Hey everyone~ So this really has nothing to do with the story, I just thought I might ask. I'm wondering if there are any stories out there that focus on Germany kidnapping or manipulating Finland around WWII era? Just wondering. If you do happen to know and wouldn't mind sharing could you message me? Thanks~

America slams the door behind him as returns home, pacing restlessly. He begins to formulate an entire plan. First he would burn what's left of all the stupid sunflowers Russia had sent. Then he would get hammered on cheap beer. After that he would call everyone in his phone and tell them what a complete and utter asshole Russia is. That would show him. He would start this instant!

Instead he collapses onto the couch, removing his glasses and burying his face into the crevasse where the cushion meets the backing. Stupid Russia causing all sorts of hell in his life for stupid reasons. He stretches out and closes his eyes.

In the end none of them ever love him unless there is something to be gained. Whatever, it's not like he had really expected Russia to actually care about him and it's not like he wanted him to anyway. The last thing he needs in his life is Russia's cheap imitation of love.

'If I wanted someone to pretend to love me I would just pull out my check book,' America thinks bitterly. Not that he can do that much anymore even if he wanted to. Hard times as they say.

So what if Russia is lonely? All of them have their problems and he is not going to be some pawn for Russia. When Russia finally contacts him again he will throw the bastard's scarf in his face, tell him to go fuck himself, and that will be the end of that. In fact the jerk is lucky he doesn't burn his scarf or something. But he wouldn't. After all, he intends to show he's the bigger man in this situation.

Anger churning inside him, America contemplates calling someone to blow off steam. England maybe? Then again after their last conversation it might be best not to even mention Russia to him. Canada? He had dumped his problems on his brother last time though. Mattie probably doesn't mind but he doesn't want to be one of those lame guys who just complains all the time. Japan is definitely out of the question. He lays there for a long time wracking his brain for a fourth option, his anger quietly waning. Eventually even finding someone to complain to is forgotten. His mind wanders to tranquil seas and open skies. Feeling calmer, America pushes away the stinging ugliness of reality and slips into the world he knows and loves best; The world of dreams.

~.

Russia knocks and waits apprehensively. After a short pause the door starts to swing open. "Is that you again Pol- Russia?"

Russia smiles weakly. "Hello Lithuania."

Lithuania looks surprised. Rather then becoming nervous as Russia had expected, his expression brightens. "Hello Russia, what brings you here? Ah, wait, would you like to come in?"

Not expecting it to be this easy, Russia nods mutely. Lithuania stands aside and allows Russia to enter his house. "Oh? Where is your scarf?"

Russia starts to reach towards his neck. "It is with Alfred."

Lithuania absolutely beams. "I can't even begin to tell you how pleased I was when I heard about the two of you. I really never thought you would settle your differences. It's absolutely wonderful! Here, you can sit down, just go through there. I'll make some coffee."

Lithuania walks off and Russia stares after him. He was happy? Ah... It had totally slipped his mind. Lithuania lived with America for years. It had always bothered him when he asked about America after a meeting during the time Russia had taken him back. Why hadn't he thought to ask his former ex about America? It might be too late now but it couldn't hurt to see if he can learn anything.

Russia finds the room Lithuania had indicated and sits, waiting anxiously for the other to return. Soon Lithuania enters the room holding a small tray. He places it before Russia and laughs a bit nervously. "Just like old times. So what brings you here? Not in trouble are you?"

His eyes turn to the blood on Russia's coat. Russia looks down and shakes his head. "Oh this is nothing to worry about. I, um, well I'm having some family problems at the moment. I guess you could say Natalya and I aren't seeing eye to eye and I decided to stay away from home for the time being. I think distance would do her some good. Is it possible I might be able to stay here for a little while?"

Lithuania stirs his coffee. "Er... Sure I...I suppose so, if it will help. I hope Belarus isn't too upset is she?"

Russia has always appreciated Lithuania's concern for his sister. Though it has always confused him to some degree. "Mm... I, well it's hard to say with her but in time she's sure to get over it. ...I-I hope."

"That's good. I hope she's alright..."

Russia grimaces. "Oh, and on the off chance she asks if you know where I am please don't tell her I'm staying with you. Or that you've even seen me."

