BIG THANK YOU'S go to all those who reviewed, put the story in their favorites and alerts lists and actually read my story. This would not be posted if not for you guys. You know who you are!

On with the CHAPTER!

meru meru meru Page Break meru meru meru

Ivan retreated to his office as soon as he woke up, sitting on the leather chair in front of the wide, maple table, a bottle of vodka on a sliver of space unoccupied by paperwork and a half-filled glass chilled in several cubes of ice in his hand. As usual, the fireplace was lit- Lithuania had probably left it burning as was his habit nowadays- and it was a comfort from the unforgiving cold of the north. He appreciated the gesture greatly and would have thanked Toris if he didn't know that the smaller nation would most likely drop dead from shock. He started chuckling as soon as he imagined the look on his former territory's face.

With a slight shake of his head, he took one of the documents on top of the high stack and began his paperwork. Hours passed and before long, the once full bottle of liquor had been reduced to less than a third. Most of the paperwork were done, divided in two neat piles, one pile with his signature while the other had none. He could finally see the desk's surface and had enough elbow room. He closed his eyes and rubbed them firmly, breathing a deep sigh of relief. Almost done, finally. Lulled by the vodka's almost soothing effect, he allowed the smile he wore to gradually slip away as he stared into the roaring fire, violet eyes dimming slightly as he became thoughtful.

Even after all this time, being in England's house made him remember and yearn for warm sunshine, gentle rain and meadows as green as the eyes could see. England's house was brimming with life and it was no wonder the island nation was so animated, so passionate, so vivid. Ivan was suddenly envious of him. He had once heard that the island's terrain was rough, the climate reprehensible with all the constant rain. Rain was much better than blizzards, though.

Downing a large gulp of vodka and pouring himself another glass, he wondered exactly why he hadn't noticed how interesting England was. Granted, there was a vague fascination from centuries ago but nothing that truly made him want to know more about England beyond his simple observations. He had never really talked to the smaller nation outside of battle, alliances or meetings, either, (excepting those times he'd been summoned mysteriously into England's basement- and even then, the moments were brief) and last night was the first time they had touched beyond a simple handshake.

His lips still tingled with heat and he could almost feel the porcelain smoothness of the island nation's cheeks, his scent filling his senses of sweet dewdrops and rain, of the ocean air and fragrant roses- England's scent at its purest, before pollution and industrialization. When he had wrapped his arms around that slender body, he'd felt so small and fragile, yet there was that inner strength. Just the thought of holding him made Ivan's heart beat a little faster and admittedly, it was strange and it boggled the mind, feeling strongly about someone else, but not unwelcome. Perhaps... it would be good to pursue friendship with him. He had already made Ivan feel more alive than ever before and in just a mere moment. Ivan was sure it would be to his benefit.

The fact that he was so adorable, particularly when teased, was, as America would say, "the icing on the cake". So many expressions would flit across his elfin face, those distinctly thick eyebrows adding to the intense emotions in his green eyes. France was not right in saying they were unattractive simply because they were perfect on him, he thought. They made him even more expressive.

Footsteps echoed across the hall outside his office, jarring him from his thoughts, and feminine voices, along with a curious sound of, er, jiggling, drifted into his ears, one angry while the other pleading. He visibly flinched upon hearing the first, his instinct screaming at him to hide, but became slightly calmer with the second, gloved fingers clenching on the smooth, leather armrests of his chair as he valiantly stopped himself from running away. He looked at the door then glanced at the wide window on his right then back to the door. He still had time if he decided to run. He was sure China would let him stay in his house for a couple of days and the window was just a few steps away- too late.

The door burst open, banging on the wall behind it loud enough for the whole house to hear. He could've sworn the walls shook from the impact. Belarus stomped her way to his desk, her beautiful face set in a fierce frown as she slammed her palms on his desk. Her long blonde hair cascaded down her back and over her shoulders and her eyes, much like his own, were alight with crazed fire. He could see her twitching, probably reaching for the knife strapped to her thigh. Trailing behind her, Ukraine entered breathlessly, one hand curled against her chest, the other braced on the doorframe. Her overalls were slightly crusted with dirt and there was a little smudge on her cheek partially hidden by her short, blonde hair. Her eyes were shut tight as she gathered her breath.

