Is..is the baby dead?" one girl asked.

"Hm? Oh, no! The baby is fine and healthy! It just procrastinated its own birth!" Mr. Hans replied, chuckling slightly.

After that statement, the students in the room sat in a stunned silence, Alfred among them.

'How does a baby procrastinate its own birth?' Alfred thought, cringing slightly.

The stunned silence in the classroom only made Mr. Hans laugh louder, making a few students sink deeper into their seats.

"Well, now that you've all had your share of current events, let's begin with today's lecture on Israel!" he said, slamming his hands on the podium in front of him.

And that was when Alfred tuned Mr. Hans out.

The American looked around the room, seeing Kiku hunched over his desk. He was probably being a good student and taking notes. Alfred looked over at Arthur next, who was getting his materials out. He was also a good student.

Lastly, Alfred looked at Yao who like Arthur and Kiku, was taking down notes.

Yao was such a good student. Time to fix that.

Alfred crumpled up a piece of paper, throwing the ball at the back of Yao's head to gain the other man's attention.

The first ball had no effect, so Alfred was forced to make another one, this time putting a small eraser on the crumpled piece of paper to give the ball more weight. Like he had with the first one, Alfred threw the ball at the back of Yao's head, or at least he tried to.

Instead, he ended up hitting some poor girl in the back of the head because his aim was off.

The girl had long brown hair and a flower pin in her hair, and boy did she look angry when she turned back and glared at Alfred.

Alfred mouthed an apology and pointed to Yao who sat near the girl, hoping she got the message. She only rolled her eyes and tapped Yao on the shoulder, the Chinese man turning to the girl before turning back to stare at Alfred.

'What?' he mouthed, taking a quick glance at Mr. Hans to make sure he wasn't paying attention to his side conversation.

'I have something to tell you.' Alfred mouthed back, making the appropriate hand gestures where necessary.

'Can't it wait?' Yao mouthed back, jerking his head toward Mr. Hans, who was still lecturing the class.

'I'll tell you at lunch.' Alfred mouthed.

Yao only rolled his eyes before returning to his notes, leaving Alfred to his thoughts. The blonde looked at Mr. Hans, who didn't seem to be willing to stop his lecture anytime soon. Alfred looked up at the clock, hoping to God the period was almost over.

Only twenty minutes had passed.

Alfred groaned, resting his face in his hands. This was going to be the worst class period of his life.

"So-aru, you're telling me that Francis came to you for advice?" Yao asked later at lunch, shoveling a forkful of noodles into his mouth.

"Yeah, man. He just came up to me after class and asked what he should get for him and Arthur's anniversary." Alfred confirmed, picking up his drink and taking a sip.

After hours and hours of classes, Alfred and Yao were finally let out for lunch and the two students were currently sitting at a lunch table in the far corner away in the cafeteria, and away from the other students.

"Huh, that's weird-aru. I guess he doesn't know you hate him." Yao said, shrugging.

"I guess not. But dude, a few things he said really bothered me."

"Oh really now? And what did Francis say that bothered you so much?"

"Well-"

"Oh, is this the reason why you were so poo poo faced this morning?" Yao asked, pointing his fork in Alfred's direction.

"If you would let me finish, I would be happy to answer your question." Alfred said, playfully punching Yao in the shoulder.

"Alright-aru, continue then. Francis's words must have been pretty weird if they managed to make the great Alfred F. Jones quiver!" Yao said. Alfred only leaned in closer, making a quick glance around the room to make sure neither Francis or Arthur were in sight.

"He kept being all nice to me and stuff." Alfred whispered, shifting his eyes around the room once again.

"Isn't that just common courtesy-aru? I mean, I can't imagine anyone would want someone to be an ass to them out of the blue." Yao said.

"No, you don't understand. It was genuinely nice. Like purely, truly nice. Like so nice you know it's not fake nice. You know?"

"I...don't quite follow you. Take a lesson from our english class and elaborate."

"He kept saying how Arthur always talked about me and how I was so trustworthy and kind and stuff, but get this, it gets weirder." Alfred said.

"Oh? How is that so?" Yao asked, finishing his noodles and moving onto a small bowl of rice he chose as a side dish for his lunch.

"He said that he thought that we got off on the wrong foot and he apologized."

"He apologized? What did he apologize for?" Yao asked, quirking an eyebrow.

"He said he was sorry that I felt like he took Arthur away from the group. Apparently Arthur told him everything we talked about." Alfred said.

"Woah, woah, you and Arthur chatted recently-aru? This sure is news to me!" Yao exclaimed.

"Huh? I didn't tell you?"

"No, you didn't. Now cough it up, what happened when you were alone with your crush?"

"Dude! I thought I told you, he's not my crush!" Alfred denied.

"You're just prolonging the inevitable, but let's just pretend I never said that Arthur is your crush and continue our discussion about your talk with him."

"Yeah, yeah whatever. Anyway, Arthur said that he didn't forget about us."

