Every nation stared in silence at the T.V. monitor as it beeped. The tension in the air seemed to grow even more as everyone held their breaths in anticipation. Germany pulled out the remote that had been hidden in his desk slowly. Aiming it at the screen, he pressed the answer button.

The T.V. screen lit up, showing only a straight glowing line. Yao felt a grin start to come onto his face, yet he hid it with his long sleeves. As Alfred's voice spoke, the line spiked.

"It's about time you picked up," the American said. The Chinese man could practically see his friend's eyes rolling in exasperation. Beside him, the nation noted how Feliciano also had to hide a grin.

"America," Germany greeted, "Is there something you needed?"

"Not really," Alfred replied, "I actually just wanted to speak to England." Looking over his shoulder, Germany saw England gritting his teeth.

"What is it you want, you bloody wanker?" The sound of Alfred's chuckling could be heard from the other end of the line.

"How are you doing England," the American asked, "Feeling good today?" England's eyes narrowed.

"Why should you care?" The chuckling ceased.

"Do you want me to care? I can stop, you know."

"Where the bloody hell are you," England exploded, standing from his chair.

"That is none of your business," Alfred replied. His attention seemed to then divert to some of the others. Both Yao and Feliciano knew that Alfred could see all of them, even if they couldn't see him. It bothered Yao that he couldn't tell who Alfred was looking at, and he was sure it also bothered his Italian friend.

"So Japan," America drawled, "Was the payment enough?" The Japanese man jumped ever so slightly.

"H-Hai America," he replied shakily, "In fact, it was more than enough."

"Good." Once more, Alfred fell silent.

"S-So…," France began, "I heard that Japan wasn't the only one whose debts you paid off."

"Did you now," the American asked. Yao could tell the nation was smirking.

"I'll have you know that the payment of $54.5 billion we owe you will be shipped over as soon as possible." At this, France's mouth gapped open. How could he react so calmly about it?

"What is it you want America," Germany asked warily.

"Oh~? Straight forwards as always I see~." The sound of tapping could be heard as the American tapped his chin.

"There's nothing in particular I want," he replied, "I'm just here to let you all know that there will be someone coming over to your countries with all the payments over the next couple of days."

The nations blanched.

"I'll be giving England the payment for his brother Ireland," Alfred continued, "I hope he finds the correct amount of $111.3 billion in there; Maybe a bit extra.

"I'll also be opening the borders for a few days so that the representatives can get the payments to you and Mexico, okay Canada? The Canadians can come over and do their Christmas shopping, but then they'll have to hurry back.

"And Russia? I know that there'll be a bit extra in your own case, I checked it myself. Consider that an apology for what happened during the Cold War." Then, before he logged off, Alfred addressed Yao.

"Oh yeah, and China?" The nation tilted his head.

"Yes aru?"

"Happy birthday. Your present should show up on the news pretty soon." The screen clicked off.

Yao sat there for a few minutes just staring at the T.V. along with the others. Then, he dissolved into a fit of giggles. Feliciano patted him on the back. He had wished the older nation a happy birthday before the meeting started when he picked him up. A wrapped stuffed bunny was the present the Asian got, and he had added it to his collections of animals.

"I completely forgot it was Teacher's birthday, da-ze," South Korea exclaimed, "Happy birthday Teacher!" Many of the other nations also gave their eldest among them their best wishes. Yao smiled brightly, though he was slightly disappointed that Japan hadn't been one of them. Feliciano noticed how this affected him, so the Italian gave him a quick hug before the nations returned their attention to Germany.

Inwardly, Yao grinned madly.

The gift that Alfred had planned would make him a very happy nation indeed. It was a shame that he couldn't show that he had enjoyed it right away.

The three sat at the dinner table at Alfred's house, calmly eating the pasta that Feliciano had made.

"You know," Alfred then said between mouthfuls, "I have to ask. What do you want for your birthday Yao?" The Chinese man looked up at him before shrugging.

"I don't know aru," he replied. Feliciano pouted.

"Oh come on Yao," the Italian exclaimed, "There's got to be something you want!"

Yao remained silent, thinking.

"Well….." He leaned across the table and whispered to them. The grins that blossomed over their faces were wild and crazy. They began laughing.

"Come on you two aru," Yao blushed, "Stop laughing!"

"I'll be sure to make your wish come true," Alfred declared, the old America showing through. The others laughed at the display before Yao stopped.

"Are you sure you're okay with it?" The two calmed down, staring at him. Alfred gave a small smile, placing a hand onto Yao's shoulder.

"Don't you worry Yao," he said, "I'll be fine. And besides, I got you and Feli here to help me."

"If you want," Feliciano spoke up, "I could do it. Show England that he shouldn't mess with Italy Veneziano." Alfred looked over at the Italian. He could tell that his friend was actually nervous about doing it. So, he shook his head.

"No, it's alright," Alfred said, "Besides, I need to show the Brit that he can't control me. And you doing it would give you away."

"It would be expected of you to do such a thing," Yao said quietly.

"Exactly," Alfred replied.

"Ve, okay," Feliciano sighed. His old catchphrase shone through, making the two smile.

"I'll be fine," Alfred said, "You two just need to show them that you weren't involved in any way. Get alibies, like in the movies!"

"You mean the movies with your heroes," Yao teased. Feliciano giggled as Alfred gave mock frown.

"Hey, my heroes are awesome!"

"Vehehe, that's because you're one too!"

The three continued to banter with each other late into the night.

Two chapters in one day? Damn….. Well, I guess it'll make up for the lack of progress over the week.