Chapter 36: Beauty and the Beast

Happy Halloween!

xoxox

The kitchen had momentarily been transformed into a military base, used for planning out Operation Beauty and the Beast.

South Korea had mingled in with the preparations, Lithuania and Ukraine were talking with the two guys they were making plans for to distract them, and England was passed out, so he wouldn't be of much use.

Canada was feeling a bit conflicted. On one hand, he felt bad about giving away his brother's secrets, and he didn't like the others meddling with his love life. On the other hand, he wanted to help. Because even though America had told him he was certain Russia didn't feel anything for him, there was still that tiny possibility that he was wrong. And Canada wished for his brother's happiness, even though he could be a real pain in the ass sometimes.

"I really think this could work!" Prussia said triumphantly.

"Plans originated in South Korea, da ze!"

"So everyone knows what their job is?" Hungary asked.

"Sumimasen Elizabeta-san, but what will we do about this?"

"Ohonhonhonhonhon~"

"Maple…" Canada sighed, wondering what he had gotten himself into.

Outside, Ukraine was talking with her brother, and Lithuania had taken America for a walk around the garden.

"Mr. America, it's a miracle!"

"Please Toris, I keep telling you to call me Alfred! And what do you mean, a miracle?"

Lithuania smiled gently.

"I have never seen Mr. Russia this happy! He hasn't tried to intimidate anyone all evening, and he only gave Gilbert a very light punch when he kept staring at Miss Ukraine's chest! I think you being friends with him really has done wonders to his bad moods and temper!"

America shrugged. "I didn't really do anything."

"But it was still enough. I am really grateful Alfred."

America smiled and put his hands in his pockets, bashfully kicking a rock into the pool. They could hear Ukraine laughing as Russia had to hold a demanding Kumajiro in his arms.

"So, you having any fun?"

Lithuania nodded. "Oh, definitely! Thank you for inviting me, by the way."

"Well, I figured since you know both of us, you should be here."

Lithuania chuckled. "It was a nice idea to throw him a belated birthday party. I would've never thought of it."

"Yeah, I felt like he deserved it. Nobody's birthday should go by unnoticed!"

"Sumimasen," a voice interrupted. They turned to see Japan standing behind them.

"Alfred-kun, Lithuania-san, could you come inside? We are going to play a game."

"What kind of game?" the American wanted to know.

Japan smiled mischievously. "You'll see."

Prussia had a little less success getting the other two to come with him, Russia thinking he wanted to assault his sister again. He re-entered the house with a blue eye and a hand rubbing his cheek.

They all sat down in the living room, Canada having to bear the weight of a certain Russian in his lap, and England just having been dropped on the coffee table, where he kept snoring.

"All right, we're playing truth or dare!" Hungary exclaimed.

"Truth or dare origin-"

South Korea was cut off by a tap on the head from Russia.

"I'll start!" Prussia said, grinning wickedly.

His eyes scanned the other nations. They had agreed not to immediately pick America or Russia, trying to keep them from being suspicious.

"Where is my little Birdie?" he asked, looking around for the Canadian.

An arm waved at him from under Russia's body.

"Oh, sorry Matvey! Why did you not say you were there?" Russia teased.

"I did…" Canada mumbled, after finally finding freedom again.

"All right, Matthew! Truth or dare?"

"Truth," the nation's soft voice sounded.

The albino thought about what to ask him. "Were those magazines under your bed really Alfred's?"

Canada turned a dark red. "No," he whispered.

Prussia grinned widely, and America scowled at him for making his brother feel uncomfortable. The Canadian quickly recovered however.

"Katyusha, truth or dare?"

"Oh!" Ukraine didn't know what to say. "Dare, I guess?"

Canada smiled reassuringly at her; he wouldn't think of any ridiculous dares.

"I dare you to give Kiku a hug."

Japan sputtered incomprehensibly as Ukraine invaded his personal space. He was more than happy when he didn't feel those large assets of hers pressed against him anymore.

