❝i wish the real world would just stop hassling me❞
den of thieves ; chapter three : capture | axis powers hetalia | 2200 words | hong kong ; seychelles ; america ; canada ; poland ; lithuania ; austria ; prussia ; switzerland ; korea ; japan ; vietnam ; taiwan ; china ; france ; north italy | pg |
mafia au. in which one agent is captured by others, and others are caught in webs of their own making.
chapter one.
chapter two.
Den of Thieves
Chapter Three: Capture
Though Hong Kong would be loathe to admit it, he’s more apt to be intimidated of women then of men. He supposes it’s the result of growing up with two hot-headed, opinionated older sisters, especially since Vietnam and Taiwan had more power over him than his other brothers. He had even seen then force China into the tightest spots, before. And that was enough to give anyone a healthy fear of the gender.
“This is Hong Kong, Sey,” America says, rolling his eyes. “Come on, you can’t be that forgetful.”
“Hong Kong,” the girl-Sey? Seychelles, Hong Kong finally decides-taps her index finger against her pouting lower lip, thinking. “China’s little brother, right? But what’s he doing here?”
Hong Kong thinks of how to respond, but once again America beats him to it. “Well, you see, there’s this little project we’re working on-”
“Eh-hem,” Canada clears his throat, which makes little noise but nevertheless cuts through the conversation. “Um, Al? I think if he wanted everyone to know, he would have told them, wouldn’t he?”
America grimaces. “Yeah, yeah, whatever Matt. Sey’s a part of the family, isn’t she?”
“She, um, hasn’t been for very long,” Canada says softly, looking up at the young girl apologetically. “I mean, I just don’t want to...upset him.”
“Hey, hey, it’s ok,” Seychelles says with a breezy laugh. “You think I don’t know the ins and outs of this business? If I’m meant to find out, I will.” And the wink that accompanies this statement makes Hong Kong more that certain that she will.
“And anyhow,” she continues confidently, “you think I don’t know that the Union Jack doesn’t trust me yet? Why would he? I mean, its not like a voluntarily left France’s family for him.”
“Sey,” Canada says pleadingly, “Be careful what you say.”
“No, let the girl speak her mind,” America interrupts. “I mean, who’s here because they want to be?”
“Al,” Canada fairly wails. “He’s just one floor above us!”
“And he can hear through walls and floor paneling?” America asks in disbelief. “Calm down, Matt. Seriously.”
At this point, Hong Kong clears his through authoritatively. “I am sorry to interrupt, but could we please carry out our business?”
America and Canada both look startled, as if they’d forgotten he was even there. Hong Kong sighs internally, but he’s used to this. He always fades into the background: in fact, that’s why both the Union Jack and the Ancient One chose him for this job.
“Ok, ok,” America says, putting up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “If you’re so eager to see old bushy brows, then that’s what we’ll do. I’ll take it from here, Matt.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. Come on, Hong.”
Hong Kong may wince at this shortening of his name, but he follows America dutifully down the corridor towards another set of elevators. Just before they do, however, Seychelles reaches forward almost imperceptibly and places something in his hand.
Only when they are in the elevator once more, and America’s back is turned to him, does Hong Kong unfold the small piece of paper and read its contents: And you? Did you leave China willingly, or are you another forced conquest?
Hong Kong knows just as he would answer, but he’s glad Seychelles isn’t there to give him the chance. Because his answer would be: Neither. I’m a business transaction.
- - -
“L-let go of me-!” Poland’s voice comes out shrill and staggered as someone grabs his arms and tie them behind his back. He and Lithuania have both been dragged into an alley, and Poland is only too aware of the cold feel of the gun barrel against his neck.
“And why would we do that, when we went to all the trouble of catching you in the first place?” The man drawls his words as he comes into the light. Charcoal gray double-breasted suit, an indigo cravat in place of a tie. Sleeked back, thick brown hair, and deep eyes hidden behind thin spectacles. Austria.
“I mean it,” Poland says warningly, “let go of Liet, or I’ll, like, do something horrible to you!”