"He must die," his younger sister announced, looking the part of an avenging angel, though Ivan knew she was anything but that. "He must be punished. I can do it for you, brother." Ivan blinked, a little startled and confused, fear momentarily forgotten, while she watched him expectantly. Who was she talking about? More importantly, what could he possibly say to that? "I'll make sure he regrets what he did, brother. Just give me the word and it will be done."

Katyusha's gasp came like a little hiccup. Blue orbs were wide as she rushed further into the room, tears welling up at the corners of her eyes. "Vanya, you mustn't allow her to do such a thing! I will mend the scarf for you! There is no need for violence! I'm sure it was only an accident- a misunderstanding!"

"Be quiet, Katyusha!" Natalya shouted at her older sister. "It's only right that I avenge brother, you and myself! He ruined the scarf you made for brother! We were disgraced in front of everyone! You should be angry, too!"

Ah, so that was what they were talking about. Funny, Ivan had already forgotten about what happened yesterday. His mind had been thoroughly swamped with good things, especially about a certain nation with hair like wheat in the sun and eyes as vibrant as meadows. He did not notice the smile that lifted the corners of his lips as he recalled the bright flush spreading from England's nose to the tips of his ears.

"See, Katyusha?" said Natalya, aiming a triumphant smirk at their older sister. "Brother agrees with me. England will be dealt with and no one can protect him."

"Enough," came Ivan's command, the childlike lilt in his voice gone and replaced with the frigid cold he was known for. His narrowed violet eyes were dimmed and sharp, his face hardened like the ice of the tundra. "There is nothing to avenge." His elder sister sighed in relief while his younger looked like a lioness deprived of her prey. An unmoving glare stopped her from making any protest and left her sulking. He might be frightened of her and her obssessive nature but that did not mean he would tolerate disobedience from her.

With a huff, she stomped her way out of his office, slamming the door shut behind her. The Russian could have sworn he heard something crash somewhere in his house. It had better not be from his wine cellar or there would be hell to pay. He glanced at his older sister, noting that some of the tension on her rigid shoulders had eased though she was trembling.

"I think England made good with his promise, da?" he said cheerfully, deciding to put her more at ease. Like a flipped switch, his whole demeanor changed, the easy smile he usually wore brightened and softened his face dramatically. With that, he showed off his mended scarf and the little enhancements the island nation had added, not needing to pretend his pleasure as he was wont to do to make Katyusha more comfortable around him.

Katyusha positively squealed in delight as he expected, her tears gone and her smile vibrant. "Vanya, it's wonderful! Much better than what I would have done!" She cast him an imploring look and when he nodded, she took the end of his scarf and looked at it more closely. "I've heard that England was very skillful in clothing. It doesn't look like it's been torn at all."

"Da, I know," the Russia agreed. "I want him to be my friend."

Ukraine went still and there was the silence and that growing tension. She took a deep breath and said, "I think he will be a good friend." Without the need to ask, she stepped forward and held his cheek in one small, delicate hand roughened by farmwork. "You have to be careful with him and treat him right, Vanya, or he will slip away from you." Like everything else was left unspoken though they both knew it was there.

"You make him sound like either a pet or a lover, sister, and he is neither," he teased gently, rubbing his cheek against her warm touch. "But I know what you mean."

She smiled then, full of love and support, as she withdrew her hand. "I have to get going now. I have a lot of work to do."

Ivan nodded. "Will I be seeing you at the meeting?"

"I will try to go, but I don't think I will make it," she said thoughtfully. She paused as if considering something then said, "maybe, you can tell me all about it at my house?"

"I would love that very much," said Ivan. He watched as she went out the door, closing it behind her gently, listening to her slowly fading footsteps.

meru meru meru Page Break meru meru meru

The World Summit was going to be held in Paris of all places and Arthur was, obviously, the first of the nations to get there, arriving a good three days prior to the meeting. Alfred said he would be arriving early and would be dragging Matthew and, probably, Kiku with him, if Greece, Turkey or China would allow it. Still, he had not specified how early he'd be there. He could arrive at least five minutes before the meeting itself, which was far more likely.

