America was not thrilled to be at the meeting, but he was glad that he made it on time. He may have had to run the whole way, but he had made it. The other nations were still filing into the meeting room, so he followed in behind the last of them. He quickly threw on his idiot facade and hoped that today he could keep from punching a few nations. True, he was used to the insults and just laughed them off most of the time, but if anyone were to take a look into his mind they would see that he was thinking of at least seven different ways to kill them and hide the bodies. America was not a malicious nation, but a few nations knew just how to get under his skin.
"Ohayo America-san", Japan said bowing to America before taking his seat.
"Good morning Japanese Dude", America said in his loud childish voice that made a few nations groan, "Hey Dude, I need to totally talk to you later! It's like super important!"
Japan nodded his understanding. After being friends with America for so long he was able to see right through America's idiot facade. Judging from the masked look in America's eyes, Japan was in trouble and that made the Asian nation feel uneasy as he sat there going over anything that he could have done to upset the nation. America knew he had gotten his message across to his Asian friend, and returned to playing the fool for the rest of the world.
Evgeniya still felt terrible about breakfast, but knew that even if she tried to apologize that it wouldn't do any good. Alabama was furious and the other states were just as angry with her. The best thing to do was to keep her head down and her mouth shut. Unlike the other states, she had no work that day, so she decided just to wander around D.C. for the day.
"Maybe winning that blue ribbon will put Jessica in a better mood, then she won't be so angry tonight", Evgeniya thought aloud as she strolled down the sidewalk looking through the windows of the stores at all they had to sell.
Evgeniya smiled as she looked through the windows at the latest clothes the store was selling. One outfit caught her attention pretty quickly. It was a silver hair clip that was decorated with a blue flower design and baby blue stones all over it. It was beautiful! She had just about decided to go in and buy it, but did not even get to touch the store's doorknob before something else caught her attention.
"Come on! Get him!", a boy's voice shouted along with the sound of can clanging against the pavement.
Evgeniya turned to see a group of teenage boys chasing a dog with cans tied to its tail. If there was one thing Evgeniya hated, it was animal abuse. She chased after the group and followed them into an alley where they had the dog cornered and were yanking on its ears and tail. The poor dog looked old and worn out. On top of that, poor thing so out of breath that it didn't even have the energy to fight back against his attackers. Evgeniya felt bad for the poor thing and decided since he couldn't do something about his attackers then she would.
"Hey!", she shouted pulling one of the boys away from the dog and catching the others attention, "Leave him alone! What's he ever done to you?"
The boys glared at her as the one she had pulled away from the dog shoved her so hard she hit the wall behind her. Evgeniya was a little shocked that the jerk had the nerve to shove her like that and decided she was done playing nice.
"Amscray", he snapped waiting for her to leave, but not two seconds after he had said that did Evgeniya turn around and sock him right in the nose.
The boy lay on the ground with a bloodied nose and the others looked pissed that Evgeniya had the nerve to hit their friend. She however was not afraid of them. They had picked on an old dog that was too weak to fight them off and when they were told to stop they acted as if they had the right to torment the animal as well as push her around. Evgeniya had learned from her time with Russia not to show mercy to those who are wrong. She had learned from her time with America that if a person does not stand up for what they believe is right then no one else will. With these lessons in mind, she turned to the other boys with her fists raised.
"Alright, whose next?", she said sharply, just daring any of them to come at her.
One of the boys didn't seem to care if she was a girl or that she had just knocked his friend flat. He sauntered over to her like he was so cool, but as he took a swing at her, she ducked and proceeded to throw punch after punch into his gut until he fell back on the pavement. The other guys seemed scared now. Evgeniya however was ready in case any of them decided to grow a pair at the last minute.
"Anybody else?", she growled out her challenge. When none of them took it she barked out, "Then get lost!"
"Come on man! Let's go", one of them yelled and ran down the alley with the other hot on his heels.
Evgeniya watched them leave and waited a good minute or two before allowing her fists to relax back to their normal state. Punks like them really pissed her off and seeing them mistreat the poor dog as if they had the right to do so just because they could. Looking over at the old gray dog, she could have sworn he had a thankful look in his eyes.
"Hey, you're alright now", she said leaning down to untie the cans from his tail. Soon as the cans were gone, the dog gave Evgeniya's face a friendly lick making the girl laugh, "I didn't do anything any decent person wouldn't have done."
Evgeniya sat there for a time just petting the dog until she noticed a collar around his neck. The old dog's fur was so long that it hid the collar from view along with the license attached to it. The poor dog was a must have got loose from his owner or had been chased out of his home by those boys. Either way the poor dog had been through enough that day, the least Evgeniya could do for the poor fella was make sure he got home. Pulling out her cell phone she called the number on the tag and listened as it rang.
