Heya~ Okay, first things first, congrats to demonlifehealer for getting the 1,200th one shot.

Next I'd like to make a few facts clear. First of all I got some questions about Japan calling himself Nippon. Japan is called both Nippon and Nihon. Nippon is sort of the more official name for it. You would see it on the money, stuff like that. That's why I had Japan answer the phone with it as he was doing so as its official representative.

And I got a comment about this, yes, in fact I do know that the Civil War wasn't all about slaves. I never tried to imply it was, sorry if it came off that way. I got an anonymous comment that gave some more details about the Civil War and foreign involvement that I'll post at the end in case anyone is interested.

Russia tilts his head and deepens the kiss. America reaches up uncertainly and grabs hold of his scarf, tugging on it. Russia isn't sure if he's trying to indicate for him to stop or if he is simply holding it. Either way he chooses to ignore it.

Alfred will love him yet, despite what England thinks.

Suddenly America's phone goes off. Russia groans in irritation as America starts to push him away, finally breaking the kiss. He pouts. "Do you really need to answer that?"

America digs through his pocket and looks at the caller ID. "It's my boss, so yeah. And for the record I am not exactly in the mood to just pick up where we left off. I can't get England's disapproving face out of my head. I don't want to imagine that the whole time. Now if you'll-"

Russia gives him some space, still looking put out. America flips the phone out. "Hello hello! How's it going bossaruni?"

He pauses and bursts into laughter, wandering off a ways. Russia crosses his arms and watches him. "E-eh? Oh, that...? You want a copy by tomorrow you say?... N-no! Of course I've been working on it! Ahaha so little faith boss! Actually I'm kind of hurt. I've been slaving over it all day! And you think I forgot all about it... No, no of course I accept your apology... Eh? What do you mean can't I recognize sarcasm?... Oh come on, don't be like that! It'll be to you all ready tomorrow and you're gonna be like 'Wow, I sure doubted America and now I am ashamed because he is amazing and-' ....Yes... yes I understand. O-okay yes. I promise. Really! ... Mmmhm... Gotcha. Bye bye boss!"

America hangs up. "...Fuck. I forgot all about it."

He clutches his hair. "Augh! Shit! How could I forget?" He turns to Russia and points at him accusingly. "I blame you for distracting me!"

Russia blinks. "Me? I can hardly be blamed for your laziness."

America grumbles and stuffs his phone in his pocket. "Stupid work. I didn't use to have to do work. The good ol' days... It seems to get worse and worse. Hell is a bureaucracy."

Russia smiles at him with very little pity. He is hardly dazzled by slovenly behavior. "If you say so Alfred."

America gives him a hard look. "Well Ivan, hate to disappoint you but now you're definitely not getting any. I'm going to order the Chinese and after that I'll be working."

"Why should it matter if you put it off until later? I have no doubt that is typical behavior for you."

"Hmph, thanks a lot. Look, do you want me to go see your sister or not? Because I can guarantee if this isn't done by tomorrow I'm not going anywhere."

Russia sighs. "Fine. Once we get back you are all mine."

America flushes. "What the hell? Don't say weird things like that! Only if I feel like it, got it Russki?"

Russia gives him a sunshine smile. "You will."

Glaring at him pointedly, America tugs his cellphone out again and dials a nearby Chinese place that delivers.

While he gets their dinner Russia reflects on how it seems the entire world is plotting against him getting with Alfred. How troublesome.

~.

America and Russia sit on the couch watching t.v., cartons filled with cheap Chinese food in one hand, a fork in the other. America had attempted to use the chopsticks for a while but he kept getting more food on his shirt than in his mouth and had finally given up.

"Hmm this really is terrible," Russia states cheerfully before taking another bite.

"Whatever, can't be worse than some of the crap you eat."

"Oh I do not deny that. Want more General Tso's chicken?"

America looks over and finds a choice piece, stabbing it and happily bringing it to his mouth. "Mm, you know China gave me a huge lecture about how that dish doesn't exist in China or something like that. But then Korea interrupted about how it had originated in his country and distracted him."

Russia giggles. "Hmm well he is very proud of his culture. It is no wonder. It is very rich and lovely."

America glances at Russia's face then looks away. It occurs to him that this is almost a fluke. If Russia had decided that China was the better choice after all he would probably be sitting here alone right now while Russia chased after him instead. The thought doesn't completely seem like a desirable one.