"All right then!" Ukraine said in a chipper voice. "I choose… Elizabeta!"

Hungary perked up. "For me it's a dare of course!"

Ukraine smiled and nodded. "I dare you to kiss Gilbert on his foot!"

Prussia began laughing maniacally, but stopped when he got hit by Hungary's frying pan. Once he was unconscious, she took off his shoe and placed a small kiss on his big toe before returning to her seat.

"All right, Kiku! Truth or dare!"

"Truth," Japan said, not wanting to do any more touching today.

"Where did you get those pictures I saw at your house last week?"

Japan's cheeks got a rosy colour. "They were from Feliciano-kun's place."

"Hah! I knew it!" Hungary shouted.

Prussia regained consciousness at that moment. "What, you mean those pictures of West and Feli doing the-"

Canada rapidly covered his mouth, not wanting this game to get too vulgar.

"All right then. Francis-san, your turn."

"Dare," France purred, winking at his Prussian friend.

"I dare you to take pictures of Arthur-san next time he dresses up as a waiter again."

France's eyes glazed over. "You've got yourself a deal, mon ami."

After Prussia had to do some caramelldansen, he directed his attention at the host of the party.

"Alfred. Truth or dare."

"I'm gonna say truth this time-"

America was immediately met by boos and complaints. He defensively put his hands up.

"Hey, I have every right to choose truth!"

Prussia cackled. "What, is little America too scared? Is the big hero actually a big chicken?"

America's eye twitched.

Nobody, and I repeat nobody, called Alfred F. Jones a chicken and got away with it.

"Fine, then I choose dare!" he growled.

Prussia smirked.

"I dare you to kiss the Ruski."

America blinked a total amount of three times. He then looked at Russia, who was having the same sheepish look of astonishment on his face.

"Um, what about no?" he said.

"No can do, mon ami!" France laughed.

"And know what, to make it easier on you, we'll give you some privacy!" Prussia said, as he pulled Hungary and Canada up from the couch.

The nations began standing up, all heading towards the hallway and up the stairs.

"Wait, wait, wait, you gotta be joking right?" America asked nervously, eyes shooting over all the disappearing guests.

"Nope! We'll just go to your bedroom and continue the game there, and don't worry, we won't ruin your furniture! But you two are to stay down here for a full hour, and if you haven't kissed by then, I'll announce to the whole world that the United States of America is a big chicken and a wuss puss!"

America tried to stop them from leaving, but before he knew it, Lithuania and Ukraine had dragged England out of the room and shut the door behind them with an audible click, indicating that it was now locked.

"Hey, you can't lock me up in my own house!" America yelled through the wood, banging on the door, but not too hard since he didn't want to pay for the repairs.

"We'll be back in an hour!" sounded Hungary's voice.

America groaned and turned towards the Russian, who was still sitting in the same place. The bedazzled look hadn't left his face yet.

America shrugged. "So, what do we do now?"

Russia shrugged as well. He was absolutely clueless. On one hand he would give anything to kiss the American, but on the other hand… He didn't want things to become awkward between them, he didn't know if he would be able to stop himself if they were to start kissing, and most of all, he was a bit shy now that everyone was practically forcing them to do something so intimate with each other (since the revelation about his feelings he now understood kissing was in fact something intimate).

America kept standing by the door for a little while, not really knowing what to do next. He didn't believe his brother would agree with this, having been told how he felt about the Russian. The little traitor!

America sighed and walked over to the door leading to his garden, finding that one locked as well. Apparently it had been their plan to shut them in all along. It made America wonder how many of them were in on this little evil plot.

Russia was still sitting on the couch, twiddling his thumbs.

"Oh yeah, that reminds me," the American suddenly said.

Russia looked up as his companion opened the zipper of his jacket and took out a small package.

"Your scarf came back from the dry cleaners. They said your coat would take a little longer, but this one was already done."

He made a vague movement with his arms, and then held the package in front of him.

"Um, happy birthday or something, I guess?"

