April the 23rd. It was England's birthday and he was holding a small party at one of his stately homes inviting all of the Allied Forces. The first guests arrived promptly at 3o'clock in the afternoon. England opened the front door and greeted the couple on his doorstep: Russia and China. France arrived shortly after, giving England a birthday kiss on the cheek as soon as the door was open. Thirty awkward minutes passed with no sign of America. Trust that bloody git to be late, England thought inwardly, or maybe he's not coming… England sighed sadly but brightened when the doorbell rang.

"The Hero has arrived! Ahahahahaha~!" America greeted England loudly and ended with his usual Hero Laugh™.

"It's good to see you, Ameri…" England's heart twinged, however, when America walked into the main living room to join the others without so much more than the standard monotonous "Happy Birthday!" Sighing again, England closed the door, his shoes echoing loudly against the marble flooring as he followed America, and tried to enjoy the rest of the afternoon.

He was a bit worried at first when he noticed that Russia was carrying his pipe with him, but since none of his property or guests had been damaged as of yet, chose to ignore it for the time being. Because of his strong dislike of Russia, England hadn't wanted to invite him, but the dangers of not inviting him was greater than the danger of having Russia in his home for a few hours, so England had let the tall nation in without a fuss.

Later in the afternoon, France walked up to England and asked when he was receiving presents.

"Um, now is fine I guess?" It was as good a time as any.

"Close your eyes and hold out your hands" France instructed, smiling.

Dubious, England held out his hands and, though not before rolling them sarcastically in a childlike way, closed his eyes. He reversed the order of France's instruction just to annoy the man.

England felt France's hands clasp his before receiving another birthday kiss. On the lips. With France's tongue in his mouth.

England pulled away instantly, his cheeks a deep crimson, "Fruk!"

America blinked rapidly and almost choked on the coke he was drinking. China looked disturbed but didn't comment. Russia, smiling as always, just didn't comment.

England blinked before repeating himself, realising he had gotten his words tangled, "F-France! Fuck… What the–!"

"What the hell are you doing?" America snatched the words from England's mouth. He stood in front of France, pushing England out of the way and spread his arms out behind him slightly. He looked extremely angry.

"Ohohoho~ My present was the gift of LOVE, mon ami! Ohoho~" France declared, patting America's shoulder.

"I'll show you how much my fist loves your face!"

And with that, England could do nothing to stop the two blondes storming around his house, France running wildly, laughing whilst America followed in hot pursuit, occasionally blurting out unimaginative swear words.

"So, England, I shall give you my gift now, da?" England jumped as Russia appeared by his side, grinning like the Cheshire Cat.

"Um, okay" England replied, red-faced.

Russia stood there, doing nothing. Of course, no gift from the cruel and childlike Russia.

"It's over there." Russia extended an arm to point at the table, on which sat a small unicorn figurine. It was very well crafted, and had a certain charm about it.

"Oh… thank you…" England was surprised, he was genuinely thankful for the gift. It was strange to be given something like that, especially from the man next to him. There was probably some deadly catch but he'd have to find out later.

"Mm. China helped make it. Be sure to take a good look at it, da?" That confirmed England's thoughts. There was definitely a catch. "How are you by the way?" The question seemed oddly placed, especially coming from the violet-eyed Russian.

"I'm fine, thank you. And yourselves?" England replied in a gentlemanly fashion.

"Are you sure?"

"You look depressed, aru" The Eastern nation chipped in. He clung onto Russia's arm and rest his head against it.

"No… I'm fine… Thank you both." England turned and his gaze fell upon America who was eating a hamburger while France lay unconscious on the floor. For the umpteenth time that day, England sighed.

"Ve~ France nii-chan, what happened?" Italy poked the comatose blonde.

GAH! Since when–? How did those three get in? England's brain worked overtime while he tried to make sense of the questions and answers filling his head. Standing on the spot, England was approached by his ex, Japan.

"Hello Ar– England-san. Otanjoubi omedetou." He handed a small, neatly wrapped package to England who was still stunned at their sudden appearance, "How are you?"

"…"

"Um, I'm sorry about this England. Japan just wanted to see you briefly and I know we were uninvited but the door was open and…" The troubled German explained quickly, picking Italy up off the floor. "We'll go wait outside, Japan."

"Ve~ Birthday hug!" Italy manoeuvred to England and hugged him quickly, "Our presents are over on the table, ve~" he said before returning to Germany, hugging him also. "You get a birthday hug too, Germany!"

"Um… it's not my…" Germany muttered, confused.

"Ve~ and maybe a birthday kiss later!"

"Uh… fine, fine!" Red-faced, Germany pulled Italy out of the room and towards the car at the front of England's house.

England waved a small goodbye before finally answering Japan's question.

"I'm fine Japan, how about yourself?"

"Yes, I am fine."

"Greece treating you well?" England whispered slowly walking out into the hall.

"Yes…um, very…well… And what about you England?" Japan followed England, blushing slightly. They stood alone in the white hallway, admiring the artwork hanging on the walls and the curving staircase. "Don't you–?"

"I don't have anyone else…" was England's quick reply. He wanted to move off topic, still knowing that the shy nation in front of him would stay firm.

"Oh… I thought… didn't you ask?"

"No. I haven't asked him. I…" England trailed off, head lowered so that his hair covered his eyes, but couldn't hide the pink tinge developing on his cheeks. "I'm not sure if I want to…"

Japan lifted his small hands, holding the sides of England's face delicately.

"You should ask him." The look in his brown eyes was supporting and resolute.

And with that, Japan departed, leaving England in the hallway.

England said goodbye to Japan, holding his gift in one hand before closing the front door. England wiped his eyes on his sleeve and walked back into his living room, placing the package next to the other gifts he had received. No sooner had he turned to start a conversation with them, Russia and China had moved into the hall. England followed, rolling his eyes.

"Well, we should go too, aru" China and Russia stood by the now open front door, the latter carrying France over his shoulder.

"Mm, that's true," Russia leaned over to whisper into the blonde's ear, "since we'll be going on our honeymoon soon." Russia's eyes sparkled briefly as he straightened up and smiled. England didn't comment and shook their hands somewhat awkwardly as they turned towards the open door. The two left, leaving America and England in the house.

"I'm sorry I can't stay England, got something planned this evening," America's statement cut off any attempt at conversation, and put a stop to England wanting him to stay. "I can't re-arrange it…"

The awkward silence was broken as America walked over to the front door to leave.

"Um…" England started to speak, "W…well, hope to see you soon…" he finished sadly, clenching his fists in bitter frustration.

"Well, have a happy birthday!" America patted the smaller nation's head and flashed his Hero Grin™.

England smiled back, hiding his pain.

"G'night Iggy, love ya!" America closed the door behind him. The clack echoed around the large, empty house.

England sighed, leaning against the door.

"Yes, Alfred…but not the way I want you to."

First chapter :3 Reviews and favourites would be very much appreciated :D

Iggy swears but that's about it... Will upload the next chapters ASAP :)