You have to read Greece's dialogue slowly, maybe with pauses. It makes it more realistic. I just didn't feel like putting in "…" after every sentence.

…

Clouds of gray circled around you. The glowing floor emitted a soft hum. It made you drowsy, you wanted to do nothing but curl up for a nice, warm, long, nap…

But there was a more important matter at hand. Where were you? You struggled wobbly to your feet. Had you gotten kidnapped again?

A faint cry sounded in the distance. You squinted your eyes in the direction. Only pale mist wafted around, not making a sound. Wherever you were, you had never seen this ominous place before. Weren't you just in-

The cry sounded again, more urgent. You started to run, your bare feet pattering against the floor. Wait, you were sure you had put on shoes this morning. Cold vapor whipped around your face. A round, orange shape appeared out of the blurriness. You hurried over and kneeled.

"Mew?"

Two yellow eyes stared back at you. A cat? This place was getting more and more confusing. You reached out your hand to the creature, hovering an inch above its head. Clunky footsteps echoed in front of you. You looked up slowly. A dark, ghastly figure loomed inches from the cat. It breathed something incomprehensible.

Suddenly, razor edge wings outstretched from its back. You yelped and fell backwards. The cat scurried away in the fog.

"Whoops, wrong form."

It waved a shadowy arm. In a flash of light, a man with soft blonde ringlets replaced the demonic creature. He covered his mouth with a tan hand.

"Ah, (name), I wasn't expecting you right now…"

You gawked. He was dressed in a crinkled white toga, a laurel crown hanging crookedly from his hair. It was literally centuries out of fashion. How did he know your name? He felt familiar, like you knew him, yet never actually saw him.

"Recognize me?"

You bit your lip. Would he obliterate you in his scary form if you answered wrong?

"Y-you're from a textbook or something…"

"I'm in statues and great plays as well, in case you didn't know. But yes, er, textbooks."

He yawned once again. Then it dawned on you.

"You're the Greek god…Morpheus! But why-"

"Yes, yes, I'd love to properly introduce myself, but you see, I'm here for a reason and have a tendency to get off track."

He paused and scratched his head. This wasn't exactly how you imagined a great Greek god. He was much more casual.

"You know who this woman is, correct?"

He waved his arm and an image flickered next to him. It was a woman with long, wavy brown hair and a split curl sticking out at the top. You stifled a gasp. You had heard stories, rumors…she was beautiful, a duplicate of Heracles. She was Ancient Greece. Morpheus watched you carefully and nodded.

"So you do. And you know this man,"

The image morphed into a smiling, stout man. A person you had begrudgingly been acquainted with lately. You sighed and bobbed your head.

"Do you know what he did to her?"

You scrunched your eyebrows and shook your head. Morpheus's gray eyes clouded.

"He-"

"(name)?" A loud voice rippled, shaking the ground.

The whole area started to become unfocused. Morpheus cursed in another language.

"Ack, I don't have much time. (name) listen, you can't trust him, he's-"

The voice shook again. Morpheus blinked black a few times.

"Why can't I trust him?" you asked urgently.

"That man, he plans to-"

"(name)!"

Your head shot up from a wooden conference table. A line of nations were staring at you blankly.

"Huh-uh, what?"

America stood at the front of the table.

"I asked for your opinion, (name)."

"On, um…I agree."

England sent a glare your way.

"Hmm, okay. I guess that ends today's meeting, dudes."

Chairs squeaked upon the wooden floor. You rubbed your forehead. This week in Greece was making you delusional. You scooted out of your seat, blank notes in hand, and headed for the door. A nice cup of coffee was just what you needed. The warm climate did have a sleepy effect on a person.

"Hey, (name)!"

The French accent made you sprint out the door. Not today, Francy-pants!

…

"I'm sorry monsieur Greece, she bolted away from me!"

The bronze skinned nation walked slowly behind the Frenchman.

"That's okay. I'll catch up to her…maybe after a nap."

"Oh, but I'd hurry, the Turkish camarade [1] was heading her way."

France turned his head to the side, then looked around in panic . No man could get away that fast, especially Greece.

…

You held your nose above the steaming cup. There was an outdoor coffee shop downtown. It was best to take a break when you had the chance. Today was just the second day of a long week of world meetings.

This time everyone was attending, which meant it would be extended even further until you all agreed on something. You hoped agreeing that you would never come to a decision counted. The meeting being in Greece had its pros though, when it wasn't sleep inducing. People were friendly enough to you here, more so than other places.

