AN: Valentine's day inspired. I know it's a little early (a month), but I thought this would be cute. Pairings are hinted at.

Alfred grinned, enjoying the commercialized décor of hearts and roses everywhere. He had nestled into a little café that had been started up by a family of Columbian immigrants. Sipping coffee from the cup in his hand, messing up the batman design in the foam that the barista had crafted for him. Placing some bills down on the table, he stood.

He loved looking at all the couples together, giddy on this day where they celebrate their love. Some would be dining in together. Others would bashfully confess to having feelings for the first time. Strolling away, Alfred entered the nearby bookstore. His eyes focus on something.

Alfred had a secret.

It was completely China's fault. Ever since America had gained a large Asian population from the various immigrations over the years, most major cities of his had a Chinatown. Alfred had picked up on a sight. It had surprised the hell out of him initially. Not knowing what he was seeing, until he listened on some legends from the immigrants.

The string of fate.

He only saw it for his people. Sometimes it was different colors, but Alfred knew what the red meant. And he couldn't help himself. It would be un-heroic to not use this sight on this day.

Smiling, he studied a young man who was eying another girl, who was browsing through the books. Their pinkies both leading to the other. Picking a book out, one that Alfred knew the girl-Sarah-would love.

"You should give her this one." Alfred smiled and gave it to the young man. "And maybe ask her for coffee."

The young man blushed before nodding and summoning up his courage. "Sarah." He called after her.

Grinning, Alfred searched for the next set. Nothing brought him greater pleasure then seeing his people happy. On his way through the park, Alfred untied at an artist's Pomeranian who immediately ran to a stuffy businessman and his dog. The artist cursed before he went after his dog, and apologized to the other man. Red string shortened as they approached.

In the back of his mind, Alfred felt like he was forgetting something. There was something else on the edge of his senses that had been persisting for a while now. Shrugging, Alfred decided it wasn't important. After all he did this every year.

After handing someone a daisy as he entered the building, he heard someone call out behind him.

"Alfred!" Matthew ran up to him, with a grin on his face while stashing something behind his back. "You're late for the meeting today!" But his twin's eyes were sparkling with mirth despite the small reprimand.

The meeting was in this building, and Canada had come up from behind him. And there was a glint of light on the lenses. No…

"Mattie, please tell me you didn't." His secret. It couldn't have been recorded.

"Didn't what?" The Canadian had a full-blown smirk on his face.

"It would be totally un-cool to reveal that." Alfred face heated up. It's not like he was embarrassed or anything. France would never let him live it down.

"Reveal what? I don't know what you're talking about unless you say it."

"You know the thing I did today." He gestured with a hand, trying to find words.

"Spreading l'amore, eh?" Matthew waved the camera in Alfred's face, drawing back as just before Alfred reached for it. Bluntly ignoring the 'give-me-that' glare his brother had managed.

"Papa would be so proud."

"Papa would be so proud of what?" The man, himself, sauntered in, surveying the scene before him.

"Of Alfie's hobby." Matthew managed before he burst into a fit of giggles, while gently clutching his camera. Oh he would have blackmail for centuries on Alfred. But he didn't know if he could keep this to himself for that long.

"Really Matthew." Arthur chided as stepped in from behind France. "We sent you to fetch your brother an hour ago. What ever were you doing? I thought you wouldn't get distracted."

"What's this hobby?" France ignored Arthur, and set in on his 'son'. "Tell Papa now." His curiosity was piqued.

"Don't you dare! Mattie." Alfred made a dive for the camera, but Mattie laughed and dodged him.

"What are you going to do for it?" His brother teased, holding it over his head.

"I'll start playing hockey with you again." Alfred offered. He had stopped after the first game or two had sent him into the hospital for a weak. Matthew was vicious when it came to that game.

"I'll make you maple-flavored crepes if you tell me." France bribed right back.

The two went back and forth trying to out bid the other for the camera, while Matthew grinned at them. Arthur had just stood there and shook his head. Privately his was hoping that Matthew would tell them, he was curious about it as well. Just what had the boy gotten up to?

Finally, Alfred blurted out.

"I'll give you Alaska!"

Matthew blinked. "Really?"

"No…"

"I'll have to think about."

Arthur let out a huff; this had gone on long enough. "Francis we should be going. You said you would take me out to diner today. Unless you changed your mind and want me to cook now?"

"No!" All three shouted at once, completely derailed from their competition. France immediately went to England. "Well talk about his later, non?"

"Maybe." Matthew waved as the two left, while Alfred gave out a sigh of relief.

"You aren't really going to tell them are you?" He looked to Matthew with pleading puppy eyes.

"Don't know yet. Maybe if you buy me dinner I can make up my mind. And no fast food." Mattie stepped to the doors; the family meeting was forgotten for the day.

"Oh." He tossed the camera to his brother, while palming the film chip.

"Happy Valentine's Day, Cupid."

Please review and tell me what you think or if you noticed any mistakes.