A dark, cackling laugh answers him. The man who was tying up Lithuania has finished the job, and now he steps forward, arms crossed over his chest. “Really?” he asks incredulously as his red eyes flash. “What are you going to do, Poland?”
“Don’t underestimate me,” Poland warns them, but Prussia now leans forward and flicks the other man on the forehead.
“No one will ever fear you,” the silver-haired man tells him solemnly. Lithuania, whose hands are tied behind him and whose mouth is gagged, makes a desperate sound as Poland staggers backwards.
“Shit.” The man holding the gun curses as Poland steps on his foot. “Watch where you’re pushing people, Gilbert!”
“I’ll push the prisoner wherever I damn well please,” Prussia says arrogantly. “And you’re not going to tell me any differently, Vash.”
“Don’t act so smug,” Switzerland barks, dropping his grip on Poland’s wrists. “Don’t think I won’t point this at you, next.”
“Re-e-eally,” Prussia scoffs. “Don’t dream to big now, Vash.”
“If you two will stop acting like morons, you will notice that our prisoners are attempting to escape,” Austria mutters testily. Prussia and Switzerland suddenly jump to attention, and look around to find Poland and Lithuania crawling for the alley’s entrance.
Prussia grabs Poland by the hair, yanking him backwards, while Switzerland’s boot lands on Lithuania’s back, stopping his progression.
“Please don’t try that again,” Austria says idly. He leans down and unties Lithuania’s gag. “Now, your friend here seems adamant that we let you go. Should we take him up on that?”
“...you yourself just said, Austria...there was no point catching us if you were only going to let us go.”
“Ah, but we’re not letting both of you go,” Austria says. Lithuania’s eyes widen in horror as the words sink in. Prussia laughs as he hoists Poland’s struggling form onto his shoulders and retreats back towards a sleek BMW that is waiting at the back of the alley.
“No...!” Lithuania cries, but he is muffled as Switzerland forces his head back down.
“Silence,” Austria orders with deadly calm. “Now, we know exactly who you’re reporting to, Lithuania. Kindly tell the Big Man that if he doesn’t want his little pony boy harmed, he’ll stay out of the Black Eagle’s domain from now on. You have been warned.”
Austria nods once to Switzerland, who releases Lithuania and walks slowly back towards the car with Austria. Lithuania can hear the engine roar, feels the car flash by him. But he cannot see, because his eyes are too misted with furious, helpless tears.
- - -
“Hey, Aniki!” Korea jumps out of the car as it pulls up in front of the small building, racing forward to crush his brother in a one-armed hug. “Long time no see!”
Japan stiffens at Korea’s touch, then gently but forcibly removes himself from his little brother’s grasp. “Um, yes. Welcome home.”
“Hey, Kiku,” Vietnam says, emerging from the car as well. She brushes her hair back from her face with one hand as she waves the other in greeting. “How’ve you been?”
“I have been well, thank you, Nee-san,” Japan replies formally, taking a sidestep as Korea attempts to touch him again. “Nii-san has been expecting you.”
“Well, duh,” Korea says as the three siblings enter the building. “I mean, he’s the one who called us back, isn’t he?” Vietnam giggles and rolls her eyes as Japan shakes his head.
“But about that, Kiku,” Vietnam cuts in, “why did he call us back? Aren’t we supposed to be acting as Hong Kong’s support crew?”
“Err, about that,” Japan begins to respond, but his voice is cut off by a high-pitched scream.
“You absolute bastard! How could you? How could you!”
Alarmed, the three race down the corridor and burst into the main office, their expressions all alarmed. The next moment, as their eyes take in the scene, they become less so and more confused.
Taiwan’s face is bright red as she stands in the office, her hands braces against the desk. Her hair hands, disheveled over her shoulders as she berates the man in front of her. And the man in question? The Asians’ eldest brother is slouched comfortably in a low leather chair, his red robes draped over him like blankets. He’s idly holding a long, lit pipe in one hand.
“Please calm down, aru,” he says with unfazed calm. “Look, you’ve created a scene.”
