Chapter Text
Music is a window to the soul.
For some people, it's an outlet to block out all emotions to the world. Other times, it's the exact opposite; something that allows you to vent without your own words or communication. Sometimes it's used to just rock out. It doesn't matter what mood you're in, music is always there to listen. It's great for that. But…
Sometimes… it may get you into trouble.
"…And that finishes our thoughts on the economy. Now, on to politics."
You could sense the internal groan sweeping through the room at the German's words… They came from all but one nation, and it was not the one giving the presentation. It was a certain sandy blonde, whose blue eyes were wandering around the room in a bored manner.
Show me how to lie
You're getting better all the time
And turning all against the one
Is an art that's hard to teach.
The American's toe started tapping along with the drum beat. He had to refrain from bobbing his head. Music wasn't allowed at meetings, aside from scheduled breaks. If he was caught… He almost laughed. You know what, who cared?
His eyelids slowly started to droop as he started getting father into the song. Alfred's lips synced in with the music as song went on.
Another clever word
Sets off an unsuspecting herd
And as you step back in the line
A mob jumps to their feet
"AMERICA!"
Said nation nearly fell out of his chair at the sudden yell. He gripped the armrest, looking around frantically as he fumbled to pause what he had been listening to.
"What?!"
"Are you listening to music?” Ludwig asked, his face the epitome of exasperation. “We've had this conversation before."
Alfred sat up, trying to hide the plainly obvious fact that, yes, he had been. "No! I-I was listening to your speech, dude. One hundred percent."
The German’s eyes narrowed. "Alright, what was the last thing I said?"
"Are you listening to music? We've had this conversation before."
Ludwig had the urge to face palm and, this time, he didn't fight it. He looked up through his fingers, deadpanning, "I meant about the speech."
"Oh." Alfred paused; looking at the table almost bashfully. "I dunno.” He gave a sheepish smile, shrugging his shoulders. “Sorry, dude.”
The taller blonde sighed, rubbing his temples. "I have had it with everyone zoning during meetings…This is the third time today." He paused suddenly, an idea popping into his mind. "I… have a new rule. From now on, if you are caught listening to music during a meeting, you must sing the song in front of everyone."
Alfred's head shot up in realization. His music had stopped when Ludwig had yelled at him. It was at the chorus. Oh Fu-"Um…are you sure about that..?" He asked, slowly rising from his chair, and unplugging his ear buds from his phone despite himself.
"Yes. Please go ahead so we can get back to the meeting." Ludwig nearly rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, waiting. He knew that wasn’t the nice way of going about the problem, but it would get his point across.
"Okay then..." Alfred pursed his lips and turned up the volume on the device. With the straightest face possible, he pressed play. His voice rang clear through the now silent room. It wasn’t as loud or obnoxious as it had been before when he tried to sing. There was a certain tone to it that could draw people in, and a decent amount of tuning.
"Now dance, fucker, dance
Man, he never had a chance
And no one even knew
It was really only you
And now you steal away
Take him out today
Nice work you did
You're gonna go far, kid."
The nations stared at the American, some wondering why he had been listening to that song and others with a plain 'wtf' look. The latter mainly came from Arthur.
Alfred's eyes met Matthew’s. His look plainly said, 'You saw this coming, didn't you?'
The Canadian nodded, unable to hold back his smile. 'It was bound to happen sometime.’ He rolled his eyes in amusement, something that read to Alfred as, ‘I’ll probably be next.’
A light blush spread across the American’s cheeks. He didn’t regret his decision, but… 'This is so embarrassing.'
Matt smiled a little wider, and gave him a thumbs up. 'You're doing great.'
That gave him a bit more confidence. His voice had improved, after all. And he did enjoy this song.
"With a thousand lies and a good disguise
Hit him right between the eyes
Hit him right between the eyes
When you walk away
Nothing more to say
See the lightning in your eyes
See 'em running for their lives."
The room was quiet as they waited for Alfred to finish his song. When it was finally over, the American sat down and tried to pretend he hadn’t just sang in front of the entire world. He gave Ludwig a smile, not letting him have that much satisfaction over embarrassing him.
Said German blinked and cleared his throat. He hadn’t expected a song like that… though he really should have in hindsight. "Right, well… continuing…"
No one listened to music for the rest of that meeting, but none of the nations knew what this one event would start.