"Ah, sure if that's what you want. Out of curiosity, why don't you stay with America?"

Russia sighs. "We're having an argument and I'm not seeing him at the moment either."

He pulls his cup of coffee closer and starts to reach into one of his pockets. Lithuania nods to the cup. "I put vodka in it already so you don't have to add any. I remember you liked it that way."

Russia smiles appreciatively at him. This is why Lithuania had always been his favorite. "Thank you."

Lithuania frowns thoughtfully. "It's a shame you're having a fight with both of them... It's nothing too serious is it?"

Russia sips the tea, trying to decide how to answer. Well, he has Italy for romantic advice. Lithuania can be for America advice. "It will blow over, he just has to sort through some things."

Looking thoughtful, Lithuania nods. "Well, he can be quite stubborn. Don't worry though. Usually America doesn't stay angry for very long. It's his natural disposition to be on the cheerful, energetic side. I'm sure the two of you will patch things up in no time. May I ask, when did the two of you officially hook up?"

Russia covers his cough in another sip of the heavily alcohol laced coffee before answering. "Right before the World Conference."

"Oh, you really haven't been together too long. Well that makes sense. All relationships take a little time to work all of the kinks out of."

Russia runs a finger around the rim of his cup before setting it down. "Yes I'm sure you're right. Say... you lived with him for quite a while. Are there any tips you have for cheering him up?"

Lithuania runs a hand through his hair. "Hm. Well, really he's the kind that is easy to please. It doesn't take much. A little gift, a word of praise, he usually brightens right up."

"I see. What kind of gifts in particular?"

Lithuania laughs. "Oh I, um, I'm not sure. He likes chocolate quite a bit if I remember. Oh, I know, when I visited him last he talked about movies for a long time so he might like something like that."

"Yes, I made a gift of a movie not too long ago. He never said if he watched it or not now that I think of it."

"I don't think he means to be thoughtless, I think he honestly doesn't think of things like that," Lithuania says slowly. "It's best to prompt him a bit if you would like to know. His head is just always in the clouds. Such a dreamer that one. He used to sit at the window for hours sometimes, looking amused, and angry, and sad, and smug. Once I asked him what he was thinking about. He smiled up at me and said 'Just dreaming.' No wonder he was so drawn to space."

Lithuania chuckles then stops short, not sure if that's still a sore spot for Russia. Russia smiles encouragingly. "Well as long as I'm here you should give me blackmail material to use on him later."

The wording Russia uses gives Lithuania pause. Russia laughs lightheartedly. "I'm kidding. But I would like to hear some stories. I know America won't share any with me. He always wants to look like the cool hero."

Lithuania smiles again. "That's true. Let me think... Do you know about his ghost problem yet?"

Russia raises an eyebrow. "Ghost problem...?"

Lithuania begins to giggle and shakes his head. "He's absolutely obsessed with ghosts but they also terrify him. There were so many times he would read ghost stories late into the night and scare himself so badly he wouldn't be able to sleep. He always wanted me in the same room with him while he was reading them and the way he would react over those silly stories... Usually he would stay up all night checking on and jumping at every little sound but on a few occasions I would wake up and find that he had crawled into my bed. It was really too adorable."

After a second Lithuania's eyes go wide and he waves his hands. "O-oh it wasn't like that though! Um, I mean, he was just sleeping in my bed because he was afraid! Nothing ever happened, really."

Though his eyes do narrow, Russia chooses to believe him. "My, that's quite interesting. Typical Alfred, having such a silly weakness. It's really too precious."

He really hopes he gets a chance to exploit that.

Lithuania stares at Russia for a moment. He's not sure he's ever heard such alien words come out of his mouth. Still, it makes him happy that the man is finally in a functional relationship. Perhaps now he has a chance with Belarus? Though of course he's also pleased for Russia. He has always seemed a bit... lonely. And America was quite kind to him. He's bound to be a good influence on Russia.

Lithuania stands. "Well, we can continue our conversation in a little while. Let me set up a room for you."

Russia picks up his coffee again, looking up at Lithuania gratefully. "Thank you Lithuania. I really do appreciate it."

Lithuania smiles kindly at him. Yes, America is sure to be a good influence.

