Japan hugged his knees close to his chest, observing China silently. China was angry, still, and no one had been able to calm the nation down. Japan had tried everything, pandas, rice wine and snacks. Nothing was working and Japan felt his worthlessness meter go up a few more notches.

For all Japan's introductions to the modern world, he still felt slightly out of place and relied heavily on America for explanations of the new 'phases' his people went through. But now America had completely cut Japan off, and now he was both in the dark about what planking was and felt worthless.

Was I really so… replaceable? Japan thought gloomily, That America could be my friend for all those years then just stop trading- and talking to me?

Japan hugged his knees closer to his body and glanced sideways at China. China was playing absently with a panda bear plushy, glaring at the door. Japan glanced at the clock on the wall. America was half an hour late for their meeting…

"If," China said suddenly, making Japan jump, "He isn't here in the next five minutes, I'm leaving, aru."

Japan blinked, frowning slightly. "But you know America-san… He's late a lot."

China snorted, "Just like he was late for your earthquake rescue?" Japan just shrugged, looking dully at the wall ahead of him. Japan felt the rational part of his brain tell him it was stupid to defend Alfred.

China's face softened after a moment. "I'm sorry, aru. I didn't mean that. But… You'd think he'd be on time for this, aru."

Japan shrugged again, biting his lip. He winced when he tasted blood, but didn't stop chewing. The part of his brain- that often told him to always smile awkwardly at Greece- told Japan to defend America yet again.

There was a bang from down the hall, a muttered curse, then America slammed opened the door to the office room. He smiled happily, not sensing the negative mood in the room. "Hiya! I got lost, plus there was this really cool building-" America caught China glaring daggers, and he quickly sat down across from the Eastern nations.

Japan felt that annoying part of his brain snap at Japan to say hi to America. Japan tilted his head slightly and smiled lightly. "Welcome, America-san." He greeted, sitting up a little straighter. Japan glanced over at China nudged him.

China crossed his arms, picking up Japan's subtle hint to be polite. "Sure, aru. Welcome. Hope you had fun touring around my country. It's probably the last time you'll see it at its full glory."

America laughed nervously, rubbing the back of his neck. "So… about the um… trades."

China hissed. "Yes, America. About the trades, aru. You need to stop cutting them off. It's affecting everyone's economy, aru."

Alfred shifted awkwardly, obviously feeling flustered. Japan tried to amend China's words, to put his friend at ease. "China-san means to say that… he feels it would better benefit everyone if you stopped limiting out trades."

"I… I'm sorry, China. Japan. But… I… I need to trade with other people too!" America's eyes hardened slightly, "I know it's been difficult, but it's been great for a lot others, too. B-but I know Japan's been trading with Australia, so maybe…"

China slammed his fist down on the table. "Maybe what? We can shift our entire trade of- of- whatever you Americans buy to Australia! We can't just do that, aru! He doesn't want food shaped erasers, aru!"

America looked away, rubbing his eyes. Japan hoped for a moment that America was at least considering…

"Yao… I'm sorry. But… I just can't." America said softly, fiddling with a loose thread on his sleeve. Japan felt disappointment claw at his stomach. America could ruin his and China's entire economy…

China narrowed his eyes. "You just can't, aru. But you can ruin my economy! You're lucky I don't declare war on you-"

Alfred looked up sharply, "Why would you?" He asked furrowing his eyebrows, "If your economy is doing as bad as you say it is, it can't take the strain of war."

China looked down at his panda plushy. "That's why I'm not, aru. It'd be a bit like suicide. But," China looked harshly at America, "If you ever need help, don't come to me, aru."

America looked down sadly. "I… I understand." He looked hesitantly up at Japan, "And you, Kiku?"

Japan felt his brain do a little tug-o-war. America is his friend. America cut off trade. America doesn't have a choice. Americ-

Japan bit his lip, closing his eyes thinking. "I… It depends." He said finally, looking solemnly up at America. He didn't like this indecision, but Japan just couldn't decide.

America nodded and stood, smiling slightly. "Well… then maybe we can still be friends, Kiku. I would really like that. Maybe you could come over next Friday…?"

Japan raised one shoulder in a half shrug. "We'll see, America-san. Goodbye." He watched America walked toward the door, looking too happy for losing an alley, possibly two.

But maybe that's why Japan liked America so much; he was always so happy. Japan hugged his knees again, biting his lip.

Spain …

Italy carried a small bag of clothes, slung casually over his shoulder. He skipped casually down the road, smiling at all the pretty girls. He was finally going to visit his fratello! Italy hated how far away Romano always was. Always with Spain…

Italy stopped outside a pretty little house, smiling. He liked Spain's house, it was close enough to down town to run and grab a bit to eat, but far away enough to not have much traffic. Italy also never needed to remember the house number or street it was on; all he had to do was look for the tomato plants.