"Oh did he now? Well he could've fooled me-aru" Yao said, sipping his drink. "He was the one acting like we didn't exist after he started going out with Francis."

"I know right? But he said he stayed away from us so he wouldn't rub his relationship in our faces." Alfred said.

"Huh, sounds like an excuse if you ask me-aru." Yao replied, shrugging.

"I don't know, Yao. He didn't seem like he was lying."

"Honestly Alfred-aru, I think you'd believe anything that came out of Arthur's mouth, truth or lie."

"What? Dude, no I wouldn't!"

"Didn't you once tell me about a time where Arthur claimed he was the Prince of England and you believed him-aru?" Yao said.

"I- That was different! I was what, ten? I didn't know people were capable of lying!"

"You're such a child."

"I am not!"

"Yes you are-aru. Now, what else did you have to tell me?"

"What?" Alfred asked, puzzled.

"You know, the thing you interrupted my education for."

"I don't-"

"The one you tried to tell me about in World History this morning!" Yao hissed.

"Oh yeah, that! I remember now!" Alfred said, laughing. Yao only sighed and rubbed his temples.

"Be quiet, you're going to attract too much attention to our table. Now, what did you need to tell me that was oh so important?"

"Dude, you won't believe this! So you know how Francis asked me what to do for his and Arthur's anniversary?" Alfred asked.

"Yes, yes. How could I possibly forget? We just talked about that conversation a few minutes ago. I'm not that forgetful you know." Yao replied. "Anyway, continue."

"Well, I recommended Francis take Arthur out to an English place to eat and I suggested one to him!" Alfred said in a giddy tone.

"You didn't suggest he go to-"

"Yes! I told him to go to that Cottage place and he seemed totally into it! Dude, I had him eating out of the palm of my hand!" Alfred said.

"Ah, so we have a lead now. Well that's certainly a step in the right direction. But when is Francis going to take Arthur to the place to eat?" Yao asked.

"He said in a couple of weeks, so we'll just have to eavesdrop on them until we get the date and time! It's look really weird if I just ask him out of the blue about where and when he's gonna be there, you know?"

"Agreed-aru."

"Or...we can do a stakeout! Yeah, we can eat there every night and see when they come in!" Alfred suggested.

"Er...let's just stick with eavesdropping. You know and I know that we don't have enough money to get a place at the Cottage every night and I have after school clubs I have to attend to. I can't miss those because of your insane plan. Whatever that is-aru."

"It's simple, we'll just ruin their anniversary and then Arthur will break up with Francis! It's fool proof!"

"That's what you said about the last one-aru." Yao said.

"But this one will be different! It has a hundred percent successes rate! There's no way it can fail!"

"What makes you so sure-aru?" Yao asked, skeptical.

"I just have a feeling." Alfred replied.

"Yeah, is it the same as my feeling of deja vu?"

"What? What's deja vu?" Alfred asked.

"Oh you've got to be kidding me-aru. You really don't know what it is?" Yao said.

"No I don't. That's why I asked you dude!"

"Oh for God's sake-aru. Deja vu is the feeling that something has happened before."

"This hasn't happened before though! This is a new plan and it'll succeed for sure!"

"It may be a new plan-aru, but it has the same components. We're basically going to mess up another date of theirs. Let's hope this one actually works." Yao said.

"Of course it'll work! You'll see! We just need to get the date and time and then we'll just figure out how to mess up their date and it'll be fine." Alfred said. Yao wished he could've had as much confidence in the plan as his blonde friend.

"You're talking as if the plan will be so easy to accomplish." Yao said.

"Because it will! It's just going to be messing up their anniversary! Come on, we can do this! You're just worrying too much."

"I'm not worrying!" Yao hissed.

"You'll just have to-"

"Shush! Look, I'm not worrying one bit. I'll get the info and I'll report back to you and then we can go from there."

"Really?"

"Yeah, just leave it to me-aru. If you do it the plan won't work. You'll just mess it up."

"Hey, no I won't! There's no way I'm messing up this plan!" Alfred protested.

"Yeah right. Just leave the sneaking around to me, okay?" Yao said.

"But-"

"Calm down and let me handle this-aru."

"Alright, but tell me if you need help, okay?"

"Yeah, yeah-aru. Now who's worrying a bunch? It'll be fine."

"Okay then, I'll leave the plan in your capable hands, Yao." Alfred said, flashing a grin.

Yao showed a fake smile of his own. He knew he shouldn't lie, but this was for the happiness of his friends. If this plan allowed everyone to be happy again, so be it.

Even as Yao repeated the reasoning in his head, the feeling of dread that bubbled up in his chest didn't go away.

And that ends another chapter! Again, sorry for the long hiatus and hopefully I'll be able to update more often on all of my stories. Thank you to the people who have stuck with me this far, and I hope this chapter was worth the wait~ any form of feedback is appreciated!