You took a sip of the brew and took out a report from your bag. Well, you weren't the only nation who was prone to dozing off during a summit.

"Excuse me, mam?"

You looked up at a young man, understanding the Greek.

"Yes?"

"I think there is someone in the…bushes, watching you."

You turned around. The surrounding shrubbery looked normal. You furrowed your brows. The man didn't look like he was joking.

"Er, thank you. I'll go check it out."

Sighing, you grasped your coffee and peered over the bushes. Nothing. You shook them. Still nothing. You gave it a kick. Hmm, was this some sort of prank? You didn't encounter any of that behavior yet.

"(name)," a voice whispered huskily behind you.

You yelped and launched your coffee at the pursuer. He stepped to the side just in time.

"Whoa, calm down!"

Messy brown hair, dark green uniform, mysterious white mask…you frowned.

"Turkey."

He grinned widely.

"(name)."

"What do you want?" you asked impatiently.

He shrugged and unscrewed the cap off a dark bottle.

"You keep your coffee in a bottle?"

"Ick, no. Coffee's too bitter. This is apple juice."

"What are you, four?"

This only made him laugh.

"Hah, you called me young!"

You rolled your eyes. He didn't have any excuses to hang around you now, other than he wanted to. Like that would ever be the cause. You were tired of having to deal with rambunctious countries today.

"Well, remember that you owe me a cup of coffee. I have things to do, see you tomorrow."

You began to spin around.

"What do you have to do here?"

Drat.

"Um, business matters."

"Your business just ended thirteen minutes ago."

"Uh…"

He materialized in front of you.

"I think you're just trying to avoid me."

You bit your lip. Not the time to seem like a jerk. That could cause problems at the meeting.

"I'm just doing some solitary sight-seeing, if you're that interested."

"Then you wouldn't mind if I took you to dinner afterwards? Or do you have business?"

He crossed his arms, a challenging smile playing on his lips.

"No, in fact, you can just tag along with me the whole day. I invite you."

"I think I will."

"Good."

You started toward your rented moped, Turkey trotting happily on your heels. What had you just agreed to?

…

"Y-you drive like a maniac!" Turkey squeaked in a very unmanly voice.

His arms were clenched around your waist suffocatingly. You took a sharp swerve around a corner, narrowly missing a crossing pedestrian. They dove to the sidewalk.

"Sorry!" you yelled.

Turkey whined and put his face in the crook of your shoulder. It sounded like he was praying. You weren't that familiar with the moped, but hey, you hadn't killed anyone yet. It was still technically your vehicle, so you insisted you drive. You weren't that bad.

"At least you're wearing your helmet," you said over the buzzing of the tires.

"You took the helmet, remember?"

You dodged a pothole.

"Oh. Just don't fall off, okay?"

…

Greece watched in amazement from the street. Who was that crazy driver? Italy couldn't have been out driving after the last incident. He hoped you weren't anywhere near that vehicle.

…

You trudged up to a woman wearing a bright green polo. She waved her arms in front of a crowd.

"People, the entrance is here! Those aren't ruins!"

"Ugh, I didn't know you were going to see some dumb Greek ruins," Turkey muttered.

You shrugged and approached the lady. Her eyes widened at the tall Turk behind you.

"Oh, um, greetings," she squeaked.

Was she starting to blush? Oh great, not again. Why were all of the park employees women who were immediately attracted to your companions?

"What's the entrance fee?" you asked ardently.

"U-um, it's free…"

She swooned toward him. Turkey brought an arm to his messy hair. Hmph, going for the sheepish look. You huffed, you weren't going to put up with this today.

"Okay, when you're done, I'll be over there, learning about history."

You turned around without another word.

"Er, (name), wait. Excuse me miss-"

"No, don't go...You're much more interesting that the ruins, trust me."

…

Dionysus- God of wine, merriment, and ritual madness. He is thought to be a "foreign" god, as some myths claim he came from the east of the ancient Grecian territory. He represents things of chaotic and unexpected.

You scoffed. That sounded familiar. The crumbling ruins were once a shrine to the wine god. There was still some marble tables and pedestals standing that his followers would use to celebrate in his honor. Or it could've been an excuse to get blindly drunk.

You climbed down the large steps near a surrounding forest. Ancient Greece was a cultural hub of the old world. Greece was so lucky to have all of this rich history and fascinating mythology. All of Europe was abundant of it. It would be nice to have a laid back attitude like his, even with all that had been going on. He had always been like that, so carefree. If only you could bring yourself to forget about all of the talk of crisis.

