Prussia and England had arrived at the hotel in the early evening. The lobby had been mercifully empty, and they were able to arrive at their respective rooms without incident. They reached Prussia's room first and both paused. This was the end of the line, everything they had done in the past almost week would have to be forgotten or at least very well hidden.

Prussia sighed, "I never knew he got more of them. Kinda wish he'd told the awesome me. You know?"

"Not really. It is none of my business what he does to himself," began England, "but I do wish he'd told me. I suppose this just goes to show, he's more than he seems."

"Yeah... Hey, maybe Birdie'll put in a good word for me so I can meet the rest of them!"

"Maybe." sighed England, turning to head down the hallway, "Have a nice evening, Prussia. I'll see you tomorrow."

Prussia was about to close the door when he called out to England, "Wait! You aren't going to warn me off Canada?"

"No." snapped England, a small smirk evident in his tone, "I assumed the frog would nag you enough that I wouldn't have to bother. Now Good Night, Prussia."

Prussia sighed before turning into his room and closing the door. England briefly looked up and down the hallway before he closed his room's door. He swore he felt someone watching him and Prussia as soon as they had arrived at the hotel. And that they had been listening to his and Prussia's conversation. England shook his head slightly before moving into the bathroom to take a shower before a late dinner.

Canada stood at the end of the hallway, he had a lot to mull over. England and Prussia's conversation had not proved to be as useful as he had hoped, but he did gain some information. They didn't talk about the man in the back of the truck, but I can find out who he was later. And I didn't realize that Prussia already knew some of them, though it does make sense. And does England actually approve of me and Prussia, or does he just not care enough to bother? … I should probably make sure France is doing all right. Canada sighed softly and moved to knock on France's door.

~~Keeping up with the Joneses~~

California had claimed the shower downstairs, so Texas went upstairs to use the other shower. Dixie meandered into the kitchen to help Colorado make dinner while Alfred enthusiastically hugged everyone he could reach, which was only Mass at the moment. She was squirming uncomfortably, since being given bone-crushing hugs is never a completely pleasant experience.

"Stop! Stop! Alfred!" she squeaked, "Goddamnit, put me down!"

"Sorry," he smiled sheepishly, "I'm just glad to be home."

Massachusetts laughed before turning toward the kitchen to see if Kentucky had returned. Illinois and Kentucky were talking in the kitchen when they arrived, Colorado was fixing some greens, and Dixie was preparing the possum to make a quick burgoo. After a round of hugs for everybody Alfred began to set the table for dinner.

~~A skippage of time~~

After everyone had helped clear away the dishes Alfred called them all back into the dining room. As soon as they settled around the table, (Alfred at the head, Dixie at the foot, and the states along the sides so that clockwise they went in order of admission), Alfred called the family meeting to order.

"Alright. Before we decide what to do let's go over what's been done. Illinois, your report please."

"Everyone was made aware of the situation. Nothing much to report altogether. I've called everyone again to tell them you were coming back." Illinois said.

"Good. Thank you." smiled Alfred, "Colorado and Kentucky, what have you got?"

"Well, we, I, picked up Arizona and New Mexico and took 'em up to Maine." started Kentucky, "And Maine is fine as well. As far as I know they're still up there."

"New Mexico was nervous when I called her, didn't really complain about the move" continued Colorado, "But Arizona wanted to go down and help you guys herself. Umm, I discouraged that. So yeah, they're fine."

"Thanks, both of you." nodded Alfred, "And Mass, what did the 13 decide?"

"We discussed the situation very thoroughly," she started.

"That's a lie." snorted Illinois, "I heard you. Anything less than thorough I can't imagine."

Mass sniffed and continued with a slightly superior tone, "And by vote we decided that due to possible treason you, the nation of the United States of America, would be relieved of your position for a month and the previous nation of the Confederate States of America, currently representative of the general south, would take your place for that amount of time."

At this, Dixie let out a bark of laughter. Texas and California both looked shocked, while Kentucky, Illinois, and Colorado seemed slightly confused. Alfred, however, turned red, going through a million and one emotions in a split second before settling on anger.

"TREASON!" he spluttered, indignant, "Why the fuck would I commit treason against myself?! What even did I do that made you think I would even consider treason? I was getting Texas and California back. How on earth is that treason?!"

Mass looked slightly apologetic, "You spent time in close quarters with the Limey bastard. We were concerned that you would forget your duties and thus felt it necessary to give you some time away from international influences to remember. Confederacy is capable, and you've always said how much you want to come and visit everyone but never had the time. Here is your time."

