I HAVEN'T ABANDONED YOU ALL! My laptop died, I am one year older, and I got a new laptop that doesn't have any sort of Word document on it other than, like, Notepad. So I've been trying to get used to typing into Doc manager on this site, but I don't think I like it too much. At least it has spell check.

I'll continue to post chapters rather sporadically, but I'll try to do it once a week or so. I'll try! I swear!

Also, this chapter's kind of sleepily thrown together- with love, of course.

THIS CHAPTER MAY OR MAY NOT LOOK FUNNY, AS I TYPED HALF OF IT OUT ON ONE PLACE AND THEN THE REST IN DOC MANAGER. I AM SORRY.

Note- there's more notes that need to be noted that are noted at the end of this chapter. You have been noted.

As it turned out, the next meeting was the next day, and only a few blocks away from England's home at one of the large meeting halls at a hotel that the other nations were staying at. The suddenness at the meeting gave me little time to collect myself before I was dragged along the damp streets with Italy's arm entwined with mine and America's loud, obnoxious voice sounding behind us, followed by the grumbling escaping England. My thoughts were reeling, unable to remain on one thought for long. My stomach felt like I had swallowed a dozen moths that had flocked to an outdoor light in the evening twilight. I was nervous, afraid of the others' reactions to my sudden appearance. The last time I showed my face, it ended undesirably, and I didn't know if I could salvage what had been sown in the minds of the other nations.

And I didn't know if I could keep myself from going in a frenzied panic this time, either.
As we approached the large building with hundreds of windows, Italy let go of my arm to hop on ahead, his arms wrapping around the broad shouldered blond that was Germany who had been waiting for their arrival outside the door. America didn't seem to know well enough alone, for he appeared in front of me as well to bother the two. He really couldn't leave the two alone to greet each other without barging in and making his presence known.
"Stupid git," a mutter came from my side. England had stopped to stand to my right, shaking his head at the American's actions. Blowing out a sigh, the man turned his forest green eyes on me, looking into my charcoal gray ones before stepping on ahead of me. "Come on, I'll show you the way. Those idiots will be awhile."
I nodded quietly at his words as I fell into step behind him, letting the Englishman lead me into the hotel. Since it was several hours before the meeting even started, Italy and Germany would be occupied in enjoying each others presence before the blond made his duty to show up several minutes early. At least he was punctual, unlike the Italian. The man never even woke up at the same hour everyday. The only thing reliable was his cooking and his happy, upbeat personality.
England pushed the solid oak doors open, showing me the large table and chairs. "There really isn't a seating order," he said, stepping aside to let me explore the large room. "Just sit somewhere near Italy or Romano. Everyone tends to sit at least in proximity to their allies or region."
"How many countries show up?" I asked softly, speaking for the first time this morning aside from the normal greetings to Italy every time I saw him after he rolled out of bed.

The Englishman shrugged. "Depends. This is a full meeting, so it's best to presume two-thirds but prepare for everyone. Typically the only Westerners are America and Canada. Cuba comes every now and then, but he and America tend to shout across the table at each other. Some Europeans don't come, and some of the Asian countries aren't even welcomed." He waved a hand, as if brushing away the imagination of all the countries that wouldn't arrive. "There are others, but it doesn't matter. These meetings tend to collapse into shouting matches, so don't expect anything extraordinary."
From his words, it sounded like half the world wouldn't be present. My lips formed a thin line as I thought, my brows furrowing slightly. A world meeting where only the prominent nations came...

I felt uneasy being in the room all of a sudden. It was like I just stepped into a corner shop that only the locals went to. I was an outsider, having no reason to be here. I wasn't famous. I wasn't powerful. Hell, I didn't even show up on the map. Why did America even ask me to be here? And why, oh why, did I agree?
"Be here at 9:30," England said, not noticing my plight as he checked his watch. "You can wander around, I suppose, since there's no reason to stay here."
I nodded dumbly, turning away from the room and disappearing down the hallway. Was it right for me to even be present? I was a religious nation, small and insignificant, in a room surrounded by dozens of countries who had forged their boundaries over the years, earning their respect, their fear, and all searching for some equal standing to keep each other together. I had no purpose. My power hungry and yearning for more and more had died the day I lost everything.
I found myself standing outside again, a little ways from a mostly unused side exit, breathing in the damp and smoky air. The rain had stopped early in the morning, but the clouds remained ominous, threatening to unleash another round of their fury. I shivered slightly, wrapping my arms around myself in a feeble attempt to retain any heat. I could my fingers grate against my ribs, even though the thick red sweater. I hadn't recovered from what has happened to me. My ears at least don't ring anymore, and my headaches have receded. But the scars remained, a testament of past misfortune. At one point I had been proud of the wounds I had gathered during the wars, but over countless battles and blood dripping through my fingers, I grew to resent the scars that I bore. They were meaningless, all my actions. All my attempts. I couldn't keep the Church from splitting. I couldn't regain the Holy Land from the Turks. I even lost my damn boss at one point, watching him go to France.
I wondered why Italy came that day, to the small room that had become my cell for half a century, asking if I wanted my home back. Was God trying to tell me to restart, to try again? Or was it a mockery, to show how far I had fallen. I've prayed and pondered and beat the idea around for years, and I have yet to come to the truth. And God is ever so silent...