"Hello?", came an elderly man's voice on the other end of the line.
"Hello sir, My name is Evgeniya Jones. I've found your dog down here near Miss Dolly's Boutique", she said hoping to have the dog back to the old man soon.
"Ah, I was wondering where he ran off to. He's such an old dog that I didn't think he'd have it in him to go off on his own like he did when he was a puppy. If you'll give me a few minutes Miss Jones I'll be down there to get him", the old man said kindly.
Evgeniya smiled as she petted the old dog and replied, "Alright we will wait outside the boutique for you."
"I'll be as quick as I can dear", the old man said sounding like he was trying to hurry.
"Take your time sir. He's being a good dog, so I don't mind spending time with him at all", Evgeniya said sincerely making the old man chuckle.
"Yeah he is a good dog. I'll be there soon", the old man said as he hung up the phone.
Evgeniya was a little annoyed that the man had not bothered to say goodbye, but this was Washington D.C. Most folks that lived there were so busy and rushing about the place that not many had the time to do much outside of work. So she decided not to worry about it as she placed her phone into the pocket of her jeans and sat down on the sidewalk with the dog beside her wanting to be petted.
They were an odd sight to be seen sitting there. The dog was just an old shaggy sheep dog, so he was only slightly out of place, but he was a dog so no one really paid him any mind. Evgeniya got more stares than the old dog could have gotten if he had jumped up and did twelve back flips on the top of the telephone pole. It was no doubt due to her odd appearance, because unlike her adoptive siblings, Evgeniya looked like the spitting image of her first father, Russia.
Regardless of her being over 200 years old, Evgeniya looked to be at least twelve years old, but her hair was snow white. Like her hair, her skin almost as pale as freshly fallen snow except for the light tint of pink in it. Her eyes were a shocking lavender purple that looked as if someone had placed two amethyst stones where her eyes should have been. She wore dark bell bottom blue jeans, a faded pink tank top with a dark blue jean jacket, and her lilac scarf. Her scarf was her most treasured possession because he own father had knitted it for her. Not many people knew that Russia knitted, mostly because they knew better than to mention it. Evgeniya, however, knew her old papa could knit very well and that the scarf, no matter how many hundreds of years old was still in good condition. She loved her scarf, not only because it was from her father, but because it reminded her of his promise to her.
(flashback)
"Я обещаю, Мой милый", he said wrapping the scarf around her neck, "Я всегда буду здесь для вас. Даже если вы уже не один с Россией, я всегда будет там для вас."
Evgeniya cried as she threw her arms around Russia, "Пожалуйста, не позволяйте им забрать меня! Я не хочу уезжать!"
Russia only held her close as America stood by the door waiting for Alaska to be released into his custody. His glare was as icy as the Russian Winter, but he allowed Russia to bid his daughter farewell.
(End Flashback)
Alaska remembered how she had hated America. She hated him for taking her away from her papa, but over the years that hatred had left her and was replaced with love. She loved America like she had her papa, but he would never truly take her papa's place. Russia would always be her papa and that would never change. However, she had been an American state for many years now and saw the states and America as her second family. She loved them, but most of the time they did not seem to like her at all.
"I wonder if Papa ever thinks about me?", she thought aloud as she petted the dog and waited for the old man she had spoken with to show up.
The dog didn't seem to understand her, but he did seem to enjoy the ear scratching he was getting. Evgeniya giggled as the dogs leg began to shake with excitement when she scratched just the right spot. His tag didn't have a name on it, so she had no clue what his name was. The only thing on the tag was a call number for if he ever got lost along with what veterinary clinic he had been taken to for his shots. It was a standard tag that wasn't uncommon for most dogs in America.
"Wish I knew your name big guy", she said scratching his ear faster to make him happy.
"Baron is his name", came an elderly man's voice from behind her.
Evgeniya nearly jumped out of her skin as she turned to see an old man smiling down at her. He had a kind face that reminded her of the stereotypical grandfather. He was dressed in an old brown suit with a red bow tie, a dark brown fedora on top of his head, thick round glasses sat perched on the end of his nose, and in his hands was an old wood cane and a worn leather leash. All in all, he was a decent looking old fella.
"Hello sir", Evgeniya said standing up to great the man.
"And hello to you Miss. My name is Travis O'Connor", he said kindly as he petted the old dog, Baron, as he came to sit at the old man's side, "Thank you for finding Baron for me. When he disappeared this morning I was so worried that he had gone off to find a hiding place to die. He's getting on in years, but if he decides to leave I want him to be safe at home."
"You're welcome Mr. O'Connor, but you should know that Baron might not have left on his own. When I found him, he was being chased by a group of boys. There were six of them, all around their teens I think. They had tied some cans to his tail and were being very mean to him. I made them stop and I don't think Baron was badly injured. If anything I think he is only tired", she said explaining everything that had happened to the man's dog.
