America sighed while rummaging through his costume wardrobe (Yes, he was such a partier that he even had an extra wardrobe for his costumes, now shut up!). He had been looking for a decent costume to wear to the Venice Carnival Italy had invited the nations to. Venice, huh? Then it probably was in the beach. America loved beaches (Oh, how he loved "beaches").

Anyways, back to the topic: He had been asked by Italy to wear something fancy with a mask, but the only thing he found was several Halloween costumes (including a skimpy nurse outfit that he didn't even know how it got there on the first place) and a couple Mardi Gras ones, but he didn't think that Italy would like if he dressed as a purple and green Joker like he did last year… Oh, boy, that was some party.

"America, are you home?"

Russia's voice sounded through the open window of his bedroom, which was right over the front door from where the Russian had called. After the Cold War and the fall of communism, he didn't even need to call Russia a commie anymore, so they started bonding together and found out they had a lot of things in common like… Well, like… Like that thing where… It was so… Ugh!

The point is that they became sort of friends, and he wasn't that creepy bastard Lithuania, Estonia and Latvia said he was. He was actually quite funny and they even had weekly Vodka drinking contests, where America sneaked a little of his friend Rohypnol into Mr. Russia's glass so he could win… It wasn't that he couldn't beat Russia without the use of potentially dangerous date rape drugs, but he didn't have the advantage of having grown up in a refrigerator-like environment that required him to drink Vodka and other strong beverages he didn't know of 24/7 in order to avoid freezing to death while walking down the street to buy some bread… Besides, it was wicked funny to see Russia waking up with his head against the table wondering what the hell had happened the night before. Chuckling, he stuck his head out the window and looked down: Russia was wearing his usual coat and scarf, but… This time the coat was navy blue and the scarf was white (Oh, he forgot to mention that Russia owned a lot of similar coats and scarves of different colors that he liked to wear when he came to America's house because he said that he was the only one who was worth to wear that for. That had made America feel a little flattered and then dizzy as they continued drinking their fourth glass of Vodka that night) and he was holding a large, black suit bag.

"Yes, Russia, I'm home"

Russia looked up with his big purple eyes, smiling his childish smile and America did the same… After a couple of minutes of silence, Russia started fidgeting with the end of his brand new scarf.

"Well, can you open the door, please?"

"Oh, right… Sorry, I forgot!"

America ran downstairs (Careful not to trip and fall like he had last time Russia was over and they had to rush to the ER with a head concussion and three broken ribs. He couldn't believe Russia had stayed all night next to him until he was discharged a couple days later. Not even England had done that, and his brother was away with his boss, but he had sent him flowers… A little too many flowers, America thought) and quickly opened the door.

"Come on in"

"Thanks"

Russia got inside and laid the suit bag over the couch in America's living room.

"May I ask you what that is?"

America asked, looking at the bag like if a Bengal tiger was going to jump from inside of it and eat his vowels while he was forced to watch… He had to stop buying the Saw movies anytime soon or they would rot his brain… More than it already was (Shut up!)

"I'm sure you have been stressing yourself over what to wear for tomorrow's Carnival"

That was another thing America liked about Russia. They seemed to have a telepathic connection. It was so awesome!

"Yes, aren't you?"

"No, because I've already picked my costume and that's why I came here today for"

America didn't understand (Shocker!) and Russia giggled before he could express his confusion.

"I took the liberty to bring a costume for you to wear"

"Really? Dude, you rock!"

America said excitedly while opening the suit bag and taking out a fancy burgundy and golden costume and a white mask. He looked at the costume and then at Russia, back at the costume and finally at Russia's excited face.

"Is this what I'm supposed to wear?"

"It is. I've already talked with Italy this morning and he told me what kind of costumes they wore there… Go ahead, try it"

America sighed and took the costume with him. Five minutes later, Russia was settled having a cup of warm tea and America came out of the bathroom wearing a fur-collared burgundy Dolman jacket with golden buttons, matching pants, white gloves, funny boots with red ribbons instead of laces and a white mask. In Russia's opinion, he looked handsome and very cute.

"How do I look?"

"Great. I think Italy will love this"

"He doesn't have to love it! I have!"

America snapped and sat down heavily on the carpeted floor with an annoyed huff muffled by the mask. He rested his head on his hand, looking at the ceiling while Russia sipped his tea.

"I don't want to wear this… It's stupid. It's something like England would wear"

Russia chuckled and America glared at him through the mask. He got up from his chair and walked to his American friend, patting him on the back.

"You look amazing, America… Besides, who says that dressed like that you are not going to find an equally attractive girl who likes guys with good taste in fashion?"

America considered this and remembered last week, when he was alone in his house and had started running through the large estate, singing "Leprechaun in the Hood" at the top of his lungs. Apparently, the song was written just for him: "Hadn't been laid in so long it's tragic!" He smiled, tore the mask off his face and got up with that heroic pose he had mastered through the years thanks to many superhero movies he had watched while growing up.

"Let's do it"

Russia chuckled and went to the kitchen to wash the cup and plate before leaving.

"Wait… What are you going to dress as?"

"As I said, I already have my costume"

"Well, how is it?"

"You'll see. Goodbye, America"

"Goodbye, Russia"

Russia grabbed his scarf (When had he taken it off?) and left the house, leaving America with his not-so-cool costume, but with a broad smile on his face at the idea of getting some ladies the next day. Oh, yeah, America was going to catch some flies with his web, he-he. Beware, bitches!