Arthur sighed in defeat. He was left with quite a bit of time in his hands with nothing to do and no one to spend it with and he absolutely refused to spend it with Francis after that traumatic "welcome" he received from the Frenchman. Bloody frog did not have the right to grope him publicly in a crowded airport terminal, all the while crying in relief that he had not died a bloody, painful death by metal pipe. He had decided then and there that he would be staying at a hotel rather than risk murdering Francis in his sleep.

"Monsieur Kirkland, here are your keys", said the petite, brunette receptionist behind the desk, disrupting his fantasy of drowning the frog in the wine he loved so much. "Dion will be taking your luggage, monsiuer. You will be staying at the Suite Paradis."

"Ah, merci," Arthur replied in perfectly accented French, smiling as the receptionist positively glowed. Just because he didn't like Francis and everything he stood up for did not mean he could not appreciate his language- though he'd rather die than admit it.

He mindlessly followed the tall man, carrying his lone bag, around the crowd of tourists at the lobby, thinking of taking a long, hot bath then visiting the Louvre and possibly the Eiffel Tower. He went inside the elevator, still deep in thought, unaware that no one else had come inside the elevator besides himself and Dion and another pair. The hairs at the back of his neck stood on end as the temperature dropped dramatically.

"Ah, Arthur, you're here, too!" said a familiar, cheerful voice that sent innumerable shivers up and down his spine, some in fear, while others- he did not want to think about it. "I thought I would be spending the next three days alone but here you are! Isn't this lucky?"

"Yes, very lucky indeed," he muttered. He turned to the tall, light-haired man still wearing the same thick coat, a slightly altered scarf and a bright smile. Smile a little forced, he said, "hello again, Ivan. Aren't you a little early for the meeting?"

They had never called each other by their human names before but it was a necessity for nations when in the company of humans. Arthur valiantly tried to avoid thinking of how his name sounded so perfectly from his lips.

"I could say the same of you, comrade," Russia replied with a shrug.

Comrade? Comrade? Since when did Arthur become Russia's comrade? The Englishman blinked as he said uncertainly, "well, I've always been early at meetings."

Russia nodded. "I know. I, however, had a different reason," he confessed. "I had come early so that Natalya would not know where I am. She does not know that there will be a meeting and I'd rather not tell her. She traps me in meetings much easier than at my house." He shuddered and England hastily gave himself a mental slap as he thought how cute Russia was. "I do not want to deal with her and marriage again- at least for a few days."

"I see," Arthur replied. Honestly, what in hell could he really say to that without coming out as a blunt, sarcastic... Englishman?

"I knew you'd understand," he chirped happily. "Say, would you like to go sightseeing with me? I have not been in Paris for a while and well, a companion would be nice for the next three days, wouldn't you agree?"

Bright violet eyes looked into his own hopefully and England couldn't turn away. Again, what could he possibly say besides the obvious?

Arthur took a deep breath. Really, what's the worst that could happen? "I'd be happy to accompany you."

"That's wonderful," Russia exclaimed, his smile finally reaching his eyes. "Maybe you and I can go later? I will meet you at the lobby at four o'clock, then?"

"That would be perfect," said Arthur, aware that spending time with Russia did not sound as bad as, say, spending a week with his siblings, Francis and Alfred altogether.

Now that was a disaster and a story best left alone.

The elevator chimed at its first stop and Russia, still beaming, said, "ah, this is my floor. I will see you later."

Russia waved enthusiastically as the doors shut, Arthur also waving in return. The Englishman's smile slipped as he wondered if this was a good idea but could not bring himself to retract from the arrangement.

At least, the next three days promised to be eventful.

meru meru meru Page Break meru meru meru

Author's note: So in the end, I decided to continue. :D To my readers, please expect me to be a little slow in the updates. My work schedule changes every now and then and it might take me some time. Next update will probably next week, can't tell the exact date, though.

Please don't forget to give me feedback. I kinda feel that the ending to this chapter was a little rushed. Leave me a note if you have any questions. The fic may also not be too historically accurate so correct me if I'm wrong.