"That's very thoughtful you." smiled Dixie, "I would be honored to assume the responsibilities for the month."

"But- but- The meeting," stuttered Alfred weakly.

"Dixie can take care of that." countered Mass firmly. "It's been decided already. You can't change it."

"Don't you think that's a bit harsh, Massachusetts?" interceded California, "At least give him until after the meeting. He did come and get us."

"No. It's already been decided California." she refused again.

"There, you see, it's all been set. We must honor the decisions of the Council." placated Dixie, "Jack, you did tell them to figure out what to do with this situation, did you not? And are you not a man of your word?"

Alfred grumbled and sank down into his chair. Dixie stood and walked around the table, "We must honor their decision, you know this." then he reached out and took the glasses off Alfred and put them on. Alfred cast one last baleful look at Dixie, before stomping out of the room. Dixie sighed quietly, "Well. That's it. Good night everybody. I can figure out what the meeting's about later."

As everyone else was standing to leave they heard a thump from the stairway. Texas ran out to see what happened. Alfred was laying on his back at the bottom of the stairs.

"Fall down the stairs?" he asked.

"Yep. Help me up Tex? I'm nearly blind as a bat." sighed Alfred

Texas ended up helping Alfred up the stairs and into his room. "I'll be up in the morning Dad, to help you down again."

After that brief excitement, the house went quiet as they all settled down for the night. California and Colorado stayed up an hour catching up with each other while Alfred helped Dixie become the perfect American idiot.

~~Scene Change (Don't mind me)~~

England had just finished a small dinner in his room when there was a knock on the door. He frowned slightly, it was highly unlikely that it wasn't a nation, but he wasn't quite sure who exactly would be knocking at his door at the hour. Sighing in irritation he opened the door, mentally preparing a lecture on bothering others at inconvenient times. The entire lecture flew out of his mind when the nation tackled him and caused them both to fall backward onto the floor.

"Angleterre! I've missed you so much!" gushed France.

"You git will you get off me! Oh, bloody hell." squeaked England in response.

France laughed and rolled off England so they were laying next to each other on the floor. "Well, Angleterre? Was it fun? Was Amérique good? Was he everything you expected him to be?"

"What on earth are you talking about crapaud?" sniffed England

"Don't you know? You and Amérique eloped. Everyone was shocked that the rosbif managed to find a man of course. So tell me, did you enjoy the honeymoon?" asked France, turning to look at England. There was a shadow of pain in his eyes though he was smiling.

"Why the bloody fuck would I elope with America?!" England managed to splutter out, "And how on God's green earth did you even come up with that idea? Besides, we're only brothers!"

"So what were you doing with America for almost a week? Did it perhaps have something to do with the proclamation he made right before he left then?"

"No. Not at all. He had all that dealt with fairly quickly. I wasn't even involved. He did say to give him a week, so he invited me to a brief tour of Virginia Colony after he had finished. I must say it is quite a beautiful place. Excellent weather, beautiful towns. Of course, it's a bittersweet joy to see it."

France just raised an eyebrow, "Naturellement." he turned to the still open door to see everyone but America looking in at them. "Bonsoir everyone! Angleterre has returned."

England scrambled up and began to frantically brush off imaginary dust particles from his clothes. "I'm so sorry. I didn't notice you. This git," he kicked France lightly in the ribs, "was distracting me. How may I help you?"

Germany sighed, "Is America back?" at Englands nod to the affirmative he continued, "I'd like to go talk to him tomorrow morning. Does anyone know where he is? I don't trust him not to be late, so we will come to him this time."

Canada stepped forward, "Germany! I know where he is. I can take you tomorrow morning if you want?"

Germany continued as if Canada hadn't spoken and continued to address England, "You weren't here this past week. Were you at his house?"

"Yes, I was at his house. I can take you there Germany. Tomorrow morning. Now if you don't mind, I would like to go to sleep. Thank you."

Germany nodded and led Italy back to his room. The rest of the nations followed Germany's example and dispersed to their rooms. Canada dragged France back to his room while apologizing profusely to England. Prussia and Spain also made their way to France's room and the three of them disappeared into the room quickly.

"Good night, England." smiled Canada, though he looked like he wanted to say something else.

"Good night Canada," replied England, waiting to see if he would say something more. Canada just nodded and went into his room, England following suit.

Angleterre - England (I'd hope you know this already though)

Amérique - America (Again, I'd hope you know this already)

Crapaud - Originally the name of a South European frog, became a term used by British soldiers referring to the French during the Napoleonic Wars

Rosbif - roast beef, the English

Naturellement - Naturally

Bonsoir - Good evening