You sighed and rested your head in the grass. Maybe Greece's wish of being a cat wasn't so insane after all. Just sleeping all day…

There was a muffled cough from behind you.

"Finished with your promiscuous behavior?"

He settled beside you.

"With any Greeks I am."

He tugged a strand of your hair.

"Please don't tell me you want a nap."

You opened your eyes slowly. The blank white mask stared back. Your mouth formed a frown.

"Don't you sweat under that mask?"

He stuck out his bottom lip.

"Why does it bother you so much?"

You took in a breath. It bothered you because you didn't get to see a vital part of his face: his eyes. That was one way you could read people easily. But you couldn't tell him you wanted to see his pretty eyes.

"I'm just worried you'll overheat. You are wearing a heavy jacket."

"If I was hot I would just take it off."

"Then do it."

He cocked an eyebrow. You kept your face blank. That had just slipped out, you didn't mean it.

Before you could apologize, he started to slip his jacket off. Underneath was a tight black shirt, outlining all of his muscles…You rubbed your temples as your face started to heat up. He chuckled.

"I guess I'm not done with my promiscuous behavior...as long as you're here."

You glared through your fingers.

"I was concerned you were getting too hot!"

"Or that I was too hot?"

You groaned. He smirked and scooted closer to you, stretching out his arms. You clenched your fist. If Greece found out you were this close to Turkey, on his ruins…

You quickly searched to change the subject.

"Oh, Turkey, I started a television program about the history and culture of Europe. I've been caught up in so many events that I haven't been able to watch it."

"…and?"

"And the first special was about Turkey and the Ottoman traditions, specifically the marriage."

There was a moment of silence.

"Um, could you tell me about it?"

He shifted beside you.

"Er, well, do ya mean the actual marriage celebration or the…consummation?"

You leaned back so you could look at his face.

"What's the consummation? Is it like the proposal?"

"Um, no, it was sort of tied into the religion of the empire too. It's like a finalization of the marriage, but it's nothing like a document. Heh, it's much better than a document."

"How?"

He moved his arm, slightly brushing yours.

"I'm going to have to ask you something first…Have you ever been with someone?"

You tilted your head.

"What do you mean?"

"Ugh, like, in bed."

His head angled away from your gaze.

"Well, I've slept with people before."

His eyebrows shot up.

"You have?"

"Yes."

He stared at you in shock. Your cheeks started to burn, realizing what he meant.

"Oh, no, no! Just sleeping. None of that stuff."

He breathed in relief.

"Thank Allah."

You furrowed your brows.

"Why does that matter?"

"Um,"

He took out his apple juice and slowly took a swig, earning an irked growl from you. Turkey laughed softly and ruffled your hair.

"To consummate a marriage you must, um, I mean, any woman must-"

A ruffle from the trees interrupted him. Your head shot to the forest. Suddenly, an object flew out, straight toward you. You held out your hands.

"No, (name), don't catch it!" Turkey cried.

Too late. The object thunked into your hands. You examined it.

"An apple?"

Turkey jumped up in a defensive pose. A similarly tanned man stepped out of the forest.

"Greece!" you called excitedly.

Turkey stopped you.

"That doesn't count! She doesn't know what it means!"

"What?" you said.

Greece walked to you, a small frown on his face.

"Go away, you stupid head."

"Not this time, (name) invited me."

He clenched his jaw.

"You're lying."

"Nuh-uh. Tell 'im (name)."

Both of their heads notched toward you.

"Um, uh-" you started.

Greece and Turkey. The two names together spawned images of fires, armies, and angry dancing. They fought over petty and serious things alike. Greece berated that the opposing nation was a conniving, creepy old man who would stab you in the back if he got the chance, while Turkey claimed the Grecian was a lazy brat who shirked any sort of responsibility or commitment. There was never ending spats from either of them. It was specially arranged that they sit at opposite ends at world meetings. Seemingly nothing could keep them from tearing at each other.

And then there was you, the wild card, as your bosses put it. You had met Greece early on, your relations developed leisurely, but at one point it was an inseparable attachment. Shortly after, you heard about the former empire. Your friend hated him, so you naturally despised him with the same passion. Once you actually met Turkey, you could see he was not someone you would not usually hang out with, but with his friendly smile and cheerful attitude, you just couldn't hate him.

You began to be sucked into this past conflict, as their fights soon centered around you, unknowing to you. When you were between them, you refused to take sides, your effect strong enough to keep them from strangling each other. However, as soon as you stepped out of the room, they were at each other's throats. You were dead set on resolving this ancient rivalry.