Russia smiled, got up, and walked over to him. The American handed him his treasure. While cautiously ripping the paper confining his beloved scarf, the younger nation kept talking.

"Well, I guess we could do the sunflower viewing as your real present. We can go whenever you want to. But for now, I hope you're happy with just the party."

Russia sent him a gentle smile.

"Spasiba Fedya. I really mean it when I say I am grateful."

The scarf unfolded itself in his hands, the wrapping paper falling to the ground. Russia looked at the piece of clothing for a moment, finding it extra soft and perfectly clean. His glowing spheres then met the blue ones of America. He held the scarf out for him to grab. America did as asked, wondering what the Russian was planning. His eyes went wide when he saw the tall nation taking off the temporary scarf America had given him. He placed it on the coffee table, and then turned towards the sunny blond once more.

In this light the scars on his neck were even more visible. America wanted to know how he got them, but the questions died on his numb tongue. Russia slightly bent forward, a silent request for the other to clothe him, make him complete again.

America swallowed and closed the remaining distance. He placed his arms around Russia's neck, carefully wrapping his precious scarf around it. He tried to act as if he didn't notice the incessant staring, those violet orbs burning into his skin, painting his cheeks a lovely pink. He just kept thinking about the task at hand, arms working on auto-pilot, wrapping the scarf around his neck, again and again and again.

Finally, when there was no more scarf left, he tucked the end in his shirt, careful to avoid the sensitive skin of his scruff. After that, his arms fell uselessly to his sides.

They were standing so close, their faces almost touching.

America's blush increased when the question escaped his mouth.

"Maybe we should kiss?" he stammered.

Russia blinked, but didn't back away. America took it as a sign he could continue his explanation.

"You know, just to satisfy those stupid idiots." He motioned weakly at the door, looking for excuses. "And I don't really wanna be called a chicken and… stuff."

Russia had a faint blush on his face as well.

Their heads were still really close.

"D-da, maybe that is for the best. Plus I have my own pride as the Russian Federation," he lied smoothly.

"Okay. So…"

They remained quiet for a few seconds, faces growing redder and redder. Russia tried not to jump when America placed his hands on his shoulders.

"It's just a kiss, right? No biggie. We'll make it a quick one, and then we can get out of here."

Russia nodded. It was just a kiss. Didn't have to mean a thing.

America took a deep breath and leant forward, not stopping until their lips touched.

Both nations froze, wide-eyed with shock. Their hearts speeding up simultaneously, only now fully realizing just what exactly they were doing. Neither of them moved a muscle, standing there in that clumsy position, America with his hands gripping the Russian's shoulders, Russia's arms dangling.

America wanted to pull away, but he also wanted to kiss the tall nation, as in actually kiss, not just holding his mouth against the other.

He almost fainted when Russia hesitantly moved his lips, as if experimenting with the American's reaction.

The younger nation was too surprised to do anything.

'RUSSIA IS KISSING ME?!' his mind shrieked, eyes almost plopping out at the mere thought. His heart was thundering in his chest now, as if trying to escape his body.

He nearly jumped out of his skin when Russia made a noise, something between a whine and a sob. The tall nation retracted his lips, and buried his face in his scarf, squeezing his eyes shut and his eyebrows scrunched together.

He was utterly embarrassed. He had finally found the courage to give the younger man a real kiss, and the other hadn't reacted. He had ruined it all. He had shattered his façade of not caring and made a complete and utter fool out of himself. America had to be disgusted by him, or angry, or whatever else he could possibly be. Russia felt like crying in a corner right now.

The Russian cautiously opened his eyes when he felt a tugging at his scarf, not wanting to face the other. He was startled by the close proximity of America's face, his blue eyes having a determined glare to them. He was more than startled when America pulled his scarf beneath his chin, and connected their lips a second time. And this time, it was him who initiated the actual kissing.

His hands were holding Russia's head in place, as if thinking he would try to escape again.

As if.

Yes, they had kissed before. But never like this. Those things were just little pecks considered to this. Even then the American had noticed how soft and smooth the other's lips were, but now that he could fully feel them, it was heavenly.