~.

America wakes up reluctantly. He's still tired, but something is seriously bothering him. The more the irritation persists the further he is brought out of his much needed escapism. It itches... It feels like bugs are crawling on him.

This thought is enough to make his eyes open wide, a shiver of disgust going through him. The moment consciousness fully returns his back feels like it is home to a thousand spiders. Another shudder of revulsion goes through him and he sits up, desperately pulling at his shirt. The skin is mercifully bug and spider free but no matter how much he claws and scratches at it the itch refuses to be soothed. America can't help but think this is what it must feel like for a drug addict coming down.

It's completely unbearable. But to give in to it is a very bad thing. Very bad, nothing good ever comes of it. No please, please just stop, just stop...

America squirms angrily against the couch. He slides off and starts rubbing his back against the corner of it to no avail. He begins to scratch violently at his back again willing it to stop. He can't acknowledge it, he can't, because if he does then he is royally screwed. He knows how this will play out, the way it always does. To come to terms with the itch will make it stop and it's so hard to deny anything that offers sanctuary from this hell. This is all Russia's fault! Why did he have to go and say he needed America? If he had just left that part out...

He just can't give in, he simply can not do it, but...

It's too much. "FUCK! I want to fix Russia!"

Saying it out loud brings cool relief that eases the itch to a tolerable level. America slams his fist against the ground angrily. "I can't do this! There is no way I am getting into that trap again!"

A voice speaks in his mind, smooth and seductive. And why not? Fix him. I want to do it.

America shakes his head. "No, I absolutely refuse to try and fix Russia. He's such a bastard, he doesn't deserve it. After all of the hell he's put me through I can't think of anyone I want to help less!"

But it would feel so good to fix him. I can do it.

America scowls. "Oh yeah, because it worked so well when I tried to fix Korea, Vietnam, Iraq-"

The voice continues coaxingly. Those times were different. What about when I fixed France and England? Germany? Japan?

"That was always after a war. They asked me to help them rebuild or it was my heroic responsibility to help."

Ah, but hasn't Russia asked me for help as well? He needs me.

This gives America pause. Yes, actually in a way Russia did ask him for help. At least he said he couldn't do this without him. "But I don't want to. It's exhausting fixing other countries. Especially when they're as messed up as that psycho. Besides, it takes resources and-"

This time it's on a personal level. All I need is my awesome self. I can single-handedly fix Russia. Doesn't that sound delicious?

"Maybe delicious is a bit strong..." Self-consciously he realizes that despite saying this he had started licking his lips at the thought.

Fix him. Fix him. FIX HIM.

America puts his hands over his ears. "But I don't want to! This is ridiculous... I refuse to fix him!"

The itch between his shoulder blades returns with a vengeance and America cries out helplessly.
"Fine! But what exactly am I supposed to do? Russia wants me to fall in love with him. I don't want to let him have sex with me or something and I don't want to make him think I've fallen in love with him just to do it."

The voice is soothing. I don't need to do anything like that. He told me himself he is simply lonely. That he wants companionship. He has merely overestimated his need for love. Friendship should suffice if there is enough of it. If I were to show him how to properly interact with other people, help him make friends...

America starts to nod as it clicks together. "...I would be his friend and show him how to act properly, he makes more friends, isn't lonely... Then he realizes that as he doesn't actually feel anything for me he can give up his 'we're going to fall in love' thing. He admits we were never lovers...."

And I win. I prove that I am so great I can even fix Russia.

"The other countries will be super impressed and will regret they ever made fun of me! Alright then!"

Yes, it makes sense. It's not a bad plan.

"I, Alfred F. Jones-"

I, the United States of America-

"will fix Russia!"

America starts to laugh, loudly and arrogantly. "Why am I so amazing? Damn it I'm a genius!"

Yes, I am.

AN: Ah, the voice of the U.S. has spoken... And it has a 'fixer' personality. -laughs- Think of that as something all of the countries have. Some just listen to them more than others.

Also, Lithuania is adorable~ Love him so much. And it cracks me up that Russia thinks of him as his ex. But I really, really don't get his crush on Belarus. He must like abusive partners. Masochist?

Coffee with vodka sounds absolutely disgusting.