He wonders... does Russia remember their friendlier relationship back when he had been Tsarist Russia? He has never mentioned it as a reason for them to rekindle anything. Not that they had been super close. Still, more so than now. And Russia truly had been...

Then again he had sort of blocked it from his mind, why wouldn't Russia have? He almost asks but can't bring himself to. America can forget with ease but wilts at the thought of being forgotten.

Feeling a mixture of confusion and unexplainable depression America puts the near-empty box he holds aside. "Well, I think I should get to work. Feel free to eat whatever else you want. I'm sure you can find ways to entertain yourself. It's probably best... if you don't come near me when I'm working okay?"

Russia looks up at him. "I understand. I am glad you did not approach me when I worked the other day. For similar reasons I am sure."

America nods slowly. "Mm, well, wish me luck."

"Good luck love dumpling!"

America scowls at the slight smirking twist of Russia's lips and leaves the room.

He slips into his office and closes the door. He leans against it and sighs. He hates working. So much so his concentration goes into immediate daydream mode. It's up to the country side of him to get it done. That's why it is better if Russia stays away. While he wants to fix him he's not sure how that might go down if they were to interact...

America sits in his chair, spins a few times, pulls out an iPod setting it to his power mix, then makes the transition.

With only the occasional distracted pause of whimsy or distraction, America begins to work.

~.

Russia jolts awake and rubs his eyes. His shoulders are stiff. Probably because he has fallen asleep on the couch. What time is it? Soft light flickers across his face from the television and he frowns. Switching it off, he lets his eyes adjust to the sudden darkness before getting up. After a bit of fumbling he finds his way to the kitchen where the clock on the microwave shines like a tiny beacon. Russia has to blink a few times to make out the numbers. It's nearly three a.m.

Is it so late? No wonder his body hurts. He knew he should have gone to bed earlier. He had been waiting for America to call it quits, who must have gone to bed without having the courtesy to let Russia know. What a brat.

Russia heads towards the bedroom, making no effort to be quiet when he goes in. In fact, he throws the light on just to show his annoyance. Blinking a few times he comes to the startling discovery that the bed is empty. Is America still working? Surely not. It has been hours since he started.

He frowns thoughtfully at the empty bed then makes his way towards America's study. There is light peeking through the bottom of the door. Pausing in front of it, he hesitates before knocking. No response. When he tries the doorknob it is unlocked. Not wanting to bother him but concerned, he opens it slowly.

"Alfred?"

He lets the door swing open. Slumped over his desk, using his arms as a pillow, America lies fast asleep. Russia tsks. "Really Alfred..."

Russia walks over to him and carefully removes the ear buds in his ears and gently coaxes a pen from America's fingers. After some maneuvering he manages to pick up America, who immediately slumps against his chest. Russia's eyes slide to the desk and a cold curiosity creeps over him. He fights it and forces himself to leave the room without reading whatever America has been working on.

Placing a small kiss on America's cheek, Russia places him on the bed, smoothing his hair. Making a quick sweep back to turn off the light of the office he returns and finds America has already buried his face into his pillow.

It's nice to see America seems to be getting regular amounts of sleep lately. Russia was starting to wonder if he ever slept properly.

Flicking the lights off he crawls beneath the covers and slides closer to America, putting an arm around him. America mumbles incoherently in his sleep and shifts towards the warmth of his body. They lie in silence, one asleep the other thoughtful. Never has he shared a bed like this with another before. Oh there had been warm bodies in his bed for various reasons in the past, but this... whatever it is, it's a new experience for him. He reaches up and slowly runs his fingers through America's hair. Is there happiness in this? Can the emptiness inside him be taken up by this man?

Clearing his throat gently he whispers, "Ya tebya lublu."

The words feel awkward, forced, unnatural. They are not words his tongue is used to. He tries again in English, to see if it will make a difference. "I love you."

Still something hollow to the words. To say them for the sake of saying them seems to fill them with as much weight and purpose as something as mundane as "The weather is nice today."

Perhaps America must hear them? React? He's not sure. The words certainly don't provoke theatrical emotions within him. Whether that's because he's not doing it right or there simply is nothing to them yet he can't be quite sure. Either way, it is definitely not the time to say it. He wants them to mean something when he finally utters them to America. And he hopes he can hear them from America soon.

For a while Russia contemplates how the words will sound coming from America. Maybe blunt with a tinge of anger. Or awkward and moody. He can't quite imagine them coming out as heartfelt and emotional. In fact it almost makes him giggle. These thoughts dancing dreamily through his mind, Russia falls asleep.