Russia's movements were hesitant, bashful, nothing compared to the encouraging shifting of the younger nation. His arms trembled as he wrapped them around America's waist, still not fully believing this was actually happening.

America took a step closer, so that their bodies were now flush against each other. He tried to coax the other into a more proactive state, differentiating his actions between small kisses on his bottom lip and waving movements over the entire surface of his mouth. Russia whimpered, his hands clenching more tightly.

When America curiously opened one eye to look at the other, he was met with a sight that was immediately burnt into his memory. Russia was blushing fiercely, and the way his eyes were clenched shut made him look adorable. He looked both timid and excited, a deadly combination for the sunny blond.

America pulled away for the briefest of moments, allowing the other to catch his breath, before diving in for another kiss.

This time, he let his tongue trail over Russia's lower lip, asking for access. Russia paused a moment, heart feeling like it could fall out again, before slowly parting his lips. America gave him no time to contemplate the impulsive decision, immediately entering the other's mouth.

Russia shuddered at the new sensations taking over him. America's tongue swayed across his sensitive palate, thoroughly exploring the cavern of his mouth. His tongue did things Russia didn't even know tongues could do. He started moving his own muscle as well after feeling America's slide against it, demanding him to participate. He became less hesitant as instinct took over, their tongues twirling around each other in a heated dance for dominance. A moan escaped his throat, letting the other know he was doing a very good job.

They both still couldn't believe this was actually happening.

After America let go for the second time, Russia licked at the other's lips. His shyness was swiftly disappearing, wanting more of the warmth, the pleasurable wetness, wanting more of his little sunflower.

America growled and pushed him onto the couch. Russia cracked an eye open in surprise, demanding to know what was happening. He understood when America followed his lead, crawling on top of him and once again capturing his lips.

Hands grabbing at hair, fingers sliding across clothed backs, lips needy and breath coming out in pants.

Russia had never kissed anyone like this before, not while feeling like this, with this desire, this eager wobbling of his heart. He wanted it to last forever.

And then they were interrupted by America's phone.

The American considered just letting it be, but the sound suddenly seemed to agitate his kissing partner. Russia's eyes shot open and his movements ceased, as if only now comprehending the situation. America stopped as well, cursing his phone for disrupting the moment, and got off the couch. He walked over to the other side of the room and took the call, ready to snarl at whoever dared disturb him.

It happened to be his boss, reminding him of the next World Conference that was being held in exactly a week.

"Yeah, I know," America sighed, rubbing the back of his head. He turned around when he heard a lock being undone.

Canada opened the door and was about to tell them they could come out now, when he was pushed aside by a sprinting Russian.

"Ah, hang on a sec – Ivan, wait!" the blue-eyed nation called.

Russia ran to the guest room and shut the door behind him. America groaned and helped his brother off the ground.

"No, it was nothing…" he said to Obama. He just wanted to end this call already and go check on the other.

Canada was throwing him puzzled looks, but America gestured for him to wait.

"Yeah, okay. Bye." He put away his phone and raced up the stairs.

"What happened Al?" Canada inquired, but America ignored him.

He stopped in front of Russia's door and knocked.

"Ivan? Everything all right there buddy?"

"Da," came Russia's muffled voice. "I just remembered I still need to do something."

"Okay…"

America was feeling really insecure.

Had he scared the Russian by being so forceful? Was he regretting what they'd done? Or maybe he was confused, not knowing if friends did stuff like this? America felt like banging his head against the wall. What if that was indeed what the Russian thought? What if the kiss meant absolutely nothing to him? But then why would he be hiding? Was he embarrassed? Angry? Getting ready to go into psycho-mode again? Or maybe he had enjoyed it, but didn't know why?

Canada laid a hand on his shoulder.

"Alfred, what happened?"

America shot him an angry glare.

"We cracked him, that's what happened."

xoxox

Cellphones, the biggest cock block known by mankind.

Words:

Sumimasen: Excuse me