“That doesn’t excuse what you did! You said he was just going to be a spy! Did you even tell him what you were doing?”
“Taiwan,” China says, this time a hint of a warning in his voice. “Sit down.”
“Did you tell him?”
“Of course I did, aru,” China murmurs testily. He turns away from Taiwan and towards the three others. “Oh, you’re here,” he says. “Please take a seat, aru.”
Vietnam, Korea, and Japan drop down onto the low stools in front of China’s desk as they are told. Taiwan, still breathing heavily, lets out one last wail before following suit. Now, with his siblings huddled around him, China sets down the pipe and takes a deep breath.
“Hyung-nim,” Korea asks quietly, “what happened?”
“In return for a rather generous loan, I have lent the services of Hong Kong entirely to the Kirkland family, aru.”
“You. Did. What?” Vietnam keeps her voice low, but her outrage is clear nonetheless. “Ahn, how could you?”
Taiwan, sensing an ally, chirps up again. “Hong would never want to work for anyone else! And Kirkland is horrible-conniving and twisted and, and-and you sold our brother for money!”
“Nii-san, what were you thinking?” Japan asks quietly.
“Hong...is gone?” Korea’s voice breaks on the last word.
“Quiet, all of you,” China orders. His voice is soft, but they are all immediately silent. “I am not compelled to explain myself to you, aru. Hong Kong knows exactly what is happening, and he will be fine. You do not need to know anything else, aru.”
“So...why’d you call us back, then?” Vietnam’s tone is steady, but there is a sadness in her eyes.
“We are trying a new plan, aru. We’re reopening the restaurant. Taiwan, Vietnam, you have the first shift. Good luck.”
Thus dismissed, the two girls rise to their feet and prepare to leave-Vietnam resigned, Taiwan frustrated.
An hour later, as they run around in short-cut Chinese dresses filling orders and pouring out dumpling soup, Vietnam asks, “But really, what the hell is he thinking?”
“You think I know?” Taiwan demands hotly. Her hair is pulled up into two long pigtails, and her hands are full with a dish of noodles. “I thought we decided last time that this plan didn’t work. No one ever reveals their deepest secrets over ginseng tea, no matter what Gege thinks.”
“Maybe he’s right this time,” Vietnam says. Carrying a pot of tea, she heads for the main dining room. “I mean, it’s a good idea for reconnaissance, at any-“
“Jiejie?” Taiwan asks when Vietnam stops, frozen. “Are you ok?”
“What the hell is he doing here?”
- - -
France lifts his sake cup with one hand and twirls his fork with the other. “Thank you for coming, Feliciano,” he says warmly. “Really, it has been too long.”
North Italy, who is currently lapping up his noodles, pauses to nod. “Of course, fratello. I’m happy you invited me!”
“Ah, yes. But as fun as it has been catching up, there’s something serious I need to discuss with you, Feliciano.”
“What’s that?”
France coughs delicately. “Things are beginning to move again. I saw the Big Man’s cronies in the coffee shop this morning, and Elizaveta contacted me at the same time.”
“W-what?” Italy’s smile remains in tact, but his eyes grow wide and sad. “But, fratello, I thought you said...three years ago...that we were done. With all of this.”
France smiles sadly, then reaches over to tousle Italy’s hair. “You have no idea, mon cher, how much I wish that could have been the truth. But if the families are moving once more, we have a chance to tip the tables. Come out on top.”
“We tried that once,” Italy says uncertainly. “And no one came out on top.”
“No one except Arthur,” France mutters darkly, but not loudly enough for Italy to hear. Aloud, he says, “Then a second chance should be good for us, non?”
“No, fratello, it shouldn’t. I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
Italy’s eyes flash with pain, and France winces. “I am truly sorry, Feliciano. But I cannot sit on the sidelines any longer.”
“So you’ll start a war for entertainment?”
“No. I’ll start a war because the status quo makes me want to retch. And I think your brother would agree with me, Feliciano.”
Italy says nothing, buying silence by attacking his noodles once more. When he finally looks up, it is with a distant smile and superficial conversation, and France knows better than to press him anymore.
