Sorry to keep you guys waiting for so long! I just finished moving into my new dorm for college so i should upload more regularly now.

England had been spending the whole day in a delirious daze. America, his America, the country he had raised was in fact a woman. She had strutted into the world meeting in a knockout dress and refused to answer any questions on her true gender. What reasons would she have to pretend to be a man for hundreds of years? England racked his brain but could come up with nothing. HER gender did explain some her more mystic behaviors in the past.

She had always insisted she have her own tent on the warfront and would let no one but herself dress her wounds. England had always assumed it was something to do with America's ego and hero-complex but it was something deeper. No wonder America had started to hate swimming suddenly. It had been when she was still a colony, on one visit America begged him every day to go swimming. It had been tiring and annoying but the next visit and every single one after he had refused to go near the water.

That sudden change of behavior had stumped England but some many of his ex-colony's eccentricities made sense. England was higher than kite because he had a date with the nation. This Friday at seven in the evening he would be spending time with America in a romantic light. What were they going to do? It had been a few days since the meeting and the nations were buzzing all around the world at the news.

America had had a wonderfully hellish week. It had begun with an impromptu make-over and then a world meeting where she had to tell the world the truth of her gender. Then England, her England, the one she had loved for centuries asked her on a date. Then the next day she had to tell her boss the president Barack Obama. This of course had ended in a huge argument where the president argued against her and his wife who surprisingly totally understood America's reasoning. "Women are still paid less for doing the same job in this country Barack. Just imagine she had to grow up in such unequal circumstances if she wanted any respect at all from the male nations the ruse was necessary."

The argument ended with the president accepting facts and asking if she had any other secrets. She didn't of course so they laughed and had lunch with the new America. Michelle even took America and her children on a shopping spree so she could have more female clothing. America was on that shopping spree right now asking the first lady for dating advice.

"So, Michelle."

"Yes, Alfred? You know you really need to pick a more feminine name."

"It's the name England gave me and I am going to keep it, at least for a while. Speaking of England he asked me out on a date."

"Oooooh, this is a story that needs background dish girl dish."

"I've loved Arthur since before the American Revolution. He is handsome, funny, and magical. I knew he didn't feel the same since I was a man. When I told the world the truth I wasn't expecting him to ask but he did. Now, I'm afraid I've wandered into territory stickier than the Middle East. I've never been on a date before."

"Alfred, you are over 200 years old and you've never been on a date?"

"I've never even been kissed, Michelle. It was too risky while I was parading around as a man."

"You have come to the right woman, Alfred. I can guide you through this, trust me. First question, are you planning the date or is he?"

"I think I am. I just told him to pick me up Friday at seven."

"Great that makes this easier. Dinner would be perfect, just something between you two where you can talk. I know the perfect place, it's a great little restaurant. It has some of the best burgers and I know you like those."

Apparently the First Lady was also a matchmaker in her spare time. They spent the next two days planning out the perfect first date for Alfred and Arthur everything from conversation topics to outfits. America had a lunch with her where they went over how to eat food without ruining your makeup. It was like taking up a second job for America one where she was helping her country and one where she was helping herself. Between cabinet and senate meetings she was taking "how to be a woman lessons". Even the president himself got involved in a protective sort of way. HE acted like America was is sixteen year old daughter.

"Dude, England isn't going to do anything inappropriate. He is literally the personification of a gentleman. Besides just because I look like a girl now doesn't mean I can't beat him up. Super human strength does have its perks."

Friday came and America spent all of it on edge. At around four she started preparing herself with the help of the presidents' family. He excusing himself saying that the room was filling estrogen and he really didn't have much input to give. After an hour and half America went to her boss to tell him she was leaving. His wife followed to see her husband's reaction.

"Hey boss, I'm heading home. Anything you need before I leave?"

Obama looked up and his jaw dropped. There was his country dressed to the nines.

"I'm good aren't I honey?" Michelle asked his gaping husband.

"Let's just say it gives a whole new meeting to "America the beautiful". No, Alfred I don't need anything have fun on your date and be safe. I will see you Sunday for dinner."