Italy skipped down the path to the front door, singing, "Romano~ Ve~ Spaina~ Ve~"

There was the muted sound of running footsteps before a breathless Spain opened the door. "Ah! Hola, Feliciano! So nice of you to visit."

Italy hugged- or more of tackle hugged- Spain. "Antonio! It's so good to see you again! I haven't seen you or Lovino in so long! I was beginning to think you'd forgotten me but then you called and invited me over and I knew that you hadn't! How have you been? Where is my fratello and why is there a puppy?" Italy kept off Spain, glancing down at the puppy.

Spain frowned, brushed himself off and shut the door. After a moment, he replied, ever so slowly, "I know you haven't seen us in awhile. We've been… ah… busy. But we would never forget you." Spain went on, having to finally finished processing Italy's rapid words, "Me and Lovi have been real good. Your brother is off getting food and…" Spain glanced at the puppy in question.

Italy bent down and was trying to pet the puppy, which growled and turned his back away from Italy. It was a pretty orangey-red color, with big floppy ears and a long nose. He was also very skinning and had a short tail.

Spain rubbed the back of his head. "Well it seems Lovi wanted to add more members to the family. So, next thing I know he comes home with Tomate, which is this guy and another puppy Lovi named 'Pigro.'"

Italy laughed and managed to pick up Tomate and rub his belly. Italy looked around, puzzled. "Where is Pigro?"

Spain laughed and sat down next to Italy, scratch over to pet Tomate behind his ears. "Lovi took him shopping. He keeps say Pigro will get fat if he doesn't exercise, but he always ends up feeding Pigro scraps from the table…"

There was a bang from the front door, followed by a "Let me in, bastardo!" Spain immediately jumped up and opened the door for Romano.

"Lovi!" Spain cooed happily, "Your brother's here now!" He took some of the grocery bags from Romano and took them to the kitchen. "You should stop getting treats for Pigro!" Spain shouted a moment later from the kitchen.

Roman huffed and hugged his remaining bag defensively. "The dog would move until I bought them!" A second puppy rolled happily though the door at Romano's feet.

Pigro was a dark brown dog with long, soft fur that fell into his eyes. He had two ears that stuck straight up and a long, elegant tail. Romano was right on one thing, the puppy needed to cut back on treats. Pigro had a pot belly that didn't go well with his short legs.

Italy let out an excited 'Ve!' and slid across the floor to the Pigro. "Fratello! You didn't tell me you got puppies! I would've come up to visit if I'd known sooner! You have to call more often, Lovino!" Italy leaned against Romano's legs, almost making the nation fall over.

Romano shut the door behind him and walked toward the kitchen to help Spain put away the groceries, kicking off Italy when he tried to cling to his legs. "Get off me, culo faccia!"

Italy huffed and stood up, brushing himself off before prancing into the kitchen. "Ve! Romano! When did you decided to adopt puppies? And where did you find them?" Italy asked Romano, poking him.

Romano sighed wearily before turning to Italy. "I'll tell you later ok- Tomate! Stop chewing the god damned couch!" Lovino dashed by Italy to scold the offending puppy.

Spain pouted after Romano. "It's an ugly couch anyways! Let him eat it!"

"Wha-? You bastardo! I picked out this couch!"

Italy glanced into the living room, frowning slightly. "I dunno', fratello, it isn't a very pretty couch…"

Romano looked up from where he was trying to pry Tomate's teeth out of the upholstery. "Both of you are traitors! You should be ashamed!"

Spain laughed warmly before turning back to the groceries. "Now, Feli, since you're the guest of honor, what would you like me to make for-"

Italy clapped his hands together joyfully, "Pasta!"


Disclaimer: I own nothing except the plot. :D

Hallo!

I know I missed yesterday's update, but I uploaded two the day before, so it doesn't matter. Least in my mind. *Nod nod* I should have more time tomorrow for a -longer- chapter. .' I had to drive around a lot today, plus homework so I couldn't type long.

Teehee, how many of you thought China was gonna' beat down America? Well, too bad! *Dances* The whole China/Japan idea was completely random. But it becomes important... eventually. *Runs around in circle* We're now almost half way down on the first page of my four page story plot. *Happiness*

And Italy? Yep. Why? Because. Spain and Romano? Why? Because I wanted Spamano! *Sprinkles fairy dust* And puppies. Yep. Pigro means lazy in Itallian. Tomate... well, take a wild guess.

Anyways, thanks for the new stalks/favorites. ^^

Thanks Too cool for school, Moelolo, HunterWindstalker and Invder Lye for your kind reviews! Sorry if I don't respond. I try but... Heh. Tired mind says no.

You all get... Dun... Oreos! *Showers with oreos*

You want oreos? Review~ :D