~.

When America wakes up he is horribly incoherent. For a panic stricken moment he has no idea where he is. Hadn't he been in his study working? He must have fallen asleep but where is he now? Sitting up slightly, a twinge of confusion goes through him. Something heavy on his body, what is...? As his eyes adjust and his mind begins to calm down he realizes it is Russia's arm.

Russia... His bed... How had he gotten here? Did he get up and go to bed without remembering? Surely... Russia hadn't brought him to bed? He stares down at him almost accusingly then relaxes. Either way he is in bed and very comfortable now that he knows where he is.

Lying back down on the pillow, America closes his eyes and cuddles against Russia again. If no one knows who cares? The big man really is quite comfy and that's all there is to it. The world's scariest teddy bear. America is asleep seconds later, dreaming about a giant teddy bear terrorizing New York City with sunflowers.

~.

Japan lies on a mat listlessly, hugging a plushie. The one person he thought could be his ally to protect America has proven completely unhelpful. How can he rest easily knowing that fiend Russia is trying to get his demon claws into his friend? America thinks he can handle it but he is young and inside the situation. There is no way he can see this properly.

His cellphone begins to ring and his dark eyes regard it coolly. With a resigned sigh he picks it up and answers. "Moshi moshi."

"Aiya, Japan! Let your ge ge China come to your house for a while!"

A small frown appears on Japan's face and he rolls onto his back. "I am terribly sorry Nii-san, now is not the best time for me."

"Things are not worse for you than me! Russia's younger sister has been stalking me for two days. She keeps insisting I am hiding her beloved big brother. I have no idea where he is right now. I haven't even seen him since the world meeting."

Japan sits up, suddenly brought to sharp attention. "Belarus-san you say?"

"Shi, Belarus. If Russia doesn't get her in control she's going to hurt someone."

Japan is silent for a moment, pressing his lips into a thin line. Then he nods his head solemnly. "China-san, please, tell her to come see me."

Japan usually wouldn't stoop to such low tactics but he must protect America. If he will not listen to reason, it seems an attack must be made against the one causing problems in the first place.

'Forgive me America-san. It is for your best interest.'

China makes a sound of disbelief. "What? Are you insane? Why would you want her to go there?"

"Please tell her, China-san. Tell her... Tell her I know where she can find Russia-san."

~.

America goes through a mental check list for the hundredth time. He always forgets something no matter how often he goes over things. The oh so important papers his boss needed were both faxed and officially in the mail, he had packed a care package bag (triple checked for airport unfriendly items), charged his phone and ipod...

Russia watches him with increasing impatience. "Alfred, we have to go. The cab is waiting and the plane will not wait."

America winks. "A hero is never late when it matters! But yeah, I'm good. Let's get going."

The two rush out of the house, America making the cab driver go back after five minutes because he had forgotten to lock up. America watches the lights flash by through the window feeling apprehensive. It will be fine, it will be totally fine...

Beside him Russia closes his eyes feeling double the apprehension. He wants to call this off but it is all done. It will make him closer to Ukraine again. That is good. That is what he must focus on.

Once they hit the airport it's a rush to get tickets checked and through security in time. America pumps his fist in the air as they call boarding for the flight. "Haha! See that shit? Alfred Jones is never late unless it's to be fashionable!"

Russia giggles and leans over, kissing his cheek. America winces and rubs his cheek. "Hey, hey! Watch out with the PDA!"

"I am terribly sorry, I was just saying goodbye."

America blinks. "...Goodbye?"

"Da, I am not going with you. My flight is in about twenty minutes."

America frowns. "...Wait, why aren't we flying together?"

"Oh, will you be lonely without me?" Russia hugs him.

Pushing him away impatiently, America fixes him with a glare. "I certainly will not! Where are you going?"

Russia taps America's nose lightly. "I have something else I must do. I will be arriving at my sister's house later. Lithuania will be meeting you at the airport. I have worked it out."

"Well you could have told me all this before hand! Might have been nice to know."

"I am sorry, but you are going to miss your flight darling. I will see you later." Russia waves and starts to walk off in the other direction.

America stands in place indecisively then finally turns on his heel with a scowl. "...Damn Russian!"

He turns, flinging his bag over his shoulder and heading towards boarding. Whatever business he has it better not be something that will be bad for him. At least Lithuania will be there to greet him. The thought cheers him. He hasn't seen him in forever!

America takes his seat, slips on the headphones, decides not to let Russia worry him for the moment, and tries to get some sleep. It is a long flight.