America smiled at the compliment from her boss and left the room. She drove home feeling both extremely confident and desperately nervous. England however was fairing much worse. He had spent the morning tearing apart his wardrobe only to determine he had nothing appropriate to wear. He must look perfect tonight and England knew there was only one person who might be able to help. As much as he hated the frog, he had to admit that the French nation had always been more fashion forward than him. He spent the next thirty minutes staring the phone trying to convince himself to call. Finally he swallowed and picked up the phone.

"'Ello?"

"Hello France, It's me England."

"Hello, mon ami. To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"I am asking for your help, as much as it hurts to do so."

"Have you finally accepted you need cooking lessons? Because if so we are going to need to start at the basics, you know."

"It's not about my bloody cooking, you git! I have a date tonight. I can't seem to get myself to look perfect and I need to look perfect."

"Ohonhonhon, my little England had fallen into l'amour I see. May I ask who this date is with?"

"America."

"This is too perfect, I was wondering when you two would break the sexual tension! I will be right over but you must do everything I say, no arguing. You asked for my expertise and rightfully so."

"Fine. Goodbye frog."

"Au revoir, l'Angleterre."

England fidgeted. France had come over and started murmuring French about his state. It took all of his strength to not strangle or at least argue with the man. First he got a haircut from the man, who even tweezed his eyebrows. A painful process that England detested since the eyebrows would grow back two days later. After that France rifled through his wardrobe complaining about each piece as if it was a crime against nature herself.

He finally pulled out a dark blue suit and told me to put it on. I did and walked out to see if it was acceptable. France, the bloody frog, frowned.

"You look just like yourself, England. Which means you are ready."

"I told you I wanted to be perfect."

"Angleterre, America likes you not me. I could make you fashion perfect but it won't do you any good."

"Fine."

France left England confused. France had left him with a statement that was both an insult and a compliment. He was thankful the Frenchman had not tried to tell him how to get the girl in bed. Maybe he wasn't as pervy as he led on. Then again maybe he realized this was America's first date as a woman, France knew America needed a gentleman. England shook himself and grabbed his keys to get to America's house. He had a private jet that could get him to the states in a few hours giving him enough time to get to America's house.

The flight was spent anxiously tapping his foot and walking up and down his private room. How was he going to act? What was he going to say? How was America going to even act? Would she act as she had pretending to be a man or was there a secret side she would show? It was nerve racking to England because he had no idea what to expect from the nation he had known for so long. His heart start pumping pure adrenaline as his plane landed in Virginia. He would see her soon and he was excited and worried. He got into the rental car waiting for him and drove towards his date's house.

It was 6:50 and America was getting nervous. She knew she shouldn't be, it wasn't even close to him being late. What if he didn't come? She kept messing with her hair and checking her make up. A dinner date with England was so much easier as a man. Heroes don't get nervous around the women they loved. Unless they are their alter egos but I'm going as America not Alfred. I cannot handle this kind of stress. 6:57. is he coming or was all this work just for my embarrassment? Each tick of clock increased her nervousness. Tony shook his head at me. He didn't understand human mating rituals, nor did he understand human gender identities. Based on how nervous his friend was acting he didn't really want to know.

7:00

7:01

DING

America practically ran to the door then she took a breath and opened the door to see a smartly dressed England. She gave him what she hoped was a coy smile and grabbed her bag.

"Hey, we have a reservation, so we need to get going. I am glad you came, England."

"Of course I came I was the one who suggested it."

"Well I'll drive us there since I know where we are going."

"That sounds fine America, I will follow you then."

America led him to a vintage red mustang a model from the 50's or 60's from the looks. He let himself into the front seat while America went to the driver's side. As America began pulling out England looked at the dress she was wearing. It was a light red number that fit her wonderfully. The question in front of his mind came spewing out if his mouth.

"America why would you lie to us for all these years about your gender?"

"My mother told me too."

"You're mother? You don't have a mother, do you?"

"Native America, she was an ancient that died shortly after Canada's and I birth. When we were born with white skin she knew her time of glory was at an end. I don't remember her much but I do remember her telling me she loved me and that I needed to lie to the white men. She said that white men didn't respect women and that if I wanted to be strong I must become one of them. It was one of her dying wishes for me. When you first took me in and starting making towns, I saw how the women were subservient to the men. I decided I would keep my promise to her till the ends of my days then. But now maybe I am strong enough to be myself."

"That makes a surprising amount if sense."