--As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and encourage you to watch this community if you’d like to keep up with the story!
mafia au. in which one agent is captured by others, and others are caught in webs of their own making.
chapter one.
chapter two.
Den of Thieves
Chapter Three: Capture
Though Hong Kong would be loathe to admit it, he’s more apt to be intimidated of women then of men. He supposes it’s the result of growing up with two hot-headed, opinionated older sisters, especially since Vietnam and Taiwan had more power over him than his other brothers. He had even seen then force China into the tightest spots, before. And that was enough to give anyone a healthy fear of the gender.
“This is Hong Kong, Sey,” America says, rolling his eyes. “Come on, you can’t be that forgetful.”
“Hong Kong,” the girl-Sey? Seychelles, Hong Kong finally decides-taps her index finger against her pouting lower lip, thinking. “China’s little brother, right? But what’s he doing here?”
Hong Kong thinks of how to respond, but once again America beats him to it. “Well, you see, there’s this little project we’re working on-”
“Eh-hem,” Canada clears his throat, which makes little noise but nevertheless cuts through the conversation. “Um, Al? I think if he wanted everyone to know, he would have told them, wouldn’t he?”
America grimaces. “Yeah, yeah, whatever Matt. Sey’s a part of the family, isn’t she?”
“She, um, hasn’t been for very long,” Canada says softly, looking up at the young girl apologetically. “I mean, I just don’t want to...upset him.”
“Hey, hey, it’s ok,” Seychelles says with a breezy laugh. “You think I don’t know the ins and outs of this business? If I’m meant to find out, I will.” And the wink that accompanies this statement makes Hong Kong more that certain that she will.
“And anyhow,” she continues confidently, “you think I don’t know that the Union Jack doesn’t trust me yet? Why would he? I mean, its not like a voluntarily left France’s family for him.”
“Sey,” Canada says pleadingly, “Be careful what you say.”
“No, let the girl speak her mind,” America interrupts. “I mean, who’s here because they want to be?”
“Al,” Canada fairly wails. “He’s just one floor above us!”
“And he can hear through walls and floor paneling?” America asks in disbelief. “Calm down, Matt. Seriously.”
At this point, Hong Kong clears his through authoritatively. “I am sorry to interrupt, but could we please carry out our business?”
America and Canada both look startled, as if they’d forgotten he was even there. Hong Kong sighs internally, but he’s used to this. He always fades into the background: in fact, that’s why both the Union Jack and the Ancient One chose him for this job.
“Ok, ok,” America says, putting up his hands in a gesture of surrender. “If you’re so eager to see old bushy brows, then that’s what we’ll do. I’ll take it from here, Matt.”
“You sure?”
“Of course. Come on, Hong.”
Hong Kong may wince at this shortening of his name, but he follows America dutifully down the corridor towards another set of elevators. Just before they do, however, Seychelles reaches forward almost imperceptibly and places something in his hand.
Only when they are in the elevator once more, and America’s back is turned to him, does Hong Kong unfold the small piece of paper and read its contents: And you? Did you leave China willingly, or are you another forced conquest?
Hong Kong knows just as he would answer, but he’s glad Seychelles isn’t there to give him the chance. Because his answer would be: Neither. I’m a business transaction.
- - -
“L-let go of me-!” Poland’s voice comes out shrill and staggered as someone grabs his arms and tie them behind his back. He and Lithuania have both been dragged into an alley, and Poland is only too aware of the cold feel of the gun barrel against his neck.
“And why would we do that, when we went to all the trouble of catching you in the first place?” The man drawls his words as he comes into the light. Charcoal gray double-breasted suit, an indigo cravat in place of a tie. Sleeked back, thick brown hair, and deep eyes hidden behind thin spectacles. Austria.
“I mean it,” Poland says warningly, “let go of Liet, or I’ll, like, do something horrible to you!”
A dark, cackling laugh answers him. The man who was tying up Lithuania has finished the job, and now he steps forward, arms crossed over his chest. “Really?” he asks incredulously as his red eyes flash. “What are you going to do, Poland?”