"Well, bless my stars, for such a young lady you certainly sound rather grown up", Mr. O'Connor laughed as he hooked the old leash to Baron's collar, "I believe I know which boys you are talking about Miss Jones and I'll be certain to tell their parents what they have been up to. I only hope they did not hurt you. They are a rather rough bunch."
"No sir, they didn't hurt me", she said knowing that it was probably a good idea to keep the part about her beating the boys up a secret.
"I'm glad. A sweet girl like you should still be careful though", he said sounding like they typical grandfather he looked like, "Now as you have done me a large favor in not only saving, but returning my dog to me. I would like to thank you properly and this boutique sells quite a few lovely items. You may choose which ever you like."
"Oh no sir, you don't have to do that", Evgeniya said feeling like she would be taking advantage of the old man's kindness if she accepted.
"I insist", he said leaving no room for argument.
Evgeniya could see the old man was going to be stubborn about this, so she gave in. Her eyes strayed to the lovely blue hair clip she had seen earlier. The old man chuckled as he tied Baron to the news box that sat outside the boutique before leading Evgeniya inside. He purchased the hair clip, but refused to tell Evgeniya how much it had cost him.
"Baron has been my friend for many years. He is a priceless friend that you have returned to me, so this little trinket is but a drop in the bucket compared to how much he means to me", Mr. O'Connor said as they left the boutique and said their goodbyes.
"You be careful getting home Miss Jones and I hope we will see each other again", Mr. O'Connor said as he and Baron climbed into the old man's tan Buick and drove away.
Evgeniya smiled as she watched them leave. Even if her day had started out badly, she at least was able to do something right. It made her feel good to know she had helped the old man get his best friend back. The blue hair clip shined nicely in her snowy hair as the sun rose high over head. It was only a little after twelve, so she still had a good portion of the day to go before she was to be back home for dinner. Feeling her day was looking up, Evgeniya left to do more window shopping, only this time she was no longer shopping for herself.
"Perhaps a gift will help Alabama forgive me for this morning", Evgeniya thought entering one of the many clothing stores to seek out the perfect 'I'm Sorry' gift.
America and Japan sat across from each other eating lunch, but at the moment Japan did not think he could stomach the rice he had brought with him. He had been mulling it over in his mind all through the meeting: what had he done? As hard as he had tried he could not think of a single thing he could possibly have done to upset the nation. Yet America would not get upset with him over nothing. The icy stare coming from across the table said plain and clear that he had done something.
"Do you know why I asked to talk to you, Japan?", America asked his voice dead serious.
Japan gulped at the superpower's intense stare. America had only ever had that look when he was at war or if someone was threatening him and his family. Yet for all his scrambling, Japan could not think of a single thing that could have warranted such a look.
"I'm afraid not America-san", he said nervously.
True, America was his friend and had been for a long time. He did not wish to lose that friendship, but the look America was giving him almost screamed that he would be losing it in the next few seconds.
"It's about the deal you mentioned to New Jersey. Something about a partnership with the Toyota Industry", America said his voice deadly calm as he awaited an explanation.
Japan sighed in relief, now understanding that he was not in as much trouble as he had originally thought. He had offered New Jersey a partnership so that they could work on building better and safer cars together, but why was that such a bad thing to America?
"I did offer him a partnership, but I am confused as to why this is a problem. New Jersey has a good eye for cars and would be a big help to the industry", Japan said trying to understand what was upsetting the American nation.
"He has it in his head that if he gets the partnership that he can ditch his stately duties", America said hoping that would explain his irritation well enough.
Japan's eyes grew wide at the news. He did want to form a partnership with New Jersey, but that did not mean that he wanted the state to stop being responsible for what happened in his land. Japan, no matter whom he had dealings with, still had to over see his country and government. It was the same for all countries all over the world. The states were no different and held the same responsibilities a nation held, but at a smaller scale.
"Alfred-san, I never said anything to New Jersey about giving up his natural responsibilities as a state. I had thought it was obvious, so I did not see the need to bring it up with him. I am sorry if this has caused you any unnecessary trouble", Japan said bowing his head to apologize to his friend.
America smiled understanding that his friend had not meant him or his kids any harm. He only wanted to make sure that when Japan approached New Jersey again that he explained that the partnership did not exclude him from his stately duties. It actually added to them. America was sure that would annoy his son, but the brat would have to learn that being a state means the same as being a nation. Responsibilities could not be cast aside just because one did not want to do them.
"It's alright, Kiku. Just be sure to discuss these things with me next time before you approach any of my kids with any of your future propositions. I don't mine you forming a partnership with New Jersey. I know he enjoys cars and would love to work with you on this. I'll be speaking with him tonight to make sure he understands that he is still a state and has to do his part as one like the rest of the states", America said throwing his trash away in the garbage can.