"You male nations are so silly sometimes."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I always make sense dude. You just don't have the context to understand me. For instance, in order to avoid any accusations of femininity I had to over compensate by being as "manly" as possible. That meant eating like a pig, being loud and having poor plans. I did all of those things just to keep suspicion off, I never expected to be taken seriously."

"Oh, does that mean the world will get a chance to see the smart America?"

"No, you aren't thinking that through. America is one of the strongest countries in the world. It is hard enough keeping good relations with hostile nations when they are unhappy with your strength but if I was stronger and smarter than them there would be no way to get anything to work. My so called stupidity is other nations' security blankets."

England had no words for the logic coming from the woman driving. All of the things she had done in the past made perfect sense. The idiocy that had annoyed him so was a clever plan to keep the other nations comfortable. Her loudness was a cover for her secret. England just stared at the woman whom he had never expected to be so logical.

"We are here dude. Don't worry it serves things other than burgers.

England followed America into the small pricey restaurant. They were swiftly seated and England began to clear his throat.

"So, Alfred I uh mean..."

"Alfred is stull my name Iggy, duh. That's the name you gave me and that's the name I'll keep."

"You liked the name that much?"

"It's not that I like the name. I don't, I always liked the name Amelia personally but you gave me the name Alfred. So that's the name I'll keep."

"I'm afraid I don't understand."

"England just because you didn't always know I was a girl didn't change the fact that I was a girl. The name you gave me is a gift and like all of the other gifts you gave me growing up it has a place. I'm sentimental like that."

England wiped his eyes and stared at the new America. Was this how she acted with her boss, while at home alone or with her people? What are we supposed to talk about? I have never been this nervous before.

"So, how did your boss take the truth?"

"I think he was more upset at being lied too not the subject matter. His wife totally understood though and defended me though. He got used to it after a day or so, since I am still the same person you know. How about the other nations? I haven't heard much from them since my big reveal."

"France is himself as you know but surprisingly has made few sexists comments about it, at least to me. Italy is still confused as to how you became a pretty bella all of a sudden and Germany is just annoyed at having to re-explain it. Switzerland only commented that now he had one less nation to protect Liechtenstein's virtue from. Russia wants you to "become one with him" but that's not new now is it?"

"I didn't mean for it to get so crazy. Hungary just convinced me that it was time to be myself."

"You are a stubborn nation that much I know. Pray tell what did she tell you to convince you?"

"Well she said I would never be truly happy living the lie, just as she wasn't completely happy until she started being herself. She also told me that if I ever wanted to find love I needed to be honest."

"Love? You are such a young nation though."

"I'm old enough to be a world power. I think I'm old enough to get my first kiss."

England had been served a delicious soup that he had been eating while they conversed. America of course had gotten a burger but she ate it in a polite manner. At the comment of a kiss England nearly swallowed a spoon. His Little America thinking about kissing someone? At the sight of his discomfort America quickly changed topics and they spent the evening discussing each other's TV shows and other cultural phenomena. The evening sped by quickly filled with laughter and teasing. America was now driving them to her home where he had left his rental car.

"Since your flight isn't leaving till tomorrow, Iggy I set up the guest bedroom for you to sleep in."

"You didn't have to do that."

"Nonsense, I may not always be polite but that's because I choose not to be. If you taught me anything then it was manners. I insist."

America had spent the evening slightly distracted by her own thoughts. I wonder what his lips taste like. A mixture of tea and the sea with a hint of mint, I think. I do hope he kisses me, just a quick peck will do. It will make all of this work learning to be feminine worth it. Was this how Hungary felt changing herself for Austria? She drove in silence happy with how the evening went by slightly annoyed that the British man next to her had not even tried to hold her hand. She had given all the signals Michelle had taught her but England was either A completely dense or B not interested. She feared it would be the second option.

As America turned into her driveway the storm overhead broke and dumped water. She was glad it had started after she was finished driving but this thunderstorm was one she would have a hard time sleeping through. Even as an adult Alfred had had a deep fear of thunder storms. Whether it was because they sounded like war or some other reason she didn't know but storms like these filled her with high amounts of dread. They ran inside and despite being outside for only a few seconds they got completely drenched.

"Sorry about that, I have some clean male clothing you can borrow England. I still haven't cleaned out my closet so I will get you some warm clothes."

"Thank you, America."