“Don’t underestimate me,” Poland warns them, but Prussia now leans forward and flicks the other man on the forehead.
“No one will ever fear you,” the silver-haired man tells him solemnly. Lithuania, whose hands are tied behind him and whose mouth is gagged, makes a desperate sound as Poland staggers backwards.
“Shit.” The man holding the gun curses as Poland steps on his foot. “Watch where you’re pushing people, Gilbert!”
“I’ll push the prisoner wherever I damn well please,” Prussia says arrogantly. “And you’re not going to tell me any differently, Vash.”
“Don’t act so smug,” Switzerland barks, dropping his grip on Poland’s wrists. “Don’t think I won’t point this at you, next.”
“Re-e-eally,” Prussia scoffs. “Don’t dream to big now, Vash.”
“If you two will stop acting like morons, you will notice that our prisoners are attempting to escape,” Austria mutters testily. Prussia and Switzerland suddenly jump to attention, and look around to find Poland and Lithuania crawling for the alley’s entrance.
Prussia grabs Poland by the hair, yanking him backwards, while Switzerland’s boot lands on Lithuania’s back, stopping his progression.
“Please don’t try that again,” Austria says idly. He leans down and unties Lithuania’s gag. “Now, your friend here seems adamant that we let you go. Should we take him up on that?”
“...you yourself just said, Austria...there was no point catching us if you were only going to let us go.”
“Ah, but we’re not letting both of you go,” Austria says. Lithuania’s eyes widen in horror as the words sink in. Prussia laughs as he hoists Poland’s struggling form onto his shoulders and retreats back towards a sleek BMW that is waiting at the back of the alley.
“No...!” Lithuania cries, but he is muffled as Switzerland forces his head back down.
“Silence,” Austria orders with deadly calm. “Now, we know exactly who you’re reporting to, Lithuania. Kindly tell the Big Man that if he doesn’t want his little pony boy harmed, he’ll stay out of the Black Eagle’s domain from now on. You have been warned.”
Austria nods once to Switzerland, who releases Lithuania and walks slowly back towards the car with Austria. Lithuania can hear the engine roar, feels the car flash by him. But he cannot see, because his eyes are too misted with furious, helpless tears.
- - -
“Hey, Aniki!” Korea jumps out of the car as it pulls up in front of the small building, racing forward to crush his brother in a one-armed hug. “Long time no see!”
Japan stiffens at Korea’s touch, then gently but forcibly removes himself from his little brother’s grasp. “Um, yes. Welcome home.”
“Hey, Kiku,” Vietnam says, emerging from the car as well. She brushes her hair back from her face with one hand as she waves the other in greeting. “How’ve you been?”
“I have been well, thank you, Nee-san,” Japan replies formally, taking a sidestep as Korea attempts to touch him again. “Nii-san has been expecting you.”
“Well, duh,” Korea says as the three siblings enter the building. “I mean, he’s the one who called us back, isn’t he?” Vietnam giggles and rolls her eyes as Japan shakes his head.
“But about that, Kiku,” Vietnam cuts in, “why did he call us back? Aren’t we supposed to be acting as Hong Kong’s support crew?”
“Err, about that,” Japan begins to respond, but his voice is cut off by a high-pitched scream.
“You absolute bastard! How could you? How could you!”
Alarmed, the three race down the corridor and burst into the main office, their expressions all alarmed. The next moment, as their eyes take in the scene, they become less so and more confused.
Taiwan’s face is bright red as she stands in the office, her hands braces against the desk. Her hair hands, disheveled over her shoulders as she berates the man in front of her. And the man in question? The Asians’ eldest brother is slouched comfortably in a low leather chair, his red robes draped over him like blankets. He’s idly holding a long, lit pipe in one hand.
“Please calm down, aru,” he says with unfazed calm. “Look, you’ve created a scene.”
“That doesn’t excuse what you did! You said he was just going to be a spy! Did you even tell him what you were doing?”
“Taiwan,” China says, this time a hint of a warning in his voice. “Sit down.”
