China
China was, if anything, a tad bit selfish. He held property in different countries, allowing him to expand his sales of goods through little China Towns. But the little villages were sort of a hobby of his. His real income came from the gamble of stocks and trade, and he was damn good at it.

China had invested a majority of his money in foreign countries, specifically European countries. But his biggest investment, and the most profitable, was in America. America may not be aware, but he was holding Chinese yuan in his hand, not dollars. If money was in the state of land, China would own the entire West coast, the most profitable area of the United States. It usually brought joy to his eyes that America would soon owe him so much money, his supremacy would mean nothing. He would have to ask China permission to build ships, nuclear weapons, and trade with other countries. America would be in a bind, and he wasn't even realizing the clutches slowly grasping him.

But now, another matter entirely was taking place. Someone else was bringing him to his knees, and it wasn't even a country. It was you, a small, insignificant human female who seemed to have him at beck and call. What you were doing to America was anyone's guess. China surely didn't know. He knew he should feel glad that America would soon implode on himself. But if America went bankrupt, China would be right behind, seeing that China had no real money except a slip of paper that measured his investments.

In China's eyes, he had to protect his investments. It seems cruel, yes. But his country ran on stocks. If his stocks crashed, he would cease to exist.

China stood in the atrium of his home, feeling the breeze sift through his silky brown hair. His red Tangzhuang was light and made of silk, perfect for practicing his tai chi. He moved slowly and fluently, focusing on breathing and hardening his muscles. His form of meditation took the thoughts away from America, money, you... The world seemed to melt away as he moved.

"Yao."

China froze, his concentration gone. Everyone knew better than to interrupt him during his sessions. But the sound of his boss's voice immediately brought him back to his sense. "Yes, teacher." He walked over to his boss and bowed respectively.

"I'm afraid I have bad news." China eyed him carefully. "It seem America is getting worse and worse. We're losing whatever money we have with him."

The gears in China's head started whirring. "Thank you, master." He bowed again.

China tried to resume his tai chi. But the fluidness of peace had left him, leaving him with the jerky, rough movements more commonly seen in a self-defense form. He breathed deeper, moved faster, kicked higher. The world spun around him, testing him, teasing him. He finally shot his leg in the air, stopping short of landing a blow to his boss impressed face. "You're still here," he said through huffed breaths. "Tell America that I'm coming for him, aru." Only after he finished speaking did he lower his stance and place both feet firmly on the ground. "Thank you," he bowed yet again. He took his leave, storming through his home.

America wasn't going to bring him to ruins. He would steal you away and force you to fix the world, whether you liked it or not.

*~*

Germany
Germany tried to focus on his work, but his mind seemed to be preoccupied with you at the moment. It was frustrating getting so worked up over a woman, and an American at that. He ran his fingers through his sleek blonde hair, but it wasn't helping any. Music didn't help either.

He had to admit you were an attractive woman. But beyond your beauty, he could tell that you were a strong woman as well. You weren't one to take anyone's ideas shoved down your throat. You seemed like a fighter, and the fact that you were in the military only strengthened that quality. He knew a lot about you from your file. Your mother disowned you when you enlisted. Your father had left you and your mother alone when you were very young. You had no siblings and no one else in your life. And even beyond that you kept playing the game of life as if there was nothing wrong with your life.

That's what Germany liked about you. Your ability to push aside huge hurdles in your life and go on like nothing happened, even taking advantage of them to raise yourself up. You reminded him of a lone wolf, sort of what he was like before he became Italy's friend during World War 2. Because he could relate to you, he could tell you were in a lot of pain. But if a complete stranger looked at you, they would be staring at an unfeeling statue. You gave no hints as to what you were feeling or thinking. It would be hard, but he was sure he could gain your trust.

Something just told him that he belonged at your side. It was a rather odd feeling, but it was one that he soon took a liking to.