I was jolted out of my thoughts as something like tiny needles dug into my ankle, sending my thoughts scattering as I let out a yelp out of startlement and pain. I staggered back, my shoulders falling against the brick wall as I snapped my eyes down to find out just what had hurt me. I sure prayed that I wasn't anything with six legs and wings... I couldn't deal with stinging or biting monstrosities this early in the morning.
Instead of a horde of bees or cockroaches, I found myself staring at a four-legged, amber-eyed ball of black fuzz that was attached to my leg as if it was the only thing keeping it from falling to its death. It seemed to have sensed me staring at it, the amber eyes turning to me, its small whiskers quivering as it opened its small maw and let out a mewling squeak.

My previous berating and uneasiness melted away as I stared at the kitten that had latched onto me. It was a small thing, barely old enough to live on its own. It had black fur, with only a small white splotch on its neck just below its chin. It was adorable, although its tiny frame concerned me.
Gently I bent down, my thin fingers slipping around the kitten's middle. It clung to my pants for only a few seconds before detaching itself, allowing me to pick it up. It was rather malnourished. A stray, then. It squirmed in my grasp, flailing its small paws as its tail curled about my wrist, letting out its squeaky mewing sound that kittens did best.

I couldn't help but let a small smile creep into the corners of my lips.
"You must be quite the rascal, startling me like that." I moved the kitten, cradling it in my arms like a small child. It didn't seem to mind at all, purring contently at the warmth I provided it. It provided heat for me as well, the vibrating fuzzball emitting enough heat to seep through the fabric of my sweater to my chest. I couldn't help but feel that this kitten's appearance was a charming distraction.

"She likes you."

The soft voice startled me for the second time that day, my eyes turning from the kitten in my arms to a man who stood in front of me. He wore a light beige jacket over top a white button-up, his eyes similar to a soft emerald color. His skin was an olive hue, his dark brown hair seeming a bit ruffled, as if he just woken up. His held a similar sleepy expression, his eyes appearing as if they would just drift shut at any second.

The man turned his eyes off of me, looking around the small side street. "The others ran off when you came... I just gave them food, too..."

"You feed the strays?" I murmured, my own gaze turning to look about the street. I didn't see a cat in sight apart from the one that was occupying my arms. The man just hummed out his acknowledgement. "I'm sorry to disturb you and your friends," I said, shifting uncomfortably. "You can have her back, if you want. I need to go to the meeting soon anyway..."

"Hm, bring her along." The man had raised an eyebrow at me at the mention of the meeting but his face remained sleepy. "Italy and I smuggle one in every once in awhile. A good distraction from the meeting."

I slowly nodded at him as it dawned on me that this man was a nation. I tried racking my brain into remembering if he was there at the last meeting I went to. I vaguely recalled a sleepy man there too... He must've recognized me from before as well, as no one else would mention of the nations any other way.

We made our way inside, but it was clear that neither of us were going very fast, as if dreading at what laid at the end of the trek. The kitten continued to rumble out quiet purrs, curled up in my arms, her amber eyes closed in content. A nearby clock on the wall as we passed told me it was 9:45 right now. We were late, distracted by the cats, but I knew I wouldn't have been missed if I never did show up, and it seemed this man slept through most of the meetings anyway. Promise and duty, however, seemed to drag us down the hallway and back to the dreadful doorway.

It hit me, then, that I wasn't as nervous as I had been earlier that morning. Perhaps it was the knowledge that I wasn't alone in not looking forward to what lay beyond the doors that put me at ease. Perhaps it was the small bundle of fuzz that vibrated comfortingly against my chest that chased away the butterflies from before. I didn't know, but I didn't mind not knowing as the olive skinned man opened the door for the both of us.

The room was partially full. Some of the chairs chairs were occupied with people, their eyes to the two who had entered.

"You're late," Germany growled out, causing me to shy back slightly, curling my arms protectively around the kitten in my arms. She didn't seem to notice, but Italy noticed her.