She returned with some of her clothing that she thought would fit his slender frame. She had always worn clothing slightly bigger than necessary to avoid showing any curves. She went down stairs and handed England the T-shirt and sweat pants. He accepted them and she led him to the guest room she had set up.

"Here is where you will be sleeping. If you get thirsty there is some tea I have stored somewhere in the kitchen. I made sure to have some since you were coming by and I know you despise my delicious coffee. The bathroom is down the hall and to your left. IF you need anything just yell for me. I need to get out of these dripping clothes."

"Thank you again America."

England closed the door and leaned up against it. Why am I such a coward? I could have kissed her or even held her hand! She clearly wanted me to but I am still so unused to this thing. He shook his head in his disappointment and changed into the pajamas between thunder claps. With weather like this his flight might even be postponed until it clears. Maybe I can sneak a quick kiss and hug in the kitchen.

England of course didn't do this. Something about his gentlemen persona stopped him from kissing the girl. It felt a little wrong for him to be her first kiss, or for him to steal her first kiss. He had a nice up of bedtime tea while he watched America shuffle around preparing herself for bed. He noted with interest that at every thunder clap or lightning strike America would stiffen. America had been afraid of storms as a child and he remembered nights where he had to hold the boy for him to sleep. In the light of recent news those memories seemed more and more awkward. Was she still sacred of storms? He decided it was better not to ask.

He told her goodnight and they went to their separate rooms. England wished he had more courage or that he was less of a gentlemen. America was beautiful and the love he had kept dormant for so long was coming into bloom. He had always known he loved America. He had assumed that it was a strange kind of brotherly love but now he knew it was something deeper something more. This evening made it clear that he loved her more deeply than he had loved anyone in a long time. England crawled into bed and tried to deal with the new view he had on the country down the hall.

America was not faring well. The storm sounded like it was right outside her window threatening to break in. She jumped into bed when the she turned the lights off and crawled into her covers hoping to block out the noise. She hated this fear. It made her weak, and America wasn't weak. She was a hero after all. What kind of hero gets scared of falling water? After about thirty minutes of shivering a huge crash banged throughout the house. Crap, please don't let the power be out! She crawled out and ran to the light switch. The power is out, what am I going to do?

She ran back to her bed hoping the power would fix itself in like five minutes. A huge flash of light blazed into her room making it seem black and white. It was followed by a huge crash that was followed by a scream.

England sat up with a gasp at the sound of a woman screaming. England had almost fallen asleep and was disoriented. Was that America? What happened does she need my help? England nearly fell out of bed trying to get to his door quickly. Untangling himself from the sheets, he flipped the light switch. The power is out. England opened his door and followed the sounds of whimpering that were farther down the hall. He opened the door to see America in the fetal position on her bed.

"America, are you okay? I heard a scream a minute ago."

"Oh, I'm fine Iggy. I just got startled that's all."

England rolled his eyes. America really hadn't changed much since her childhood. As a child America had insisted that he, no she, wasn't scared while shivering in fear. He had ended up saying he was scared and that he needed America to stay with him. England blames himself for the countries hero complex but it was the only to get America to let him comfort him. Without thinking of the consequences England walked over to the bed.

"There was another reason I came over. The power is off you know and I admit this storm is scaring me a little."

Before America could answer a thunder clap shook the roof and England was pulled roughly into the bed. He was pulled into a hug by America who was trying to not look afraid. When the thunder stopped both people were struck with the situation they were in. They were in bed together, fully clothed but together nonetheless their legs intertwined. They blushed while England tried to remove himself.

"Wait, I… I'm scared too. Stay."

That was all she need to say. England got right back in and curled around the girl. She curled up and snuggled into his chest. He placed his arm over her and there they were comfortable in the same bed.

"America, I will stay for as long as you need."

The only response he received was a chaste kiss on the lips. America had snaked her head up so that their lips would meet for just a moment. She put her head down and England sat there start struck at the feeling. The kiss had been quick but felt electric and absolutely wondrous.

"I knew it." She murmured.

"Knew what?"

"You lips taste like tea and the sea. I knew you would taste like that or at least I hoped you would."

With that she snuggled deeper into his chest while England couldn't stop smiling. He put his head down and fell asleep wondering what the strange country next to him was thinking. He couldn't fathom it but now he felt like he would have a lot of time to figure it out.