You stamped your foot on the ground.

"You're always competing, well, I have a challenge for you both."

They stopped poking each other.

"No fighting the entire rest of the day. I'm not going to choose one of you, and if you can't stop, I'm going to leave and not talk to either one of you the remainder of this week."

They gawked, seeming to forget about their current dispute.

"But…you wouldn't be around us at the same time anyways."

"I will if you stop your little skirmishes."

There was a heavy pause, both of them men thinking over this deal.

"Just for the rest of the day. If you manage that, I won't complain about your disagreements ever again."

Greece raised his eyebrows.

"That is a tempting offer…"

Turkey place his hands on his hips.

"Whaddya say, for a day?"

The Mediterranean nation narrowed his eyes.

"Fine, hairy creep."

"No name calling!"

"Oh man, this is gonna be impossible."

…

You didn't use your moped, (after many desperate pleas from Turkey) instead walking around the evening streets of Santorini. The blue roofed buildings by the seaside were beautiful, even more enjoyable with the silence between your two companions. You could get used to this.

Taking up Turkey's offer of dinner, Greece recommended a café overlooking the cliff. You breathed in the smell of the salty waves.

"It's breathtaking here, Greece," you sighed contently.

Turkey opened his mouth, but stopped himself with a grumble.

"Yeah, it's…satisfactory."

Heracles ignored him and smiled mildly at you. A heavier woman waitress greeted you, leading you to a candle-lit table. She didn't check out the two men, yet gave you an apprehensive gaze.

"What drinks will you be having tonight?" she asked in Greek.

"I'll just have water. Lemon on the side, please," you ordered in perfect fluency.

They all gaped at you, then quickly responded to the woman. She walked off with your orders.

"You speak Greek, (name)?" the native country asked.

"I brushed it off after I found out this meeting was going to be here. I was familiar with it before."

"You spoke it quite well."

Turkey huffed.

"(name)'s accent is way cuter than her speaking some dumb Greek."

You both stared blankly at him. His face fell into realization.

"Oh, um, never mind," he muttered.

The appetizer and salad came around. Still no arguing. You didn't expect them to last this long. There was the occasional snarky remark, but it remained unnoticed. A hopeful flame welled up inside you. You were so proud of them! Maybe this could impact their overall attitude to each other.

You smiled and looked up from you pita. They had even started a conversation! Could they even be…friends?

"Is this…cat hair?"

Uh oh.

"It won't kill you," Greece chided.

Turkey flicked the hair off his hand with a disgusted frown on his mouth.

"Yes it could've! I could have swallowed it, then choked, then died!"

You slumped. They were so close!

"It's every damn time I come here. There's cats everywhere! Sometimes I think they're stalking me."

He scooted out of his chair.

"I have to use the restroom."

Greece got up.

"I do too."

They both stomped off. Your head fell to the table. The cause was hopeless. They would never get along.

The waitress waltzed over, peering in their direction down the corridor.

"Caught between a Turk and a Greek, eh? You have my condolences."

You sighed.

"Thanks, but they've always been like that."

She scoffed.

"Are you kidding me? They're completely taken with you. I imagine you are the reason causing them to fight."

"What? But-um-"

You covered your red face.

"You want my opinion? Go for the Turk, that body…oh, but the Greek's brilliant eyes…Frankly, I'd shoot for both, hah!"

She walked off, laughing. Not soon after, the two men returned to their seats. You regained your composure.

"I hope there was not any bathroom scuffles?"

Turkey grunted while Greece stared at the tablecloth. You cleared your throat.

"So…what's your favorite color?

"Green," they said at the same time, then glared.

"Isn't that nice? You have similarities! That's one step closer to becoming allies…" you quickly interjected.

There was only the sound of clinking silver wear. You twirled your glass, enjoying the view. No, not of the two men, of the coast. Not even their attitude could spoil the vista. The waitress brought out your entrée, giving you a wink. You ate the rest of your dinner in quiet.

…

You didn't mean to. Your tranquil walk had taken a turn to an uphill slope. It apparently had looked like a perfect running track.

"Let's go, Hera. You, me, race."

Turkey took off running. You outstretched an arm.

"Hey, let's think about-"

Greece was already fading out of your view. With a groan, you crossed to the other side and plopped down on the grass. You stared out to the clear blue-green water. Your cursed mind kept wandering back to the two nations. They were…attractive, you couldn't deny that. Did they really like you in that way? The two countries that were notorious for their romantic exploits…the thought made your heart race and goose bumps form on your arms. It couldn't be, you weren't as openly affectionate as they liked, and you were…argh, the thought was just infuriating!