"A kitty!" He nearly fell out of his chair, scurrying over to me to stick his nose against the back kitten's fur, giggling as the creature opened one amber eye to look at him, tail swishing lazily from side to side.

"I'm sorry we're late... it was my fault," I murmured, bowing my head apologetically. Germany folded his arms, grunting slightly. "Doesn't matter, half the others are late too. But I'm afraid you have to take the cat out. Pets aren't allowed. Hotel rules."

I turned my eyes from the blond man to Italy, to the cat in my arms. I had to put her back out in the wet streets? She was a stray. If I let her go, she would most likely die within a few weeks. Guilt sunk deep within my heart as I turned my eyes to Italy. "Am I necessary in this meeting...?" My voice came out surprisingly soft.

The Italian blinked up at me before smiling knowingly. "Not at all. I'll find you when we get to the lunch break." He patted the kitty, cooing childishly at her before patting me on the head in the same manner. I took a glance around the room, nodding over at Japan, who I recognized. The man from before had slipped over to sit beside the Asian, and already had his head in his arms on the table, getting ready to take a nap. The others I didn't recognize, so I made a quick exit, disappearing down the hallway before I could run into anyone else or get caught with an animal in the hotel. I didn't want to get the others in trouble.

I sighed softly as I settled down on the steps outside once more, cradling the cat in my arms. I had only found her roughly ten minutes ago, but I was already attached to her, not willing to let go. But could I take care of her? I could barely take care of myself, let alone a spry kitten. Yet, I couldn't see myself leaving her here in the streets, or giving her away to a shelter, where she may end up in the same situation she was in now.

I let my eyes fall to the bundle in my arms, the kitten still purring happily. "Gertrude," I murmured, the words slipping from my mouth, cutting any thoughts of abandoning her. "I shall call you Gertrude.

ACHIEVEMENT UNLOCKED- GET VATI A FURRY FRIEND.

Gertrude is aptly named after Gertrude of Nivelles, the patron saint of cats. Who actually isn't officially canonized as a saint, but is a saint anyway? Shenanigans.

Greece and Japan have appeared as well! Personally I think they and Turkey have hot threesomes together, mostly because it's so obvious that they hate each other but love Japan and neither of them would like to hurt his feelings but then try to get him to dislike the other in favor of them like a bunch of jealous girlfriends, it hurts. I think they may need a relationship counselor (*cough* France) to help them on this bumpy road of theirs...

But that's a different matter entirely! None of that's going to be in THIS story. I don't think anyone even wants to talk about sex and relationships with Vati anyway because they all probably think he's some fragile, innocent flower (although none of them realize he had a romantic interest at one point, but I'm still developing that).

Although, I did RP Vati at one point, and he actually did get a girl and got married. Also had a kid. It was all the other RPer's fault in that one, I swear! Neither Vati or I know what happened to cause THAT! (though I got some vague notion it had to do with that liquid sin that comes in colorful glass bottles that cause people to get pretty damn drunk... which Vati doesn't drink not because of taste but because of prior experiences, but that's also something I need to work on and probably won't get into this story.)

I totally think his wife wore the pants in that relationship, if I do say so myself.

Anyway, on another note, I am selling my body/writing skills in perhaps to co-write with someone if they want to. I've been wanting to write a story with someone else for awhile now, but since none of my RP buddies are interested, I am going to throw myself to this street corner in hopes to at least get something. I actually do respond a lot faster than when I write alone (as I am very lazy until someone comes up from behind to wallop me with a stick). I would like to think I'm a fan of a lot of things, but in truth I am a fan with no lore or reason behind most of what I like. I like the plots of stories, not the story behind the plot or the lore of how things happen and aliens and stuff (like Doctor Who- seriously, there's so much lore and crap about everything- including his toothbrush).

I am friends with Wikipedia, though, so I can always look things up. I'm here to serve, to carry your burdens, or whatever line you prefer.

I think you can get a taste of what I like from my following page... or my profile.

That brings up another note- I got random plots and personal story desires on my profile page. Some are super silly ideas that popped into my head, others are actually stories I want someone to write about because they involve characters or things that should happen/need to stop being bashed over the head. Some of those guys need love too!

I edit it on occasion, so it'll change from time to time.

OH OH, LASTLY, I DREW VATI! But I don't have his picture on my computer. You'll probably never see it, but I want to tell you I drew him. And his clothes. On separate pieces of paper. Because I cannot draw heads and clothes on the same body. I also cannot draw legs or hands or proper arm length to torso ratio. I am horrible. But it's okay. I can't even draw hair properly, so it's fine.

I do have to say that Vati kind of looks like a mush between Greece, Japan, and Italy, which is really weird but okay. I'm not even mad.