~.

America blearily searches the crowd. His neck is killing him. Note to self, never sleep on an airplane again. Not to mention he needs coffee badly.

"America! Over here!"

America looks around and catches sight of Lithuania waving to him. He smiles sleepily and waves back, hurrying over. The hug he gives Lithuania can only be described as crushing. "Hey Toris, how are you?"

Lithuania winces slightly. "Ah, well. Thank you! And yourself?"

America puts him down. "Not too shabby. Been better. Things have been...complicated as of late. Very, very complicated..."

"I am sorry to hear that." Lithuania frowns sympathetically and America completely loves him. Finally someone who will give him pity without being a total nuisance.

He slips an arm around the other's shoulders. "Oh I'm pulling through alright... So you came to pick me up?"

Lithuania nods. "Yes! Miss Ukraine is very anxious for your arrival. She's been preparing lunch. Your flight was a bit late. I hope it doesn't ruin anything..."

America grimaces. "Yeah, there were some delays. God I hate time zones though. Forgive my jet lag but my stomach does not agree that it is lunch time. Ugh..."

"O-oh well I'm sure she won't be offended... um...."

America waves his hand. "No worries. So how is life? And what in god's name happened to your wrist?"

Lithuania laughs sheepishly. "Ah.... Belarus, sadly."

"Oof. That girl is a piece of work. She gave me this." He flashes Lithuania a glimpse of his palm. "Not that she meant to. I'm sure she would have preferred if the knife went somewhere like, I don't know, my jugular."

Lithuania shakes his head. "Oh no! Miss Belarus is... she's a little rough but I think she is a very sweet girl deep down. I don't think she would ever do anything like that!"

"...Whatever you say." He thinks Lithuania is dead wrong but maybe he'll keep that to himself.

"Oh, so how is Tony doing? It's been so long since I've seen him."

"Tony? Pretty good. He's staying at the main house right now. Probably for the best what with Ivan being around all the time lately. Apparently him and his friends are working on something and needed more privacy. I told him I don't mind so long as he doesn't try to destroy or conquer the world! He knows what will happen if he does." America laughs loudly and Lithuania awkwardly follows his example.

"I-I see..." They get into a car, discussing current events and doing general catch up. Russia's relationship with America seems to be an unspoken taboo subject. Or at least, America doesn't bring it up and Lithuania can't quite bring himself to.

Finally they pull up in front of Ukraine's house. America gets out of the car, popping his back. He leans on the door for a moment, staring at the house thoughtfully.

Lithuania slams his door, breaking America's concentration. "Ready?"

America pauses then nods. "Ready."

Translations:

ya tebya lublu – I love you

Ge Ge – Older brother

Shi - Yes

AN: There you go, now you know what Tony has been up to! (And that is the closest it will be to him being in the story, sorry)

Extra history note:

England and France did not side with anyone, instead declaring the Confederacy as belligerents and their neutrality. THat was as close as they came to recognizing them. They wouldn't even help the Confederacy by declaring the Union's naval blockade (which blocked those very cotton shipments from being traded with them) illegal under international law, which would have allowed England to send in its Navy and force the Union to allow them to trade.

The United States promised that recognizing the Confederacy would be considered an act of war, and they would declare war on them. Such a declaration would lead to a World War, which neither England nor France could manage at the time. England had many issues at home, including issues with Ireland and Scotland demanding more rights. Also, more important to England than cotton was food. 40% of England's food imports came from the Union, which would be cut off in war, leading to a famine/starvation. Additionally, they only had a few thousand troops in British North America (now Canada), which would quickly fall to American control in a war. BNA was profiting greatly from the Union in the war, with a massive increase in trade, and more than 30,000 BNA citizens had joined the Union Army. France, under Napoleon III was expanding its empire (even setting up a puppet government in Mexico while America's back was turned - then pulled out in 1867 between Mexican rebellions, US diplomacy, and US troops gathering at the Texas border) and would be spread too thin to fight a war without England's support.

Russia, on the other hand, moved their boats to the harbors of San Francisco and New York so they weren't stuck in the frozen waters should they go to war with England and France. If war was declared, their Navy would be sitting ducks should England's superior Navy attack. From New York, however, there was a strong vantage point for them. However, when Napoleon III called a conference with England and Russia, suggesting they support the Confederacy, England said to wait it out for the time being (because they really couldn't afford to go against the Union) and Russia essentially laughed in his face, saying they would not turn on their dear ally.