You rested your chin on your knees. Actual romances with other countries was a sure stop for disaster, that was why most stayed single. Hungary was so anxious about getting you dragged into one. She had to be joking about the Valentine's Day incident. Seborga was the only one you were going to allow have a crush on you.

Feet pounding on the grass awoke you from your thoughts. Greece sprawled out beside you, panting. Your eyes didn't move from the sun setting horizon.

"You won?"

"Had to…reach you first…" he heaved.

You patted his sweaty forehead, giving him a few moments to catch his breath. Turkey must be really slow. He sat up, his emerald eyes reverting back to their tired glaze. His breathing matched the crashing of the waves.

"Why are you so persistent, (name)?"

You tilted your head, not expecting the random question.

"What do you mean?"

"You're dead set on improving my relations with Turkey."

You laughed.

"Someone has to keep you from ripping each other's faces off."

He blinked, then did a slow nod. His gaze followed yours to the sea.

"You're like a guardian, keeping the peace of the world."

You shrugged.

"To put it eloquently, I guess."

He scooted closer.

"In ancient Greece, any woman who dared interfere between the affairs of men was rare, because it was frowned upon in so many other places.

"But in Sparta, a woman brave enough to do so was viewed with a fiery passion; an irresistible partner."

You angled your eyes toward him. He had entered his philosophical mode. His shoulder pressed against yours.

"An inner spirit better than any aphrodisiac."

No wonder the best poets were Greek. You smiled sweetly. He nuzzled your cheek.

"I may like you better than cats…"

Your eyes widened. Greece loved cats. He had an obsession with cats. Cats were his life. He was saying that he-he-

You squeaked when he grabbed you to his chest. He continued to nuzzle you and started to pet behind your ears. You felt something being put on your head. Reaching your arm out of his grip, you felt two soft covered triangles attached to a band. Cat ears. He kept cat ears with him.

"You're me kitty, (name)~"

How had a wise fact telling turned into that statement? You sighed and stopped struggling. That was just Greece. You smiled in his chest. Not that you didn't think that was cute…

"I…I m-made it!" announced a familiar Turk.

He sprinted up the hill, clutching his side. You stiffened. Greece nipped your ear, then pulled away, his face returning to a blank slate. The opposing country staggered forward.

"Took you long enough."

"I l-let you win."

"Maybe you're just not as spunky as you used to be."

Turkey raised a shaky fist.

"You pickin' a fight with me?"

"You assume everything is a challenge."

"Nuh-uh!"

"You are doing it right now."

"No I'm not!"

You waggled a finger.

"You two are arguing."

"It's a heated discussion!" they said together.

You crossed your arms, trying to block out their voices.

They continued their "discussion", careful not to raise their tone. You sighed and rested your face in your hand. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Without conflicts, meetings would be a lot more dull, if that was even possible. There would be a day where you would be forced to choose between the two sunny nations, so why not relish the time when they were still fighting over useless things?

"Mew?"

A furry head brushed against your wrist. You grinned and rubbed the orange cat. At least Greece's pets didn't hold a grudge against Turkey. It purred and curled up in your lap, closing its yellow eyes. The moon had come out in the sky now, giving a glow to the cliff side houses. You outstretched your body, resting your head in the grass. To be a cat…

You closed your eyes. There was another meeting tomorrow, with a whole new storm of disputes. Tonight, you were just a cat.

EXTENDED ENDING

Sunlight streamed through your hotel window. No weird dreams about Greek gods, thank goodness. Still probably a little early for the meeting, but you felt rested enough. Best to brief yourself over the last events after you had drifted off. You took in a long breath and slowly opened your eyes. An ivory mask met your view. You gasped and flinched backwards. Arms that were ghosting over your waist intertwined tighter.

Biting your lip hard, you rotated your head backwards. Greece's peaceful sleeping face was resting on a pillow. Your pillow. Your hotel room.

You peered into the covers. Yup, still fully clothed. But wait…you faced the man across from you. Turkey, snoring lightly. They were both here, sleeping. No arguing. You grinned triumphantly, temporarily forgetting your anger about the current situation. They had done it, they lasted a whole day! Ending up in the same bed…you were not expecting it to end that well.

…

[1] fellow, mate, friend, comrade, ect, in French.

CULTURAL NOTE

The scene with the apple; throwing an apple at someone was a way to propose in ancient Greece. If they caught it, you're getting married! If they missed it, maybe next time. If it hit them in the face…uh oh.