“Did you tell him?”
“Of course I did, aru,” China murmurs testily. He turns away from Taiwan and towards the three others. “Oh, you’re here,” he says. “Please take a seat, aru.”
Vietnam, Korea, and Japan drop down onto the low stools in front of China’s desk as they are told. Taiwan, still breathing heavily, lets out one last wail before following suit. Now, with his siblings huddled around him, China sets down the pipe and takes a deep breath.
“Hyung-nim,” Korea asks quietly, “what happened?”
“In return for a rather generous loan, I have lent the services of Hong Kong entirely to the Kirkland family, aru.”
“You. Did. What?” Vietnam keeps her voice low, but her outrage is clear nonetheless. “Ahn, how could you?”
Taiwan, sensing an ally, chirps up again. “Hong would never want to work for anyone else! And Kirkland is horrible-conniving and twisted and, and-and you sold our brother for money!”
“Nii-san, what were you thinking?” Japan asks quietly.
“Hong...is gone?” Korea’s voice breaks on the last word.
“Quiet, all of you,” China orders. His voice is soft, but they are all immediately silent. “I am not compelled to explain myself to you, aru. Hong Kong knows exactly what is happening, and he will be fine. You do not need to know anything else, aru.”
“So...why’d you call us back, then?” Vietnam’s tone is steady, but there is a sadness in her eyes.
“We are trying a new plan, aru. We’re reopening the restaurant. Taiwan, Vietnam, you have the first shift. Good luck.”
Thus dismissed, the two girls rise to their feet and prepare to leave-Vietnam resigned, Taiwan frustrated.
An hour later, as they run around in short-cut Chinese dresses filling orders and pouring out dumpling soup, Vietnam asks, “But really, what the hell is he thinking?”
“You think I know?” Taiwan demands hotly. Her hair is pulled up into two long pigtails, and her hands are full with a dish of noodles. “I thought we decided last time that this plan didn’t work. No one ever reveals their deepest secrets over ginseng tea, no matter what Gege thinks.”
“Maybe he’s right this time,” Vietnam says. Carrying a pot of tea, she heads for the main dining room. “I mean, it’s a good idea for reconnaissance, at any-“
“Jiejie?” Taiwan asks when Vietnam stops, frozen. “Are you ok?”
“What the hell is he doing here?”
- - -
France lifts his sake cup with one hand and twirls his fork with the other. “Thank you for coming, Feliciano,” he says warmly. “Really, it has been too long.”
North Italy, who is currently lapping up his noodles, pauses to nod. “Of course, fratello. I’m happy you invited me!”
“Ah, yes. But as fun as it has been catching up, there’s something serious I need to discuss with you, Feliciano.”
“What’s that?”
France coughs delicately. “Things are beginning to move again. I saw the Big Man’s cronies in the coffee shop this morning, and Elizaveta contacted me at the same time.”
“W-what?” Italy’s smile remains in tact, but his eyes grow wide and sad. “But, fratello, I thought you said...three years ago...that we were done. With all of this.”
France smiles sadly, then reaches over to tousle Italy’s hair. “You have no idea, mon cher, how much I wish that could have been the truth. But if the families are moving once more, we have a chance to tip the tables. Come out on top.”
“We tried that once,” Italy says uncertainly. “And no one came out on top.”
“No one except Arthur,” France mutters darkly, but not loudly enough for Italy to hear. Aloud, he says, “Then a second chance should be good for us, non?”
“No, fratello, it shouldn’t. I don’t want to lose anyone else.”
Italy’s eyes flash with pain, and France winces. “I am truly sorry, Feliciano. But I cannot sit on the sidelines any longer.”
“So you’ll start a war for entertainment?”
“No. I’ll start a war because the status quo makes me want to retch. And I think your brother would agree with me, Feliciano.”
Italy says nothing, buying silence by attacking his noodles once more. When he finally looks up, it is with a distant smile and superficial conversation, and France knows better than to press him anymore.
--As always, I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and encourage you to watch this community if you’d like to keep up with the story!