"I understand, Alfred-san. It won't happen again", Kiku said standing up to shake his long time friend's hand.
"Thank you Kiku", America said letting go of his friend's hand, "I'll see you back in the meeting room."
Kiku waved goodbye as his friend left him to finish the lunch he had yet to touch. Admittedly, Kiku knew that America was in the right about speaking to him before trying to make a deal with any of his children. He felt ashamed to not have done as much before offering the deal to New Jersey. He sat himself down and began to eat his rice wondering if New Jersey would still take the deal even if it meant it would add to his work load as a state.
"No doubt", Japan chuckled to himself, "That state is his father's child after all. Too much of a go-getter to pass up opportunity."
America, glad to have solved another issue that day, began to walk back to the meeting room. He had quickly lost himself within his own mind as he began to think of how he was going to discuss the deal with New Jersey. He knew that Kiku would most likely talk to Johnathan too, but, as his father, it was Alfred's responsibility to talk to his son. His mind then wandered to that morning's events. Evgeniya had looked so hurt by what Alabama had said and he knew he'd be having a few words with his Dixie Darlin either before or after supper, most likely after. One thing America had learned from having fifty kids, problems were easier to solve when stomachs were full.
America was so lost in his mind of how he was going to deal with his domestic problems that he did not notice the person coming around the corner with her arms full of files. At least, he didn't notice her until the two of them collided and fell back onto the floor with paper flying all over the place.
"I'm so sorry", came a worried female voice, "I didn't see you there."
America looked to see that the person he had ran into was Hungary. The female nation was dressed in a lovely navy business suit and black high heels. Her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, but her usual orange flower hair clip was still where it had always been for several hundred years. She was a vision of beauty and the mere sight of her made America's mouth go dry. He had heard that her and Austria had finalized their divorce only two weeks ago, so she was available. It was his own shyness and respect to give her space to adjust that held him back.
Seeing her trying to quickly pick up the scattered papers, he snapped back to reality saying, "No, it was my fault. I wasn't watching where I was going. Here let me help you."
He quickly began to help her pick up the papers and organize them back into their respected folders. America tried to be clever about it, but he couldn't help glancing at her every chance he got as they collected the papers. She was a beautiful country and the more he looked at her the more he swore she was the loveliest creature he had ever laid eyes on. Yet it was not only her fair appearance that had captured his attention in the past. It was also her fighting spirit and her undying loyalty. She was a force to be feared when angered and an ally any nation would be glad to have on their side. Powerful, loyal, beautiful, and intelligent; out of his reach.
"Thank you America", Hungary said collecting the files from the superpower, "I appreciate your help."
"It was nothing, don't worry about it", he said smiling his natural million dollar smile.
Hungary smiled back saying, "Well, I had best get these files to my boss before he pitches a fit. I'll see you in the meeting room. Bye America."
America, unable to form a word after seeing her smile, just waved dumbly as she walked away. He watched her leave and didn't come back to his senses until she had turned the corner of the corridor. Only after she was out of sight did America realize he had stopped breathing after seeing her smile. His lungs cried out with joy as they were filled with air. Leaning against the wall, America was smiling like a fool. Sure, they had only said a few words to each other and they hardly knew each other, but that didn't matter to him. Her smile alone had captured him heart and soul. As he stood there lost in the memory of that smile, he decided then and there that he would pursue her. Hungary had only just ended her marriage to Austria, so she was in a delicate area in her life right then. He was first obtain her friendship, which was always a good place to start. Through that, and with a little luck, they could become more.
"America! There you are! The meeting has started you lazy git!", England shouted when he found the nation leaning against the wall with a silly grin on his face.
Snapping back to reality, America threw on his 'Stupid American' persona and laughed, "Sorry Britain Dude, I was thinking about what I was going to have for supper tonight."
"You gluttonous fool! I hope you die of overeating one day!", Britain snapped before turning back down the corridor that led to the meeting room.
"Nah, it's more likely I'll die of heart failure", America thought as he entered the meeting and saw Hungary sitting there looking over her papers, "And I'm sure that won't be because of overeating."
Wow, this chapter turned out far better than I had thought it would. -SUPER TACKLE OF HUG OF EPIC LOVE- Thank you Elfcat for all your reviews and support! I hope you're all enjoying the story along with my others. Reviews are appreciated! Lots of love to my readers!
Translations: brought to you by Google Translator
Я обещаю, Мой милый - I promise, My Dear One
Я всегда буду здесь для вас. Даже если вы уже не один с Россией, я всегда будет там для вас - I'll always be here for you. Even if you're not the one with Russia, I will always be there for you.
Пожалуйста, не позволяйте им забрать меня! Я не хочу уезжать! - Please do not let them take me! I do not want to leave!